This month's Turning Points includes company name changes, new hires, business alliances and new offices.

TIMMONS, Richmond, Va., hired Michael J. Carris as design systems specialist. Carris’ responsibilities include development and implementation of design standards and software training and providing technical assistance for design software and development of new technology.

Tele Atlas North America, San Francisco, Calif., appointed Michael Nelson, Marv J. Harris, Jerel A. McQuarrie and Elissa P. Fink to its senior management team. Nelson was appointed as vice president and general manager for the GIS division, Harris as chief financial officer, McQuarrie as vice president of sales and Fink as vice president of marketing.

The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) and Building Systems Design Inc. (BSD), Atlanta, Ga., formed an alliance that focuses on software products for the construction industry. The partners share development and maintenance of all three software products: PerSpective, SpecLink and CostLink.

SDI Consultants Ltd., Woodridge, Ill., changed its name to V3 Consultants. In addition, V3 Consultants announced that its Huntley, Ill., office now offers surveying services.

Eastman Kodak Company’s Commercial and Government Systems (C&GS) unit, Rochester, N.Y., opened a new office in Fairfax, Va., to better serve the Washington, D.C. area. Robert Duncan is the office manager.

Carter & Burgess, Raleigh, N.C., hired Kevin C. Piver, PLS, as survey unit manager. Piver is responsible for managing and coordinating survey projects in North Carolina and Virginia.

Topcon Positioning Systems Inc., Pleasanton, Calif., appointed Mark Contino as western regional sales manager for survey and GPS products. He is based in Portland, Ore.

All personnel and product announcements must be accompanied by a photo to ensure publication. Submit details, photos and a contact number to: POB magazine, P.O. Box 7021, Troy, MI 48007-7021.