2010 has been quite the year for SecurLinx CEO Barry Hodge.

The year started off with the Morgantown-based advanced technology and software development company coming to the rescue of AmberVision, bringing the acclaimed abduction recovery assistance program back to life through the acquisition of its assets.

AmberVision prides itself on making families safer by returning missing children to their homes through the collaboration, of technology, media, law enforcement and the general public. The program houses a database that provides the necessary information to issue an AMBER Alert in the event of a child abduction.

Because of SecurLinx's acquisition of the program earlier this year, 250,000 West Virginia children will be enrolled in the program this fall shortly after the start of the academic year.

On Aug. 4 in Morgantown, Hodge announced yet another milestone for AmberVision -- the program's debut in the international market.

Hodge formed an agreement with Morgantown's sister city -- Guanajuato, Mexico -- to offer the missing persons alert service to the city.

"The city formed a sister relationship with Guanajuato in 2007," said Hodge. "We wanted to test AmberVision to see if it has as much applicability internationally, and the city seemed like a great fit. It is our hope that it will serve our friends there as well as it has in our state."

If the program indeed finds success abroad, Hodge said West Virginia could reap the economic benefits.

"If we are successful, this could lead to acceptance of international biometric products, which could impact our economy here at home," said Hodge.

Hodge isn't the only person excited about the memorandum of understanding that Morgantown has fostered with Guanajuato. Mayor Bill Byrne said it creates vast opportunities for Morgantown to showcase its technology advancement on an international level.

"This is a great opportunity for West Virginia businesses to show the quality of our technology in our sister city," said Byrne.

The program's effectiveness has been recognized nationally, as 10,000 schools across the country plan to adopt the program.

"The program really helps law enforcement become more efficient and create an enhanced level of safety in families and communities, and that's something that can benefit every city and school system," Hodge said.

If the program is successful across the border, it will greatly benefit the safety of families near and far. Statistics say 800,000 kids are reported missing annually, with nearly 500 rising to the AMBER Alert level.

Byrne said the partnership with Guanajuato is a win-win situation for both cities.

"We're able to demonstrate how we use our technology and knowledge to protect the safety and security of our families," he said. "There's no greater cause than that."

Parents are encouraged to enroll their children in the program at www.ambervision.org.

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