Matching VC to Local ED Goals Expanding Rapidly
With so much attention given to increasing private seed and venture capital activity as a means of growing tech-based economies, one might expect that encouraging and attracting community development venture capital (CDVC) – that is, equity investments and entrepreneurial assistance to meet both profit targets and community development goals – would be a common element of a state or local community’s portfolio of economic development tools.
Pennsylvania Works Toward $90 Million Life Sciences Initiative
Governor Tom Ridge’s $90 million plan to create a series of life science research/commercialization centers would be the largest, single technology initiative ever proposed in Pennsylvania, according to a recent press release from the Governor's office. The Life Sciences Greenhouse Initiative would be a network of innovation centers in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Harrisburg closely connected to university research activities.
Pennsylvania to Hold Summit to Create Commonwealth's Future
The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, in concert with the Pennsylvania State University, are presenting the inaugural Creating Pennsylvania’s Future: A Higher Education, Economic and Community Development Summit, aimed at energizing institutions of higher education, busi
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Dennis "Mickey" Flynn is the new president of Pennsylvania BIO.
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Michael Tentnowski is the new director of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Incubator.
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Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge has promoted Tim McNulty to the new position of Deputy Chief of Staff for Technology Initiatives.
Creating Tomorrow’s Workforce: An Evaluation of School-to-Work
With the 1994 School-to-Work Opportunities Act sunsetting this year and the increasing importance of developing a skilled workforce for a tech-based economy, many are asking if the initiatives launched or expanded by the Act have been successful.
Industry Commits $45 Million to NY Photonics Center
In what could be the largest private sector commitment yet to a single industry/university research center, Corning, Kodak ,and Xerox have combined to pledge a staggering $45 million toward establishing a Center of Excellence in Photonics and Optoelectronics in Rochester, N.Y. The three corporate giants also committed to help raise another $30 million from other private sector companies for the new partnership involving New York State, higher education, and private enterprise.
Pennsylvania Budget Includes $208 Million for Tech-based ED, Research
Pennsylvania has been a leader in tech-based economic development for more than two decades. With more than $208 million for tech-based economic development initiatives, the 2001-02 Budget Request submitted by Governor Tom Ridge this week shows why the state remains at the forefront of the field.
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Kelly Lovell is resigning her post as president and CEO of the Center for Economic Growth Inc. to head the U.S. subsidiary of International Business Development Group, a consulting company based in England.
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The Supercentenarian Research Foundation, a new nonprofit organization based in Pittsburgh, has selected outgoing Pittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse CEO Doros Platika as its chaiman.
Pennsylvania Launches $90M to Boost Clean Energy Innovation
Many states are now pursuing seed and venture investment strategies to support the growth of clean energy businesses. Last month, Pennsylvania concluded a year-long series of meetings with private sector investors, financial experts, and nonprofit state energy funds and introduced a $90 million strategy to leverage public and private capital for renewable energy. The plan links economic development and environmental protection in a manner intended to promote the state as a leader in emerging clean energy industries.
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Dr. Anthony Green has been appointed vice president of regional technology initiatives for Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania.
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The Association of University Research Parks named the Science Center in Philadelphia "Outstanding Research Park of the Year."
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The Hershey Center for Applied Research announced that Laura Butcher will serve as its first executive director, effective Jan. 3.
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George Burrell is the new president and CEO of Innovation Philadelphia.
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Krista Paternostro is the new vice president of operations at the Pittsburgh Technology Council.
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Jim Denn was named deputy executive director of the New York State Office of Science, Technology and Academic Research (NYSTAR).
SSTI Job Corner
Complete descriptions of these opportunities and others are available at http://www.ssti.org/posting.htm.
Tech Talkin' Govs, Part I
TBED People and Organizations
Gov. Jim Douglas plans to merge the Vermont Departments of Economic Development and Housing and Community Affairs.
SSTI Job Postings
The Complete description of this opportunity and others are available at http://www.ssti.org/posting.htm.
NY Governor Proposes TBED, Economic Development Agency Consolidation
2008 Excellence In TBED Winners Honored For Achievement In Building Tech-Based Economies
Four recipients selected as best practice models in technology-based economic development were honored during an awards ceremony last week in Cleveland during SSTI's 12th Annual Conference. The awards follow a national competition emphasizing impact and replicability in approaches to building and sustaining tech-based economies.
SSTI Job Corner
Complete descriptions of these opportunities and others are available at http://www.ssti.org/posting.htm.