TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATOR TO SPEAK AT UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI MAY 3
BYLINE: US States News
DATELINE: HATTIESBURG, Miss.
The University of Southern Mississippi issued the following news release:
The Trent Lott Innovation Speaker Series will feature technological innovator Steve Zylstra as guest speaker Thursday, May 3.
Zylstra will begin the series with Technology Councils: The Key to Regional Success at 12 p.m. followed by Technology and Innovation in the Manufacturing Industry at 3 p.m. Both will take place in the Thad Cochran Center, Ballroom II, on The University of Southern Mississippi campus.
Zylstra has extensive background in economic development, manufacturing and technology organizations. Some of his most recent positions are former president and chief executive officer of Catalyst Connection, the Pittsburgh Technology Council, the Doyle Center for Manufacturing Technology and the Pennsylvania NanoMaterials Commercialization Center.
This will be the Michigan native's first visit to Magnolia state. Some topics he will discuss are how communities can prepare to be platforms for innovative companies and what can American manufacturers do to compete globally.
"In the first session, I'm going to speak primarily on how to create support mechanisms to support entrepreneurship and technological innovation," Zylstra said. "During the second one (session), I'm going to be responding to Q and A format, focusing on manufacturing and how to inject innovation in the manufacturing process."
Sunny Corral, director of regional innovation at Southern Miss, said she's looking forward to Zylstra's national perspective on how the Pine Belt can further develop its growth.
"He's going to be talking about what we can do as a whole to create avenues to foster entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic development in our region," Corral said, adding in a statement, "I can't wait to see the impact of the insight Steve will share with us."
This series is sponsored by Southern Miss and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership with the Mississippi Technology Alliance.
The Trent Lott Innovation Speaker Series is designed to stimulate students and community members to consider how innovation applies to the industry and the individual.
For more information on this event, contact Sunny Corral at 601.266.5515.
Contact: Jeannie Peng, 601/266-5568.