Entries Due August 20^th; Winners to be Chosen by Panel of Judges and Community Votes

BALTIMORE – August 4, 2010 – Who’s got the hottest tech in town? The Greater Baltimore Technology Council (GBTC), a not-for-profit organization devoted to growing the region’s technology community, today announced a new competition for TechNite 2010 – “The Hottest Tech in Town.” TechNite, which takes place on Oct. 7, 2010 is the organization’s annual fundraising event and honors the companies who have contributed to making the Greater Baltimore region one of the nation’s hot spots for technology and growth.

Every year since 1989, TechNite has brought together hundreds of the region’s technology leaders and dealmakers for a night to celebrate, make new connections and learn about new technologies. With technology, job growth and excitement in the air, the GBTC created this competition as a showcase for new and established technologies.

“We are looking for the best, brightest and most creative technologies in the Baltimore region and want everyone to get involved,” said Jennifer Gunner, Interim Executive Director of the GBTC. “It’s time to remind everyone that the Baltimore region is home to world class companies, ideas and technologies that will drive future employment growth and innovation.”

The “Hottest Tech in Town” competition is open to all operating technology companies in the Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania and Virginia area. Applications are due by Friday, August 20^th and can be found at http://www.gbtechcouncil.org.

Fifteen finalists will be selected and announced by Sept. 3^rd by a panel of judges including Elizabeth Good, Director of Ventures, Johns Hopkins University; Andrew Jones, Vice President of Corporate Strategy at High Street Partners, Inc.; Rick Kohr, CEO of Evergreen Capital, LLC; and Eric Orlinsky, Partner at Saul Ewing, LLP.

Three winners will be selected based on a combination of the judges’ selections and an online voting process open to the entire community. Winners will be announced and honored on October 7^th at TechNite 2010 and will win cash and prizes courtesy of FundingUniverse and PayPal | Bill Me Later.

For more information on the competition or to purchase tickets for TechNite 2010, please visit http://www.gbtechcouncil.org.

TechNite registration is open for everyone at: http://is.gd/2oMDn.  Please join us for a great evening of networking, food, fun and a few surprises - stay tuned!

Also, a big thanks to our sponsors - Premiere: Duane Morris, Miles & Stockbridge, Whiteford Taylor & Preston LLP; Signature: Baltimore County Dept of Economic Development, Baltimore Development Corporation, Bill Me Later, e.magination, Gordon Feinblatt, Grant Thornton, Howard County Economic Development Authority, Katz Abosch, KPMG, Mind Over Machines, Northrop Grumman, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Saul Ewing, Tydings & Rosenberg LLP, University of Maryland; Media Sponsors: Daily Record and Baltimore Business Journal

Post by: Steve Kozak

I attended the Maryland Incubator Company of the Year (ICOY) Awards Reception last night – what a great night.  I love the ICOY awards – love them.  The gist is…each of the State’s incubators, and we have more than 20, submit their top companies for consideration.  A Selection Committee, which I have the honor to be on, a true honor I will admit, then interviews, vets and selects the best of the best, the top 18.  Then, from those 18, the six (6) winners.

So congrats to all the finalists – it’s no small accomplishment to be selected as one of the top 18 from among the hundreds of companies in our incubators.  And special congrats to the six winners…

Envisionier Medical Technologies (Rockville Innovation Center)
Oculis Labs (NeoTech)
Lurn, Inc. (Technology Advancement Program)
Encore Path (Emerging Technology Center)
WGS Systems, Inc. (Frederick Innovation Technology Center)
Gliknik, Inc. (UMB BioPark BioInnovation Center)

The track record of the past winners is incredible…they are the companies who garner the millions in venture capital, who have the big exits, who go public.  Trust me, you’ll be hearing more about these companies down the road.

Congratulations also to A&G Pharmaceutical, Inc., who won the Best Graduate Company and Ann Lansinger, President of the Emerging Technology Center, who won the prestigious Robert A. Spar Hall of Fame Award. 

All in all…if you’re looking to be inspired, to feel proud about our future as a State, there is no better display of that future than the ICOY awards.

The GBTC kicked off it’s first event in a series of executive education summits at the BWI Marriott on 5/27/09.  There were over 30 executive level attendees who learned about the power of full engagement and PIES: physical, intellectual, emotional and spirtual energies from our moderator Greg Conderacci.

Additionally they heard from leaders in the technology, sport and healthcare industries about their philosphy and experience in leading their organizations, teams and themselves through energy management.

The feedback from attendees was great:
1. What was the ONE primary reason you made the decision to register and attend yesterday’s CXO retreat?
- Relevant, good timing for current role, energy topic - unique as compared to time management

2. What was your key take-away from yesterday’s program, the one “thing” you, personally, are going to implement - either for yourself or your company?
- Passion, purpose, focusing on high energy times of day, avoid negative energy, focus on the customer more

3. Rate your overall experience (1-10; 1 poor - 10 great)
- 9 average rating for the day

4. If not a 10, what’s ONE thing we could do more of (or less of) to improve your overall experience and/or the value you received from attending/participating.
- More time on Greg Conderacci’s session 

5. Would you recommend this program to a friend or business colleague?
- Yes

Check out the full day here: http://www.gbtechcouncil.org/Programs/Strength-Strategies-for-Leadership-Results-5-27-09.aspx

BALTIMORE, MD (01/06/09) –The Greater Baltimore Technology Council (GBTC) announced today that Paul Mauritz, Principal of Harbour Wave Technologies will succeed Ann Quinn, Senior Vice President of SC&H Capital, as Chair of the organization.  Quinn, who has served as GBTC Chair since January 2006, will step down at the GBTC’s Annual Meeting, to be held in January 2009.

“Paul Mauritz has been involved with the GBTC for years, has dedicated a tremendous amount of time, and knows both the organization and Greater Baltimore’s technology community very well,” says GBTC Executive Director, Steve Kozak. “His entrepreneurial background, depth of experience, and success in the tech arena make him an ideal fit for the chairman position.”

“The Board’s unanimous approval of Paul as the new chairman is a reflection of the dedication that he has demonstrated to the GBTC and the region.  Paul has the characteristics that you look for in a great chairman, he’s smart, connected, and full of energy and enthusiasm for this next chapter in his GBTC involvement,” explains GBTC Nomination Committee Chair George Nemphos.

“I am energized by the opportunity to be more deeply involved with the GBTC and in the region.  The GBTC plays a critical role in the continuing success of Greater Baltimore’s technology community.  I have the fortunate opportunity to step into a deeper role with a growing and thriving organization; the leadership from Ann, Steve and the board have been the key drivers behind the GBTC’s success,” said Mauritz.  “I am proud to be the Council’s new Chair, and look forward to helping the GBTC continue to build and grow the region’s technology community.”

Mauritz joined Breakaway Games after serving as the Director of Assistant Secretary for Technology Strategy and Business Development at the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED) where he was responsible for driving the effort to position Maryland as a leader in technology and for business growth across the State. A versatile team player, with experience in both large and small organizations, he has led companies through all phases of the business lifecycle—from startup and launch; through growth, M&A and restructuring; to successful sale. 

Mauritz was responsible for corporate and business development, sales, marketing and product management for BreakAway’s serious games products. Prior to joining DBED, he served as the founding President of Netcordia, Inc., a leading provider of Network Management focused Appliances, as well as the principal of Four-M Associates, a business accelerator where he provided C-level executive consulting to a variety of technology based businesses.

He has also co-founded technology companies such as TidePoint and Xcellacom; led the growth of Professional Services companies such as RPM Consulting and SSDS – in both cases, resulting in an acquisition; and managed business units in mid-sized and large technology based companies.

In addition to Paul Mauritz, the GBTC has added seven new members to its board of directors for the 2009 year.  New additions include, Greg Cangialosi, President & CEO of Blue Sky Factory, Inc., Christopher Desautelle, CFO, Metastorm, Inc., Andy Jones, General Partner, Boulder Ventures, Eric Orlinsky, Partner, Saul Ewing LLP, Paul Palmieri, President & CEO, Millennial Media, Jim Stanker, Partner, Audit Grant Thornton LLP, Harry Thomasian Jr., Strategic Growth Markets Leader Ernst & Young LLP.  Each of the new members brings extensive industry knowledge to the GBTC.