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JOHNS
HOPKINS TEAM TAKES TOP AWARDS AT GBTC MOSHPIT COMPETITION The members of this year's winning MoshPit team, SurgyTech, include: Student Entrepreneur Gayathree Murugappan, Joshua Liu, Mike Bisogno, Kevin Yeh, Vicki Zhou, and Brian Liu, all of whom attend Johns Hopkins University. With the help of business advisor Paula Miller of Shapiro Sher Guinot & Sandler, SurgyTech created a business plan that focuses on an innovative bowel packing device to simplify abdominal laparotomies. Finishing second in the MoshPit competition was Synthex Technologies, whose business idea was based on a research robot used for gel extraction. Team members included Judy Qiu, Matt Rubashkin and Daniel Merzel and advisors Lawrence Aronhime, Johns Hopkins University, Alex Euler, UMBC, David McKinney, Microsoft and Paul Rishar from M&T Bank. "We couldn't be more proud of not only these finalists, but everyone who competed in this year's competition. It's incredible to think of the impact that these students will have on the local region. The students are well on their way to doing truly great things", says Steve Kozak, Executive Director of the GBTC. SurgyTech walked away with $10,000 in prize money, two tickets to TechNite (the premier night out for the region's business and technology community), and a full year of free office space at the ETC @ Johns Hopkins Eastern, donated by Baltimore City's Emerging Technology Center. With this year's prize money totaling $30,000, every team that made the Finals received a cash prize. For the MoshPit Finals, each MoshPit judge had $5 million in "MoshPit dollars" to invest in any combination of teams. The team garnering the most investment of "MoshPit" dollars was then declared the winner of this year's competition. From the 108 original ideas submitted from Johns Hopkins University, Loyola College, Towson University, University of Baltimore, University of Maryland Baltimore County, University of Maryland College Park, Villa Julie College and Community College of Baltimore County, 40 were selected. Of the 40 selected, 35 came through ThePit, 34 Business Plans were submitted, and seven finalists were chosen. The MoshPit Finals were held at Loyola College, Timonium Campus - at 2034 Greenspring Drive Timonium, Maryland. Judges included Steve Walker, President, Walker Ventures; Barbara Dreyer, President, Connections Academy, Larry Fiorino, President and CEO, G.1440, and Anthony Raley, Vice President Technology & Life Sciences, Comerica Bank - Venture Banking. Support for MoshPit is provided by our public sector partner, the Maryland Department of Business & Economic Development (DBED), and sponsors: Advertising.com, Baltimore County, DLA Piper, Jacoby, Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO), Mind Over Machines and The Columbia Bank.
JUDGES
NAMED FOR GBTC MOSHPIT! COMPETITION "I am honored to judge another MoshPit Final," comments Steve Walker. "Year after year the students continue to impress me with their innovation, energy and creativity." "Our distinguished panel of judges, made up of regional business leaders, will provide advice and guidance that will help the Finalists succeed long after MoshPit", says GBTC Executive Director, Steve Kozak. "We are proud of the connections that MoshPit continues to establish between the business and academic communities." Created by the GBTC in 2002, MoshPit provides an opportunity for students from Maryland colleges and universities to experience every aspect of starting a business - from recruiting employees and advisors to writing a competitive business plan to pitching ideas to potential investors for funding. MoshPit is open to any Maryland college undergraduate student, who wants to test their business plan or simply be part of a team. The only stipulation is that technology needs to play a part in the plan, although it does not have to be the focus of the business. The winner of this year's MoshPit competition will walk away with $10,000 in prize money, two tickets to TechNite (the premier night out for the region's business and technology community), and a full year of free office space at the ETC @ Johns Hopkins Eastern, donated by Baltimore City's Emerging Technology Center. With this year's prize money totaling $30,000, every team that makes the Finals will receive a cash prize. To get to the Finals, teams have to go through several grueling rounds of competition. Over 100 ideas for starting a new business originally were submitted for MoshPit 2008. A panel of GBTC members was tasked with selecting only 40 to take part in "The Pit" held on March 26th. Teams are now in the process of developing their business plans, which are due on April 9th. Up to seven teams will then be selected to compete in the MoshPit Finals. Finalists will be announced on April 15th. For the MoshPit Finals, each judge will have $5 million in MoshPit dollars to invest in any combination of teams. The team that garners the most investment dollars will be this year's MoshPit winner. Support for MoshPit is provided by our public sector partner, the Maryland Department of Business & Economic Development (DBED), and sponsors: Advertising.com, Baltimore County, DLA Piper, Jacoby, Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO), Mind Over Machines and The Columbia Bank.
GBTC
HIRES PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR TO SUPPORT MEMBER INITIATIVES BALTIMORE, MD - March 24, 2008 - GBTC, an organization that assists in building and connecting the Greater Baltimore technology industry, has hired Alecia Farley as Director of Professional Development. Ms. Farley brings over 20 years of progressive marketing and sales experience from the financial services industry. Previously Ms. Farley was Vice President, Marketing and Communications at M&T Bank. Her core responsibilities at the Council will be to sustain and create initiatives to support member growth and visibility. Steve Kozak, Executive Director commented "This is an exciting time for the GBTC. We have a number of new initiatives under way and have just come off of a productive strategic planning session with our board. While we will continue our ongoing focus on member needs, Alecia's experience and knowledge will allow us to quickly implement many of these new initiatives while raising our level of support to our membership. Look for more online activity and face-to-face programs coming from Alecia and our team soon." Ms.
Farley earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Finance
from the University of Delaware. She is a board member and chairs
the Development Committee for the Franciscan Youth Center. BALTIMORE, MD (11/26/07) - The GBTC is pleased to announce that it has added five new members to its board of directors. New additions include, Timothy E. Askew, President and CEO, CSA Medical, Inc., Bob Blonchek, EVP Marketing and Strategy, e.magination, Tim Hodge, Partner, Tydings & Rosenberg LLP, Paul H. Mauritz, Executive Vice President, Corporate Strategy, BreakAway, Ltd. and Carol Sholes, Vice President Custom Software Development, SM Consulting. Each of the new members brings extensive industry knowledge to the GBTC. Timothy E. Askew, President and CEO, CSA Medical, Inc.: CSA Medical, Inc. is a privately held medical technology company dedicated to pioneering CryoSpray AblationTM of pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions in the aero digestive system. At CSA Medical, Mr. Askew has raised over $8 million in equity. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan where he studied a pre-med curriculum and received his MBA from Boston University in 1989. Bob Blonchek, EVP Marketing and Strategy, e.magination: Mr. Blonchek leads the organization's marketing, business development and strategy activities. He has nearly 25 years of experience in the IT industry and is the founder or co-founder of three technology and management consulting businesses. Mr. Blonchek holds a BS degree in Computer Science from The Ohio State University and a MS in Computer Science from Johns Hopkins University. Tim Hodge, Partner, Tydings & Rosenberg LLP: Mr. Hodge is a highly versatile business lawyer with 17-plus years of experience. In November 2005, Mr. Hodge rejoined the firm after serving as Chief Legal Officer and Director of Government Affairs for 180s, Inc. At 180s, Inc. he directed several equity and debt financings that helped fuel 180s' growth to ninth place on the INC. Magazine list of the 500 fastest growing private companies in the U.S. in 2004. He is an experienced trial and appellate lawyer and has been active in local and state politics. In October 2007, Governor Martin J. O'Malley appointed Mr. Hodge to the Maryland Economic Development Commission for a four-year term. Paul H. Mauritz, Executive Vice President, Corporate Strategy, BreakAway, Ltd.: With more than 25 years of experience in business development and operations in the technology industry, Mr. Mauritz is responsible for marketing, business development, sales, and product management for BreakAway's serious games products. Prior to joining BreakAway, Paul was the Assistant Secretary for Technology Strategy and Business Development for the Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED) in the State of Maryland, where he was responsible for driving the effort to position Maryland as a leader in technology and for business growth across the State. Carol Sholes, Vice President Custom Software Development, SM Consulting: Ms. Sholes is a vice president of the Custom Software Development division of SM Consulting. This division develops custom software applications including distribution systems, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software, sophisticated data warehouse reporting systems, portals, extranet and Intranet sites. Prior to joining SMC, Ms. Sholes was the CIO of The Baltimore Sun for five years and before that was CIO for the Syracuse Newspapers. Ms Sholes holds a BS in Mathematics from the State University of New York at Oswego. GBTC Executive Director Steve Kozak commented, "The addition of our new board members helps to strengthen our depth and reach in the Greater Baltimore community. They are all great supporters of the GBTC and firmly believe and actively support the growth of the technology and business corridor in this region." Ann Quinn, Vice President, SC&H Group and Chairman of the GBTC board stated, "As a board we are tasked with advising the GBTC on the technology community as a whole. Our new members are a testament to this role and will help us to continue our support of the business and technology community in Greater Baltimore." Additional changes included the appointments of George Nemphos, Partner, Duane Morris to Vice-Chair and Chair of the Nominating Committee and Frank Jones, Partner, Whiteford Taylor & Preston, LLP, as Secretary (Of Counsel). Steve Kozak commented on the appointments, "Both George and Frank have been long-standing board members who have shown great commitment to the GBTC. We are pleased that they are moving into these leadership roles and look forward to their continued guidance and support."
GREATER BALTIMORE TECHNOLOGY COMMUNITY TEEMING WITH SMALL GIANTS BALTIMORE, MD (11/12/07) - Greater Baltimore has another reason to boast. Recently, several Greater Baltimore area companies were labeled the fastest growing private companies in America by Inc. 5000. And, in related news the Greater Baltimore Technology Council honored small giants in the community at TechNite 2007. Both of these organizations highlighted local businesses as regional growth leaders. The 2007 list from Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies in America* recognized the following Greater Baltimore Technology Council members, Bill Me Later, Convergence Technology Consulting, Clovis, SM Consulting, Sourcefire and Peart-Hannon Consulting. The companies were chosen based on the following parameters, 2003-2006 revenues, being U.S. based and privately held.** At TechNite 2007 the GBTC highlighted its own Small Giants. Based on the book authored by Bo Burlingham, a Small Giant has rejected the pressure of endless growth to instead focus on being great. And in the process, they've become Small Giants by finding the magical ingredients that clearly set them apart from others in their industry. They have "mojo" - the business equivalent of charisma. The Small Giants were divided into four categories: Passionate Leaders, Intimacy, Mojo and Focus on Greatness. Companies recognized include, SET Consulting, America's Remote Help Desk, Direct Dimensions, DP Solutions, Phillips Group, G.1440, Web Ad.vantage, True Presence, Convergence Technology Consulting, Encore Path, South River Technologies, and TX2. Steve Kozak, Executive Director of the GBTC commented on the recognition, "It is great to see validation for all of the hard work that these businesses do in this region. It is a testament to the growth and expansion in Greater Baltimore of the technology and business industries. We are thrilled to have another example of why Greater Baltimore is the place for companies to thrive and grow." The Greater Baltimore Technology Council would like to congratulate all of these companies for these well deserved honors. *http://www.inc.com/inc5000/index.html
DON GRAUEL NAMED AS 2007 GBTC CONNECTOR AWARD WINNER BALTIMORE, MD (10/25/07) - The GBTC is pleased to announce that Don Grauel of L.E. Goldsborough & Son, Inc. has been selected as this years Connector Award winner. Presented at last night's TechNite 2007 celebration, the Connector Award is presented to the GBTC member who "gets it." They're much more than an advocate and volunteer. They CONNECT people - people to people, people to programs. They're the ones who bring their clients and friends to GBTC programs, connecting them to other people in the community and, in doing so, making our community a better and more vibrant place in which to live and work. Executive Director, Steve Kozak notes that Grauel was an obvious choice for the Connector Award. As the President of a successful Insurance practice, Grauel is highly regarded for his ability to get to know his clients' business and make connections in the business community to help them meet their current and future needs. "Beyond his obvious skills and success at Goldsborough, Don is a constant advocate for making connections in the Greater Baltimore community. He consistently thinks of ways and opportunities to help drive and grow business for his contacts, clients and friends" Kozak explains. Grauel has been with L.E. Goldsborough & Son, Inc. since 1987 and prior to that worked in the private sector on the company side of the insurance business. His experience on both sides of the table has helped his clients be more productive and efficient with their insurance needs. Grauel commented on his recognition "It's an honor to be placed amongst this group of leaders. Through our connections, we ultimately help each other succeed and grow business in the Greater Baltimore community." Sponsored by the Greater Baltimore Community Colleges, Connector Award candidates are independently nominated by GBTC members. A selection committee, comprised of current GBTC Board members, GBTC members and TechNite sponsors narrowed the list of candidates and selected this year's winner. Previous winners include, Michael Teitelbaum - President, TruePresence (2003), Larry Fiorino - Founder & President, G.1440 (2004), Art Jacoby - Principal, JACOBY (2005), and Hillel Glazer - Principal & CEO, Entinex (2006). TechNite is Greater Baltimore's premier night out for the business and technology communities, drawing more than 1,000 attendees from tech executives and entrepreneurs, to Fortune 500 businesses, university and government officials and more. For more information on this year's show, go to: www.gbtechcouncil.org/technite2007.
GBTC ANNOUNCES 2007 TECHNITE CONNECTOR AWARD NOMINEES BALTIMORE, MD (10/19/07) - The GBTC is pleased to announce this year's finalists for the 2007 Connector Award. Don Grauel, L.E. Goldsborough & Son, Inc., Newt Fowler, Rosenberg Martin Greenberg LLP, and Emerging Technology Centers have all been chosen as finalists for this year's award. The Connector Award is presented each year at TechNite to the GBTC member who "gets it." They're much more than an advocate and volunteer. They CONNECT people - people to people, people to programs. And they get others involved. And through this, they make our community a better place because they understand the power of connecting. They embody the phrase, "A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats". They are the ones who are raising the tide of the Greater Baltimore technology and business community. Sponsored by the Greater Baltimore Community Colleges, the Connector Award candidates are independently nominated by GBTC members. A selection committee, comprised of current GBTC Board members, GBTC members and TechNite sponsors narrowed the list of candidates and selected this year's winner. Previous winners include, Michael Teitelbaum - President, TruePresence (2003), Larry Fiorino - Founder & President, G.1440 (2004), Art Jacoby - Principal, JACOBY (2005), and Hillel Glazer - Principal & CEO, Entinex (2006). In addition to the announcement of the Connector Award winner, TechNite 2007 will feature an exciting program, dinner, intensive networking time, Greater Baltimore's own Small Giants as well as Baltimore's Extraordinary Technology Advocate (BETA) Award. TechNite will be held on Wednesday, October 24, 5:15 - 8:30 p.m., at the Baltimore Convention Center (One West Pratt Street in Downtown Baltimore). TechNite is Greater Baltimore's premier night out for the business and technology communities, drawing more than 1,000 attendees from tech executives and entrepreneurs, to Fortune 500 businesses, university and government officials and more. Tickets for TechNite are $155 for GBTC members and $185 for non-members. To register or for more information, contact the GBTC at 410-327-9148 or visit the TechNite website at: www.gbtechcouncil.org/technite2007.
ENTREPRENEUR PAUL SILBER NAMED AS BALTIMORE'S EXTRAORDINARY TECH ADVOCATE FOR 2007 BALTIMORE, MD - (9/6/2007) -- Paul Silber, former President and CEO of In Vitro Technologies - a company he founded and eventually sold to Celsis International plc in 2006 - has been named the 2007 winner of Baltimore's Extraordinary Technology Advocate (BETA) Award, the Greater Baltimore Technology Council (GBTC) announced today. The BETA Award is presented annually at the GBTC's TechNite celebration to that individual whose words and actions have had an outstanding impact on Greater Baltimore's technology community. "In Vitro Technologies (IVT) truly started it all - bio in Greater Baltimore," explained GBTC Executive Director Steve Kozak. "And Paul Silber has been an active leader, if not THE leader, of this region's biotech community for years. Entrepreneur, mentor, advisor, angel investor - he's been there…for everyone, always, all the time. The GBTC would like to congratulate Paul on this very well-deserved honor. We couldn't have picked a better leader or a better person for this prestigious award." "Paul Silber has grown In Vitro Technologies from two people in a trailer on the edge of our campus into a global success," said UMBC president Freeman Hrabowski, who is also a past recipient of the BETA award. "Along the way, Paul and IVT have truly helped put UMBC and Baltimore on the world's biotech map." Hrabowski continues, "Even after achieving so much, Paul and IVT continue to give back to the community by mentoring other entrepreneurs, hiring UMBC graduates and sponsoring blood drives on campus. The entire UMBC family is delighted to congratulate Paul on this well-deserved honor." As a scientist, Silber founded IVT in Texas in 1990 and shortly thereafter, moved the start-up company to UMBC's business incubator. Sixteen years and 70 employees later, IVT had expanded its international business to Japan, the U.K. and Germany. In 2006, Paul sold IVT to Celsis International plc for $30M. Silber has an undergraduate degree in Biology from Carleton College, a Master's degree in Public Health from the University of Alabama and a Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Toxicology from the University of Arizona. A Baltimore native, Silber is married with 3 children and currently resides in Baltimore County. Silber will be presented with the BETA Award at TechNite: "Small Giants." TechNite will be held on Wednesday, October 24, 5:15 - 8:30 p.m., at the Baltimore Convention Center (One West Pratt Street in Downtown Baltimore). Previous BETA recipients include Frank Bonsal, Founding Partner of New Enterprise Associates, Steve Walker, Steve Walker and Associates & Walker Ventures; former SafeNet CEO Tony Caputo; Frank Adams of Grotech Capital Group; Bill Streuver of Streuver Bros. Eccles & Rouse; Chris Foster, former Deputy Secretary of the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED); Jeong Kim of Lucent Technologies; Freeman Hrabowski of UMBC; Chuck Newhall of New Enterprise Associates and Senator Barbara Mikulski. Candidates for the BETA Award are nominated by GBTC members. A Selection Committee, comprised of former GBTC Chairmen, current GBTC Board members and TechNite sponsors narrowed the list of candidates and selected this year's winner. TechNite is Greater Baltimore's premier night out for the business and technology communities, drawing more than 1,000 attendees from tech executives and entrepreneurs, to Fortune 500 businesses, university and government officials and more. Tickets for TechNite are $155 for GBTC members and $185 for non-members. To register or for more information, contact the GBTC at 410-327-9148 or visit the TechNite website at: www.gbtechcouncil.org/technite2007.
GBTC HIRES GUNNER TO LEAD MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS BALTIMORE, MD - (9/4/2007) -- The Greater Baltimore Technology Council (GBTC), an organization devoted to building and growing the region's tech community, announced today that Jennifer R. Gunner has been named Director - Marketing & Communications. Ms. Gunner brings over 9 years of progressive marketing experience from the financial and high tech industries. Previously Ms. Gunner was Assistant Vice President, Marketing and Communications at M&T Bank. She has also served as Director of Marketing for SC&H Group and Marketing Manager for Aether Systems. Her core responsibilities will be to sustain and create initiatives to support member growth and visibility. Steve Kozak, Executive Director commented "Our primary focus as an organization is to develop and augment programs for our members. Jennifer's strategic thinking and experience will help us as we continue grow our membership, and develop new and innovative programs where our members can meet, learn and do business." "And beyond the skills and experience she brings to the position, Jennifer is a results-driven, passionate about her work and, like the rest of the GBTC team, her high-energy will serve our members well," Kozak continues. "We're ecstatic to have her join the team." Ms. Gunner earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Frostburg State University and her Masters in Business Administration from Loyola College. She is a board member with the Loyola EMBA Alumni Association and is a member of the American Marketing Association and the American Management Association. Jennifer actively participates in the community by coaching youth soccer and volunteering her time to Banking on Our Future, KaBoom and other local organizations.
TECHNITE
ATTRACTING RECORD LEVEL CORPORATE SUPPORT - BALTIMORE,
MD (8/27/07) --- Forty-one organizations have already signed
up to sponsor TechNite, the region's premier night out for the business
community. Other
sponsors which have already committed their support to this year's
TechNite are: Advertising.com, Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll,
Baltimore County Economic Development, Baltimore Development Corporation,
Baltimore Technology Park, Battelle, Carroll County Department of
Economic Development, Chessiecap Securities, Comcast, Connections
Academy, Gordon, Feinblatt, Rothman, Hoffberger & Hollander, LLC,
Grant Thornton, Harford County Office of Economic Development, Howard
County Economic Development Authority, Informatics Coalition and
Johns Hopkins University.
"SMALL GIANTS" IS THE THEME FOR THE 18TH ANNUAL TECHNITE BALTIMORE, MD (7/30/07) - Small Giants are everywhere. And be careful - their "mojo" is contagious.incredibly contagious. What is this mojo? And better yet, do you have mojo? At TechNite, the Greater Baltimore Technology Council will feature many of this region's Small Giants. And yes, you will feel the mojo. The theme for the 18th annual TechNite celebration was inspired by Bo Burlingham's book "Small Giants". In Small Giants, veteran journalist Burlingham takes the reader deep inside fourteen remarkable privately held companies. These companies have made the deliberate choice to be great, instead of big. And in the process, they've become Small Giants.they have "mojo" - the business equivalent of charisma. When a company has mojo, you want to be associated with them, you want to buy from them, sell to them, work for them. "The theme 'Small Giants' and the concept of "mojo" are perfect in so many ways. Afterall, this region is full of Small Giants, they are everywhere, and what better way to showcase them and their stories than at TechNite," said GBTC Executive Director, Steve Kozak. "We hope this year's show will inspire, educate and entertain. Afterall, that's what TechNite is all about. And if past TechNite's are any indication, people will be talking about Small Giants and mojo for months to come." TechNite is Greater Baltimore's premiere night out for the business and technology communities, typically attracts nearly 1,000 entrepreneurs and executives from tech companies, Fortune 500 businesses, university & government officials and other organizations that are driving our region's economy. Beyond the celebration of Small Giants and their mojo, TechNite will feature a high-energy show, dinner, intensive networking time and a dessert reception. As in the past, one program highlight will be the announcement of both the BETA (Baltimore's Extraordinary Technology Advocate) and the Connector Awards. TechNite will be held on Wednesday, October 24, 5:15pm - 8:30 p.m., at the Baltimore Convention Center (One West Pratt Street in Downtown Baltimore). Tickets for TechNite are $155 for GBTC members ($1,450/table) and $185 for non-members ($1,750/table). For more information, contact the GBTC at 410-327-9148 or visit the TechNite "Small Giants" website at http://www.gbtechcouncil.org/events/technite2007.asp
GBTC
LAUNCHES A JOB BOARD BALTIMORE, MD (7/25/07) - The Greater Baltimore Technology Council (GBTC) announced today that it will launch the GBTC Job Exchange Network, an online job board. This initiative is part of a regional partnership that includes Tech Council of Maryland, TiE-DC, ExecutiveBiz Jobs, citybizlist, Success in the City and Broadcast a Resume. Throughout the region, companies have been experiencing tremendous growth over the past several years and this growth has triggered a need for employees. With area unemployment levels hovering slightly above three percent, the challenge, according to GBTC surveys and member feedback, has been finding those employees, especially the technology workers, to sustain that growth. Under the guidance of the member-driven Business Advisory Committee, the GBTC initially began development of their own job board. When approached by ExecutiveBiz with the Job Exchange Network concept, it quickly became apparent that a job board, in partnership with multiple organizations, would provide members with a stronger distribution channel and a broader outreach for potential candidates. "Our members are growing like weeds and they asked for our help in finding qualified employees, especially IT professionals, to help them sustain this growth. And we did what we always do.we listened," said GBTC Executive Director, Steve Kozak. "In the end, we decided that a regional partnership was in the best interest of everyone. And this is just the start. Over time, we expect to push this job board out to even more partners and organizations which will result in a reach, well beyond our borders." The GBTC Job Exchange Network utilizes search filters and other functionality to connect companies with the best candidates. The job board makes it easy for employers to post jobs and for job seekers to apply to them. As an added benefit, GBTC members will receive a substantial discount for posting their jobs - contact Niki Katz at nikik@gbtechcouncil.org for more information. At a cost of $200 per position, jobs can be posted and viewed online at https://gbtechcouncil.jobexchangenetwork.com.
YELLOW NO. 5 WINS THE GBTC'S BATTLE OF THE BANDS BALTIMORE, MD (6/18/07) --- Eight bands competed in front of more than 240 people for prizes, glory and above all bragging rights at the first ever Greater Baltimore Technology Council (GBTC) Battle of the Bands on Thursday night June 7th at The 8 x 10 Club in Federal Hill. And the winners... "Best Tech Grind Band" for 2007 was Yellow No. 5; the "Altered State Award" was awarded to Badabing Blues; the "Inna Gada Da Vida" Award was given to Jumbo Lump; and the "What was That About" award was presented to Puzzle. "This was certainly not your typical GBTC 'business' event," commented GBTC Executive Director, Steve Kozak. "Then again, the GBTC is not your typical business organization and I like that. The GBTC and our members are on the cutting edge of technology and it made perfect sense for us to host this type of event that was on the cutting edge." The eight bands, and the GBTC companies they represented, included Badabing Blues (Hodes, Pessin & Katz), Voodoo Economics (Whiteford, Taylor & Preston), 3 and 0 (CMD Outsourcing Solutions, Inc.), The T Bombs (TruePresence), Puzzle (Advertising.com), Jumbo Lump (Direct Dimensions), Yellow No.5 (SafeNet), and Donkey Show (SC&H Group). The four illustrious judges, Stephen Muirhead, America Works, Inc. Tom Loveland, Mind over Machines Inc. David Troy, Popvox LLC and Heather Morris, GBTC, had a difficult decision to make with so many talented bands. But in the end it was Yellow No. 5 that prevailed.
PAUL
SILBER WILL CHAIR GBTC BIOTECH ROUNDTABLE "Paul Silber is one of the leaders, if not THE leader, in Greater Baltimore's biotech community," says GBTC Executive Director Steve Kozak. "He commands attention and respect in his field, and uses those assets to advance biotechnology in Maryland. We are very fortunate indeed to have someone of Paul's caliber make this kind of major commitment to the future of this region's biotech community." Over the past 15 years, Silber has built In Vitro to become the leading U.S. contract-testing laboratory for in vitro testing services and products. The company was acquired last year for $30 million by Celsis Corporation of the U.K. "The acquisition of In Vitro by Celsis is a confirmation of the value Paul has created in his company and gives a boost to the biotech industry in Greater Baltimore," notes GBTC Chair Ann Quinn. "He is a tremendous role model for the region's bioscience companies, possessing that rare combination of creativity, business smarts, and ability to make things happen." "I'm thrilled to have been asked to chair the GBTC Bio Roundtable. The Roundtable has a strong track record in helping member companies to exchange ideas, solve their business problems, and ultimately, grow this region's biotech community. I hope my own experiences as an entrepreneur will help others in the group who may be facing similar issues," says Silber. After relocating to Baltimore in 1991, In Vitro grew from two employees to a staff of 70, including several employees in Europe. The company also expanded its international business to Japan, the U.K., and Germany, while bringing the products of international companies to their North American customers through strategic alliances and distribution relationships. In addition to the GBTC's Biotech Roundtable, Silber serves on the boards of the Biotechnical Institute of Maryland, the TechCenter at UMBC Business Advisory Board, and the Dean's advisory board of the UMBC College of Natural Sciences. He is also an advisor to the Maryland Emerging Technology Center and a member of the Maryland/Israel Development Center Life Science Committee, and . He also spends time mentoring other entrepreneurs and is involved with the Chesapeake Emerging Opportunity Fund. Dr. Silber has an undergraduate degree in Biology from Carleton College, a Master's degree in Public Health from the University of Alabama, and a Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Toxicology from the University of Arizona. Members of the GBTC Biotech Roundtable include: A&G Pharmaceutical, Alba Therapeutics, Battelle, Biofortis, Boston Life Sciences, Cell Technology, Celsion, Cognate, CSA Medical, Inc., Key Technologies, Orion-BIO, Plowshare, and Sterilex Corporation. For more information about the GBTC Biotech Roundtable, visit the GBTC website at www.gbtechcouncil.org or call the GBTC at 410-327-9148.
HOPKINS TEAM WINS GBTC MOSHPIT COMPETITION BALTIMORE, MD (4/27/07) -- Four Johns Hopkins students are the winners of the 2007 MoshPit Business Plan Competition. Billed as the region's coolest business plan competition, MoshPit was created by the Greater Baltimore Technology Council (GBTC) to simulate the real-life world of an entrepreneur as students from area colleges and universities experience every aspect of starting a business, from recruiting employees to securing investment funding. The members of this year's winning MoshPit team - Veros - include: Student Entrepreneur Stephen Chen, Stephanie Huang, Jason Hsu, and Jeffrey Choi, all of whom attend Johns Hopkins University. With the help of business advisor Matthew Kraft (Advertising.com), Veros created a business plan that focuses on an "all-in-one" modified syringe with a pre-pressurized vein confirmation chamber attached. Finishing second in the MoshPit competition was cVision Medical Solutions, Inc., whose business idea is a medical device that uses ultrasound technology to non-invasively measure central venous pressure. Team members include Student Entrepreneur: Vikram Aggarwal; and Ani Chatterjee, Yoonju Cho, Jason Chiang, and Wai Yim Lam, all from Johns Hopkins University and Advisors: Jonathan Wachs (Offit Kurman, P.A.) and Sean Hefferman (The Columbia Bank). "What an exciting finish to yet another great MoshPit. Every year, the quality of the plans and the presentations goes up. It's truly amazing," says Steve Kozak, Executive Director of the GBTC. "We couldn't be more proud of not only these finalists, but everyone who competed in this year's competition. These college students are well on their way to doing truly great things." Veros walked away with $10,000 in prize money, two tickets to TechNite (the premier night out for the region's business and technology community), a website donated by Systems Alliance, and a full year of free office space at the ETC @ Johns Hopkins Eastern, donated by Baltimore City's Emerging Technology Center. With this year's prize money totaling $30,000, every team that made the Finals received a cash prize. For the MoshPit Finals, each MoshPit judge had $5 million in "MoshPit dollars" to invest in any combination of teams. The team garnering the most investment of "MoshPit" dollars was then declared the winner of this year's competition. The MoshPit Finals were held yesterday at UMBI - Columbus Center Location at 701 E. Pratt Street in Baltimore. Judges included venture capitalist Steve Walker; BDMetrics CEO Rick Geritz; Jenny G. Morgan, Principal of Sterling Partners and former CEO of ViPS, Inc.; and Jason Pappas, CEO of EntreQuest. MoshPit is open to any Maryland college student, undergraduate or graduate, who wants to test their business plan or simply be part of a team. The only stipulation is that technology needs to play a part in the plan, although it does not have to be the focus of the business. MoshPit has been honored with numerous national awards, including the Public Relations Society of America's prestigious Silver Anvil Award of Excellence. Now in its sixth year, support for MoshPit is provided by GBTC's public sector partner, the Maryland Department of Business & Economic Development (DBED), and sponsors: Advertising.com, Duane Morris, DLA Piper, Jacoby, Mind Over Machines, SC&H Group, LLC, The Columbia Bank, and The Mergis Group.
SEVEN
FINALISTS NAMED FOR GBTC MOSHPIT COMPETITION BALTIMORE, MD (4/18/07) - The votes are in and seven student teams will be advancing to the Finals in the Greater Baltimore Technology Council's (GBTC) annual MoshPit business plan competition. "The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in Greater Baltimore and it is proven every year by the innovation and creativity of the business plans submitted, representing a diverse range of industries from medical devices to online social networking," says Melanie Kelleher, the GBTC's Director of Programs and Partnerships. Kelleher adds, "MoshPit was created to provide students with the experience of starting a business. Based on the quality of the business plans received, all of the MoshPit participants are off to an outstanding start." Billed as "the region's coolest business plan competition," MoshPit was created by the GBTC to enable students from area colleges and universities to experience every aspect of starting a business, from recruiting employees and advisors to pitching potential investors for funding. MoshPit participants also have a rare opportunity to meet and work with many of the region's top business executives, venture capitalists, and entrepreneurs who serve as advisors for the competition. From the 136 original ideas submitted from Coppin State, Johns Hopkins University, Loyola College, Towson University, University of Baltimore, University of Maryland - Baltimore County, University of Maryland - College Park, and University of Maryland - University College, 45 were selected. Of the 45 selected, 38 came through ThePit, 35 Business Plans were submitted and seven finalists were chosen. The seven MoshPit finalists (in no particular order) are: · cVision Medical Solutions, Inc. - A medical device that uses ultrasound technology to noninvasively measure central venous pressure (CVP). Student Entrepreneur: Vikram Aggarwal (Johns Hopkins University) Team Members: Ani Chatterjee (JHU); Yoonju Cho (JHU); Jason Chiang (JHU); Wai Yim Lam (JHU) Advisors: Jonathan Wachs (Offit Kurman, P.A.); Sean Hefferman (The Columbia Bank). · AllowanceOnline.com - A website that would allow parents to give their children money in online accounts. Student Entrepreneur: Timothy Kassouf (Towson University) Team Members: Kelly Norris (Towson University); Bryan Christmas (Towson University) Advisors: Nahma Corbin (DLA Piper US LLP); Mareco Edwards (DLA Piper US LLP); Barry Smith (Merkle, Inc.). · Veros - An "all-in-one" modified syringe with a pre-pressurized vein confirmation chamber attached. Student Entrepreneur: Stephen Chen (JHU) Team Members: Stephanie Huang (JHU); Jason Hsu (JHU); Jeffrey Choi (JHU) Advisors: Matthew Kraft (Advertising.com). · 5 Star Healthcare - Wireless technology to deliver on-demand movies, music, television, games, and shopping through a touch-screen rental device. Student Entrepreneur: Curtis Chong (JHU) Team Members: Joynita Sur (JHU); Benjamin Nacev (JHU) Advisors: Heather Lunn (Airband Communications, Inc.); Vasilios Peros (Hodes, Pessin &Katz); Jason Hardebeck (Maryland Business Council). · Biblogg - A user based social content website for Christians worldwide to unite and interact. Student Entrepreneur: Chiedozie 'Fred' Unachukwu (UMBC) Team Members: Dorcas Apata (UMBC); Kenneth Flynt (JHU) Advisors: Stephanie Beard (Convergence Technology Consulting); Kesha-Simone Jones (SB & Company, LLC). · InSpine Technologies - A spine plate to employ dynamic compression to assist in lumbar vertebral fusion. Student Entrepreneur: Jonathan Edward (JHU) Team Members: Jim Liu (JHU); Laura Paulsen (JHU); Walter Chou (JHU); Gabriel Kim (JHU); Corey Chang (JHU); Matthew Rubashkin (JHU) Advisors: Barry Offutt (SC&H Group); Stacie Benes (The Reznick Group). · AccuDiagnostiX - A point-of-care testing platform for stroke. Student Entrepreneur: Saurabh Paliwal (JHU) Team Members: Someet Narang (JHU); Kshitiz Gupta (JHU); Divya Paliwal (JHU); Neeraja Balachander (JHU) Advisors: David Fink (UMBC); Jennifer Leary (SB & Company, LLC); Justin Bray (PricewaterhouseCoopers). The winner of this year's MoshPit competition will walk away with $10,000 in prize money, two tickets to TechNite (the premier night out for the region's business and technology community), a website donated by Systems Alliance, and a full year of free office space at the ETC @ Johns Hopkins Eastern, donated by Baltimore City's Emerging Technology Center. With this year's prize money totaling $30,000, every team that makes the Finals this year will receive a cash prize. For the MoshPit Finals, each judge will have $5 million in MoshPit dollars to invest in any combination of teams. The team that garners the most investment dollars will be this year's MoshPit winner. The MoshPit Finals will be held on Thursday, April 26 at UMBI - Columbus Center Location at 701 E. Pratt Street in Baltimore. MoshPit is open to any Maryland college student, undergraduate or graduate, who wants to test their business plan or simply be part of a team. The only stipulation is that technology needs to play a part in the plan, although it does not have to be the focus of the business. Support for MoshPit is provided by our public sector partner, the Maryland Department of Business & Economic Development (DBED), and sponsors: Advertising.com, Duane Morris, DLA Piper, Jacoby, Mind Over Machines, SC&H Group, LLC, The Columbia Bank, and The Mergis Group.
JUDGES NAMED FOR GBTC'S MOSH PIT COMPETITION BALTIMORE, MD (4/11/07) - Venture capitalist Steve Walker and BDMetrics CEO Rick Geritz are among the group of prominent area business leaders named today by the Greater Baltimore Technology Council (GBTC) to judge the Finals of this year's MoshPit, dubbed "the world's coolest business plan competition." Other judges for the MoshPit Finals - to be held on Thursday, April 26 at UMBI (Columbus Center, 701 East Pratt Street, Suite 200, Baltimore, MD) - are: Jenny G. Morgan, Principal of Sterling Partners and former CEO of ViPS, Inc.; Jason Pappas, CEO of EntreQuest; and Nora Zietz, Managing Director of Red Abbey Capital Partners. "MoshPit is an excellent vehicle for showcasing and accelerating untapped talent within Greater Baltimore's entrepreneurial community," notes Morgan. "It is an honor to judge such an impressive group and, hopefully, have a hand in helping them on the road to success." Zietz adds, "This region is rich with seasoned talent more than willing to mentor young entrepreneurs. Based on the quality I have seen at the finals in past years, I am sure that MoshPit will continue to be a critical catalyst in the formation of successful, homegrown startups in Maryland." "We are very proud of how MoshPit has grown," says GBTC Executive Director Steve Kozak. "Once again, we have an incredible group of judges for this year's Finals - seasoned business leaders and venture capitalists whose advice and feedback will go a long way in helping our finalists succeed." Created by the GBTC in 2002, MoshPit provides an opportunity for students from Maryland colleges and universities to experience every aspect of starting a business - from recruiting employees and advisors to writing a competitive business plan to pitching ideas to potential investors for funding. The winner of this year's MoshPit competition will walk away with $10,000 in prize money, two tickets to TechNite (the premier night out for the region's business and technology community), a website donated by Systems Alliance, and a full year of free office space at the ETC @ Johns Hopkins Eastern, donated by Baltimore City's Emerging Technology Center. With this year's prize money totaling $30,000, every team that makes the Finals this year will receive a cash prize. To get to the Finals, teams have to go through several grueling rounds of competition. Over 130 ideas for starting a new business originally were submitted for MoshPit 2007. A panel of GBTC members was tasked with selecting only 45 to take part in "The PIT" on March 28. Teams are now in the process of developing their business plans, which are due on April 11. Up to seven teams will then be selected to compete in the MoshPit Finals. Finalists will be announced on April 17. For the MoshPit Finals, each judge will have $5 million in MoshPit dollars to invest in any combination of teams. The team that garners the most investment dollars will be this year's MoshPit winner. MoshPit is open to any Maryland college student, undergraduate or graduate, who wants to test their business plan or simply be part of a team. The only stipulation is that technology needs to play a part in the plan, although it does not have to be the focus of the business. Support for MoshPit is provided by our public sector partner, the Maryland Department of Business & Economic Development (DBED), and sponsors: Advertising.com, Duane Morris, DLA Piper, Jacoby, Mind Over Machines, SC&H Group, LLC, The Columbia Bank, and The Mergis Group.
AREA COLLEGE STUDENTS GET READY TO WHEEL AND DEAL AT "THE PIT" BALTIMORE, MD (3/28/07) - Ladies and gentlemen, it's time to wheel and deal. Are you ready to enter "THE PIT"? Today, the Greater Baltimore Technology Council's (GBTC) will host "THE PIT," the main event in the GBTC's unconventional business plan competition for college students throughout Maryland - MoshPit (aka "the World's Coolest Business Plan Competition"). Taking place at the Law Offices of DLA Piper (6225 Smith Avenue in Mt. Washington) from 5:30-8:30 p.m., "THE PIT" is a free-for-all at which student entrepreneurs present their ideas for starting new businesses while trying to recruit the best "executive" team of fellow students and advisors, drawn from GBTC member companies. "Over 130 ideas were submitted this year and tonight, the competition truly gets underway. The top 45 will get the opportunity to present their ideas to the close to 200 attendees - students, business executives, university, government - all of whom will be there, watching, listening, and hoping to join one of the teams. It's truly a great night," says GBTC Executive Director Steve Kozak. "The whole idea is to put students in a position where they are experiencing what it will take to launch a real business," he explains. "And so, just as in the real world of business, they learn the process from beginning to end. They are also given the opportunity to make some incredible connections with some of this region's top business leaders." The winner of this year's MoshPit competition will walk away with $10,000 in prize money, two (2) tickets to TechNite, the GBTC's premiere night out for the business community, a website donated by Systems Alliance, and a full year of free office space at the ETC @ Johns Hopkins Eastern, donated by Baltimore City's Emerging Technology Center. With this year's prize money totaling $30,000, every team that makes the Finals this year will receive a cash prize. A panel comprised of GBTC member companies sifted through over 130 business ideas submitted for this year's competition, selecting the best 45 to take part in "THE PIT." Once teams are finalized at "THE PIT," they will have until April 11 to submit their business plans. Each team must have three-to-seven student members and one-to-three business advisors. Up to seven teams will be selected to compete in the MoshPit Finals, to be held April 26. Mosh Pit was created by the GBTC to enable students from regional colleges and universities to experience every aspect of starting a business, from recruiting employees and advisors to pitching potential investors for funding. Student participants learn how to form a qualified team for their start-up company, write the company's business plan, and navigate the ups and downs of creating a successful business. Mosh Pit is open to any Maryland college student, undergraduate or graduate, who wants to test their business plan or simply be part of a team. The only stipulation is that technology needs to play a part in the plan, although it does not have to be the focus of the business. Support for MoshPit is provided by our public sector partner, the Maryland Department of Business & Economic Development (DBED), and sponsors: Advertising.com, Duane Morris, DLA Piper, Jacoby, Mind Over Machines, SC&H Group, LLC, The Columbia Bank, and The Mergis Group.
MOSH PIT ROCKS ON IN ITS SIXTH YEAR BALTIMORE, MD (3/7/07) --- Over 130 students from 10 regional Universities submitted ideas for this year's MoshPit - aka the "world's coolest business plan competition" -- created by the Greater Baltimore Technology Council's (GBTC) in 2002. "This competition continues to far exceed our expectations each and every year. The ideas are outstanding and the business plans are incredibly well developed. Throw in the multitude of connections that get made between these students and our business community and it's truly become a home run program for the GBTC and, more importantly, this region," says GBTC Executive Director Steve Kozak. "Now we're seeing more and more of the student teams continue to develop their ideas well after the competition, creating real businesses." Kozak notes that previous MoshPit winners have fared extremely well in the real world. The 2006 first place team, ResuRx Pharmaceuticals, led by Johns Hopkins Medical student Curtis Chong is currently in the semifinals of the Wharton Business Plan Competition. OffWorldWealth, Inc., the 2006 second place team, has changed its name to Baltimore Biodiesel, sold controlling interest of the company to Greenlight Biofuels Inc., of Charlottesville, Va., secured two rounds of funding (one in June for $325,000 and in December for $5.9 million) and broke ground last month on a biodiesel processing plant at the Princess Anne Industrial Park. The winner of this year's MoshPit competition will walk away with $10,000 in prize money, a full year of free office space at the ETC @ Johns Hopkins Eastern, donated by Baltimore City's Emerging Technology Center, and two (2) tickets to TechNite, Greater Baltimore's premiere night out for the business community. Every team that makes the Finals this year will also receive a cash prize. According to Kozak, "The real credit for MoshPit's success goes to the many universities that participate, help us spread the word, and drive enthusiasm on their campuses. Credit also goes to our many sponsors, in particular the Maryland Department of Business & Economic Development. Without them, we would simply not be able to offer the $30,000 in cash prizes and create the enthusiasm and participation we do." Local and regional colleges and universities are well represented. This year's student ideas came from the Coppin State, Johns Hopkins, Loyola, Towson, University of Baltimore, UMBC, University of Maryland, College Park and the University of Maryland, University College. Support for this year's competition has attracted a host of corporate sponsors, including: Maryland Department of Business & Economic Development (DBED), Advertising.com, DLA Piper, Duane Morris, Jacoby, Mergis, Mind Over Machines, SC&H Group and The Columbia Bank. Forty of the 136 business ideas proposed by students have been selected to move forward in the competition and will attend the MoshPit BootCamp. The BootCamp is intended as an information session for the student teams. There, they will receive strategic advice from regional executives that can be applied as they write their business plans. Teams will then present their ideas and build their complete teams to include 1-3 advisors, at The Pit (5:30pm-8:30pm, Law offices of DLA Piper, Wednesday, March 28th). Teams will then have until April 11 to finalize and submit their business plans. Up to seven teams will be selected to compete in the MoshPit Finals, to be held April 26. Mosh Pit was created by the GBTC to enable students from regional colleges and universities to experience every aspect of starting a business, from recruiting employees and advisors to pitching potential investors for funding. Student participants learn how to form a qualified team for their start-up company, write the company's business plan, and navigate the ups and downs of creating a successful business. It is open to any Maryland college student, undergraduate or graduate, who wants to test their business plan or simply be part of a team. The only stipulation is that technology needs to play a part in the plan, although it does not have to be the focus of the business. In addition to the chance to run their own businesses, MoshPit participants make connections with some of Maryland's top businesspeople and venture capitalists - individuals who are an invaluable resource in a post-graduation job search or business launch. "It is our hope the students will not only remember the exercise of a business launch, but also will make great use of the contacts they meet along the way," says Kozak. "When they graduate, we want them to think about the region as THE place to stay and work, and if the time comes, to start their own enterprise."
2006 2ND PLACE MOSH PIT WINNERS OFFWORLDWEALTH, INC., (CURRENTLY BALTIMORE BIODIESEL) BROKE GROUND ON THE BIODIESEL PROCESSING PLANT CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (1/26/07) --- Greenlight Biofuels, Inc. has broken ground today on a 4.0 million gallon per year multi-feedstock biodiesel facility in Princess Anne, Maryland. This follows upon Greenlight's recent purchase of a controlling interest in Baltimore Biodiesel, LLC, the developer of the project. Greenlight President Allen Cunningham remarked, "We are excited to be a part of an industry that contributes to environmental progress, national energy independence and local economic growth. This project is the first step in a broader strategy for Greenlight Biofuels." Greenlight Vice President Erik Lytikainen added, "This is an important day for Greenlight and the town of Princess Anne. Thanks to the help of community leaders, and together with first-class local partners, a new facility to produce renewable fuels will be coming online this year. This facility will bring new jobs to a high unemployment area, and will help support the agricultural community of the Eastern Shore." Greenlight Biofuels, Inc. was founded by Greenlight Capital Management, Inc. to develop, build, own & operate biofuel facilities in North America. Greenlight Capital Management, Inc was formed by the principals of Greenlight Energy, Inc (GEI) following the $100 million sale of their wind energy company to BP Alternative Energy North America, Inc. At the time of the sale in 2006, GEI was one of the largest independent wind energy companies in the country with a 6,000 MW development pipeline comprised of large-scale wind energy projects in 15 states. By year-end 2007, over $700 million of wind energy facilities developed by GEI will be operational, including a $500 million facility in Colorado being completed this year by BP. With an experienced management team and a strong track record in the renewable energy industry, Greenlight Biofuels is well-positioned to participate in the growth of the biofuels industry.
GBTC
PARTNERS WITH KAUFFMAN TO MAKE WEBSITE FOR ENTREPRENEURS AVAILABLE
TO LOCAL COMPANIES BALTIMORE, MD (1/4/07) --- The Greater Baltimore Technology Council (GBTC) announced today that it will partner with the Kauffman Foundation to make Kauffman eVenturingT - a website created specifically for entrepreneurs - available for the first time to Maryland entrepreneurs. The GBTC is the first organization in Maryland to partner with Kauffman eVenturingT in serving the area's technology community. Kauffman eVenturingT provides entrepreneurs with relevant, practical, and timely information on how to manage and expand their businesses. The website offers original articles written exclusively for the site by entrepreneurs drawing on their own experiences, as well as an in-depth aggregation of existing articles and tools designed to help entrepreneurs grow their companies. In addition, Kauffman eVenturingT provides fresh information daily via a blog which gathers relevant, new information of specific interest to entrepreneurs. The blog also allows users to interact with other entrepreneurs by posting comments and questions. "The Greater Baltimore Tech Council is thrilled to be partnering with Kauffman eVenturingT in providing a trusted resource that our members can tap for guidance in handling the challenges - and avoiding the pitfalls - entrepreneurs regularly encounter in growing their businesses," says GBTC Executive Director Steve Kozak. "Accessing Kauffman eVenturingT allows GBTC members to benefit from the first-hand stories of entrepreneurs who have been there, as well as from an extensive library of 'how-to' advice on everything from setting sales goals to determining fair compensation policies," Kozak continues. "Entrepreneurs will find the eVenturingT site to be an interactive, vibrant, and vital place to make important connections, access help and advice, and find relevant, practical 'just-in-time' information and tools," adds Stefanie Weaver of Kauffman eVenturingT. Content on the Kauffman eVenturingT website rotates among such key issues as finance and accounting, people and human resources, sales and marketing, products and services, operations, and the culture of entrepreneurship. Original articles written for the website by entrepreneurs are published monthly, along with a variety of tools and templates. All articles and tools are tagged with search-friendly key words that allow users to find and access information quickly. For additional information about the partnership between the Greater Baltimore Technology Council and Kauffman eVenturingT, visit the GBTC website at www.gbtechcouncil.org.
ANN QUINN IS THE NEW GREATER BALTIMORE TECH COUNCIL CHAIR BALTIMORE, MD (11/14/06) - The Greater Baltimore Technology Council (GBTC) announced today that Ann Quinn, Director of Strategy Services at Chessiecap, Inc., will succeed Mark Wesker, President & CEO of Artifact, as Chair of the organization. Wesker, who has served as GBTC Chair since January 2005, will step down at the GBTC's Annual Meeting, to be held in January 2007. "Ann Quinn has been involved with the GBTC for years, has dedicated a tremendous amount of time with us, and knows both the organization and Greater Baltimore's technology community very well," says GBTC Executive Director, Steve Kozak. "Her entrepreneurial background, depth of experience, and success in the tech arena make her ideal for the GBTC Chair position." Quinn has been on the GBTC board for more than six years, and served as Vice-Chair for the past year. She led the Council's Business Growth Committee for two years, chaired the MoshPit Committee for one year, and has served as both moderator and panelist for the organization's Meet the Members program. "The Board's unanimous approval of Ann as the new chairperson is a reflection of the dedication that Ann has demonstrated over her many years of service to GBTC. Ann has all of the traits that you look for in a Chairperson. She is smart, strategic, connected...and most important, committed to the mission of the organization," explains Member of the GBTC Nomination Committee Michael Teitelbaum. "I recognized years ago that the GBTC would be - and now is - a critical reason for the resurgence and continuing success of Greater Baltimore's technology community," said Quinn. "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 tech community." Quinn joined Chessiecap after serving as Managing Director of the Maryland Venture Fund at the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED). At Chessiecap, Quinn is responsible for the daily operation of the firm's strategy practice, which helps companies to create clear, executable strategies that win in the marketplace. "Over the past two years, Ann has done an exceptional job as one of my Vice Chairs. She led the effort to enhance the Council's Board and has been a great contributor to expanding our membership," said Wesker. "Ann is committed to technology innovation and growth in our region. This dedication together with Ann's impressive record working with technology companies, make her an excellent choice for Council Chair." Most of Quinn's career has been spent working with companies that are facing the challenges of implementing a business strategy, facing a funding event, or expanding new and existing lines of business. At the Maryland Venture Fund, she was responsible for overseeing all equity financing activities for the State of Maryland, managing a portfolio of 120 active technology and biotech companies and 10 venture capital limited partnerships. While at both Chessiecap and DBED, Ann played a key role in the successful growth of AVIcode, the leading provider of .Net application monitoring software and one of the area's rising tech stars. "Ann's positions at DBED and Chessiecap have provided her with a unique operational perspective," explained Mike Curreri, AVIcode's CEO. "She has not just assessed, and often written, the business plans of over a hundred companies, but has had hands-on operating experience with each of them in an effort to optimize their performance. This has given her a crash course in tech company operational performance issues that is unrivaled in the area."
GBTC UNVEILS NEW LOGO AT TECHNITE BALTIMORE, MD (10/19/06) --- The Greater Baltimore Technology Council (GBTC) used its annual celebration of Greater Baltimore's tech community, TechNite, to unveil the organization's new logo. In keeping with the "Six Degrees" theme of this year's TechNite celebration, the new Technology Council logo features a six-sided design with lines extending out to the sides and to the organization's GBTC acronym. "The Six Degrees theory - that anyone can connect to any other person on the planet through a chain of people - is played out on a regular basis within Greater Baltimore's technology community, which, though vast, is tightly connected through a surprisingly strong network of businesses and people," explains GBTC Executive Director Steve Kozak. Kozak continues, "That single word 'connection' perfectly explains the GBTC's mission, as well as the benefits the organization offers its members. As a result, we thought the new logo should visually encapsulate that word and, in doing so, define the GBTC at a glance." According to Kozak, the GBTC decided a new logo was in order because the identity of the organization had evolved. "While we originally were thought of as an organization for small technology companies, our members have grown to become bigger players. Those once small tech companies increasingly have gained a national, and even global, reputation," he says. "And thru their growth, the GBTC has grown as well - developing new and modifying old programs to fit our member's needs." Along with the growth of the GBTC's member companies, the organization has seen tremendous growth in its programs, such as Mosh Pit, Executive Roundtables, GBTechNet and Face2Face. As a result, the GBTC has become a "business must" for area companies. "It is the progression of the organization, the influx of more prominent members, and the vision at the helm that serves to define the GBTC as the source for peer-to-peer networking and a gateway to Greater Baltimore's business community," explains Shelly Boggs of Stellar, which created the new logo. "The new logo identity was designed to reflect this energy." Nearly 1,000 executive and business leaders were on hand when the GBTC's new logo was unveiled during TechNite, Greater Baltimore's premier night out for the business and technology communities. The TechNite program also saw Entinex CEO, Hillel Glazer, named "Connector of the Year" and area venture capitalist, Frank Bonsol, honored as Baltimore's Extraordinary Technology Advocate.
KATZ NAMED TO EXPAND GBTC'S PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES BALTIMORE, MD (10/09/2006) --- The Greater Baltimore Technology Council (GBTC) announced today that Niki I. Katz has been named Marketing Manager for the nationally recognized member organization. Katz, who formerly served as Marketing Coordinator for Electrograph Systems, will lead the expansion of the over 200 programs, forums and roundtables that the GBTC currently offers its membership. "Niki's responsibilities will include the development of innovative new programs aimed at supporting an annual membership growth rate of over 15% in the last two years," explains GBTC Executive Director Steve Kozak. "But beyond the skills and experience Niki brings to the position, she is an intelligent, focused individual who is passionate about her work and, like the rest of our team, believes in the GBTC's mission to grow Greater Baltimore's technology community," Kozak continues. "We're excited to have her join our team." Katz managed an array of marketing initiatives for Electrograph Systems. From direct marketing to developing content for the firm's Internet and Intranet sites, she provided vital support in driving traffic and increasing sales for the Long Island-based organization. After receiving a BS in Mass Communications from Towson University, Niki earned a Masters of Arts degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from Emerson College.
BALTIMORE, MD (9/27/06) --- TechNite typically attracts a high level of interest from corporate sponsors throughout the region, but this year, the Greater Baltimore Technology Council's (GBTC) premier annual event is drawing record interest from sponsors and attendees alike. To date, 46 companies have signed on as TechNite sponsors, including nearly a dozen first-time sponsors such as Connolly Bove Lodge & Hutz LLP, Comcast, Inflection Point Systems, Baltimore Technology Park, the Chesapeake Innovation Center, Informatics Coalition, and the University of Maryland Baltimore. "That's a new record," says GBTC Executive Director Steve Kozak. According to Kozak, the previous record was 43 sponsors and that was during the initial tech explosion in 2000. Specific reasons for sponsoring the GBTC's showcase event vary from sponsor to sponsor, although Kozak notes, "The fact that TechNite attracts such a high level of sponsor commitments year after year speaks volumes not only about the value of this event, but also about the sponsors' continued confidence in the importance and growth of Greater Baltimore's tech sector." "TechNite is a proven event with a very str |
