3.31.2015
Albany Medical Center Receives Two Awards through the Economic Development Administration
U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced over $520,000 in federal funding for the Albany Medical Center. The funding is being used to provide needed support and capital assistance to spur innovation and in the Capital Region. The Albany Medical Center will receive $399,585 in federal funding through the i6 Challenge Grant to improve the processes by which ideas become products and companies in the Capital Region. This program will help provide critical resources and support to local companies, investors, and entrepreneurs looking to create the newest innovations in medical technology. Albany Medical Center will also receive $124,910 in Cluster Grants through the Seed Capital Funds Program in order to establish the Bio Innovation Seed Fund. This fund which will help provide opportunities for entrepreneurs, physicians and engineers in the Capital Region to develop prototypes for innovated medical products that are working to be developed. This federal funding will be allocated through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA).
“This federal funding is great news for job-creating entrepreneurs throughout the Capital Region and the medical professionals looking to stay on the cutting-edge of innovation at the Albany Medical Center. Now, the entire region, as well as the entire industry, will be able to benefit from the Center’s ambitious plan to get product-manufacturing businesses and technological advances off the ground,” said Senator Schumer. “I was proud to push for this federal funding and am pleased the EDA has made this wise investment in Capital Region entrepreneurs, medical research, and good-paying jobs.”
“I fought for this funding so that Albany Medical College can turn more of the Capital Region’s research into new businesses and jobs,” said Senator Gillibrand. “These critical funds will help the area’s institutions support innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives in the biomedical and biotechnology fields, helping to boost economic development in the Capital region.”
“We’re grateful to Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand for their ongoing work to support economic growth in the biotech sector throughout our region”, said Vincent Verdile, MD, the Lynne and Mark Groban, M.D. '67 Distinguished Dean of Albany Medical College. “This funding will help build on collaborative efforts to develop a robust biomedical and biotechnology-based research and entrepreneurial community in the capital region. With this funding, we will expand research and entrepreneurship training and provide critical seed capital for emerging and innovative businesses.”
The $399,585 i6 Challenge Grant award supports the development of a best of class commercialization model for the Capital Region through the newly established Biomedical Acceleration & Commercialization Center (BACC). Led by Albany Medical College, the project aims to turn more research ideas into commercial products and services by building support networks for entrepreneurs, offering programming to increase knowledge of and training in best practices of technology transfer, and providing capital for start-ups and small businesses in the region’s biomedical and biotechnology industries. The $124,910 Cluster Grants for Seed Capital Funds Program award supports Albany Medical College’s project to create the Bio Innovation Seed Fund, which will provide increased opportunities for proof of concept, product demonstration, and prototypes for early stage projects and products being developed by area physicians, engineers, and entrepreneurs.
These funds were made available through EDA’s i6 Challenge and Cluster Grants for Seed Capital, which are a multi-agency grants that encourage innovative, groundbreaking ideas that accelerate technology commercialization, new venture formation, job creation, and economic growth across the United States.
Copies of Senator Schumer’s and Senator Gillibrand’s letters to the Economic Development Administration are included below:
Dear Ms. Lenzer Kirk,
I write in support of the application submitted by Albany Medical Center for funding from the Cluster Grants for Seed Capital Funds Program through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration. This funding will allow Albany Medical Center to further its biomedical and biotechnical research and entrepreneurial efforts in conjunction with other educational and business institutions in the area.
Albany Medical Center consists of a 734-bed hospital and Albany Medical College. The Center has long been a leader in progressive and patient-centered health care, as well as critical medical and scientific research. Albany Medical Center has demonstrated its commitment to developing new treatments and advancing cures for a wide variety of debilitating diseases, and continually strives to improve its research so that it effectively serves patients in the community. Albany Medical Center is also an economic development anchor institution for the region, designated as a Start-Up New York site to attract and grow businesses. The Medical Center also has a new Biomedical Acceleration Commercialization Center (BACC) with the equipment and facilities to support biomedical and biotechnology research, with a particular focus on turning more research into new companies.
The requested funding will be used to forge a partnership with Siena College and its Institute for Leadership, Albany law School, and the Eastern NY Angels, LLC to address significant gaps in the infrastructure of biomedical innovation in the Capital region of New York. Specifically, this initiative will work on developing more experienced senior business leadership in biomedical innovation, offering programming to increase knowledge of and training in best practices of technology transfer, and providing seed capital for regional emerging and start-up biomedical innovation companies. This three-pronged approach will allow Albany Medical College to expand critical biomedical and biotechnology-based research and entrepreneurship in the Capital region, ultimately boosting economic development in the area.
Dear Ms. Lenzer Kirk,
I write in support of the application submitted by Albany Medical Center (AMC) for funding from the i6 Challenge Grant Program through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration. This funding will allow Albany Medical Center to further its biomedical and biotechnology research and entrepreneurial efforts in conjunction with other educational and business institutions in the area.
Albany Medical Center consists of a 734-bed hospital and Albany Medical College. The Center has long been a leader in progressive and patient-centered health care, as well as critical medical and scientific research. Albany Medical Center has demonstrated its commitment to developing new treatments and advancing cures for a wide variety of debilitating diseases, and continually strives to improve its research so that it effectively serves patients in the community. Albany Medical Center is also an economic development anchor institution for the region, designated as a Start-Up New York site to attract and grow businesses. The Medical Center also has a new Biomedical Acceleration Commercialization Center (BACC) with the equipment and facilities to support biomedical and biotechnology research, with a particular focus on turning more research into new companies.
The requested funding will be used to forge a partnership with Siena College and its Institute for Leadership, Albany law School, and the Eastern NY Angels, LLC to address significant gaps in the infrastructure of biomedical innovation in the Capital region of New York. Specifically, this initiative will work on developing more experienced senior business leadership in biomedical innovation, offering programming to increase knowledge of and training in best practices of technology transfer, and providing seed capital for regional emerging and start-up biomedical innovation companies. This three-pronged approach will allow Albany Medical College to expand critical biomedical and biotechnology-based research and entrepreneurship in the Capital region, ultimately boosting economic development in the area.
Mohawk Announces Staff Changes
COHOES>> Mohawk, North America’s largest privately-owned manufacturer of fine papers, envelopes and specialty substrates for commercial and digital printing, is pleased to announce a promotion and a new hire.
John P. Macy has been promoted to Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, responsible for directing Mohawk’s financial function including management of treasury activities, banking relations, cash management, insurance coverage, ERISA/pension, credit agreements and internal and external financial reporting. Macy began with Mohawk as Vice President, Corporate Treasurer in 2012. Prior to his position at Mohawk, Macy was audit partner at KPMG LLP for 22 years, and earlier in his career was a member of IBM’s technical accounting group. Macy is a licensed Certified Public Accountant with a BA degree in Accounting from Siena College. Macy resides in Saratoga Springs, New York.
Bob Smusz has joined Mohawk as Sales & Marketing Manager, Retail Channel. With over 30 years of sales and operations experience, Smusz has previously served as Vice President Operations with Xpedx/International Paper and Regional Vice President with Federated Department Stores, where he began his career. Smusz resides in Arlington Heights, Illinois.
ABOUT MOHAWK
Mohawk is North America’s largest privately-owned manufacturer of fine papers and envelopes which are preferred for commercial and digital printing, photo specialties and high-end direct mail. Mohawk fine papers and envelopes include the signature brands Mohawk Superfine® and Strathmore®, as well as proprietary treatments Inxwell® and i-Tone®. With a culture of innovation, Mohawk’s business model now extends beyond paper manufacturing into new areas of growth, including digital substrates and web-based software platforms, which connect designers and printers to new markets.
As a leader in environmentally and socially responsible business practices, Mohawk was the first U.S. manufacturer of commercial printing papers to match 100% of its electricity with wind power renewable energy credits and the first U.S. premium paper mill to shift toward carbon neutral production. Mohawk’s portfolio of recycled papers is certified by Green Seal and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
Mohawk is a fourth-generation, family-owned and operated business based in Cohoes, New York, with global sales and operations located throughout North America, Europe and Asia. For more information, please visit www.mohawkconnects.com.
Palace announces Sari O’Connor joining as executive operating officer
ALBANY>> The Palace Performing Arts Center announced the hiring of Sari O’Connor to the newly created position of Executive Operating Officer responsible for fundraising, business development and strategic initiatives in an effort to support future growth and revenue generation. O’Connor joins the Palace by way of her previous position as Chief Development Officer at Northern Rivers Family Services. In a statement, Holly Brown, Executive Director of the Palace, noted “Sari brings an incredible wealth of experience to the Palace. Her expertise and the meaningful connections she has fostered in the Capital Region community will have an immediate impact in continuing to enhance the Palace’s profile in our community and developing the resources we need to positively impact the capital city and surrounding area.”
O’Connor is a Cum Laude graduate of Adelphi University, and earned her Master’s Degree in Education from SUNY Stony Brook. She also earned a Certificate of Completion in Human Resources from Indiana/Purdue University, as well as a Certificate in Performance Measurement for Effective Management of Nonprofit Organizations from the Harvard Business School Executive Education Program. After beginning her career as an elementary school teacher, and later serving as Director of Relocation Services for a local real estate firm, O’Connor spent eight years as a senior member of the management team at Northern Rivers Family Services. As Chief Development Officer at Northern Rivers, O’Connor was responsible for the strategic planning, execution and management of fundraising activities including major gifts, corporate giving, foundation grants, special events, planned giving and capital campaigns.
O’Connor joins the Palace during a period of great growth for the 2,800-seat theatre in Albany. Since 2011, the number of annual events hosted and presented by the Palace Performing Arts Center has doubled, and the Palace is on track for its fourth consecutive season of increasing operating surpluses. O’Connor’s experience in managing collaboration between organizations, having helped to craft an alliance between Northeast Parent & Child Society and Parsons Child and Family Center as a member of the Affiliation Committee, will be of particular benefit to the Palace, an organization that has engaged in shared services with both Park Playhouse Inc. and The Albany Symphony Orchestra in recent seasons. “Beyond enhancing our development and fundraising operations,” Brown said, “Sari’s experience in effectively advancing collaboration between organizations will be a tremendous asset as the Palace continues to take a leadership role in strategically bringing Albany’s arts community together.”
O’Connor will officially join the Palace team in June. “It is a privilege to be joining the Palace Team and a wonderful opportunity to share the responsibility for the vision, strategy and growth of the organization. The Palace is a gem and promises to be a premiere entertainment destination, not only for Albany, but the Capital Region and beyond,” she said.
Vanderheyden receives donation from Stewarts Holiday Match
Vanderheyden is delighted to be one of 1,600 local children's charities chosen to receive a grant from
the Stewart’s Holiday Match. The $4,500 grant Vanderheyden received will go to towards assisting
our health, wellness and recreation programs for the children and youth we serve.
Stewart's Holiday Match funds are to be used directly for children 18 years and under in the geographic areas where their shops are located and the money was raised. The success of Stewart's Holiday Match is thanks to Stewart’s customers for their generous contributions, and the dedicated shop partners who worked diligently to collect the funds. The Stewart's Holiday Match program has now allocated more than $20 million since the program’s inception in 1986. Vanderheyden is very thankful for Stewart's Holiday Match and their customers’ willingness to help children and families
in the community.
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Vanderheyden began as the Troy Orphan Asylum in 1833. Today Vanderheyden provides safe haven
for children, youth and adults who have experienced family disruption, emotional difficulty and
learning problems. Services include diagnostic/respite services, education for 7-12th grade students,
residential cottages and group homes, and testing/treatment for medical, psychological, psychiatric
and educational issues.
Laberge Group promotes planning services manager
ALBANY>> Laberge Group is pleased to announce the promotion of Nicole T. Allen, AICP as Planning Services Manager. Allen has recently expanded her role and responsibilities with the Laberge Group to fully manage the planning department and direct all planning, grants and community development projects and staff.
Ms. Allen is a seasoned manager and has overseen the successful procurement and administration of funding for communities throughout New York State. With more than 15 years of experience, she has developed and managed a wide range of planning projects, including: comprehensive plans; brownfield redevelopment plans; “town center” plans; “complete street” policies; waterfront revitalization plans; government efficiency studies (i.e. consolidation, dissolution and shared services studies); economic and community development strategies; zoning regulations, subdivision regulations; design guidelines; and recreational studies for numerous communities.
Her comprehensive experience centers around developing realistic plans, implemented over time, by
linking community needs with the priorities of local, regional, and state agencies. Her zoning knowledge has assisted communities with code revisions to address best management practices and a range of new issues such as alternative energy structures. In addition, Allen has served as a planning consultant to numerous municipal boards to oversee the site plan and subdivision plan review processes.
Ms. Allen attained a masters degree in urban and regional planning from the State University of New
York at Albany, a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Design from the State University of New York at Buffalo, and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners.
Laberge Group has provided engineering, architecture, surveying and planning services since 1964. Its diverse portfolio of successfully completed projects and community plans, coupled with an experienced core of project management and design staff, provides clients creative, integrated and distinctive solutions. For more information on Laberge Group, please visit ww.labergegroup.com.
Laberge Group names new vice president
ALBANY >> Laberge Group annunced the promotion of Benjamin H. Syden, AICP as vice president. As vice president, Syden will be an integral member of the business development and leadership team and provide project support to all firm operations and client projects.
Syden has more than twenty years of experience with New York State municipalities in the areas of comprehensive planning, land use regulations, brownfield redevelopment, shared services and government efficiency, downtown revitalization, economic and community development, program development, project financing, grant writing and management. Syden has overseen the development of over 120 community planning projects, and has secured over $135 million in funding for client communities. Syden is an industry leading subject matter expert on government operations and efficiency planning, and is a frequent author and trainer for statewide municipal trade associations.
Syden attained a masters degree in urban and regional planning and a bachelor of political science from the State University of New York at Albany and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners.
He currently serves as the co-legislative director of the American Planning Association- New York Upstate Chapter, is board member of the Albany County Planning Board and the Town of Colonie Industrial Development Agency, and the vice president of the Town of Colonie Local Development Corporation.
Laberge Group has provided engineering, architecture, surveying and planning services since 1964. Its diverse portfolio of successfully completed projects and community plans, coupled with an experienced core of project management and design staff, provides clients creative, integrated and distinctive solutions. For more information on Laberge Group, please visit ww.labergegroup.com.
3.30.2015
Downtown Albany Restaurant Week Features Free Parking
16 Restaurants to offer 3-Course Meals
for just $20.15
for just $20.15
Albany, NY… The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) announces the 11th Annual Downtown Albany Restaurant Week slated for Saturday, April 11, 2015 – Friday, April 17, 2015. Sixteen downtown Albany restaurants will offer a three-course meal valued at a minimum of $35.00 for the price of $20.15. Diners are encouraged to make advance reservations directly with the restaurants. A FREE parking promotion is being offered by Albany Parking Authority (APA) in conjunction with the dining event, featuring:
- Riverfront Garage | Columbia Street between Broadway and Water Street (behind Kiernan Plaza). Free 5 PM until 6 AM for the duration of Restaurant Week.
- Green-Hudson Garage | Hudson Avenue and Green Street (near the Times Union Center). Free 5 PM until Midnight (Monday – Friday; not available on Saturday).
- Quackenbush Garage | Orange Street between Broadway and Water Street (behind 677 Broadway). Free 5 PM until Midnight (Monday – Saturday).
- On street meter parking is also available at no charge beginning at 6:00 PMMonday through Friday. Street parking is free on weekends.
“It is exciting to welcome this event to its 11th year,” says Mayor Kathy M. Sheehan. “Each year Albany Restaurant Week offers the opportunity to find your new favorite restaurant, and it gives the entire region a reason to come Downtown and experience a taste of Albany.”
The Restaurant Week FREE parking promotion is part of a larger APA goal encouraging people to embrace Downtown.
“Supporting the local businesses and Downtown development has always been an important goal for the APA,” says Michael Klein, executive director of the Albany Parking Authority. “With promotions like this one, we are able to showcase the ample, year-round parking options. Having this information, visitors can confidently take the opportunity to return Downtown in the future to dine, explore the city, or enjoy an event at one of the many entertainment venues.”
Three new venues join this year’s line-up: Public House 42 which opened up on Eagle Street this past fall; Parish Public House, previously the Red Square venue; and Dawn’s Victory Sports Café, formerly the Victory Café on Sheridan Avenue, now under new ownership of Dawn Lynch.
The full list of participating restaurants for the 11th Annual Downtown Albany Restaurant Week is: V&R Italian Ristorante, Taste, Public House 42, Parish Public House, Olde English Pub & Pantry, The Merry Monk, La Serre, Jack’s Oyster House, Hudson Harbor Steak & Seafood, The Hollow Bar + Kitchen, Dawn’s Victory Sports Café, City Beer Hall, Charter (Hilton), The Capital American Eatery & Lounge, Café Capriccio, and The Albany Pump Station. Menus, hours of operation, and specials for all participating restaurants are available at downtownalbany.org.
People who patronize participating restaurants will also have the chance to enter to win gift certificates to Downtown restaurants, and to receive discounts at select shows at the Capital Repertory Theatre and Palace Theatre. Full information can be found atdowntownalbany.org.
“Excitement continues to build in Downtown as a number of residential and commercial projects move forward. With more people coming to our District to work, live, or both, Restaurant Week offers the perfect opportunity to try over a dozen of our eateries at a wonderful price,” says Georgette Steffens, Downtown Albany BID executive director. “While here to dine, I encourage people to walk around and see the exciting projects that are creating a vibrant future for our Capital City.”
A Student Night will once again be held on Monday, April 13, 2015 as an extra incentive for college students to come out and dine the 3-course menu for only $15.15 at select restaurants. Restaurants participating in Student Night are: Albany Pump Station, The Hollow Bar + Kitchen, Jack’s Oyster House, La Serre and V&R Italian Ristorante.
From international corporations, regional giants and locally owned proprietors, downtown Albany is more than business as usual. Accented by the powerful currents of the Hudson River to the motivating forces in the State Capitol, downtown Albany stands in good company with some of the greatest names in business today. Over 250 companies call downtown Albany home and signs like IBM, Microsoft and Windstream are seen throughout our historic streets. Since 1996, the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) has worked to restore, promote and maintain the character and vitality of improve the quality of life and overall image of downtown for those who work in, live in and visit the Capital City of the most famous state in the world. The Downtown Albany BID is a private, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. For more information about the Downtown Albany BID please visit downtownalbany.org |@AlbanyBID or call 518.465.2143.
The Restaurant Week FREE parking promotion is part of a larger APA goal encouraging people to embrace Downtown.
“Supporting the local businesses and Downtown development has always been an important goal for the APA,” says Michael Klein, executive director of the Albany Parking Authority. “With promotions like this one, we are able to showcase the ample, year-round parking options. Having this information, visitors can confidently take the opportunity to return Downtown in the future to dine, explore the city, or enjoy an event at one of the many entertainment venues.”
Three new venues join this year’s line-up: Public House 42 which opened up on Eagle Street this past fall; Parish Public House, previously the Red Square venue; and Dawn’s Victory Sports Café, formerly the Victory Café on Sheridan Avenue, now under new ownership of Dawn Lynch.
The full list of participating restaurants for the 11th Annual Downtown Albany Restaurant Week is: V&R Italian Ristorante, Taste, Public House 42, Parish Public House, Olde English Pub & Pantry, The Merry Monk, La Serre, Jack’s Oyster House, Hudson Harbor Steak & Seafood, The Hollow Bar + Kitchen, Dawn’s Victory Sports Café, City Beer Hall, Charter (Hilton), The Capital American Eatery & Lounge, Café Capriccio, and The Albany Pump Station. Menus, hours of operation, and specials for all participating restaurants are available at downtownalbany.org.
People who patronize participating restaurants will also have the chance to enter to win gift certificates to Downtown restaurants, and to receive discounts at select shows at the Capital Repertory Theatre and Palace Theatre. Full information can be found atdowntownalbany.org.
“Excitement continues to build in Downtown as a number of residential and commercial projects move forward. With more people coming to our District to work, live, or both, Restaurant Week offers the perfect opportunity to try over a dozen of our eateries at a wonderful price,” says Georgette Steffens, Downtown Albany BID executive director. “While here to dine, I encourage people to walk around and see the exciting projects that are creating a vibrant future for our Capital City.”
A Student Night will once again be held on Monday, April 13, 2015 as an extra incentive for college students to come out and dine the 3-course menu for only $15.15 at select restaurants. Restaurants participating in Student Night are: Albany Pump Station, The Hollow Bar + Kitchen, Jack’s Oyster House, La Serre and V&R Italian Ristorante.
From international corporations, regional giants and locally owned proprietors, downtown Albany is more than business as usual. Accented by the powerful currents of the Hudson River to the motivating forces in the State Capitol, downtown Albany stands in good company with some of the greatest names in business today. Over 250 companies call downtown Albany home and signs like IBM, Microsoft and Windstream are seen throughout our historic streets. Since 1996, the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) has worked to restore, promote and maintain the character and vitality of improve the quality of life and overall image of downtown for those who work in, live in and visit the Capital City of the most famous state in the world. The Downtown Albany BID is a private, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. For more information about the Downtown Albany BID please visit downtownalbany.org |@AlbanyBID or call 518.465.2143.
Nationally-Recognized Nonprofit Advocate Dan Pallotta to Speak in Saratoga on April 21
The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce and the Regional Alliance for a Creative Economy (RACE; convened by the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region and the Center for Economic Growth) are teaming up to present nationally-recognized nonprofit advocate Dan Pallotta in Saratoga Springs on April 21.
Dan will discuss the ways in which our society can change our thinking about nonprofit organizations to encourage true innovation and collective impact at a seminar on Tuesday, April 21 at the Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway in Saratoga Springs. Registration starts at 1:30 p.m., and Dan’s discussion will begin at 2:00 p.m. The event is $20 per person, and attendees can register by visiting the Chamber Events section of Saratoga.org.
At 3:00 p.m., following Dan’s remarks, a panel of local nonprofit, philanthropic and community leaders will continue the conversation with their insights. This panel will include Theresa Agresta, Partner, Allegory Studios; Bo Goliber, Community Relations, Fingerpaint Marketing; Doug Sauer, CEO, New York Council on Nonprofits; Laura Schweitzer, PhD., President, Union Graduate College; and Linda Toohey, Chair, Skidmore College Board of Trustees.
“Dan’s discussion is an important part of helping shift our thinking on how nonprofit organizations must be a vital part of our region’s composition,” said Karen Bilowith, President and CEO of the Community Foundation. “To truly galvanize our region and drive economic growth that benefits all residents, we must support and value our nonprofit organizations.”
“The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce is proud to join with RACE to bring Dan Pallotta to our area,” said Todd Shimkus, President of the Saratoga County Chamber. “The programs and services provided to Saratoga County residents by nonprofit organizations are a critically-important element of our community. We hope that Dan’s discussion helps advance the conversation on how our communities can authentically support and engage with local nonprofit organizations.”
This event has been generously sponsored by KeyBank and Steadfast Risk Advisors, LLC, with support from Leadership Saratoga.
ABOUT DAN PALLOTTA
Dan Pallotta invented the multi-day charitable event industry with the AIDS Rides and Breast Cancer 3-Days. These events altered the landscape of options for ordinary individuals seeking to make an extraordinary difference. Dan's work brought the practice of four-figure philanthropy within the reach of the average citizen who had never raised money for charity before in their lives. 182,000 people of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds participated in these inspiring, often grueling, long-distance events that raised $582 million in nine years - more money raised more quickly for these causes than any private event operation in history. Three million people donated to the events.
Dan is the founder and Chief Humanity Officer of Advertising for Humanity, a full-service brand and inspiration agency for the humanitarian sector. He is also founder and President of the Charity Defense Council, a new national leadership movement dedicated to transforming the way the donating public thinks about charity and change.
Dan is the author of Uncharitable: How Restraints on Nonprofits Undermine Their Potential, the best-selling title in the history of Tufts University Press. The Stanford Social Innovation Review said that it "deserves to become the nonprofit sector's new manifesto." His newest book is Charity Case: How the Nonprofit Community Can Stand Up for Itself and Really Change the World from Jossey-Bass. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. described it as "An Apollo program for American philanthropy and the nonprofit sector."
Dan is a featured weekly contributor to the Harvard Business Review online. His iconic TED Talk, “The Way We Think About Charity is Dead Wrong,” is one of the top 100 most-viewed TED Talks of all time. He is a William J. Clinton Distinguished Lecturer, and has spoken at Stanford, Wharton, Harvard Business School, Harvard's Hauser Center for Nonprofits, Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, Tufts University, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the Council on Foundations, the Gates Foundation, Hewlett Foundation, and the Milken Institute, among others.
ABOUT THE SARATOGA COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The work of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce is to initiate and provide programs and services which will enhance members’ ability to successfully conduct their business and to enhance and promote a healthy economy, making Saratoga County an ideal place to work, live and visit. Working collaboratively with the Community Foundation of the Greater Capital Region and RACE, the Chamber is looking to help spread the word about the focus of impact in our nonprofit sector.
ABOUT THE REGIONAL ALLIANCE FOR A CREATIVE ECONOMY
The Regional Alliance for a Creative Economy is a community-selected assembly of Capital Region leaders working on behalf of the region’s creative economy. This project operates under the leadership of the Center for Economic Growth and the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region.
The Creative Economy of New York’s Capital Region encompasses the enterprises and people involved in the origination, production, and distribution of goods and services in which artistic and cultural content gives the product or service value in the marketplace.
The Capital Region Creative Economy project has been designed to assess our region's creative assets and develop ways to leverage related economic development opportunities (e.g. travel and tourism, local economic and infrastructure development, workforce development, etc.). This community-based, collaborative initiative will examine the creative sector, including the arts (performing, literary, visual), design (graphics, fashion), textiles, crafts, architecture, communications and marketing, cinema and film, broadcasting, software development, publishing and printing, cultural and educational institutions, craft beer brewing and distilleries, culinary arts, and more. The project activities span Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Warren and Washington counties.
For more information and a full list of partners, visit www.UpstateCreative.org.
Suny Poly names Capital Region teams advancing in New York Business Plan Competition
Five SUNY Poly CNSE teams selected among finalists after strong presentations highlighted business plans that leverage SUNY Poly CNSE’s unmatched resources
Albany, NY – Showcasing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s educational paradigm as it promotes student entrepreneurialism and supports home-grown businesses in New York State, 10 finalists have been named after the conclusion of the New York Business Plan Competition’s Capital Region semifinal round, with judges selecting five SUNY Poly CNSE-led teams that pitched plans related to energy/sustainability, nanotechnology/advanced technology, and information technology/software to move on to the final round. SUNY Polytechnic Institute’s Colleges of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (SUNY Poly CNSE) hosted the exciting semifinal event, along with title sponsor SEFCU and lead sponsor NYSERDA.
The regional semifinal competition drew interest from 35 student teams from seven accredited New York colleges and universities who gathered to pitch their game-changing business proposals for a chance to reach the final round and win part of the more than $500,000 in total prizes. Semifinal round competitions in nine other regions across New York either have been or are scheduled to take place prior to the final round, which is expected to draw hundreds to SUNY Poly CNSE on April 24, 2015, when the best student teams from each region will go head-to-head. One grand prize winner will be announced, earning $50,000 cash and over $50,000 in in-kind services.
The five winning teams that featured SUNY Poly CNSE students took half of the top spots, in addition to taking both spots in the nanotechnology/advanced technology and the clean energy/sustainability tracks. As a result, teams with SUNY Poly CNSE students that will compete in the final round include ACV Metrology, which was named as one of the top three Capital Region teams, for a high-speed 3D scanner and accompanying software that can accurately measure objects in a number of industries, such as aviation, with unmatched precision to provide quality assurance and the knowledge with which to make products more efficient; Aureonic, which has developed plasmonics-based gas sensors that can reduce harmful emissions and also includes students from Albany Law School and UAlbany’s School of Business; LuxOrioN, which pitched cost-effective, phosphor-based high-efficiency LED lighting and also includes Albany Law School students; Brewminder, which also includes students from Albany Law School and UAlbany’s School of Business who are developing a sensor and software analytics to monitor beer as it is being brewed in real-time, saving manpower and decreasing the amount of wasted product; and Autolabs, which created LabOS (Laboratory Operation Suite), a low cost-solution for automating laboratory sensors and tools via connections to the cloud and user devices to enable students and other researchers to retrieve lab data from any PC or smartphone. ChugaChaga, led by a team of students from the University at Albany, took the top spot in the products/services track and was awarded the Capital Region Cup for its affordable mushroom-based tea that boasts high levels of antioxidants.
The New York Business Plan Competition, now in its sixth year, has continued to grow since its inception. Hundreds of student-led startups have and are continuing to pitch their ventures at regional competitions, which are being held at a number of colleges and universities throughout March and early April. As part of the competition, each team is allowed a set amount of time to explain their innovation, with teams competing against others in a similar category, or track. Panels of national venture capitalists, angel investors, investment bankers, and seasoned entrepreneurs serve as judges, providing the student teams with feedback and a chance to understand how their pitch would be received in the “real world.”
Winners of the Capital Region’s semifinal round by category include:
· Capital Region Cup Top Team— ChugaChaga Inc. – University at Albany
· Information Technology/Software
o Autolabs – SUNY Poly CNSE
o Illium VR – RPI
· Energy/Sustainability
o Aureonic – SUNY Poly CNSE, Albany Law School, and UAlbany’s School of Business
o LuxOrioN – SUNY Poly CNSE, Albany Law School
· Social Entrepreneurship/Non-Profit
o Klicka – Skidmore College
o Double Dees – Skidmore College
· Nanotechnology/Advanced Technology
o ACV Metrology – SUNY Poly CNSE
o BrewMinder – SUNY Poly CNSE, Albany Law School, and UAlbany’s School of Business
· Products/Services
o ChugaChaga Inc. – University at Albany
o All Stolen Apparel Co. – Skidmore College
With Title Sponsor SEFCU powering this unique competition, in addition to support from lead sponsors NYSERDA and First Niagara, friend sponsors National Grid, Anchor Agency, and Center for Economic Growth, and support by SkipsoLabs, Troywebconsulting, Albany Business Review, Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti P.C., Pinnacle, Nixon Peabody, Schwartz Heslin Group, Inc., and Teal, Becker & Chiaramonte, the competition has grown to become the largest of its kind in New York State and one of the biggest in the nation, growing from only one dozen teams competing for nearly $30,000 in prizes in 2010 to $500,000 in prizes in 2015.
For more information about the 2015 New York Business Plan Competition, please visit:
A note from the Troy BID
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