And we’re open for business!

With former Governor Bob Taft as our honored guest, the new $6 million Taft Technology Center was officially opened yesterday in Downtown Youngstown. Located adjacent to the Youngstown Business Incubator, the Center will house accelerated companies from the YBI program.

But, we discovered a problem. The Taft Center is already completely full.

So…shortly we will begin a $3 million renovation of the Semple Building, adjacent to the Taft Center, to house more of our accelerated companies.

And in 2010, we will begin renovations of the Wells Building on the other side of YBI.

And in 2012…..

Well, you get the picture. We’re not stopping until we are the most recognized software application cluster in the Midwest.

Heck, we’re not stopping even then.

Jim Cossler
Chief Evangelist
Youngstown Business Incubator
330.884.6262
www.ybi.org

CONTACT: Julie Michael Smith
Chief Development Officer, Youngstown Business Incubator
330-259-7644; jmsmith@ybi.org

May 14, 2008

FORMER GOVERNOR TAFT RETURNS TO YOUNGSTOWN
FOR GRAND OPENING OF TECH CENTER

Former Governor Bob Taft will join elected officials, the Youngstown Central Area Community Improvement Corporation (YCACIC), Youngstown Business Incubator (YBI) and Turning Technologies for the grand opening of the facility that bears his name-the Taft Technology Center-at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 19.

The celebration, to take place in front of the center, at 255 West Federal Street in Downtown Youngstown, will include comments from Taft, as well as U.S. Congressman Tim Ryan; Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams; G. Richard Pavlock, chairman of the YCACIC Board of Directors; Garry Mrozek, chairman of the YBI Board of Directors; and Michael Broderick, CEO of Turning Technologies, the first tenant of the new facility. The event will conclude with a ribbon cutting ceremony. 

Pavlock stated that the construction of the Taft Technology Center is part of a multi-phase, joint effort by the YCACIC and YBI to create a technology campus downtown and foster an environment for technology companies to share ideas and resources with one another, as well as institutions such as Youngtown State University.

In addition, Mrozek said, “In a great partnership with the YCACIC, the development of Taft Technology Center expands YBI’s presence, allowing it to retain successful companies while supporting the revitalization of the downtown. YBI looks forward to continuing this revitalization partnership and expanding this technology environment.” 

The Taft Technology Center boasts 30,000 square feet. While the YCACIC developed the project with contractor Mike Coates Construction Co., ownership will soon be turned over to the YBI.

 The center cost approximately $5.8 million to build; $3.5 million was targeted for this project from Taft, whose administration championed support for technology-based business development and entrepreneurship. 

Turning Technologies moved into the facility earlier this month, establishing its global headquarters where approximately 130 people are currently employed.

Contact: Julie Michael Smith
Youngstown Business Incubator
330-259-7644 office
330-727-6292 mobile

For Immediate Release: May 9, 2008

Youngstown Business Incubator Hosts Innovation Series

On May 15^th, Youngstown Business Incubator will welcome Dick Wilk, President, Suhas Patil, Vice President of Engineering and Market Development and Domenico Sciaretta, Product Manager, Refractory Specialties, Inc, who will discuss RSI’s evolutionary and extraordinary transition from a basic manufacturer to a leading edge visionary. RSI has developed innovative applications of industrial insulation components in automotive, appliance, HVAC, metals, fuel cell, solar energy and petrochemicals industries as well as industrial process furnaces, solid fuel appliances and high temperature gaskets.  It recently was awarded a $400,000 Third Frontier Grant from the Ohio Department of Development for its High Purity, Robust Kiln Furniture for Low Cost SOFC Manufacturing project. 

They will also discuss the opportunities for international trade for small and mid-size businesses.  Wilk states, “You must be willing to take calculated risk and you must dream big.  Be willing to tackle nearly any problem or opportunity that comes your way.  Our entire organization believes good things happen when you’re in front of the customer.” Wilk led the management acquisition of this former division of Ferro Corporation in 1992 and will share his insights on business succession opportunities. 

Third Thursdays at 3 pm is a networking and educational forum that brings together innovative and progressive people with a vision - to create and sustain an innovative and entrepreneurial environment in the Mahoning Valley.  TH3 events are for local companies to showcase new technologies, for technology organizations to share their resources, for entrepreneurs build relationships, for educators to highlight their initiatives. The forum provides a place for innovative talk, robust debates and inquiring minds. 

All programs are held at Youngstown Business Incubator, 241 W. Federal Street, Youngstown.  The programs are free but reservations are required at 330-259-7644 or jmsmith@ybi.org as space is limited.

Much of NEOinc’s management is in San Antonio this week at the National Business Incubation Association’s Spring conference.  In our absence, we leave you with April’s recap of positive regional change, and look forward to publishing next week. 

There is a lot of positive change happening in the region, particularly around entrepreneurial activities and economic development.  NEOinc follows several regional blogs reporting on these topics.  Sometimes the posts shine a spotlight nationally (or internationally) on the region.  Every month we publish a short list of some of the stories we’ve noticed that embody the spirit of achievement, growth and change in our region.

Here is NEOinc’s April recap of the articles we feel speak to the growth and positive change that is happening quietly, every day, in our region.   Continued

Contact: Mike Ferranti
eGolfShow LLC
330-519-3934

For Immediate Release: May 1, 2008

Local Firms Develop High Tech Golf Website for PGA Professionals

World’s first online searchable golf products catalog 

Perkins Communications, Inc., and eGolfShow LLC today announced the launch of eGolfShow.com, an interactive web site for use by PGA golf professionals.  The two Northeast Ohio firms partnered to create this business-to-business site for premier golf equipment manufacturers to market and sale their products to PGA Professionals and other golf industry retailers. 

eGolfShow.com features a searchable database offering “one-stop shopping” to PGA professionals and retailers. “This is the world’s first online searchable catalog allowing golf professionals to search for their business needs and to see side-by-side comparisons of manufacturers’ product lines,” said Mike Ferranti, PGA Professional and President of eGolfShow LLC.  Ferranti continues, “This revolutionizes the golfing business by giving PGA professionals a direct link to a vast array of the products they need at www.eGolfshow.com.” 

The web site was developed by Perkins Communications, a Youngstown Business Incubator portfolio company, and part owner of the eGolfShow.com web site.  “We are extremely excited about the potential of the eGolfShow.com web site,” said Joe Perkins, president of Perkins Communications.  “Before we even finished writing the software, golf manufacturers from around the world began signing up for the site and uploading their product listings to our database.  Apparently there is pent-up demand for just such a service and we anticipate a lot of PGA professionals will visit the site on a regular basis.” 

eGolfShow.com allows PGA professionals to do “Google” type searches for golf-related items such as golf clubs, bags, carts and even logo imprinted golf balls.  The search results display a picture and description of the item along with a listing of the suppliers. The purchaser can then directly contact the manufacturer of their choice to place an order or get further information, all from the eGolfShow.com web site.

 The partnership seeks to do for golf what Amazon.com did for books and to bring the world of professional golfing to Northeast Ohio.  “I am personally watching the server logs to see if Tiger Woods signs up for a web account”, said Perkins.  “To me, that will indicate more than anything that our region has the power to reach out to the whole world in a powerful way.”

Julie Michael Smith, Youngstown Business Incubator’s Chief Development Officer, has been tapped to moderate the John McCain town hall meeting taking place tomorrow (April 22nd).  The meeting is taking place from Noon to 1 p.m. at Youngstown State University’s Kilcawley Center.

Read more here.

We’ve written before on the Youngstown Business Incubator’s star tenant Turning Technologies.  They are a great example of the kind of companies NEOinc is nurturing throughout the region - high growth, scalable technology companies. They have received the coveted 4 Star Quality Award from PC Magazine. Inc. Magazine ranked them the fastest growing software company in the country last year, and that they topped the most recent Weatherhead 100 list.

But do you really know what they do?

You will now thanks to ABC News which recently featured the firm on their very popular Ahead of the Curve series.

Take a look here:

http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=4593319

The Youngstown Business Incubator’s Third Thursdays at 3 events are always popular programs.  TH3 is a networking and educational forum that brings together innovative and progressive people with a vision – to create and sustain an innovative and entrepreneurial environment in the Mahoning Valley.  TH3 events are for local companies to showcase new technologies, for technology organizations to share their resources, for entrepreneurs build relationships, for educators to highlight their initiatives – it is a place for innovative talk, robust debates, inquiring minds. It is an opportunity to learn about the “cool things” going on – right here in the backyard of the Mahoning Valley!

Next Thursday, April 17th at 3 pm….

David Karpinski, Vice President of Technology Innovation, NorTech, will present the Innovation Accelerator, a program designed to help small and mid size manufacturers develop innovative solutions and ideas.  Developed in conjunction with MAGNET, the program includes monthly programs led by innovation experts, peer groups for networking and idea exchange, and innovation guides which connect companies with other resources to spur innovation and growth.

 Also, Mark Your Calendar for May 15th at 3 pm….

Dick Wilk, President, Refractory Specialties, Inc, will discuss RSI’s evolutionary and extraordinary transition from a basic manufacturer to a leading edge visionary that has developed innovative applications of industrial insulation components in automotive, appliance, HVAC, metals, fuel cell, solar energy and petrochemicals industries as well as industrial process furnaces, solid fuel appliances and high temperature gaskets.  It recently was awarded a $400,000 Third Frontier Grant from the Ohio Department of Development for its High Purity, Robust Kiln Furniture for Low Cost SOFC Manufacturing project. Wilk led the management acquisition of this former division of Ferro Corporation in 1992 and will also discuss the opportunities for international trade for small and mid-size businesses.

Questions? Suggestions? Reserve your seat!
Julie Michael Smith, Chief Development Officer
Youngstown Business Incubator
241 Federal Plaza West, Youngstown, OH  44503
jmsmith@ybi.org   330-259-7644

Ah, Spring.  The daffodils are pushing their way out of the dirt, the forecast shows nothing but 50’s and our Tribe opened with a win.  What’s not to like? 

There is a lot of positive change happening in the region, particularly around entrepreneurial activities and economic development.  NEOinc follows several regional blogs reporting on these topics.  Sometimes the posts shine a spotlight nationally (or internationally) on the region.  Every month we publish a short list of some of the stories we’ve noticed that embody the spirit of achievement, growth and change in our region.

Here is NEOinc’s March recap of the articles we feel speak to the growth and positive change that is happening quietly, every day in our region.   Continued

Zethus Software, a portfolio tenant company of the Youngstown Business Incubator (YBI), has entered into a contract with Youngstown State University (YSU) for software development to support its CyberLabNet Project. The CyberLabNet system will allow people at multiple locations to remotely control analytical and testing equipment used to perform chemical analyses on a variety of materials, including pharmaceuticals, ceramics, plastics, and composites. The new software will improve the functionality and usability of the testing equipment.  In turn, this will decrease the per sample cost of operating the equipment by increasing the number of users that can remotely access the testing capabilities.

Dr. Allen Hunter, YSU Professor of Chemistry and principal investigator for CyberLabNet Project states “Zethus is the ideal collaborator as its underlying technology is aligned with the software needs for CyberLabNet.”  Hunter credits Jim Cossler, chief evangelist, YBI, for the introduction to Eric Parker from Zethus and Hunter and his YSU team are enthusiastic about the opportunity to collaborate with an YBI company.

In 2007, Congressman Tim Ryan (D-17th) secured a $911,000 Federal Appropriations through the U.S. Department of Defense to develop software, create workforce training modules and acquire robotics for CyberLabNet.  This summer, Hunter and Parker will travel to the Army Research Lab in Maryland to begin exploring specific applications of this technology in military settings that would benefit from remote testing capabilities.

About Zethus Software
Zethus Software is a privately-held software development firm focused on developing innovative solutions by using grid and cloud computing technologies to solve real-world business problems. Founded in 2003, the company’s customers include Fortune 100 companies as well as significant educational and institutional clients.  A portfolio company of the Youngstown Business Incubator, Zethus Software received the State of Ohio’s Edison Emerging Technology Award for its commitment to cutting-edge, emerging technological development. Visit http://zethussoftware.com/.

About YBI
The Youngstown Business Incubator is a 501 (c) 3 charitable, non-profit organization, with a primary mission to accelerate the start-up and development of scalable, technology-based companies in northeast Ohio. Located in Youngstown, portfolio companies have been awarded 17 intellectual property patents, developed 24 new commercial software applications and created over 230 high-skilled, technology jobs. YBI provides entrepreneurial assistance, facilities and technology support.  For more information about YBI, visit www.ybi.org.

YBI is also a member of the Northeast Ohio Incubator Collaborative, a group of five regional technology incubators, offering facilities and services to startups and entrepreneurs.