Happy Birthday to us! This month we celebrate the Technology Council's third birthday. Over the past three years we have accomplished a great many things together. Here's a little history on how the council was started.

The R2KTC started off in 2000 as a group of technology minded business and community leaders who met on a regular basis and organized under the direction of the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Association and Virginia's Region 2000. By the spring of 2002 it had become apparent to those involved in the Council that we needed to stand on our own as a viable asset to the community after learning the results of a region-wide business survey.

It was determined that those companies and educational intuitions interested in Information Technology, the Internet, Wireless Services, and even general Manufacturing, could all benefit from the creation of a new Region 2000 Technology Council. This became the drive to determine the interest and start the process of "re-inventing" the Council.

To help bring this group together was the opportunity to host a meeting with the Commonwealth's Secretary of Technology as he made local appearances to discuss the "State of Technology" around the Commonwealth. That meeting was to take place in the summer, and the new council startup group was determined to make the meeting a success. Planning began simultaneously with the election of officers in April 2002. Those elected officers were: Tom Boaz-President, Clay Coleman-Vice President, Dave Evans-Treasurer, and Summer Pugh-Secretary.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, we would not be here today if it were not for the individuals that founded the council and those that continue to volunteer their time and energy to make our cause a success. I thank each of you for being a part of this great organization. So happy birthday, let's charge on together,

Jonathan Whitt, Executive Director

Joining the Tech Council

Welcome BWX Technologies and Computer Ventures, we are pleased to have you as new members of the Tech Council! Not a member yet? Join the Region 2000 Technology Council and only pay $100 for your first year's membership, regardless of the size of your company. The R2KTC is a 501c6 non- profit business organization. Click here to download our membership application. Benefits to Membership include:

April 13 - Noon at the Holiday Inn Select, Downtown Lynchburg

Join us for our April Wired Wednesday luncheon. The topic will be "The VA Biotechnology and Nanotechnology Initiatives" with guest speakers, Dr. Terry Woodworth, Director of Life Sciences, CIT and Dr. Lisa Friedersdorf, Director of the Virginia Nanotechnology Initiative.

There is considerable activity in nanotechnology and biotechnology around the Commonwealth, from research in our laboratories to development and commercialization in our small and large companies. This seminar will provide an introduction to these initiatives and summarize the programs and capabilities in Virginia.

Our April Wired Wednesday will be held at the Holiday Inn Select in downtown Lynchburg from noon until 1:30pm. The cost of admission is $10 per person for members ($15 for non-members) and includes lunch. Seating is limited, please RSVP to rsvp@r2ktech.org or by calling the Region 2000 Technology Council at 434.847.1447. Wired Wednesdays are great networking events!

Tickets On Sale NOW!

You are invited to join the Region 2000 Technology Council for a gala evening at the Radisson Hotel in Lynchburg on May 19, 2005 as you network with the region's foremost technology entrepreneurs, educators, and innovators.

May 25 - Poplar Grove Golf Course, Amherst

Join us at the first annual Virginia's Region 2000 Partnership Golf Tournament at Poplar Grove in Amherst on May 25th. Proceeds will benefit the Young Adult Council. The format is Captain's Choice with a 10 a.m. shotgun start. Lunch will be provided from noon to 1 p.m. and the awards reception will begin at 3:30 p.m. So, put a foursome together and join other Region 2000 business leaders, new and old(er) at our first golf tournament. Sponsorship opportunities still exist. Download the flyer for more details.

Sponsored by CIT

Looking for angel or venture capital close to home? Take a look at CIT's Monthly Digest of Regional, Early- Stage Financing Events, Deadlines and News for Virginia's High Technology Companies by clicking on this link.

Impacting Rural Communities through New Age Technologies Conference
April 18-19, Danville
This conference will feature exhibits, keynote addresses and a variety of sessions that address pressing technology issues. Gain critical organizational efficiency information for decision makers! Learn how to position rural communities and regions for global competitiveness! The conference will attract an audience of technology leaders from business, education, economic development and industry. For additional information and to register please visit www.ircnat.com.

Young Adult Links "Uncle Sam Slam"
April 15, Lynchburg
Join the Young Adult Links at their April Event event for the Best Tax Day Party in Town. Beer and Wine Sampling, Appetizers, Music, and More. Ages 21-35 welcome.

Region 2000 Tech Prep Academies
August, Lynchburg
The Region 2000 Tech Prep Consortium, in partnership with Central Virginia Community College, The Advanced Manufacturing Technology Education Center and the Region 2000 business community will once again offer High Technology Academies for middle school students. These academies are high- quality career exploration events and a growth experience for all participants.

Blue KIWI Summer Camps
This Summer, Various Locations
It's a week of fun days, and you'll learn how to start your own business! We'll show you how to become an entrepreneur; we'll even teach you how to pronounce the word! As a blue KIWI you'll get to experience economics and practice citizenship concepts, vital to running a successful business. You'll be introduced to local business owners and government leaders who will share how they've approached their careers. You'll even have opportunity to start your own business thanks to Mini-Society"! Introduced to Region 2000 last year, Mini-Society has been taught for years throughout the United States. It's designed for children ages 8 to 12, coinciding with Virginia's Standard of Learning objectives for that age group. Join us for one of our six summer camp experiences!