This month I want to offer the invitation and reminder to you that the Tech Council is your organization and I ultimately work for you. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have an issue that your business is facing. Over the past year, we have been working hard to develop relations with other regional and state organizations that can be a valuable resource to your business. Combined with the VA Economic Development Partnership, the Region 2000 Economic Development Partnership, the Regional Commission, the Workforce Investment Board, and the Business Development Centre, there's not a lot that we cannot help with.

Two of our prime objectives here at the Technology Council are to promote the development, growth, and recognition of technology organizations in Region 2000 and to link Region 2000 technology organizations with investors, legislators, educators, support organizations, and other critical resources to foster growth and entrepreneurship. While we put emphasis on networking, education, and special projects, I want to make sure that you know that we are here to help your technology business directly in any way we can.

I appreciate the opportunity to serve as Executive Director of this organization and get great personal satisfaction from seeing your business grow. Region 2000 is a wonderful place to live and work and we are working hard to keep it that way. I am but a phone call or email away, so never hesitate to contact me. I know I don't have all the answers but I bet I can put you in touch with someone that can be of great help to you.

Lastly, let me mention that I have received interest from several people in an IT Professionals forum. If you are an IT Professional and would like to get together on a quarterly basis for an informal dinner and guest speaker event, please let me know. If there's enough interest, then the Tech Council will sponsor such an event and get the ball rolling. Hope to see you at this month's Wired Wednesday,

Jonathan Whitt, Executive Director

February 16 - Noon at the Holiday Inn Select, Downtown Lynchburg

Join us for our February Wired Wednesday luncheon. The topic will be "Super Charging Regional Innovation" with guest speaker, Mr. Bill Guzek, President of the Region 2000 Technology Council and Project Director for the Center for Advanced Engineering and Research. Mr. Guzek will give an overview of the plans underway to create a center for research and development in Region 2000.

The Center for Advanced Engineering and Research (CAER) will serve as a catalyst for companies in the region to use to tap into the research being conducted at the major Virginia Universities as well as a resource to tap into the business, economic, and science expertise of local colleges. Specific centers of applied research and engineering will be formed based on regional growth industry clusters. CAER is a joint effort by the Center for Advanced Engineering, Region 2000 Economic Development Partnership, Region 2000 Technology Council, Region 2000 Regional Commission, Central VA Industries, and Virginia's Center for Innovative Technology.

The cost is $10 per person for members, $15 for non- members and includes a buffet lunch. RSVP's to rsvp@r2ktech.org are greatly appreciated. Wired Wednesday's are great networking opportunities.

Technology Awards Night - May 19

Each year the Technology Council celebrates our successes from the past year at our annual Awards Night. Part of the celebration includes the recognition of three special award recipients. Nominations are open for the following awards and must be received to jwhitt@r2ktech.org by March 25. To nominate an award recipient, simply send us an email stating why you feel the person or company deserves the award. The R2KTC Board of Directors will review the nominations and vote on the winner. The winners will be announced at our Awards Night on May 19 at the Radisson Hotel.

Innovator of the Year The award for innovation is given to the person or company that has developed an innovative process, product, service, or program that enhances quality of life or greatly advances an existing area of technology.

Educator of the Year The educator of the year award is given to the K-12 educator that has best championed technology and science learning through hands-on activities with their students. This educator is known for their personal love of learning and known by their peers to be an outstanding educator.

Entrepreneur of the Year The entrepreneur of the year award is given to the person or company that has made the most progress over the past year in growing their technology related business.

An R2KTC Member Benefit

As a member of the R2KTC, you are also a member of the VA Technology Alliance, a group that represents the interests of all of Virginia's Technology Companies. One of the main focuses of the VTA is our legislative representation and reporting to our members. Here are the first three legislative reports for this year's General Assembly session with clickable links to bills of interest to our members.

February 10 Deadline

Who should Submit? Entrepreneurs who desire a critical review of their business plan or presentation for improving their prospects with investors and strategic alliances/partners. Aimed at small growth companies and start-ups, this program focuses on equipping the company for the next level through objective critique and mentoring. Next deadline for plan submission is February 10. About the Review Process: Our thorough business plan or presentation review process offers a detailed evaluations using a scorecard matrix, assessment of each plan against 50+ critical success factors, critique from a wide range of disciplines, including: Entrepreneurs, business advisors and analysts from the financial and investor community. End Goal: Our intent is for every Certified Business Plan to be assured of an earnest review and consideration by a number of qualified investment sources. We have arranged for a "fast path" with some VC's and Angel Clubs in the Mid- Atlantic Region. This process will vault you to the head-of-the-line for consideration! For more information call Bridget Archer at 434-979-7259 or cvg@cville-venture.org.

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.

he Holiday Inn Select.