I am very excited about the events we have lined up for the rest of the year. Let me offer some thoughts on the subject if I may. Our Wired Wednesday (WW) luncheon's continue to grow in attendance each month and are a great networking opportunity. We are expanding the promotion of these luncheon's to include the supporters of the Region 2000 Economic Development Council and other Partner organizations to increase the networking "cross pollination" within our region's fastest growing businesses.

Our March WW will introduce businesses to the world of exporting and cover several free, that's right, free programs available to help your business. In April, our WW will focus on Nanotech and Biotech, what these technologies are and how they are going to change our lives and most importantly, how your business can take advantage of emerging trends and technologies around Nano/Bio.

Our Annual Technology Awards Banquet is happening on May 19 and it is shaping up to be our largest event ever. The American Heritage dictionary defines the word banquet as 1. An elaborate, sumptuous repast 2. A ceremonial dinner honoring a particular guest or occasion. Our event is both and a lot more, just ask anyone that attended last year.

Lastly, we are co-sponsoring the first annual Virginia's Region 2000 Partnership Golf Tournament on May 25 at Poplar Grove in Amherst. This event, hosted by the Young Adult Council is going to be a blast as we mix it up with the business leaders that support our four regional organizations. We are also already making plans for our Technology Forum and Showcase to be held on October 20'th along with six more Wired Wednesday's to be held this year. So have a great March and I hope to see you at one of our events soon,

Jonathan Whitt, Executive Director

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

Join us for our March Wired Wednesday luncheon. The topic will be "Exporting Virginia" with guest speaker, Mr. Joe Robinson, Interntional Trade Manager, with the Virginia Economic Devlopement Partnership's International Trade Division. Mr. Robinson will give an overview of the partnership and Virginia's award winning programs and services available to assist Virginia companies interested in expanding their interntional sales.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) is a state authority created to promote economic expansion within the Commonwealth of Virginia. A private sector fifteen-member Board of Directors, appointed by the Governor, oversees all functions of the Partnership. The primary goals of the Partnership's Division of International Trade are to increase the number of Virginia companies exporting and to increase the volume of Virginia exports. As part of its mission to increase jobs in the Commonwealth, the Division of International Trade assists Virginia businesses in their efforts to introduce and sell their products and services internationally.

Our March 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 Wednesday's are great networking events!

Two New Catagories Added

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 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.

Technology Champion of the Year The technology champion of the year award is given to the person who has done the most to promote technology innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology awareness within Region 2000.

Technology Company of the Year The technology company of the year award is given to the company that has proven itself as a leader in it's field, a technology pillar in the community, and an available resource to other technology companies.

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 latest legislative reports for this year's General Assembly session with clickable links to bills of interest to our members.

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.

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.

The First Annual VA's Region 2000 Partnership Golf Tournament - May 25, Amherst
Hosted by the Young Adult Council. More details coming in next month's newsletter. Pleae save this date.

2005 Technology Forum and Showcase - October 20, Lynchburg
Save the date for our technology forum and showcase at the Holiday Inn Select.