Our annual awards banquet is just around the corner and there's only 10 days left to register. Last year, our event was well attended; click here to see the pictures. This year, we are expecting an even larger crowd as we celebrate our technology achievements here in Region 2000.

Why is it important for you to be there? We need to show support for one another as part of the technology sector of Region 2000. The Tech Council has brought together an interesting mix of people as we have been involved over the past three years in projects that include: regional infrastructure development, economic development, and technology awareness. As we move into our new fiscal year on July 1, our council will adopt a more focused work plan to involve you! I want to share this plan with you on May 19. I want you to get to know one another. I have been amazed watching people here in the region connect with one another over the past year. Just recently I was at a breakfast where two people at my table recognized each other's names but had never met face to face. Their companies had been doing business together for years but these people had never met. As they got to know each other better that morning they talked about ways they could do more together. May 19 is your chance to meet your peers and network with the many people that make Region 2000 the best place to live and work. So, will you join us on May 19? I promise that you will have a great time and find this event well worth your time and money. Hope to see you there,

Jonathan Whitt, Executive Director

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.

June 8 - Poplar Grove Golf Course, Amherst

Join us at the first annual Virginia's Region 2000 Partnership Golf Tournament at Poplar Grove in Amherst on June 8th. 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.

Joining the Tech Council

Welcome Train IT and Comprehensive Benefits, Inc., we are pleased to have you as a 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:

CVCC Technology Fair
May 13, CVCC
On Friday, May 13 CVCC will host its annual Technology Fair on the CVCC campus. This event brings together over 300 technology students from regional high schools in a series of projects and competitions in the area of design and drafting. Projects focus on applications from architectural, civil and mechanical design. This year's event includes a wooden water pump competition, a trebuchet construction and throwing competition, a Bridge Construction & Testing Competition, and a windmill construction competition. As part of this event, we are inviting regional industries to participate by hosting a display and/or demonstration of your company's work. This display would be from 9:00 - 11:00 AM the morning of May 13. Some type of hands-on demonstration is preferred but any type of presentation is welcome. If your company is interested in participating in this event, please contact Bob Bailey at (434)832-7764 or at baileyr@cvcc.vccs.edu to get more information.

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!