You are invited!  Join us on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at the Ben Franklin i xchange, recognized as the premier business and technology networking event for entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, educators, and business and community leaders.  Keynote speaker Leonard Brody is a highly respected entrepreneur, venture capitalist, best-selling author, and a two-time Emmy-nominated media visionary. Brody’s presentation, This Monumental Shift – Exploring the Future of Behavior, Technology, and Innovation, will address how major technological and behavioral changes over the last 15 years have brought us to what is arguably the most reformative time in history. A highly sought-after speaker, Brody combines a powerful delivery, razor-sharp wit, and cutting-edge content in his presentations to audiences worldwide.  Continue Reading ...

“If PASSION Drives You, Let REASON Hold The Reins.”  Ben Franklin’s quote very aptly describes this year at the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania.  Passion is what makes our work happen. We seek passion in the management teams of prospective clients. We exhibited passion in responding to pressing regional economic development needs by finding a way to expand the Ben Franklin TechVentures business incubator despite severe cuts to our budget. But the key to harnessing the incredible power of passion is to temper it. A modicum of real-world prudence provides balance and must be integrated into planning and implementation. All of us must “let reason hold the reins.” Continue Reading ...

Conduct translational research to determine the feasibility of manufacturing and marketing a new hybrid solar energy system that combines a solar photovoltaic panel and solar thermal heat transfer to generate both electricity and hot water. The company’s product provides retrofit capability, cost advantages, and energy efficiencies in generating both electricity and hot water. The system will serve the residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional markets.

Complete a sustainability anaysis at Harvel with the goal of reducing energy consumption by at least 15%. Harvel is an international leader in the field of thermoplastic extrusions, primarily manufacturing PVC and CPVC piping. Energy costs are one of the top drivers of manufacturing expenses in extruded plastic production. A cost savings in this area is significant.

Complete development of computer models to predict the sound quality of prospective top plates on new guitar models for this producer of acoustic stringed instruments. The new products will provide the optimum sound radiation and tone that is sought by the target demographic. This will help maintain Martin’s brand versus current and future competitors.

Design a national product expansion plan and assist the company in developing a more comprehensive business strategy that will help raise additional capital. A Sound Strategy, Inc. is a software development company that provides solutions that manage business processes more efficiently. The company’s flagship product, siteMaster, helps clients utilize web-based platforms to increase customers’ bottom lines and improve internal operations. These custom proprietary applications will be expanded in existing vertical markets.

Complete a financial model and develop investor documentation, including a revised busienss plan and investor presentaton materials. Appalachian Apps seeks to become the industry leade in AppertainmentTM. Appertainment is smart phone applications for the entertainment industry that feature a more robust platform and greater social media interconnectivity than the competition.