BFTP/NEP’s goal is to help lead northeastern Pennsylvania to a better economic future by building partnerships that develop and apply technology for competitive advantage. To achieve this goal, Ben Franklin staff concentrate their efforts on three key areas:

1. developing early-stage technology-oriented companies,
2.  helping established manufacturers creatively apply new technology and business practices to achieve industry leadership, and
3.  promoting an innovative community-wide infrastructure that fosters a favorable business environment for high-growth companies.

Since beginning operation, BFTP/NEP has helped to create 14,301 new jobs for Pennsylvania workers and to retain 21,236 existing jobs, to start 408 new companies, and to develop 948 new products and processes. The Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania is headquartered on the campus of Lehigh University and operates Ben Franklin TechVentures, an award-winning business incubator/post-incubator facility, in Bethlehem.

Ben Franklin announces the following early-stage company investments:

Lazarus Therapeutics, Bethlehem, Northampton County
Ben Franklin Investment: $100,000
Conduct further pre-clinical testing for a new drug candidate for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. This is being completed in preparation for an Investigational New Drug filing. The company will also research the application of this medication to other traumatic or degenerative neurologic conditions.

LMC Software Solutions, Morgantown, Berks County
Ben Franklin Investment: $100,000
Assist LMC Software Solutions in the launch of its new software platform that supports information technology staff dealing with problems within their companies. 24/7 monitoring and log trails are built in, providing complete audit and compliance functions. Called Enterprise Technical Support Center(ETSC), this platform improves productivity and service availability at a reduced cost.
Viddler, Inc., Ben Franklin TechVentures, Bethlehem, Northampton County
Ben Franklin Investment: $25,000
Continue commercializing Viddler’s on-line video enhancement, distribution, and sharing platform which consumer and commercial customers use to engage their clients and build their brand recognition on-line. Viddler offers the only platform that allows in-line text or video commenting, which has been proven to increase the amount and duration of a video’s viewership. Further develop the current version for business and serious videographers.

Ben Franklin announces the following established manufacturer company investments.

Ashland Foundry and Machine Works, Ashland, Schuylkill County
College Partner: Northampton Community College’s Emerging Technology Applications Center
Ben Franklin Investment: $32,850
Assess Ashland’s current energy consumption to identify ways to reduce usage and energy inefficiencies, and thereby decrease operating costs. Ashland manufactures pump components from high alloy castings.

Hitachi Metals, Lawrenceville, Tioga County
Ben Franklin Investment: $36,250
University Partner: The Pennsylvania State University
Develop a collagen-based core binder system that can displace the phenolic urethane and resin binders now used at this ductile iron caster. This binder system will reduce emissions and energy consumption, allowing the foundry to increase production and profits.

Ben Franklin announces the following special initiative investment.

Pennsylvania College of Technology Thermoforming Center, Williamsport, Lycoming County
Ben Franklin Investment: $10,000
College Partner: Pennsylvania College of Technology
Building on the success of two Plastics Centers of Excellence at the Pennsylvania College of Technology, develop a Thermoforming Center of Excellence. The Center is developing relationship networks among companies and academic institutions in the thermoforming industry, and assessing educational needs in industry.

Please view the introductory video below.

Technology, capital, and business opportunities are flowing across international borders with accelerating speed. Early-stage technology companies in other parts of the world continue to seek opportunities in U.S. markets, and companies currently located in the Lehigh Valley are increasingly seeking customers and funding from abroad. 

Ben Franklin clients such as Authentix, originally spun out of the United Kingdom, established themselves in the U.S. in Ben Franklin’s incubator. The company developed new technologies that allow consumer products manufacturers to prevent product piracy. Other European-based companies have also located offices within TechVentures in recent years.
 
The World Trade Club of the Lehigh Valley was created in the early 1980s by Air Products, Mack Trucks, and Bethlehem Steel to exchange economic information on world activities and conditions. Although the Club has sponsored many events and initiatives over the years, it has  never had a formal base of operations. The TechVentures relationship provides club members with facility services such as conference rooms and state-of-the-art presentation capabilities.   WTCLV members will also be invited to participate in important TechVentures events such as the recent visit by Vice President Joe Biden.

In January 2010, President Obama announced a goal of doubling U.S. exports by the year 2015. This new relationship between Ben Franklin and the World Trade Club of the Lehigh Valley will help foster new international business opportunities for Lehigh Valley technology companies.
About the World Trade Club of the Lehigh Valley
The World Trade Club of the Lehigh Valley is a membership-based business organization that promotes participation and growth in international trade by providing networking, information-sharing, educational opportunities and a global business view for local business professionals.

About the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania
The Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania is part of a four-center, state-funded economic development initiative that links companies with business and technical experts, universities, funding, and other resources to help them prosper through innovation. The organization’s strategy encompasses three key areas: developing early-stage, technology-oriented companies; helping established manufacturers creatively apply new technologies and business practices; and promoting an innovative community-wide infrastructure that fosters a favorable business environment for high-growth companies. The northeastern center is headquartered on the campus of Lehigh University in Bethlehem.

About Ben Franklin TechVentures
Ben Franklin TechVentures is an award-winning technology-based incubator/post incubator facility that is owned and managed by the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania, and located on the campus of Lehigh University in Bethlehem. Ben Franklin TechVentures provides resident companies with the support of an experienced incubator staff, the synergy of working in proximity to other early-stage companies, rental costs lower than market rates, flexible floor planning to accommodate specific needs, and access to Lehigh’s facilities, equipment, faculty, and student resources. These factors combine to greatly enhance incubator resident companies’ probability of success.

The facility expansion, Ben Franklin TechVentures2, will add 47,000 square feet to the existing building, and will include wet labs, office/meeting space, and a parking deck. The addition will increase capacity to as many as 40 companies and 200 high-tech jobs, and will be a certified Leadership Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building.

TechVentures² is an expansion of the Ben Franklin TechVentures incubator/post-incubator facility, created because the original facility had filled to near capacity. Vice President Joe Biden spoke on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and how the $6 million U.S. Economic Development Administration grant toward the expansion of Ben Franklin TechVentures was an ideal example of the kind of economic development the Act was meant to accelerate.

Ben Franklin TechVentures² will be a 47,000 square-foot expansion to the original TechVentures. Located on Lehigh University’s Mountaintop campus, it will include wet labs, office and meeting space and parking to accommodate 260. The addition will be a certified Leadership Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building and will have a photovoltaic solar array on its rooftop and the latest energy management and light-harvesting technologies.

Investing in the Entrepreneurial Spirit

This new facility will create as many as 200 sustainable, highly paid technology jobs and retain 100 more jobs at new start-up companies in its first three years. Twenty-three early-stage firms, employing 118 people, are currently located in Ben Franklin TechVentures². Since 1983, the Ben Franklin Business Incubator has graduated 44 successful companies, grossing more than $675 million in annual revenue, and creating more than 4,000 jobs. The Ben Franklin Business Incubator was named National Business Incubator of the Year by the National Business Incubation Association in 2001.

A “Job Creation Factory”

Ben Franklin TechVentures² will bring together entrepreneurs, BFTP staff and Lehigh faculty and students to accelerate the growth of the region’s technology economy. The facility provides an entrepreneurial culture that fuels innovation; shared basic office services and access to equipment, conference and meeting rooms; high-speed Internet; and other amenities.

“A cornerstone of the American economic recovery will be the creation and retention of high-value, sustainable jobs in technology sectors,” says R. Chadwick Paul, president and CEO of BFTP/NEP. “Like its predecessors, Ben Franklin TechVentures² will be a job creation factory that will accelerate our region’s economic growth.”

Pre-registration closes May 20, so Register now. (Use drop-down menu at bottom of form to specify Nano for Business Conference 2010) Pre-register online, then mail a check for $25 payable to Lehigh University by May 20 to Sue Stetler, Coordinator, Center for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Lehigh University, 470 Whitaker Laboratory, 5 E. Packer Ave., Bethlehem, PA 18015. Registration at the door is $35/person by cash or check. (LNN sustaining members, free; Sponsors and exhibitors, 1 free admission; Gold sponsors, 3 free admissions)

Please e-mail Joan Stanescu at jdsj@lehigh.edu if you wish to be a sponsor:
Table sponsors=>$100 and get one free registration
Gold sponsors=>$300 and get up to three free registrations and recognition on program, website, banners, etc.

For additional information, call Joan Stanescu at (610) 570-6898 or e-mail jdsj@lehigh.edu.

BFTP/NEP’s goal is to help lead northeastern Pennsylvania to a better economic future by building partnerships that develop and apply technology for competitive advantage. To achieve this goal, Ben Franklin staff concentrate their efforts on three key areas:

1. developing early-stage technology-oriented companies,
2. helping established manufacturers creatively apply new technology and business practices to achieve industry leadership, and
3. promoting an innovative community-wide infrastructure that fosters a favorable business environment for high-growth companies.

Since beginning operation, BFTP/NEP has helped to start 398 new companies, developed 865 new products and processes, created 13,931 new jobs for Pennsylvania workers and retained 20,772 existing jobs. The Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania is headquartered on the campus of Lehigh University and operates Ben Franklin TechVentures, an award-winning business incubator/post-incubator facility, in Bethlehem.

Ben Franklin announces the following early-stage company investments:

Advanced-Tec Materials Corporation, West Hazleton, Luzerne County
Ben Franklin Investment: $40,000
Finalize product formulation and production equipment requirements for a new insulation and fireproofing material. Advanced-Tec produces industrial materials based on proprietary formulations utilizing recycled coal-combustion fly-ash. These environmentally sound products achieve superior performance compared to competitive materials.

Electrikus Incorporated, Ben Franklin TechVentures, Bethlehem, Northampton County
Ben Franklin Investment: $38,000
Commercialize the company’s initial product, the Illumaguard. The Illumaguard is a patent-pending, technologically innovative, and energy-smart battery back-up for residential lighting in the event of a power outage. The product is inconspicuous and intelligent in the way it discharges and recharges, and will allow a household lamp to light automatically at the onset of a power outage. It operates for 10 hours on a full charge.

Element ID, Inc., Ben Franklin TechVentures, Bethlehem, Northampton County
Ben Franklin Investment: $50,000
Support the initial sales and ramp-up of a new type of radio frequency identification (RFID) tag reader for use in the materials handling environment. Unlike competitors’ systems, Element ID’s systems provide better read rates; seamless interaction with other automation equipment; intelligent, multi-reader systems designed to work over conveyors; and readers that are not sensitive to interference and can withstand harsh industrial environments.

eVendor Check, Inc., Hawley, Pike County
Ben Franklin Investment: $100,000
Further enhance the current software for the company’s web-based reference checking system for procurement professionals. eVendor Check’s clients reduce risks associated with vendor selection by using proprietary web-based tools and a supporting database, rather than the conventional, less-effective telephone-based method of vendor investigation.The software improvements will allow the company to roll out its services on a broad-scale, high-volume basis.

Future Power of PA, Inc., Moosic, Lackawanna County
University Partner: Wilkes University
Ben Franklin Investment: $74,000
Analyze geological formations in the region to determine if they are a viable location for carbon dioxide sequestration. The new 270 megawatt integrated gasification combined cycle power plant being proposed for Good Spring, PA, has the ability to capture its carbon dioxide by-product. This study will assist in sequestration efforts.

Ben Franklin announces the following established manufacturer company investments.

Dynalene, Inc., Whitehall, Lehigh County
University Partner: Lehigh University
Ben Franklin Investment: $41,146
Develop a new heat-transfer fluid, based on molten salt chemistry, for concentrated solar power plants. Fluids currently used in the solar industry are thermally unstable at temperatures above 390 degrees centigrade, which reduces overall plant efficiency.

Ward Manufacturing, Blossburg, Tioga County
University Partner: Pennsylvania State University
Ben Franklin Investment: $50,000
Reduce energy costs and environmental impact at this manufacturer of cast iron pipe and fittings by replacing cupola coke with collagen-binded anthracite fines as fuel. Also reduce consumption of sand, clay, and coal by implementing a new reclamation system.

The Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania has announced the winners of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Innovation Awards. Winners will be honored at the Ben Franklin i xchange event, scheduled for 5:30 PM on Wednesday, May 12th at the Zoellner Arts Center at Lehigh University.

Awards will be presented in eight categories, to companies or individuals who have achieved business success through Ben Franklin funding and assistance, have helped others to achieve success, or have improved their businesses through innovation. Each award recipient represents a person or company that exemplifies achievement in that particular category.

The purposes of the innovation awards are to congratulate winners on their success and achievement, to highlight the effectiveness of the Ben Franklin program, and to inform entrepreneurs and established manufacturers about the resources that are available to them in northeastern Pennsylvania.

The 2010 Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania Innovation Awards winners are:

Entrepreneurial Achievement
An individual who best exemplifies the quintessential entrepreneurial spirit: a combination of ingenuity, hard work, and innovation that has resulted in the creation of a successful and growing business venture.
Mark E. Granahan, General Manager, Texas Instruments-Lehigh Valley
Ben Franklin TechVentures, Bethlehem
The power chip technology developed at Texas Instruments (TI) -Lehigh Valley increases efficiency in computer systems by up to 20%, reducing the heat emitted by power supplies and redirecting that energy to the device itself. If this technology was adopted in computer systems world-wide, the reduction of power use would equal the output of 12 to 13 coal-fired power plants annually. CICLON Semiconductor, TI-Lehigh Valley’s predecessor, launched at the Ben Franklin Business Incubator, receiving a $150,000 Ben Franklin investment and links to crucial Lehigh University facilities. Just two years later, CICLON graduated, becoming the anchor tenant in the post-incubator space at Ben Franklin TechVentures. The company raised $24 million in venture capital investments, and its products have been designed into devices offered by world leaders in electronics. After beginning with three employees in 2004, CICLON now employs more than 50. In February 2009, CICLON was acquired by Texas Instruments. All local jobs were retained, and the company plans to continue to grow in Bethlehem.
 
Academic Partner
An organization associated with an institute of higher learning that has contributed its time and expertise to supporting the Ben Franklin program. This organization’s contribution has clearly surpassed “normal” expectations for involvement with and support of the Ben Franklin Technology Partners.
National Training Center for Microelectronics, Northampton Community College Bethlehem
John W. Kratz, Director
Northampton Community College’s National Center for Microelectronics (NTCµ) transfers and deploys applied technology to the factory floor by imparting knowledge and skills to the workforces at electronics manufacturing companies. This allows engineers and workers to perform more efficiently by understanding successful manufacturing techniques that reduce waste and increase first-pass yields. Employees whose technology skills are up-to-date and engaged increase bottom-line company profits.  NTCµ offers certification and technology-based courses that enable companies to more effectively compete in the world marketplace. Ben Franklin provided three years of seed funding to NTCµ in the late 1980s, and the Center soon became self-sufficient. Recognized worldwide, the Center currently conducts training programs in the United States and foreign countries such as China, India, France and Singapore. In addition to the hundreds of students that attend the Center’s public course offerings, NTCµ serves an average of 30 companies annually. The growing client roster includes Honda America, Motorola, Siemens, Lockheed Sanders, Schlumberger, and JDS Uniphase.

Incubator Graduate
The company that has best demonstrated successful Ben Franklin business incubation.  The business has been operated skillfully and confidently, meeting all challenges from the development of the product concept, execution of the business and technical plan, successful start-up and operation, to graduation from the incubator.
Particle Sciences, Inc., Bethlehem
Mark Mitchnick, CEO
Particle Sciences is a full-service nanotechnology and fine particle contract research organization primarily serving life sciences companies. Particle Sciences provides clients with the services of industry-specific analytic and bioanalytic labs in addition to well-equipped formulation, characterization, and clean room facilities. Clients range from start-ups to large publicly-traded pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms. Ben Franklin invested $315,000 over three years in the company for the development of a specific encapsulated product which was ultimately commercialized. Particle Sciences currently occupies 15,000 square feet in Bethlehem, and will be expanding locally in 2010. Over the last three years, despite the economy, company revenue has grown 15 to 20% year-over-year, and the staff of four that graduated from the Ben Franklin Business Incubator has now grown to more than 40.

Product Innovation
The company that best demonstrates the commercialization of a unique, innovative product that creatively and effectively meets a market need.
Discovery Machine, Inc., Williamsport
Anna Griffith, CEO and Dr. Todd Griffith, President and CTO
Discovery Machine (DMI) provides systems that enable companies to capture, manage, automate, optimize, embed, and network the knowledge found in the experience and intellect of their key employees. The company developed a suite of novel, patented software tools. The DMI methodology and supporting technology captures, automates, amplifies, and leverages the productivity of staff experts. Companies’ needs to retain the expertise of staff will grow as the “baby boomer” generation continues to move into retirement, taking their knowledge and experience with them. In addition, DMI’s technology helps protect a company’s institutional knowledge in the event it experiences a merger or acquisition, and/or staff recruiting by competition. Ben Franklin invested $335,000 in DMI in 2007 and 2008, and staff more than doubled last year. The company’s customer roster includes well-known and influential technology leaders including Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Boeing, Textron, Bechtel, DARPA, NASA, NAVAIR, and the Office of Naval Research.

Innovative Application of Technology
The company that best demonstrates a “break the mold” approach to integrating new or existing technology into a manufacturing environment.
American Polarizers, Inc., Reading
Nicholas K. Bentley, President
American Polarizers is known worldwide as a manufacturer of optical products including lenses, displays, windows, filters, polarizers, and 3-D lenses. These applications are used in the aircraft, electronics, photographic, animated display, consumer and general scientific industries. The company’s products are sold under the trade names 3DLUX™, Ecplise®, Glare Bar™, and Polarmotion™. Ongoing innovation is required to create increasingly strong bonds for the lamination of multiple layers of material or film as composite layered structures. Ben Franklin linked the company with the Electrotechnology Applications Center at Northampton Community College to facilitate lamination technology, lamination process improvements, and product development in elevated-temperature applications. The company currently employs 21 in the building it owns in the City of Reading.

Manufacturing Achievement
The company that best exemplifies achievement in the manufacturing arena, showing a proven track record of success and an unbending commitment to achieving and maintaining excellence in manufacturing.
Clark Technology Systems, Inc., Milton
Faith D. Clark, President
Clark Technology Systems specializes in engineering services and the fabrication of an extensive range of fluid- and air-handling systems for industries worldwide. Since its founding in 1987, the company has designed, engineered, fabricated, and delivered processing systems for industrial manufacturers, power plants, petroleum refineries, paper mills, liquid natural gas producers, and air separation plants. Clark has grown its market share by becoming a strategic partner with customers, producing systems that are better, faster, and with lower costs of ownership than the competition. Ben Franklin invested a total of $120,000 in Clark in 1995, 2008, and 2009. As a result of its truly customized approach to customer service and Ben Franklin support, Clark is expanding. The company has added 28,000 square feet of manufacturing space, increased employment to 33, and improved sales, with substantial additional growth anticipated.

Entrepreneurial Advocate
An individual from the community who has contributed his leadership, time, and expertise to helping entrepreneurs and the Ben Franklin Technology Partners accomplish their goals. He demonstrates a sincere and selfless desire to see the region thrive, and backs up that commitment with appropriate action.
John T. Hoback, President
Z&H Enterprise Solutions, Ltd., East Stroudsburg
John Hoback’s consulting company, Z&H Enterprise Solutions, offers an array of accounting, managerial, and executive services designed to help high-potential, technology-based businesses grow and prosper. As a member of Ben Franklin’s Solutions Network, Hoback has completed more than 20 business reviews and technical project reviews on a pro bono basis, bringing a rare blend of business savvy and technical expertise to the task. He has worked with numerous Ben Franklin clients and prospects, developing their business plans, preparing them for trade shows and other marketing opportunities, and helping them to better understand target markets. Hoback’s deep expertise, patience, and understanding of the challenges of entrepreneurship allow him to effectively coach young companies. His ability to effectively communicate with both technical and business investment communities renders him an extremely valuable resource to Ben Franklin’s early-stage clients.
Special Achievement
An individual whose strong vision, dedication and commitment to the program have helped to bring about a better business environment for Ben Franklin clients.
Dr. Michael A. MacDowell, President
Misericordia University, Dallas
As Misericordia’s president, Dr. MacDowell has encouraged the faculty and its 2,735 students to participate in projects that lead to technology commercialization and support regional job growth. MacDowell is the chairman of the board of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Technology Institute (NPTI), an organization that serves the 14 colleges located in Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Monroe counties. He also previously served as the chairman of the Council of Presidents, a collaboration among Luzerne County’s five colleges and universities, and as president of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Association of Colleges and Universities. A number of initiatives are the result of his work. NPTI set the foundation for the creation and management of two Keystone Innovation Zones, bringing more than $5 million to the community in economic development funding. NPTI established a technology transfer agreement between Penn State and NPTI member schools, allowing them to accelerate the commercialization of viable intellectual property. In addition, MacDowell was instrumental in supporting the sustainability plan and transition of the Wall Street West initiative from Ben Franklin to NPTI, with plans to create a National Center for Organizational Continuity. In these ways and many more, Dr. Michael MacDowell has significantly improved the technology economy of northeastern Pennsylvania.

The i xchange is the premier business technology networking event in northeastern Pennsylvania. Last year, more than 600 technology entrepreneurs, business people, economic developers, venture capitalists, political leaders, educators, students, bankers, lawyers, and accountants from Ben Franklin’s 21-county service area attended, and even more are expected this year.

The i xchange will combine the presentation of Ben Franklin’s sixteenth annual Innovation Awards with a keynote address by Dr. Joseph Michelli. Michelli is an internationally sought-after speaker, author, and organizational consultant who has been described as “catching what is right in the world and playfully sparking people and businesses to grow toward the extraordinary.” In his presentation, “Innovation Leads Transformation,” Michelli will explore the critical importance of creativity and innovation for delivering customer value and creating business opportunities.

The entrance fee for the i xchange is $50 in advance or $55 the day of the event. To learn more or to register, go to nep.benfranklin.org, e-mail ixchange@nep.benfranklin.org, or call 610-758-5200.
About the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania:

The Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania links companies with experts, universities, funding, and other resources to help them prosper through innovation.  The Center strategy encompasses three key areas: developing early-stage, technology-based companies; helping established manufacturers creatively apply new technologies and business practices; and promoting an innovative community-wide infrastructure that fosters a favorable business environment for high-growth companies. The northeastern center is headquartered on the campus of Lehigh University and is part of a four-center, state-funded economic development initiative.

The Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania has announced that innovation expert Joseph Michelli, Ph. D. will be the keynote presenter at i xchange 2010.
i xchange will be held beginning at 5:30 pm on the evening of Wednesday, May 12, 2010, at the Zoellner Arts Center, Lehigh University, Bethlehem.

The i xchange is the premier business networking opportunity in northeastern Pennsylvania. Last year, more than 600 technology entrepreneurs, business people, economic developers, venture capitalists, political leaders, educators, students, bankers, lawyers, and accountants from Ben Franklin’s 21-county service area attended, and even more are expected this year.

The i xchange will combine an executive networking session, the keynote address by Dr. Michelli, and the presentation of Ben Franklin’s annual Innovation Awards. These awards recognize and salute outstanding accomplishment in business and technology.

Dr. Joseph Michelli is an internationally sought-after speaker, author, and organizational consultant who has been described as “catching what is right in the world and playfully sparking people and businesses to grow toward the extraordinary.” In his i xchange keynote, “Innovation Leads Transformation” Dr. Michelli will explore the critical importance of creativity and innovation for delivering customer value and creating business opportunities.
 
A recession led to the innovations which produced McDonald’s, General Electric, Walt Disney, and IBM. Often, abundance lulls business leaders into complacency. In rich economic times, leaders can prop up bad ideas with money and allow those ideas to languish well beyond viability. Conversely, scarcity drives creativity.

By emphasizing how innovators are the lifeblood of economic recovery, Dr. Michelli will advocate high-quality, low-cost approaches for creating, testing, and commercializing ideas. Dr. Michelli believes that the current economy affords transformational opportunities for companies with entrepreneurial cultures and a passion for creating high-value solutions that elevate the customer experience.

Dr. Michelli authored the bestseller, The Starbucks Experience: 5 Principles for Turning Ordinary into Extraordinary, as well as The New Gold Standard, about service excellence at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, and When Fish Fly: Lessons for Creating a Vital and Energized Workplace, about the world-famous Pike Place Fish Market in Seattle. Dr. Michelli’s i xchange insights will encourage leaders and front-line workers to grow and invest passionately in all aspects of their lives.

About the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania:
The Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania links companies with experts, universities, funding, and other resources to help them prosper through innovation. The Center strategy encompasses three key areas: developing early-stage, technology-oriented companies; helping established manufacturers creatively apply new technologies and business practices; and promoting an innovative community-wide infrastructure that fosters a favorable business environment for high-growth companies. The northeastern center is part of a four-center, state-funded economic development initiative.