Digital Rochester Shares Impact of Photonics Industry on Rochester Region

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 12, 2017

Media Contact:

Lisa Doerner

585-330-9797

Digital Rochester Shares Impact of Photonics Industry on Rochester Region

DR holds a panel discussion on updates in the photonics industry

Rochester, NY - Digital Rochester will be hosting an event on October 26th to share updates in the photonics industry as well as its impact on the Rochester area. DR's Technology Leaders Special Interest Group (SIG) teamed up with the Rochester Regional Photonics Cluster to bring "Digital Rochester's Photonics Update" to the Rochester Museum & Science Center.

A panel of industry experts will provide a basic understanding of the industry for non-photonics professionals, the impact of the photonics industry on the Rochester region and applications of photonics products. Four panel members will be discussing a variety of photonics related topics.

Tom Battley - Executive Director RRPC & New York Photonics

Overview of ecosystem and distinction between AIM and the rest of the regional industry
According to the University of Rochester, Optics, Photonics and Imaging companies employ over 17,000 people in our region, supporting one out of fourteen families. The industries that these companies serve touch us all: biomedical, consumer, defense, aerospace, semiconductor, machine tools, gaming, etc. The challenge for the Finger Lakes Region is how to use this advantage to grow the industry in the future. Are we prepared, and what is being done?

Tony Amarel - President, OpticsProfessionals LLC

National overview of job market

Tony Amarel will provide a national overview of the photonics job market looking at where photonics jobs, suppliers and manufactures are, and some of the influences driving the current hiring cycle. Rochester plays a major role as a central hub of the photonics industry on a national and international scale.

Alexis Spilman Vogt, PhD - Endowed Chair & Associate Professor of Optics, Monroe Community College

Monroe Community College Successes and Momentum

Monroe Community College is the only community college in the country awarding associate degrees in Optics and the global need for Optics technicians is dire. Alexis Vogt will discuss the successes and momentum of MCC's Optical Systems Technology program.

Rick Plympton - CEO, Optimax Systems

What are the various applications? Challenges of rapid growth?

Rick Plympton will share examples of photonics applications that are enabled by digital technologies. Optimax Systems manufactures precision optics for research and industry. Modern advanced manufacturing facilities leverage digital technology for CNC machining, data analysis, production reporting and artificial intelligence for improving processes.

The event runs from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Rochester Museum & Science Center. Tickets are $25 for DR and RRPC members, and $35 for non-members. To register for this event, visit this page: https://digitalrochester.com/event-calendar/#!event/register/2017/10/26/digital-rochester-8217-s-photonics-update.

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About Digital Rochester:

Digital Rochester was founded in 2000 and is made up of professionals and companies working together to strengthen the Greater Rochester Area's technology business community. DR events and community services include a wide array of educational and networking activities designed to support the growth and success of the Rochester business community.

In 2010, the organization grew with the inclusion of the Association for Women in Computing (AWC) and eBusiness Association (eBA). In 2012, DR entered into a strategic alliance with Greater Rochester Enterprise (GRE). This alliance enhances DR's ability to support the Greater Rochester Region's business community.

www.digitalrochester.com