TECHNITE20 POSTPONED & NOMINATION DEADLINE EXTENDED
TechNite20 | Where are the emerging businesses at?
A note from Nicky | POSTPONED: TechNite20
TechNite20, originally scheduled for May 5, has been postponed and will be rescheduled, pending facility availability.
We will honor tech and innovation in the Shenandoah Valley as soon as we can.
In the meantime, let's collect and prep all the innovation and tech-based efforts thoroughly. We have extended the nomination deadline to April 15, but if you need add'l time after that, drop me a note info@svtc-va.org. I am especially wondering about entrepreneurs in the Valley, that category is a bit thin.
Surely we have tech-based entrepreneurs??!!
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During Tech Nite, approx. 275 attendees honor and recognize the technology innovators of the area. This recognition helps organizations and individuals immensely - the winning organization is able to expand its network, attract employees, and obtain publicity inside and often outside of the local region. Tech Nite allows attendees to witness the successes and innovative progression of the Shenandoah Valley. We encourage everyone to attend, network with others, and celebrate the innovative companies, organizations, educators, and leaders in our area.
We are still taking nominations! (And they are still coming in, too)
Seeking the Valley's tech leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, innovators, companies, and organizations that have an amplified community impact while using technology!
Tech Nite is the Shenandoah Valley's largest technology celebration of the year!
We're ready for your nominations for the Valley's best and brightest
in the following categories:
Innovation in Community Impact Award
The Community Impact Award is given to an individual, team, nonprofit/civic organization, or company in the Shenandoah Valley that aspires to use its capabilities to help solve a social or environmental issue in a local community while using technology to amplify the impact of a service, mission, or project.
Innovation in Emerging Business Award
Awarded to a Shenandoah Valley start-up/emerging
technology company or entrepreneur.
Innovation in Education K-12 Award
Awarded to the educator or program in K-12 that provides exceptional technology leadership, innovative use and/or development of technology while encouraging students to pursue higher education or training in science, technology, engineering or math.
Innovation in Higher Education Award
Awarded to the educator or program in higher education that provides exceptional technology leadership, innovative use and/or development of technology while encouraging students to pursue higher education or training in science, technology, engineering or math.
Innovation in Development Award
Awarded to a company or organization whose development of new technology applications and/or systems creates new processes, methodologies, and/or services for their own or others' benefit.
Innovation in Utilization Award
This award recognizes outstanding commercial growth and achievement by an established company that either produces or markets high tech products or services, or an established company or organization that produces/offers more
Dr. Noftsinger Leadership Award
Recipient's leadership has served as a catalyst for
positive technology-related activity in the Shenandoah Valley.
People's Choice Award
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SVTC Virtual Luncheon:
What is 5G and Why Should I Care?
April 15, 2020 | 11:45 am - 1:00 pm
5G is the next generation of mobile phone radio technology. Deployment of 5G by wireless phone providers has already begun, and it will ramp up in 2020. In this talk, we'll explain 5G in simple terms and lay out how it will impact you today and in the next decade.
About the Speaker
Scott Robohn is Chief Architect of IP and Optical Networks art Nokia. He is an experienced technology leader with expertise in Mobile Networking, Cloud, IP networking, and related technologies. He has over 25 years experience building and leading teams in technical sales, customer service, and product development.
NOTE: TELECONFERENCE via Google Hangouts Meet. This platform is operating system independent. We will email you the Google Hangouts Meet link after you've registered. (We will also use a waiting room and admit you from there.) For any questions, please contact admin@svtc-va.org. If you're accessing the meeting via desktop the link will open in a browser; Chrome recommended but not necessary. If you're accessing the link from a mobile device, we recommend pre-installing the Hangouts Meet app.) You can use camera or not. Calling in via phone # is also possible.
Thank you luncheon sponsors!
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Have a Virtual Tech Event?
We'll Promote it in our Newsletter & Calendar!
Are you a local tech meetup/user-group or organization hosting
a virtual event within the Shenandoah Valley?
With the recent impacts of COVID-19, we're looking to help promote all of the Valley's techn
ology community events that have now gone digital by adding them to our
newsletter
and
calendar
(our publicity).
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Member News: Segra Offers Businesses Free Premium Collaboration Service During COVID-19 Crisis
Free 90-Day Service Supports Businesses Facing
Remote Workforce Challenges
Charlotte, NC, April 8, 2020 -
As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic evolves and many businesses adjust to managing a remote workforce, Segra is ensuring its business customers can keep their employees connected and productive, while maintaining health and safety protocols, by offering its
Unify
collaboration service free for 90 days to new and existing customers.
During April, Segra will offer Unify to new customers for a period of 90 days at no charge, and offer free upgrades for existing Hosted Voice customers.
This single application provides a unified communications experience across multiple devices and operating systems. By bringing together real-time communications services, Unify enables workers and businesses to access telephony features, send and receive documents and instant messages, and collaborate with voice, video and desktop sharing services.
Unify is a suite of fully integrated multimedia messaging services for any size business that meets this challenge, providing
all the features necessary to support remote workforces, including:
- File and email sending
- One-to-one or group messaging
- Direct audio and video calling
- Audio or video conferencing
- Desktop sharing
"We've seen a significant rise in the use of online collaboration tools over the past few weeks as our business customers rely on a growing number of their employees working remotely," stated Greg Guerra, Segra President and COO. "Now more than ever, connectivity and collaboration are critical for our business customers and we want them to have the products and services necessary for them to remain productive as they deal with managing their remote workforce."
Businesses interested in Segra's Unify Hosted Voice Client service to enable workforce collaboration and connectivity can call 833.GO.SEGRA or email customercare@segra.com.
Learn more about Segra Unify Hosted Voice service
here
.
About Segra
Segra is one of the
largest independent fiber bandwidth companies in the eastern U.S.
The company has an advanced fiber infrastructure network of more than 23,000 miles that connects more than 9,000 on-net locations and six data centers throughout nine Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern states. Segra provides Ethernet, MPLS, dark fiber, advanced data center services, IP and managed services, voice and cloud solutions, all backed by its industry-leading service and reliability. Customers include carriers, enterprises, governments, healthcare organizations, defense, education and small businesses. For more information about Segra's technology and commitment to customer care, visit
segra.com
.
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"Drive-in" Wi-Fi & Keeping People Connected
to the Internet During COVID-19
We're all relying on the internet more than ever, but what about those that don't have access? Check out what Lingo Networks is doing to connect people with FREE Drive-In WiFi service! In this Business Spotlight episode, Converge Local is interviewing Chase Smith, Marketing Director at Lingo Networks to learn more about this new project, get the inside scoop on internet stability, learn about his grandfather's pioneering spirit that started the family business, and more! For Free Drive-In WiFi locations, go to
lingonetworks.net/driveinwifi
.
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2021 Virginia Telecommunications (VATI)
Input Session Webinars (4/14 or 4/23)
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Tuesday, April 14, 2020
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
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Thursday, April 23, 2020
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
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The Virginia Telecommunications Initiative (VATI) Input Sessions that were originally being held in-person will now be held as webinars using the Adobe Connect platform. If you have previously registered, you do not need to register again. If you have not registered, please register using the link below. The meeting link will be sent out to registrants the week of the scheduled session.
The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) will host two input sessions to discuss the proposed FY2021 Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) guidelines and criteria. The meeting is open to the public. Representatives from units of local government, internet service providers and other interested stakeholders are encouraged to attend.
VATI has an introduced budget of $35 million for FY2021 to implement broadband infrastructure deployment in partnership with units of local government and private internet service providers across the commonwealth. The funds shall be used to extend service to areas that presently are unserved by any broadband provider.
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ICAP Lean Startup Introductory Course
* Virtual Cohort *
Application Deadline: April 26, 2020 at 12:00 am
A new concept to conduct this course! Content and schedule has been adjusted to make it as effective as possible in a virtual setting. This cohort will begin later this month with an introductory call on April 27th at 6pm. Special preference will be given to teams with a focus on either cybersecurity and pandemic response, however, we encourage all technology and product companies to apply.
Based on the National Science Foundation's I-Corpsâ„¢ program for Lean Startups, ICAP helps inventors and entrepreneurs take the right first steps in bringing new technologies and innovations to market.
ICAP includes FREE introductory training programs and counseling services offered through ICAP instructors and local SBDC counselors. ICAP helps startups identify potential customers and develop successful business models based on that knowledge. It is an ideal program for early-stage companies trying to prepare for eventual venture investment.
Preferred Sectors
The cohort will give preference to startups focused on the following sectors/solutions:
Cybersecurity
Software | Telecommunications | | Information & Communication Technologies | E-Commerce | Networking & Equipment | Electronics/Instrumentation | Sensors | Materials | Drones | IoT
Pandemic Response
Biotechnology | Biopharmaceuticals | Medical Devices | Laboratory Instrumentation | Diagnostics | Healthcare IT | Nutraceuticals | Agricultural | Software | Telecommunications | Information & Communication Technologies | Sensors | Manufacturing
Important Dates
- April 26, 2020 - Applications are due by midnight
- April 27, 2020 - 6:00pm - 8:00pm - Introductory Webinar
- May 6, 2020 - Acceptance notifications and communication with next steps
- May 11, 2020 - 1:00pm - 3:30pm - Customer Segments and Initial Team Presentations
- May 12, 2020 - 1:00pm - 3:30pm - Value Proposition
- May 13, 2020 - 1:00pm - 3:30pm - Customer Discovery
- May 20, 2020 - Each team participates in a pre-scheduled group video call review of the team's Customer Discovery Progress over the first week
- May 27, 2020 - 1:00pm - 3:30pm - Final Team Presentations
During this introductory program, there is extensive work done outside the virtual classroom. In addition to the virtual class meetings, participants should expect to spend another 10-15 hours per week on customer discovery and course assignments. At the conclusion of the program, you will remain connected with your ICAP adjunct to continue your progress on the Five Steps to Startup Success over the following 6 to 24 months.
The introductory program is designed to generate a maximum impact over a relatively short duration and should be considered a required first step for anyone interested in commercializing a technology or product, whether through a startup or licensing arrangement. Some graduates of this cohort may be eligible to apply to NSF's Seven-week National I-Corps Program, which includes non-dilutive grants for customer discovery and prototype development. Additionally, this program can help teams develop better submissions for SBIR and CRCF grants from Virginia's Center for Innovative Technologies.
 Your ICAP Instructor
Bob Smith is currently the Director of I-Corps at George Washington University where he helps researchers, inventors, and technology startups develop their technology commercialization and technology business startup efforts. He is also an instructor with the NSF's DC I-Corp Node.
Bob has 30+ years' experience in innovation and entrepreneurship. He is the Chairman of CollegeFactual.com, a leading college rankings website. He's held senior management positions at Congressional Quarterly and America Online in sales, marketing, and new product development and was the founder and CEO of the first nation-wide online city guide, Digital City. As an executive, angel investor, and advisor he has helped companies in e-commerce, e-government, identity management, content publishing, geospatial analytics, data science, and local media go from launch through to favorable exits.
Bob received a BA from USC and his MBA from GWU. He is a veteran of the US Navy.
This cohort is brought to you by
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COVID-19 Resources & Local Open/Closed Businesses
During this uncertain time, we feel the need to share information that will help our readers monitor the current situation. Below we have linked several resources.
We also recommend you take a look at the following article providing additional COVID-19 resources for economic development planning and recovery:
https://restoreyoureconomy.org/
Resources to monitor COVID-19 updates:
Open/closed businesses (& altered hours of operations) in the Shenandoah Valley:
Broadband Resources
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted Virginian's ability to work, access healthcare and education, and has magnified the digital divide more than ever before. The Commonwealth Connect team has launched a webpage to provide information about what both the federal government and Virginia's ISPs are doing in response to the crisis. Please see: https://www.commonwealthconnect.virginia.gov/COVID-19
Business Resources
- SBA's Disaster Loan is a program designed to help small businesses and non-profit organizations meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot otherwise be met as a direct result of COVID-19. The SV SBDC provides information and assistance in the loan preparation documents. To learn how to apply for the SBA EIDL: disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/Information. For assistance from the SVSBDC to apply see here: valleysbdc.org/covid-19.
- Status of Building Officials' offices across the Commonwealth on VBCOA website
- Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation: COVID-19 Update Page outlines regulated non-essential businesses that most close
- FEMA has a page on HOW TO HELP that gives contact information producing COVID-19 related products. *Contact the SBDC office if you want more detail on the challenges of creating/manufacturing personal protective products, and we'll put you in touch with our International Trade Manager and other subject matter experts.
- Virginia Rapid Response COVID-19 Business Support Initiative: The Shen Valley Workforce Development Board has received funding to assist employers eligible to remain open during emergency. Funds are reserved for small businesses. More information and application process at vcwvalley.com.
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COVID-19 Resources
Provided by the Shenandoah Valley Partnership
The Shenandoah Valley Partnership has provided an incredible list of helpful resources for our region. We have included a few of these links from their website, but we encourage you to take a look on their page, as they will be updating it routinely with additional resources. Please visit
https://theshenandoahvalley.com/covid-19-resources/ to view the entire list.
Business Resources
Emergency Loan Programs
Small Business Administration (SBA)
Local Resources
Questions regarding finances? Reach out to your financial institution. Payment deferral programs exist at many banks for businesses and consumers.
State Resources
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Harrisonburg-Rockingham Community Services GIS App
As part of the County coronavirus alert and GIS hub, an application was created to support community business and organizations to assist the efforts of the recently formed Regional COVID-19 Business Support Task force.
This map application provides information from businesses and organizations detailing how they provide goods and services to our citizens during the COVID-19 crisis. This information will be updated as our community partners provide new information.
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Shenandoah Valley Open Tech Jobs
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James Madison University, Harrisonburg (Scientific Computing Specialist)
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Middle River Regional Jail, Staunton (IT Systems Technician)=
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Segra, Waynesboro (IT Operations Technician)
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Harrisonburg High School (Computer Science Teacher)
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Augusta County Service Authority, Verona (Systems Analyst/Developer)
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Vision Technology Group, Harrisonburg (Tier III Network Engineer)
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Budget Referee, Harrisonburg (Full Stack Developer with front end web development focus)
GOT ADDITIONAL JOBS THAT SHOULD BE PUBLICIZED
? SEND US A NOTE AND WE'LL PUBLICIZE THEM.
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Participate in the local tech conversation: Rocktown Tech (Slack)
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SVTC MEMBERS INVITATION: DISPLAY YOUR MEMBERSHIP STATUS
Membership Badge Available
Use our new graphic on your own website (and remember to link back to our website
www. svtc-va.org
!)
Choose the graphic file of your choice:
Let us know when you incorporate this graphic and we'll mention your site in return!
Examples:
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The Shenandoah Valley Technology Council does not endorse the companies, organizations, teams, or events mentioned, or take a stand on any of the articles or notices or events included.
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Silver Level Member
Level III Members
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>> Ready to become a member, too? Membership Benefits
& Prices >> How have you benefited from participating in our activities and/ or from membership? Tell us! Info@svtc-va.org |
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Contact Us
Shenandoah Valley Technology Council
800 S. Main Street MSC 3615
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807
540-568-7882
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