Seeking suggestions and encouraging suggestions for candidates for our class II of board directors (by 4/29)
Once a year, SVTC members vote in an election on who will join its Board of Directors for a 2-year term. On June 30, 2020 the term for our "class II" of directors expires. In order to prepare an election for a new cohort of directors whose term will start on July 1, 2020, the SVTC is seeking suggestions for who should be considered to serve, and be nominated to the slate of candidates. The SVTC Organization and Governance committee will gather suggestions by April 29th.
Please take a minute to suggest a candidate -yourself or someone else- for our class II of directors so the committee can evaluate. (If it's someone else: please COORDINATE first.)
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Virginia Wifi Hotspot Map
-Free, Publicly Available Hotspots-
With the help of local officials, schools, and libraries across Virginia, the Commonwealth Connect team and Virginia Tech have developed an interactive map of free, publicly available wifi hotspots that Virginians can access from a vehicle. Please share this map with your respective networks and constituents who many need access to the internet. Updates will be done weekly they we receive new locations. If you see any free public wifi hotspots missing or listed incorrectly, please email -
commonwealthconnect@virginia.governor.gov.
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Customer Feedback Survey on Businesses Reopening
Your thoughts on how you might support local safely after Virginia's stay-at-home order is lifted can help businesses prepare. When that day comes, sharing what would make you feel comfortable dining, shopping, exercising, worshiping and more will help in the planning for welcoming people back. Please take this survey before May 8.
Please note: HDR and our partners are not advocating for businesses to reopen before it is safe to do so, but we would like to make sure they are prepared for that day. Thank you for your help!
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Member News:
McClung Partners with Virginia Manufacturers Association
April 22, 2020 - McClung is proud to announce it's membership in the Virginia Manufacturers Association. The VMA advocates and represents companies throughout the entire Commonwealth of Virginia and provides its members with reliable and timely information on legislation, regulation, and best practices to protect our communities.
To support this commitment, McClung and the Virginia Manufacturers Association have joined to help clients and members by
providing personal protective equipment (PPE) and other necessary items. Together, we work to utilize reputable sources for both products and information.
About Virginia Manufacturers Association
The Virginia Manufacturers Association develops and advocates for constructive public policies and supports a broad array of business services and programs to help ensure that Virginia manufacturing companies can be productive, profitable and competitive in Virginia. Virginia's 6,000+ manufacturers employ over 230,000 individuals, contribute $34 billion to the gross state product, and account for over 80% of the state's exports to the global economy. For more about the VMA, please visit
http://www.vamanufacturers.com/.
"The COVID-19 pandemic has created shortages in the PPE supply-chain. As we prepare to reopen the economy, it is likely that enhanced PPE use will be necessary and we cannot risk shortages in the manufacturing supply chain. The McClung Companies & VMA PPE Sourcing Center is focused on providing members with PPE and sourcing member-manufactured PPE." said Brett Vassey, President & CEO, VMA.
About McClung Companies
McClung seeks to deliver an exceptional customer experience and be recognized as the region's premier experts for comprehensive printing, marketing, digital services, promotional products, and apparel. For over 70 years, McClung has a continued heritage of innovation, personal service, and exceeding partner expectations at every touch-point. For more information, visit
https://www.mcclungco.com/.
Adam Monk, President of McClung Companies shared, "We are proud to fulfill our corporate mission, through and with a great partner like the VMA. Our mission states we are to support our community and businesses through innovation, personal service, all while exceeding expectations. There is no better way to do that, but to offer and make available products that are so critical today."
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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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Online Marketing 101 Series: Audience Design
April 21, 2020 | 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Immerge is hosting a 3 part Livestream series covering the basics of digital marketing. The first Livestream will be held on Tuesday, April 21st at 11:30. It will cover how to develop audiences, reach them, and how to convert them into customers. This series is designed for businesses that are already doing digital marketing and want to learn more, as well as businesses that want to start digital marketing and want to get started right. (FREE)
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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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Welcome New SVTC Member!
Digital Minerva
Digital Minerva is your local Harrisonburg agency for web awesome! We offer web design and development services, digital marketing through Google and Facebook, search engine optimization and marketing, content services, photography and more.
We believe that building a website and marketing it is as much an art as it is a science. By walking that line, we're able to produce products that stand out from the norm.
We work hard doing what we love, and we have a good time while we're at it! Our clients are our friends, and we're proud of the businesses we've been fortunate to work with here in the valley.
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Shenandoah Valley Open Tech Jobs
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Generate Impact, Harrisonburg (Tech Lead)
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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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