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The Shenandoah Valley Connection
June 11, 2021
Tech Nite 21 | June 16, 2021
Nominees Announced | Reservations Closing Soon
June 16, 2021 | 4 pm | Tech Nite 21

Reservations closing soon!

Tech Nite is the Shenandoah Valley's largest technology celebration of the year! On June 16, we will again highlight the successes of technology firms, organizations, and programs in the region and the entrepreneurs, innovators, leaders, and educators behind those successes. Tech Nite will again be in a virtual platform (Remo) that easily facilitates moving around at-will for excellent networking!

And the 2021 nominees are....
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
(Sponsorship available! Please see Sponsorship Information for details.)
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 traditional products and services (where technology itself is not the core business purpose).


Dr. Noftsinger Leadership Award
The recipient’s leadership has served as a catalyst for positive technology-related activity in the
Shenandoah Valley.

Joanie Eiland

Pam Carter
People's Choice Award
Awarded to one nominee from the other 7 categories at the end of the evening. ALL nominees are automatically candidates — and the company, organization, or individual with the most votes through social media *before* and *during* the event will win. Special hashtag will be announced for social voting.
SVTC 2021 Class I Board Election Candidates | Annual Meeting
The SVTC's Board of Directors is divided into two groups, called classes, for governance purposes. Each year, the term of one of the classes expires. To prepare, the council holds elections in the spring of each year so that a new class of directors is elected and can be appointed by the board of directors before the end of the current term on June 30th.

The process:

  • The SVTC Organization & Governance Committee received suggestions for a new class I of directors by April 30, 2021 and evaluated, and later approved, them together with the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors.
  • The list of class I candidates and their biographies is posted below.
  • On June 8, 2021, eligible SVTC members were invited to vote -using a special link- which was sent by email. Each member, whether individual or corporate, receives one vote per membership.
  • The process concludes at the Annual Meeting of members (June 16, 4:05 pm, at the beginning of Tech Nite 21, virtually, in the Remo platform. Members who’d like to attend the Annual Meeting only, can make a free reservation using the Tech Nite reservation form and checking the corresponding box.) The SVTC BoD meets before June 30, 2021 to review the election and appoint directors to the 2-year term (which starts July 1, 2021).



Governor Northam Announces Plastics Manufacturer to Establish U.S. Corporate Headquarters in Harrisonburg
SIBO GROUP to invest $2.6 million in new operation, creating 24 new jobs

RICHMOND (May 27, 2021) - Governor Ralph Northam today announced that SIBO GROUP, a Slovenia-based manufacturer of closure solutions for tubes, containers, and other packaging systems, will invest $2.6 million to establish its U.S. corporate headquarters and a new manufacturing operation in the City of Harrisonburg. Operating as subsidiary SIBO USA, LLC, the new facility will be located at 810 North Main Street and the project will create 24 new jobs. 

“It is a strong vote of confidence in our business climate when an international company chooses Virginia as its gateway into the U.S. market,” said Governor Northam. “We are proud to welcome SIBO USA to Harrisonburg, where the company will find a topnotch workforce with a wealth of manufacturing experience.”

Founded in 1967, SIBO GROUP began by producing plastic closures for the cosmetic industry. The company now manufactures plastic caps and shoulders, moulds, technical components, and other items, supplying many of the world’s leading brands in the fields of oral care, cosmetics, pharmacy, medicine, household, sanitary, and food products. SIBO GROUP exports to more than 65 countries around the world, has over 300 customers worldwide, and produces over five billion pieces every year. SIBO USA will enable the company to better serve its North American customers.

“Virginia has long been a manufacturing stronghold and its commitment to support our many manufacturers complement SIBO GROUP’s history and long-term goals,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “Our strategic location, access to key markets, world-class amenities, and skilled talent makes Harrisonburg an ideal launch pad for SIBO’s future growth.”

“SIBO GROUP decided to establish its first U.S. production facility in Harrisonburg and to commit our production resources to Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley due to the welcoming culture, strategic geographical position, investment-friendly state incentives, advanced infrastructure, economically active and innovative population, highly-qualified human capital, and tradition of industrial manufacturing,” said Mat Zakotnik, CEO of SIBO USA. “Our global team analyzed potential investment opportunities across the U.S., and we concluded that Virginia and Harrisonburg offer the best deal for our mutual success, not only in the form of market expansion opportunities for SIBO USA, but also by providing unprecedented local job creation potential, inclusive local community, and long-term corporate partnership.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Harrisonburg to secure the project for Virginia and will support SIBO USA’s job creation through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP), which provides consultative services and funding to companies creating new jobs in order to support employee recruitment and training activities. As a business incentive supporting economic development, VJIP reduces the human resource costs of new and expanding companies. VJIP is state-funded, demonstrating Virginia’s commitment to enhancing job opportunities for citizens.
“Harrisonburg is excited to be selected as the U.S. corporate headquarters and manufacturing location for SIBO GROUP,” said Deanna R. Reed, Mayor of the City of Harrisonburg. “The Shenandoah Valley’s strong manufacturing base, skilled workforce, and our strategic location on Interstate 81 all contributed to making Harrisonburg a perfect match for SIBO. We are thrilled to welcome this international firm to our community.”
“Thanks to the SIBO GROUP for working in partnership with the Commonwealth and the City of Harrisonburg, we now have an international business headquartered here in the Shenandoah Valley,” said Senator Mark Obenshain. “This economic growth is tremendously exciting and solidifies the Valley as a great place to live, work, and do business.”

“I am delighted that SIBO GROUP has selected Harrisonburg for its U.S. headquarters,” said Delegate Tony Wilt. “These jobs and investment continue to add to the Valley's strong manufacturing base. This announcement is welcome news as our economy seeks to recover.”  
Tech Nite 21 Serco People's Choice Award Voting has BEGUN!
Use the special hashtag #SVTCPC21 to vote! Pick your favorite nominee(s) and then craft either a public vote on IG or Twitter, or a private vote (via FB Messenger bot named “Walter”). This is another chance for the 19 nominees to win an award – in the People’s Choice Award category (PCA).

ALL 19 nominees are candidates, and anyone (only humans; no automation) can vote for a favorite.

Who can vote?
Can a colleague vote? Yes. Friend? Yes. Grandma? Yes. The fan club – yes. Everyone can vote multiple times. (We are displaying the votes as they come in.


How the voting is going, right now
https://my.walls.io/SVTCPC21

Where to vote:
Social media posts that use the hashtag #SVTCPC21 AND the name of the nominee (or company/organization) will be counted.

Use these options:
  • Twitter or IG accts (set to public) plus #SVTCPC21 and the nominee name
  • Those that do not have a Twitter or IG account, or don’t want to make a public post, can send a private Facebook Messenger note to “Walter,” a bot (see below)

We’ll accumulate votes before and through the night of the event. The winner will be announced at the end of the event.

Voting with the Walter Messenger bot (for private votes):
This option is great for anyone who doesn’t have a public Twitter and IG account! Open your Facebook Messenger and send a direct vote to the bot “Walter.” (He is the Walls.io Facebook Messenger bot.) It’s easy. All you need to do is:

  1. Open your Facebook Messenger, and compose a new message.
  2. In the “To” box write: Talk to Walter.
  3. Once that populates, type out your enthusiasm for your nominee and remember the hashtag (e.g. I want [nominee name] to win. She is the best. #SVTCPC21).
  4. Finalize the posting of your vote by clicking: Post to wall. (Check for the confirmation from 'Walter'. If he doesn’t confirm, nothing was posted.)
  5. See screenshots and a screen capture video

FYI, “Walter” accepts pictures and graphics as well — send the picture first, then follow it up with a message and the hashtag. “Walter” is now active and ready for your votes!
ICAP Introductory Course | Virtual Cohort
(app. deadline 6/27)
Based on the National Science Foundation’s I-Corps™ 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 cyber-related solutions, but all companies are encouraged to apply:
  • Software 
  • Telecommunications 
  • Information & Communication Technologies 
  • E-Commerce 
  • Networking & Equipment 
  • Electronics/Instrumentation 
  • Sensors
  • Materials 
  • Drones 
  • IoT

This cohort is being supported, in part, by the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative, an investment in the advancement of cyber R&D, innovation, and workforce development. For more information about CCI, please visit their website. 

Important Dates
  • June 27, 2021 – Applications are due by midnight (2 days before introductory call)
  • June 29, 2021 – 6:00pm – 8:00pm – Introductory Webinar
  • July 6, 2021 – Acceptance notifications and communication with next steps (7 days after Intro call)
  • July 13, 2021 – 1:00pm – 4:00pm – Customer Segments and Initial Team Presentations
  • July 14, 2021 – 1:00pm – 4:00pm – Value Proposition
  • July 15, 2021 – 1:00pm – 4:00pm – Customer Discovery
  • July 22, 2021 – 1:00pm – 4:00pm – Each team reviews their Customer Discovery Progress over the first week
  • July 27, 2021 – 1:00pm – 4:00pm – 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.

For more information email: icap@virginiasbdc.org  

Leading Human Powered Innovation
Certificate Program (6/14-6/17)
June 14 - 17, 2021 | Lakeview Hall, JMU, Harrisonburg

No matter the question, it seems the answer is increased automation, improved artificial intelligence, or the highest of high-tech solutions... but you want to be a leader of humans in a tech-driven world.

Here's the truth - unless humans imagine, create, design, perfect, and adopt the tech solutions you need, you aren't going anywhere. Innovation can be more than a buzzword on a glossy brochure, but it requires self-aware leaders who can build collaborative teams of critical and creative thinkers.

The Certificate in Leading Human-Powered Innovation is the credential that demonstrates your ability to lead thoughtful teams to create impact by finding the problems that matter most, creating novel solutions, navigating complex bureaucracies, and unleashing innovation to change your world.

Certificate holders will be able to:
  • Lead small teams to develop creative solutions to tough problems
  • Foster trusting collaboration to enable team members to bring their personal experiences, unique skills, and whole selves to problem solving
  • Improve and lead others to improve personal and collective critical thinking skills
  • Foster a creative environment and lead small-group creative sessions to generate possible solutions to vexing problems
  • Lead the adoption of novel technologies to improve, rather than replace, unquely human skills
  • Create human-centered innovation strategies

Signups are limited for this small-group, hands-on, interactive program.

In-person registration fee includes 4 nights lodging at Hotel Madison and 2 meals/day. (Lower price for those who do not need meals & lodging)
Project THRIVE | Rebuilding, Relaunching, and Reviving Local Businesses
(nonprofit apps. due 6/15)
Project THRIVE is a six-week, virtual series that aims to help rebuild, relaunch, and revive local businesses and nonprofit organizations that have been impacted by the pandemic.

The Project THRIVE team is looking for a total of 8 to 10 businesses AND 8 to 10 nonprofit organizations to join their first two cohorts. Selected businesses will start their sessions on June 7, 20201, and end July 15, 2021. Selected nonprofits will start their sessions on July 19, 20201, and end August 26, 2021.

All organizations based in the Shenandoah Valley are welcome to apply.

Additional information and applications at https://www.jmu.edu/pce/partner/ProjectTHRIVE.shtml
State of Tech Webinar: Tech Education in Virginia (
June 16, 2021 | 11:30 am


Delegate Shelly Simonds joins Chris Dovi of Code VA, Nick Serfass of rvatech and other invited guests for a panel discussion on computer science education in Virginia. The group will review recent legislation approved by the Virginia General Assembly and discuss opportunities to empower more students with a strong computer science education as we work to grow Virginia’s technology workforce.

Panelists:
  • Delegate Shelly Simonds
  • Chris Dovi | Executive Director | CodeVA
  • Keisha Tennessee | Computer Science Coordinator | Virginia DOE
Looking for 2021 STEM and tech summer activities? Then look no further! We know that both parents and kids are ready for some summer fun after a long year of staying at home, so we’ve gathered a listing of local tech activities for kids for the summer of 2021! Ranging from workshops to camps, this summer is full of technology and STEM activities. Browse the links below and/or share the list with others! See details below.


Summer Camps by JMU Professional & Continuing Education | In-Person
James Madison University, Harrisonburg

Summer Explorer Camps | In-Person
Explore More Discovery Museum, Harrisonburg

Learning Can Be Fun Program | Online
Blue Ridge Community College, Weyers Cave

BRCC Intro to Advanced Manufacturing | (FREE)
Blue Ridge Community College, Weyers Cave

Summer Camps by Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum | In-Person
Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum, Winchester

STEM Summer Camps by STEM Innovators | In-Person
Easely Created Studio, Winchester

Summer Spark ’21 by St. Anne’s Belfield School CS | In-Person or Online
St. Anne’s-Belfield School, Charlottesville

Know of other techy summer camps in the Shen. Valley that are not on our list? Send them along! admin@svtc-va.org.
Shenandoah Valley Open Tech Jobs

  • Software Engineer II – Octoservices, GitHub | Remote
  • Developer, Generate Impact | Harrisonburg
  • Computer Programming and Website Design Program Manager, Blue Ridge Community College | Weyers Cave
  • 4 Positions: Lead Drupal Developer, Web Programmer (Python/Django), UX Design Specialist, Data Visualization Developer | Urban Institute | Remote (or DC Area)
  • Full-Stack Software Engineer | Sproutly | New Market
  • DevOps Engineer, Quantic School of Business and Technology | Remote
  • Full-Stack Software Engineer, Quantic School of Business and Tech | Remote 
  • 3D Developer - AR Support, The Scylla Group | Winchester
  • Front End Developer, The Scylla Group | Winchester
  • Solder Technician, VIRTEX | Waynesboro

GOT ADDITIONAL TECH JOBS THAT SHOULD BE PUBLICIZED? 
SEND US A NOTE AND WE'LL PUBLICIZE THEM.
Have a Technology Event?
We'll Share it in our Newsletter and Calendar!
Are you a local tech meetup/user-group or organization hosting an in-person or virtual tech event within the Shenandoah Valley?

With the recent impacts of COVID-19, we're looking to help promote all of the Valley's technology community events that have either gone digital or are going back to in-person by adding them to our newsletter and calendar
(our publicity).

Click the button below to share your event!
Participate in the local tech conversation:
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Currently there are 18 channels and over 450 members. Sign-up
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: SVTC Membership Badge. Let us know when you incorporate this graphic and we'll mention your site in return!
Examples:
See how our Level I Members grep Innovation, LLC displayed our
membership badge on their website!
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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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Contact Us 

Shenandoah Valley Technology Council
800 S. Main Street
MSC 3615
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807

540-568-7882