Suncoast Technology Forum In the News

Manatee EDC Promotes Lauren Kratsch to Project Management Director

Jeff Kratsch — Thu, 17 May 2012 21:42:16 GMT

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Manatee EDC Promotes Kratsch to Project Management Director

BRADENTON, Fla. – The Manatee Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) has named Lauren Kratsch director of project management to lead development and management of business expansion, relocation and recruitment projects, as well as international trade development for the organization. A member of the MEDC team since 2003, Kratsch has also held positions in business development, investor services, event management and administration.

“Lauren has contributed significantly to the success of the MEDC team in assisting companies with expansions and relocations in Manatee County,” said MEDC President Sharon Hillstrom. “Our work benefits from Lauren’s in-depth knowledge of state and local incentive programs, relationships with key resource providers and understanding of the decision-making process of our client companies.”

Kratsch is an MEDC representative to the International Economic Development Council and Florida Economic Development Council. She serves on the Florida High Tech Corridor Core Team Council and Marketing Committee, the Tampa Bay Partnership Economic Development Practitioners Committee and the Manatee Chamber of Commerce Green Business Initiatives Committee. Kratsch also has served on the board of directors for the Suncoast Technology Forum.

Read Full Press Release or visit http://www.manateeedc.com/NewsPDF.aspx?ID=180

FREE Hard-Drive Shredding At STF Expo on May 4th

Jeff Kratsch — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 18:43:14 GMT

FREE Hard-Drive Shredding At STF Expo between 2:00-4:00 by ShredQuick. Prevent identity theft and protect your data. Bring up to 3 hard-drives for free and see them shredded in seconds.

Visit us at Booth # 45!

www.shredquick.com

STF and GCFV Panel Discussion and Networking Social on April 11th

Jeff Kratsch — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 17:33:46 GMT

Gulf Coast Venture and Suncoast Technology Forum’s: How Incubators and Accelerators Can Help Start-up Enterprises

SARASOTA, FL – The Gulf Coast Venture Forum and the Suncoast Technology Forum will jointly host the final “Why Invest in Southwest Florida” program of the 2011-12 season on Wednesday, April 11.

"We will be highlighting the rise of incubators and accelerators for early-stage ventures," said Sara Hand, president of the Sarasota Chapter of the Gulf Coast Venture Forum. "Our panel will include representatives from the Hub, Tampa Bay Wave, Abbeton and Suncoast Community Capital (SCC). What does this trend mean for entrepreneurs and for economic development regionally?”

Read Full Press Release

Save the Date 3/22! DSM's Lunch and Learn Series: “Achieving Security in the Cloud”

Jeff Kratsch — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 21:37:06 GMT

“Achieving Security in the Cloud”

This month’s discussion “Achieving Security in the Cloud”, presented by David Robinson, CEO and Founder of DSM Technology Consultants.

Everyone understands that the technology industry is moving to “The Cloud”, but not nearly as many understand exactly how their infrastructure can be Secure in a Cloud environment. David Robinson, CEO and Founder of DSM Technology Consultants will present a very practical assessment of the benefits and potential pitfalls of outsourcing parts, or all, of your infrastructure to The Cloud. Business objectives should drive technology decisions – even to the Cloud. Learn how you can securely achieve your business objectives in The Cloud.

Specific topics covered include:

v Privacy

v Regulatory Compliance

v Data Location

v Data Segregation

v Data Recovery

When: March 22, 2012 at 11:30 to 1pm

Where: Maggiano’s Little Italy

203 Westshore Plaza

Tampa, FL 33609

Map Link:

http://www.bing.com/maps/?FORM=Z9LH4#bGlkPXluMTkyeDM5NjQ3MzM=

Who Should Attend?

DSMs Lunch and Learn Series has a tradition of inviting an exclusive group of C-suite executives to a comfortable room, enjoying great food while discussing real world practical topics like “Security in the Cloud”. As always, leaving with actionable take home value for your organization is our primary objective. And by the response we have garnered from previous events we certainly are succeeding!

About the Speaker:

David Robinson is a true technology visionary that has incubated and grown a number of technology companies. Robinson currently owns three successful technology firms with DSM Technology Consultants being the oldest, thriving for over 25 years in Central Florida. ImpulsePoint is another Robinson owned company that is a leading security provider in the NAC marketplace. Additionally, David owns Intelimedix, a leader in healthcare business intelligence and informatics. David is board member of the Florida High Tech Corridor Committee and dozens of other technical and nontechnical organizations.

Please contact John Murdock at #863.904.6986 or email at JMurdock@DSM.net for any questions.

You’re invited to Startup Business 2012 Open House

Jeff Kratsch — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 19:19:02 GMT

You’re invited to Startup Business 2012 Open House

We’re helping Aspiring Entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses within Sarasota & Manatee Counties

Who’s Invited...

Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Community Supporters of Entrepreneurship

Note: Spouses are welcomed

You’ll Meet...

40+ StartupBusiness2012 Volunteers

Collaborating Entrepreneurs and Business & Tech Advisors

StartupBusiness2012 Partners

Yes941 (Young Entrepreneurs of Sarasota) - http://www.yes941.com

BizTank LLC - http://www.biztank.com

Suncoast Workforce - http://www.suncoastworkforce.org/

Hub Incubator -http://www.googleisland.net/

Suncoast Technology Forum

Entrepreneur Supporters - business & community leaders from
the Sarasota & Manatee

Where: StartupBusiness2012 office at 4141 South Tamiami Trail, Unit 23 (within the Chili’s plaza next to Sprint office)

When: 6 to 9 PM, Wednesday, January 4, 20120

Cocktails & Small Bites provided by Milan Catering

RSVP: JohnMontelione@gmail.com, Tel#941.724.9700

Tampa Bay Technology Forum Announces New Leadership

Jeff Kratsch — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:03:46 GMT

Veteran technology business development executive Heather Kenyon named chief executive officer and president, Steve Hasselbach elected 2012 board chair

Today, the Tampa Bay Technology Forum announces the selection of its new CEO and president and 2012 board officers. Heather Kenyon, who served as TBTF’s vice president of development until her departure in 2008, will become CEO and president on Nov. 14. Steve Hasselbach, senior solutions architect with Peak 10, has been elected 2012 chairman of the TBTF board of directors. Kathy Killingsworth, managing director, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) of Tribridge, will serve a vice chair; Charlotte Baker, CEO of Digital Hands, treasurer; and Dan Rodriguez, CEO of Veredus Corporation, secretary.

“We’re very excited to bring Heather back and leverage her passion, vision, and deep knowledge of the Tampa Bay technology community to dramatically increase TBTF’s role in growing the state’s technology industry,” said Anand Pallegar, president of atLarge, Inc. and chairman of the TBTF board. “In the years Heather served TBTF – from 2003 to 2008 – she distinguished herself as an outstanding fundraiser and co-creator of high impact programs that contributed greatly to the success and sustainability of this organization. She has the drive, heart, and expertise TBTF needs as we move forward.”

Kenyon will be responsible for increasing the visibility and influence of the organization, raising funds, creating value for members and sponsoring organizations, and cultivating strategic partnerships and alliances. She will also serve on the board of the TBTF Foundation, which is dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities for disadvantaged youth and preparing them for careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Kenyon replaces Amy Norman, who joined TBTF in 2005 and was promoted to CEO and president in 2007. Norman resigned to pursue another career opportunity on September 30. Kenyon was most recently a sales development representative at Insight, a Fortune 500 technology solutions provider.

Steve Hasselbach, who joined the board of directors in January 2010, has been a member of TBTF since its inception. “As someone who ‘grew up’ with TBTF and our local tech community – beginning as chief technology officer of Bayshore Solutions, and now with Peak 10 – I’m both humbled and thrilled to have been chosen to lead this incredible group,” he said. “The passion and dedication of this board and our membership is something I’ve not experienced in any other organization of which I’ve been a part. TBTF has accomplished so much in its first ten years, and we feel like we’re just getting started.”

Kathy Killingsworth has served on the TBTF board since 2003, becoming an officer in 2008. Charlotte Baker was a member of TBTF’s first board of directors, and left after several years’ service to focus on growing her company. She returned to the board in 2011. Dan Rodriguez has been a longtime member of the organization and most recently chaired the membership committee.

GrowFL Program is Accepting Applications - Apply Now!

Jeff Kratsch — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 22:19:13 GMT

The GrowFL Program is Accepting Applications – Apply Now!

Participate in the GrowFL Program offered by the Florida Economic Gardening Institute at UCF.

Our eligibility criteria has changed and your business may qualify to participate now if it is growth oriented, for profit, headquartered in Florida, and has between 7 and 100 employees. Thanks to our partners, these services are at no cost to you.

GrowFL Technical Assistance provides growth oriented businesses access to business strategy, market research, and web/social media strategy services focused on growing revenues.

Think of it as having access to the market research department of a Fortune 100 company. Our consulting team has access to high-end market research databases and tools coupled with significant experience from various industries that can be leveraged for your company’s benefit. We work at the speed of business and typically complete a technical assistance engagement in 3 weeks’ time so that you can drive sales efforts rapidly.

If you have an interest in working with our consultants, please check us out and apply online at www.growfl.com.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at 407-823-6384 or at info@growfl.com.

Sincerely,
Fran Korosec
Director of Client Services
Florida Economic Gardening Institute at the University of Central Florida

Charlotte County Brazilian Trade Mission

Jeff Kratsch — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 14:59:22 GMT

Campinas, Brazil - October 20, 2011-

Kay Tracy, Business Development Specialist for the Charlotte County Economic Development Office, received a warm welcome in the Brazilian cities of Campinas and Sorocaba this week. She is there to meet the area's top economic leaders and initiative experts to discuss global partnerships which could bridge innovative technology and collaborative business enterprises between communities in Brazil and Charlotte County, Florida. Ms. Tracy is traveling with Charlotte County Airport Authority Commissioner, Pamella Seay. Later this week, the two will be meeting with area Corporate Executives, as well as officials from the International Airport in Campinas, presenting opportunities for international companies to locate in Charlotte County. "This is a significant chance for Charlotte County to identify trade partners and prospects for economic exchanges and commercial trade. There is also a great possibility to develop our own Innovation hub over time, linking community leaders, business entities and educational institutions from both countries," Tracy said.

Next week, Ms. Tracy will be joining the Florida Delegation on a Trade Mission to Sao Paulo, Brazil. There she will join Governor Rick Scott, APG Eastern Avionics (Punta Gorda), the Charlotte County Airport Authority, and many other Florida Counties along with Florida business leaders, in an exclusive exhibition showcasing the state of Florida.

STF Appoints Dan Forbes as Membership Committee Chair

Jeff Kratsch — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 17:55:25 GMT

Suncoast Technology Forum (STF), the leading technology industry advocacy group for companies creating and developing technology solutions in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties has appointed Daniel Forbes as the organization’s Membership Committee Chairman. The purpose of STF’s Membership and Services Committee is to educate businesses about membership benefits and help further the growth and resource development of STF by contributing to increasing member value, and enhancing related programs and services.

View Full Press Release

Hurricane proofing your IT

Ryan Brown — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 19:13:08 GMT

As we approach the peak of the Florida hurricane season, business owners and IT executives should make sure they have backup plans in place in case a hurricane disrupts their IT infrastructure.

Learn about xByte: www.xbyte.com

Dr. Sarah Meaker to Lead Suncoast Technology Forum Education Committee

Jeff Kratsch — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 18:14:04 GMT

The Suncoast Technology Forum (STF) Board of Directors has appointed Dr. Sarah C. Meaker, PhD., as the organization’s Education Committee Chair. STF’s Education Committee is focused on building partnerships between our growing technology cluster, local educational institutions and businesses in the tri-county area.

View Full Press Release

Article: Meaker helps business people visualize goals

Jeff Kratsch — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 00:48:39 GMT

Suncoast Technology Forum is pleased to welcome new member, Dr. Sarah Meaker of Meaker and Associates. We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Meaker has been appointed to serve as STF's Education Committee Chair. Below is a recent 6/24/2011 article on her company.

http://www.bradenton.com/2011/06/24/3299234/meaker-helps-visualize-goals.html

Charlotte County Economic Development Office Joins Suncoast Technology Forum

Jeff Kratsch — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 13:35:41 GMT

The Charlotte County Economic Development Office has recently become a member the Suncoast Technology Forum. Charlotte County will become the third regional economic development entity to join the organization along with the Sarasota Economic Development Corporation and the Manatee Economic Development Council, who were founding members. Kay Tracy, the Charlotte County Economic Development Office Interim Director, will be serving on the Board of Directors.
View Full Release

Suncoast Technology Forum Welcomes BarCamp to Board of Directors

Jeff Kratsch — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 13:59:30 GMT

SARASOTA, Florida (June 8, 2011) - Suncoast Technology Forum (STF), the leading technology industry advocacy group for companies creating and developing technology solutions in Sarasota and Manatee counties has launched a collaborative partnership with BarCamp Sarasota and is pleased to welcome BarCamp founders Sara Hand and Stan Schultes to the STF Board of Directors. View Full Text

xByte continues to educate our local business community about efficient IT purchases.

Ryan Brown — Wed, 25 May 2011 12:05:23 GMT

This latest article gives simple advice to use when you are looking to improve the speed of your business without investing a fortune.

Learn about xByte: www.xbyte.com

xByte set to double workers in Bradenton by 2016

Ryan Brown — Wed, 04 May 2011 17:00:51 GMT

xByte Technologies, a leading IT equipment reseller, plans to more than double its workforce and add 38 jobs by 2016, the Manatee County Economic Development Council announced Tuesday.

STF Announces Support for Florida Virtual Entrepreneur Center

Jeff Kratsch — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 10:29:36 GMT

Suncoast Technology Forum members are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to list your company on the FLVEC directory! It only takes a few minutes and there is no cost involved to create your company profile. Gain additional market exposure and expand your company's digital footprint on the web! This is a great way to ensure that your products and services are positioned in front of companies seeking local, regional and statewide resources. Visit www.FLVEC.com to create your company listing today! Read more:

STF announces support for FLVEC.pdf

Ryan Brown Selected As New Events Committee Chair

Jeff Kratsch — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 15:48:38 GMT

Suncoast Technology Forum officially welcomes Ryan Brown as our new Events Committee Chair.

Suncoast Technology Forum Appoints New Executive Director

Jeff Kratsch — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 10:04:25 GMT

Area tech advocacy group continues to increase momentum of local technology ecosystem

SARASOTA, Florida (April 6, 2011) - Suncoast Technology Forum (STF), the leading technology industry advocacy group for companies creating and developing technology solutions in Sarasota and Manatee counties is pleased to announce that Jeffrey Kratsch has been appointed to the role of Executive Director. Mr. Kratsch, a local business veteran with nearly 20 years of experience in marketing and business development in the technology and telecommunications arena, has assumed day-to-day management of the organization’s activities as of April 1^st, 2011.

Sarasota based Blink Technologies first in nation to have web application certified by HUD.

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 13:03:49 GMT

In December 2010 with the release or ARM 4.0, the HANDS CMS built by Blink Technologies is once again the first in the nation to be certified as compatible (see http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/cms/cmslv.pdf)