Dear Reader,
Happy New Year! January is a month for making resolutions, setting goals and looking forward. To do this well, it is important to look back and reflect. We hope you enjoy our top story in which we reflect upon some of the many successes during 2019.
For the IC, the new year and new decade will build upon more than three decades of work. We look forward to our continued evolution while we stay true to our vision of continuing to spur economic development in the region by supporting entrepreneurship and creating jobs to foster the growth of "...competitive companies who want to embrace knowledge-based innovation and an enhanced quality of life.
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We are thankful when we are recognized for our work in pursuit of this vision (see the Innovation Economy story below), and we look forward to continued success in support of client companies and partners - both old and new! We are beginning this year with plenty of available space in our building and resources at the ready to assist the next crop of our region's new companies.
Keep innovating,
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Reflecting on all that was accomplished both by and for our clients, we are taking a look back at the most popular stories from our 2019 monthly newsletters:
As we enter the new year, the Innovation Center is excited for the opportunity to continue to work with our clients and regional partners. The work we do together has a significant positive impact on our regional economy by providing jobs, resources, and tax contributions. We are grateful for the hard work and dedication of all who continue to make efforts to help our communities prosper.
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An Entrepreneur's Guide to Accessing Support
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Committed to the economic development of the state, Ohio University has developed a robust "Innovation Ecosystem" that provides services and support to
entrepreneurs located in southeastern Ohio. Assistance is available, often at no cost, for both startups and well-established businesses to assist with planning, funding, space needs and much more.
For a full list of resources available to entrepreneurs, click below to view the just-released brochure
Fostering An Innovation Ecosystem.
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One-of-a-Kind Medals for a One-of-a-Kind Race
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Dr. David Koonce, Associate Dean of the Graduate College and Associate Vice President of Research at Ohio University, was looking for a fun and meaningful way to begin his tenure as the incoming chair for the state-wide Graduate Dean's Committee. Knowing that many of the deans are avid runners like him, Koonce organized a 5K race to kick-off the annual retreat. IC Lab Director, Misa Hata, also a runner, helped Koonce create customized awards in the IC's Additive Manufacturing Lab using the Bantam PCB Milling Machine.
“Most customers are interested in 3D printing, but this project involved our milling machine. While it is designed to create precision circuit boards (PCBs), it can also mill materials like wax, metal, and wood,” explained Hata. Noting that it was gratifying to print the medals at OU, Koonce was delighted with the process and said, "the one-of-a-kind medals turned out great and were well received by the participating deans."
To create a customized item of your own at the Additive Manufacturing Lab, click below.
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The Innovation Economy: A Key Strategy to Fill the Economic Gap Left by Coal Companies
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The Athens News has just released part one of its series
When coal ruled our region and what happened after it left.
The feature explores the history of the coalfields and how small towns in Athens and surrounding counties still feel the negative economic impact created by the exodus of the coal companies.
In the article, Athens County Commissioner Chris Chmiel shared that economic diversification is key to a healthy and sustainable economy. He cites the Innovation Center as a successful program that moves the region into the "innovation economy" and supports job-creating companies like RXQ Compounding and solar energy installer Third Sun Solar.
To read the full article, click below.
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Athens Area Chamber of Commerce Welcomes New President
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We are pleased to welcome Dani Underhill to the Innovation Center as the new President of IC Anchor Tenant, Athens Area Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Underhill will begin her new position on January 6, replacing Michelle Oestrike.
“I am excited to begin working with the Board of Directors, Dawn, and Jim and begin serving the member businesses and organizations of the Athena Area Chamber of Commerce. I look forward to promoting jobs, business development and growth, as well as continuing to build on the foundation of innovative ideas and opportunities that has been created by Michelle,” said Underhill.
To read the full release, click below.
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Introduction to Intellectual Property
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Join Erin Rennich, Innovation Center Executive Coach and Certified Strategyzer Facilitator, for the training. During this workshop, we will review the various types of intellectual property that includes patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets and how to determine if you may have or can create one of these key resources.
IDEAtion and Customer VALIDation workshops are also available by appointment. If you have an interest in starting your own business, click
here.
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Date:
January 16
Time:
5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Location:
Innovation Center
340 West State Street
Athens
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The Opportunity Appalachia State Outreach Meeting
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The first Opportunity Appalachia State Outreach Meeting agenda includes:
1. Opportunity Zone Overview
2. Opportunity Zone Project Presentations
3. Development Services Agency: Ohio support for Opportunity Zone Projects
4. Investor priorities: Panel
5. Opportunity Zone Prospectus Development/Technical Assistance
6. Opportunity Appalachia Program Specifics
7. Breakout Sessions to discuss specific project questions
Lunch will be provided and the event is free but registration is required.
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Date:
January 14
Time:
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location:
Buckeye Hills Regional Council
1400 Pike Street
Marietta
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Accessibility Matters: Create a Business that Supports All Customers
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Join the Lunch and Learn this month to learn how your business can better serve customers and employees with differing abilities. Moderated by Kevin Davis, Superintendent of the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities, the expert panel will include Angela Carter from PersonnelPlus, Noah Trembly of Noah Trembly Enterprises, and Jill Bateman from OU's Office of Information Security.
Thank you to
PersonnelPlus
for sponsoring this month's Lunch and Learn!
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Date:
January 16
Time:
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Location:
Innovation Center
340 West State Street
Athens
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News & Events from Our Partners
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Basics of Successful Startup (BOSS) Class
Duncan Falls
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QuickBooks Level 1
Athens
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QuickBooks Level 2
Athens
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QuickBooks Pro vs Online
Zanesville
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Social Media Marketing
Pomeroy
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The IC is the recipient of the 2019 Randall M. Whaley Incubator of the Year Award (InBIA) and the 2019 Rural-Based Entrepreneurship Center of the Year Award (InBIA). The center was ranked the third best University-Based Incubator in the U.S. (UBI Global Ranking 2015-2017), and was named the 2016 Rural Incubator of the Year (InBIA).
Our 36,000 square foot building has some space available.
For details, please give us a call at (740) 593-1818.
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The Ohio University Innovation Center provides valuable business incubation resources to fuel the economy in Athens, Ohio and the surrounding region. Your gift supports our mission to connect entrepreneurs with the people and resources needed to grow businesses and create jobs in Southeast Ohio.
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Support for the Innovation Center is provided by TechGROWTH Ohio through funding provided by the Ohio Third Frontier Commission.
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