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The Shenandoah Valley Connection top 
October 19,  2018
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SVTC Members-Only Event at Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) (10/25)
Commonwealth Research Commercialization Fund (CRCF) Information Session (10/23)
Maker City with MTC: Explore Diesel Technology (10/20)
Entrepreneurial Spark Speaker Series (10/23)
TECHSTERS | For Middle School Girls (11/3)
FIRST LEGO League Regional Tournament (11/3) -- Volunteers Needed | Start-Up Grants Available
Welcome New SVTC Member: Sproutly, LLC
Shenandoah Valley Open Tech Jobs
Attention SVTC Members!
Ever wanted to see a car crash test?

October 25, 2018 | 9:15 am - 2:00 pm 
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Ruckersville

Membership has its privileges, incl. membership in the Shenandoah Valley Technology Council.  At times we are able to offer - to our members - exclusive access to often non-public places and tours, and we are beyond delighted to offer a tour of the facility, and attendance at a crash test of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in Ruckersville.

IIHS is an independent, nonprofit scientific and educational organization dedicated to reducing the losses - deaths, injuries, and property damage - from motor vehicle crashes. For decades, IIHS has been a leader in finding out what works and doesn't work to prevent motor vehicle crashes from happening in the first place and to minimize injuries in the crashes that still occur.

Vehicle Research Center
In 1992, IIHS opened the VRC. Tucked in the foothills of central Virginia, this state-of-the-art facility is where IIHS performs the crash tests that form the basis of its widely consulted vehicle ratings.
Space is limited and once the available spots are gone, the sign-up form will stop accepting submissions. (Only 2 registrations per member organization, please.)

Timeline
  • 9:15 am: meet in a parking lot (location tbd) - divide into several car-pools if we can.
  • 10:15 am: arrive; 10:30 - 11:30, Tour of facility; 11:30 - 12 noon, crash test
  • 12:00 pm: lunch (sponsored by Rockingham Insurance, at IIHS)
  • Depart ~ 1 pm; arrive back in Harrisonburg ~ 2 pm
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We appreciate the sponsorship of Rockingham Insurance
who has facilitated this tour for us  and is feeding us lunch!
 
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Not a member but want to come along on Oct 25 and also gain all the other business and visibility benefits of membership as well - and be part of the tech fabric of the Valley?
Become a member today:  SVTC Membership Options

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Commonwealth Research Commercialization Fund (CRCF) Information Session (10/23)

  SVTClogoTRANSP

October 23, 2018 | 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
JMU Lakeview Hall ( Room 1165), Harrisonburg

CRCF Information Session
CIT is pleased to preview the CRCF FY2019 solicitation, identifying programs offered, eligibility criteria, and other high-level information. Approximately $2.4 million is available to award. The RFP will be issued in early October and will include complete criteria, including program guidelines and application materials. CRCF staff will be present at Lakeview Hall on October 23rd for a regional briefing and will answer questions. Use the link below to register.

Webinar (WebEx)
For those unable to attend the the CRCF information session at Lakeview, a webinar is available. Individuals can join using the WebEx app (video), or can call in (phone/audio). Access information will be emailed to you closer to the event date (registration link below).

Goal
The Commonwealth Research Commercialization Fund (CRCF) advances science- and technology-based research, development, and commercialization to drive economic growth in Virginia, create and foster high-potential technology companies in the Commonwealth, and to encourage and strengthen collaboration and partnerships between the public and private sector.

Industry Sectors
Applications submitted under any FY2019 solicitation program must align with one or more of the following industry sectors and, where indicated, subsectors.
  • Cyber Security, with particular interest in applications for autonomous systems, identity management, cloud infrastructure, and Internet of Things
  • Energy, specifically clean energy
  • Information Technology, specifically data analytics
  • Life Sciences, with particular interest in precision medicine, neuroscience, and medtech
  • Unmanned Systems
Programs
A single solicitation will be offered in FY2019, with five programs available for funding: Commercialization, SBIR Matching Funds, STTR Matching Funds, Matching Funds, and Eminent Researcher Recruitment.

The CRCF programs support commercialization goals through technology development in Virginia. CRCF monies additionally may be used for market validation, intellectual property protection, acquisition of materials and supplies, and/or other efforts that further technology commercialization and drive economic benefits to Virginia. Projects must be based upon sound scientific principles and present an opportunity for valid research.

 


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Maker City with MTC: Explore Diesel Technology (10/20)

 

October 20, 2018 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
JMU Lakeview Hall ( Room 1165), Harrisonburg

If your child loves to know how stuff works, then this session is perfect for them! Join Massanutten Technical Center Diesel Technology instructor and students as they show participants the ins and outs of diesel engines. Participants will learn more about all the components as they take apart and repair a real engine. Ages 8+

Free with membership or paid museum admission. Advance registration required. 

More information about about Maker City can be found at https://www.iexploremore.com/make/.

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Entrepreneurial Spark Speaker Series (10/23)
 
October 23, 2018 | 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Ruby's Lounge, Harrisonburg

Join us at the Fall 2018 Entrepreneurial Spark! Darrel Branch, Sandra Tran and Gilbert Welsford are JMU graduates who operate in very different sectors, but the principles of branding and marketing are the same.

Darrel Branch is the founder and CEO of the Branch Out Group LLC, a marketing consulting firm that applies traditional marketing principles to help build mid-sized companies and non-traditional brands such as entrepreneurs, entertainers and athletes. The firm primarily serves as an out sourced Chief Marketing Officer to emerging businesses and enterprises. Darrel has created global comprehensive marketing strategies for many billion dollar brands in the beverage industry such Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Gold Peak and NESTEA.

Sandra Tran and Gilbert Welsford are 2012 graduates who in 2013 launched Nicecream together. Before that, Sandra got her feet wet in the fast paced world of start ups at LivingSocial. She always had a passion for innovation, and began experimenting with a food concept that would grow into Nicecream, an innovative ice cream company that makes ice cream directly in front of customers using liquid nitrogen. There are now 4 Nicecream locations in Virginia and D.C.

Gilbert is an entrepreneur at heart. In addition to Nicecream, he has led multiple companies from the beginning stages of development to growth in multiple cities. Gilbert consults entrepreneurs and small businesses in start up and growth strategy. His passion is helping college aged students realize the benefits, risks, and lifestyle of a young business leader and entrepreneur, so that they might pursue their dreams of being creators.

Agenda
5:00 - Doors open for networking
5:30 - Featured speakers
6:15 - Questions
6:30 - Stay around to continue the conversation or join us for dinner at Clementine

**Space is limited, please RSVP early.**

After the program, continue the discussion upstairs for dinner (Dutch treat) at Clementine. Please RSVP separately for the event and for the dinner.

Entrepreneurial Spark Speaker Series showcases the stories and lessons from the business and non-profit worlds that can only come from the people who have lived them.

Register for October 23, 2018 Entrepreneurial Spark Series

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TECHSTERS | For Middle School Girls (11/3)

November 3, 2018 | 8:00 am - 1:00 pm 
JMU Lakeview Hall, Harrisonburg

On Sat. morning, Nov. 3, many technology and innovation business councils in Virginia are working together to host a statewide  "Capture the Flag" event that will introduce girls to the  cybersecurity industry in a fun and interactive game style. This program hopes to inspire a future generation to discover technology, get excited about STEM, and build code for real-world applications.

The Shen. Valley portion of this state-wide online competition takes place in Harrisonburg. It's free, requires creativity, is FUN, includes mentors  - but  no technical knowledge is required.

Pre-registration is needed so we can plan the equipment.

Our volunteer mentors will mostly be female (e.g. the JMU student group Women in Technology); and best of all - the members of the winning (highest placing in the Valley) team will win an iPad.   

Equipment and FYIs:
  • Participants can bring their own Internet-ready, wifi-enabled laptops and will log into the wifi network
  • Team size: up to three girls. Teams will form after arrival.
  • We will supply 12 computers for up to 36 girls. Please indicate on the registration form whether you will bring your own laptop or will borrow one.
  • After registration, we will email JMU parking instructions

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor
Massanutten Technical Center 
MTC

and Event Sponsors
Staunton Innovation Hub
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November 3, 2018 | JMU ISAT-CS Building
Volunteers are currently needed!

Volunteer
This event is free and open to the public! Come see what it's all about. Prepare for excitement, robotics, and LEGOS! Better yet -- volunteer. Just a few hours of your time can have a huge impact! To sign up as a volunteer, please complete the following form: Harrisonburg Regional FLL Tournament Volunteers

2018 Challenge: Into Orbit
Join FLL's mission into the 30 th season of FIRST ®! Prepare for blast off, break out of your earthly constraints and go INTO ORBIT SM. The 2018/2019 FIRST ® LEGO ® League season will transport your team into space, where you'll explore, challenge, and innovate in the vast expanse of space.

FIRST LEGO League challenges kids to think like scientists and engineers. During the INTO ORBIT season, teams will choose and solve a real-world problem in the Project. They will also build, test, and program an autonomous robot using LEGO ® MINDSTORMS ® technology to solve a set of missions in the Robot Game. Throughout their experience, teams will operate under the FIRST signature set of Core Values, celebrating discovery, teamwork, and Gracious Professionalism ®

For more information, visit  https://va-dcfll.org/about-us/

Team Start-Up Grants Available
Each year, the Shenandoah Valley Technology Council sponsors three new FIRST Lego League (FLL) teams from the Shenandoah Valley. Approximately half of the start-up cost of a new team is reimbursed, up to $350.

Teams must be located in the footprint of the Shenandoah Valley Technology Council's area of operation and intend to participate in the FLL competition within one year of receiving the grant. This grant can be used towards any equipment required for competition in FIRST LEGO League, including one or more LEGO robotics kits, a competition practice table, and an FLL field setup kit.

If you are interested in applying for the FLL Start-Up Grant, please complete the following form, and follow the steps as indicated on the form:  FLL Reimbursement Grant Application (pdf)

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Welcome New SVTC Member!
Sproutly, LLC is software engineering consulting company with a unique focus on healthy and effective teams. Our mission is to help people and teams meet their full potential and exceed expectations. The recipe is simple: we hire and partner with exceptional talent to provide coaching and mentoring to foster personal and professional growth and to build or augment your team. Our professional services include software project management, software engineering, mentoring, coaching, and social media management. We partner with you to take your project from concept to production with ease.


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join_our_team_sign.jpg
  • IT Decisions, Harrisonburg (Level 2 Technician / Systems Engineer)
  • Immerge, Harrisonburg (Web Developer)
  • Ryzing Technologies, Staunton (Mechanical Engineer)
  • Harrisonburg IT Department (Technology Support Specialist)
  • Chiedo, Harrisonburg (Web Development Intern) -- No experience required!
  • Jenzabar, Harrisonburg (Software Engineer, Senior Software Developer, UX Designer, etc) 
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)

Currently there are 18 channels and over 250 members. Please join in! 
Sign-up link:  https://rocktowntech.herokuapp.com/

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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:
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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Shenandoah Valley Technology Council
800 S. Main Street MSC 3615
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807
540-568-7882

 

 

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