Office of Economic Development News May 2012

On May 5th as part of the Tom Tom Founders Festival, a Crowdfunded Pitch Night was held at The Gleason. A request for proposals was issued to the public, calling entrepreneurs of any kind...innovators, amateurs, professionals, enthusiasts, etc. Of the 40 submissions, 10 were selected to present their pitch for the chance to win $1,000, which came from the crowd of supporters (each person paid $10 to attend and vote).

At the end of the night, Sandra Carter, co-owner of 6th Street Mini Mart, located at 912 6th Street, SE, took home the $1,000 prize. Sandra and her mother Christine have owned the store, which offers a variety of drinks, snacks, and hot foods for over seven years. Her pitch was for a new catering business that will help them expand their hot foods line.

To make this business idea a reality, Sandra has been receiving coaching from CIC, a microenterprise development organization that offers financing to micro and small for-profit businesses in Charlottesville and the surrounding counties. Participation in the program requires attendance of a 14-week long series of courses on topics such as writing a business plan, marketing, and financing. Upon completion of the program, participants are eligible to apply for a micro loan up to $5,000.

Congratulations to Sandra for winning Pitch Night! And be sure to drop by 6th Street Mini Mart so you can help support this local business!

PHTHISIS DIAGNOSTICS SIGNS INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

Phthisis Diagnostics, Inc. has just announced the signing of its first distribution agreement for international sales. Bio Products, Inc. will distribute the company's Simply Molecular product line throughout Latin America.

"We are delighted to welcome Bio Products as our first distributor for international sales. This is an important next step in the development of Phthisis Diagnostics' sales," commented Phthisis Diagnostics President and Chief Science Officer Crystal Icenhour, PhD. "We are currently engaged in negotiations and look forward to announcing additional international distribution agreements soon."

Bio Products, Inc. is a privately held American company established in West Palm Beach, Florida, over two decades ago. The company has built a reputation for representing a large number of prestigious manufacturers and distributors to serve the research, medical, and scientific community throughout Latin America.

CITY TECHNOLOGY FIRM NAMED FINALIST IN NATIONAL AWARD

An app developed by Charlottesville-based life sciences technology firm OpenQ has been named a finalist in the 2012 American Business Awards. OpenQ works with life science companies to harness the power of medical networks to compliantly and efficiently reach influencers and stakeholders. Their software and data solutions offer commercial and research professionals critical support for regulatory compliance. OpenQ's MobileQ App version 1.5 is available on the Apple app store and is designed for use on the iPad by field-based professionals in the life sciences industry.

Award finalists were chosen by more than 140 business professionals nationwide during preliminary judging in April and this month May. About 150 members of 10 specialized judging committees will determine Stevie Award placements from the selected finalists during final judging. The winners are expected to be announced in June.

Details about the American Business Awards and the list of finalists in all categories are available HERE.

CBIC HONORS TECHNOLOGY INNOVATORS AT ANNUAL AWARDS GALA

On May 24th, over 200 people attended the Charlottesville Business Innovation Council's (CBIC) 14th Annual CBIC Awards Gala at Farmington Country Club. The event announced this year's seven award honorees. CBIC awards serve to recognize innovative achievements and leadership in the community.

Martin Chapman, owner of Indoor Biotechnologies and developer of the CityCampus bioscience facility at the historic, art deco Coca-Cola building on Preston Avenue, won the People's Choice Navigator Award, a category that recognizes leadership in the regional business community, emphasizing significant contributions toward hi-tech, entrepreneurial environments.

The Rocket Award, given to the project that shot quickly and successfully "from concept toward commercialization," went to HemoShear for its drug discovery and development work. The Spotlight Award, honoring the entity that gave the region the most positive national attention, was given to SilverChair for the substantial upgrade of its web product development platform, SilverChair Content Management.

Mikro Systems won the Breakthrough Award, as CBIC deemed the company's patented and proven TOMO manufacturing technology platform the most surprising scientific advancement. Nikki Hastings, Chair of VABio's Charlottesville Regional Council, left the gala with the Community Award, given to the individual or organization that shows the biggest dedication to advancing the quality of life in Central Virginia.

The Red Apple Award and Technology in Education Grant, given to the K-12 teacher who best utilized his or her resources to excite and educate students about technology, went to Corrie Kelly, teacher at Woodbrook Elementary School for her innovative ways of teaching literacy. Last, but not least, the CBIC Leadership Award for the CBIC volunteer who has most applied him or herself to further CBIC was awarded to Beth Roireau.

2011 TECH TOUR SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS RECOGNIZED

The Charlottesville Business Innovation Council (CBIC) recently announced the recipients of its 2011 Tech Tour Scholarships. Simanta Guatam, a junior from Albemarle High School, and Garret Chambers, a junior from Orange High School, have each been selected to receive $1,000 towards their continuing education. Both attended the 2011 Tech Tour along with 300+ other area middle and high school students. The students were recognized at the Chamber Spring Luncheon on Tuesday, May 22nd at the Doubletree Hotel. In addition to several other student recognitions, the event featured remarks by UVA Football Coach, Mike London.

The Tech Tour, now in its tenth year, is sponsored by the Charlottesville Business Innovation Council. This day-long technology tour is aimed at exposing students to the challenging and diverse career possibilities offered by our regional technology community. It is designed to help them envision themselves as technology employees, professionals, and entrepreneurs in the next wave of tech advancements in our area.

(Pictured from left to right: Simanta Guatam, Chris Engel, Director of Economic Development, and Garret Chambers at the Chamber Luncheon.)

LIFEVIEW MARKETING PROMOTES CULTURAL DIVERSITY THROUGH COMEDY

Ty Cooper, local businessman and owner of Lifeview Marketing, is continuing his efforts to promote cultural diversity in the City of Charlottesville through the United Nations of Comedy Tour, which launched in November 2011. The latest presentation, which will be held on Saturday, June 2nd at Play On! The Theatre at the Ix Building proudly presents one of the funniest comedians in show business, Funnyman Skiba.

Skiba has become one of the most sought after national comedians on the scene. From landing three feature spots on BET Comic View, to becoming the official host of the United Nations of Comedy Tour, Skiba continues to brand his mark in the national comedic scene. Currently the co-host of the Raheem Devaughn radio show broadcasting in over 102 countries, Funnyman Skiba has the privilege of reaching a multitude of listeners.

As part of The United Nations of Comedy Series, the shows on June 2nd are meant to contribute to the continued effort to promote diversity through laughter and to transform the face of Charlottesville by providing true representations of the communities of Charlottesville on stage. Show times are 8:00pm and 9:30pm. Doors open 30 minutes before show time. Tickets are only $18 and available at Plan 9 Music, Payne's Beauty Supply (Cherry Avenue), and Mel's Barber Shop (Commerce Street). Another presentation starring Tyler Perry's "For Better Or Worse" comedienne Cocoa Brown will also be offered on Saturday, July 7th at 8:00pm and 9:30pm. For more information, CLICK HERE.

CITY SEEKING SECTION 3 BUSINESSES TO FACILITATE THE AWARD OF HUD FUNDED CONTRACTS

The City is currently seeking Section 3 businesses to facilitate the award of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funded contracts administered by the City and the Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority (CRHA). The Section 3 Program aims to connect local businesses that are either owned by or employ low-income individuals with HUD funded contracting opportunities.

What are the Benefits?

Certified businesses are added to the online City/CRHA Section 3 Directory of Certified Vendors, are certified to compete on City and CRHA HUD covered contracts, are provided a preference on HUD covered contracts, are updated on upcoming City and CRHA HUD covered solicitations and pre-bid meetings, and are connected to area resources and service providers that provide business assistance. The vendor database will be used by the City, the CRHA and their developers and contractors, to facilitate the award of covered construction and non-construction contracts to Section 3 businesses.

How Can Your Business Qualify?

A business may be eligible for the preference if it is located within the City or Charlottesville Metropolitan Area, and meets one of the following criteria:

1) 51% or more of the business is owned by low-income residents; or

2) At least 30% of the full-time employees are low-income residents; or

3) If the business commits to subcontract 25% of the dollar award of all subcontracts to businesses to other Section 3 businesses.

To find out if your business qualifies or if you would like to pre-register a business, please visit the WEBSITE or contact the Section 3 Coordinator at (434)970-3383.

BETTER BUSINESS CHALLENGE TO HOST AWARDS CEREMONY IN JUNE

The Better Business Challenge is thrilled to announce the upcoming Awards Night at the Paramount Theater on Thursday, June 21st from 5:00pm to 7:30pm. This is the culmination of a year-long effort to bring awareness to environmental stewardship and cost-savings opportunities for energy efficiency, water/waste/transportation reduction strategies in the business community. One hundred and six area businesses have been in competition since June 2011 to increase their efficiency and sustainability as well as earn recognition for their sustainability efforts!

Eleven official awards will be given out including Better Business Champions, Kilowatt Crackdown, and Biggest Loser in small, medium and large business categories. A ten-person volunteer awards team of area business leaders will determine the Green Leader and Top Innovator. Well-known awards manufacturing company and the only B Corporation in Charlottesville, Rivanna Natural Designs, will design and manufacture the environmentally-friendly awards locally.

Businesses can have their photographs taken on the "green carpet" as they enter the theater. Guests are invited to mingle with area business leaders and enjoy live music, food, and beverages from ten local restaurants and wineries beforehand in the Balcony Lounge of the Paramount Theater. The grand unveiling of the winners will take place in the main auditorium in a ceremony hosted by emcees Coy Barefoot and Teri Kent (aka Better World Betty).

Tickets can be obtained at the Paramount Theater WEBSITE. The Charlottesville Area Better Business Challenge is a grant-funded, locally-sponsored initiative aimed at helping businesses incorporate sustainability into their daily operations. For more details CLICK HERE or call Teri Kent, Project Manager, at 434-466-5157.

FESTIVAL OF THE PHOTOGRAPH RETURNS TO CHARLOTTESVILLE

LOOK3, the Charlottesville Festival of the Photograph, will once again take place on the Downtown Mall from June 7th to June 9th. The Festival will kick off at the Paramount Theater on June 7th at 7:30pm with the event's hallmark TREES Talk exhibit, which will feature National Geographic photographer, David Doubilet's photographs of the world's oceans. As part of the exhibit, majestic images from nature are suspended on banners high in the trees along Charlottesville's outdoor pedestrian mall. The TREES exhibition is ecologically centered to promote environmental awareness and conservation.

Other Festival features include: SHOTS and WORKS, an evening of projections in the nTelos Wireless Pavilion; Masters Talk, presentations by six contemporary artists whose work stands out for its subject matter, process, and artistic vision; and The Truth Booth, a giant cartoon speech bubble and photo booth that serves to compile two minute long video responses from the public.

For more information about the Festival, please CLICK HERE.

VIRGINIA BUSINESS APPRECIATION WEEK - JUNE 4TH - 8TH

The Office of Economic Development joins Governor McDonnell and the Virginia Department of Business Assistance in celebrating Virginia Business Appreciation Week. Charlottesville City Council will offer a proclamation recognizing the contribution businesses make to the vitality of our community during its June 4th Council meeting. Be sure to thank your favorite business owners during the week of June 4th through the 8th.

UPCOMING EVENTS

June 6, 2012 - CBA @ PVCC Course: "The Brand - YOU" - 9:00AM-12:00PM

In this workshop you will learn to: define your unique value proposition, begin the process of building your brand story, learn how to stay "on-message" and "on-brand", and will receive tools to unearth your brand. For more information or to register, CLICK HERE.

June 16, 2012 - SCORE Workshop 201: Starting Your Business - 9:30AM-12:30PM

How does a motivated entrepreneur start a small business? What are all of the things which should be done to launch the business and to meet legal and tax requirements? This workshop answers these questions and, in addition, discusses methods of evaluating the business idea. A 20-page binder comes with the fee. For more information or to register, CLICK HERE.

June 16, 2012 - July 7, 2012 - SCORE: Workshop Package 220 - 9:30AM-12:30PM

This package offers the basics for starting or investigating a new business venture. Package 220 is a series of four core workshops: Starting 201 (6/16/12), Marketing 202 (6/23/12), Financial 203 (6/30/12) and Business Plan 204 (7/7/12). They are designed to take the aspiring entrepreneur from starting the business to writing the business plan. For more information or to register, please CLICK HERE.

June 25, 2012 - SBDC: How to Start a Business - 3:00PM-4:30PM

Learn the basics on how to start a business, including how to decide if you are an entrepreneur, how to evaluate your business idea, how to develop a plan for your business and the nuts and bolts of getting started. Discussion topics will include financing the business and government programs for business owners. Both aspiring entrepreneurs and those who have just started their business within the last six months will benefit from this session. For more information or to register, please CLICK HERE.

June 28, 2012 - Chamber Business After Hours - 5:30PM-7:30PM

The Charlottesville Police Foundation will host Charlottesville Chamber of Commerce members along with local Realtors and Home Builders at a meet and greet cocktail event on Thursday, June 28th from 5: 30 - 7:30 pm at City Space. Enjoy appetizers and drinks while mingling with Charlottesville Police Department officers and find out about the good work that the Charlottesville Police Foundation is doing in our community. To more information or to register, CLICK HERE.

The Office of Economic Development is the City's primary vehicle for economic development services. Our mission is to serve as a catalyst for public and private initiatives that promote the long-term economic vitality of Charlottesville.

The Economic Development staff works to expand the tax base and to provide quality job opportunities for citizens through new business development, retention/expansion initiatives, and workforce training. The Office also coordinates and administers the functions of the Charlottesville Economic Development Authority (CEDA). The Authority issues revenue bonds and assists with front end capital for projects.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT US ONLINE