February 2013 Newsletter

Featured Articles Advanced Manufacturing: Research and Grants Fuel Innovation Legislative Updates GEDA On YouTube February Luncheon New Members Back in Time Advanced Manufacturing: Research and Grants Fuel Innovation The unplanned breakdown of equipment has devastating consequences if not properly detected. To combat this issue, Georgia-based Polymer Aging Concepts developed a polymer-based sensor, Age Alert, that makes it possible to monitor equipment before it breaks down and is no longer able to perform its function. This revolutionary sensor has virtually limitless applications including the monitoring of motors, generators, transformers, electric and hybrid vehicles, solid rocket propellants, foods and pharmaceuticals Early in the commercialization process, they discovered the need to manufacture these sensors at a higher rate in order to meet potential market demand. Under a supporting grant from the Center of Innovation for Manufacturing they were connected to Georgia Institute of Technology researchers who built a new automated curing and data acquisition system. This system enabled Polymer Aging Concepts to increase their production capacity exponentially and included flexibility for future research and development. “Commercialization would have been difficult, if not almost impossible, without the help of the Centers of Innovation and the Manufacturing Institute at Georgia Tech”, said Ken Watkins, CEO Polymer Aging Concepts, “I strongly urge any new business, especially high-technology innovative companies to locate in Georgia. It’s a very, very pro-business…pro-technology environment.”  >>Watch the Video<<   Legislative Updates It's that time of year again!  Jim Finch is reporting to us the latest from the Capitol and we are giving that to you as part of your member benefits.  Be on the lookout for updates weekly and if you miss them, you can always check the Library of Documents for past issues. You can see a recap of GEDA's Legislative Day including photos here. The GEDA Channel on YouTube! Our Marketing Committee is working diligently to make sure GEDA is marketed properly and what better way than on the website that boasts more than 4 billion views per day.  GEDA now has it's own channel - http://www.youtube.com/georgiaecdev - so go, click, and subscribe!  We will post various videos from committees and events so check back and check often. February 18th Luncheon If you attended Legislative Day, you know this year is off to a great start and the GEDA events are not-to-be-missed.  Join us at the Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center on February 18 to learn how your community can get into the business of helping entrepreneurial growth.  This month our speaker will be from Jumpstart, an organization in Northeast Ohio that is considered a leader in working with entrepreneurs to help them grow into fully-functioning successful businesses. One of the major resources they can provide is expertise on how to access funding that any new business needs to get up and running. Jumpstart also works with regional leaders across the country, helping them develop the ecosystem to encourage and promote growth. Jumpstart is currently working with communities in Georgia to foster that atmosphere. Sponsor this Monthly Meeting  Our February Luncheon is currently available for sponsorship! GEDA has one sponsorship available for each of our monthly meetings. These usually sell out very early each year so you have to act fast! Check out our Sponsorship Brochure to learn more or email Brian Dill to secure your spot. 2013 Events Calendar February 18. Luncheon at the Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center.  March 18.  50th Anniversary Celebration Luncheon.  Registration will open soon. 2013 Calendar New Members in January April Bragg, Milledgeville-Baldwin County Chamber Anthony Campbell, Georgia Power Company Dan Cash, BRPH Architects-Engineers, Inc. Eddie Fite, Georgia Quick Start Jeff George, Gilbane Building Company Johnny Grant, Georgia College Tim McDonald, Lanier Technical College Bob Newsome, Faithful+Gould Emily Poole, Fayette County Development Authority Jonathan Sangster, Georgia Power John VanBrunt, IV, Department of Community Affairs Bob Watson, Watson Properties Matthew Williams, City of LaFayette Kathy Yates, Georgia Power Company  Let's Go Back in Time As we are celebrating 50 years of GEDA, we will look back at some of the top box office hits from 1963.  How many of these movies have you seen?   Cleopatra It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World How the West Was Won The Birds From Russia With Love Tom Jones The Sword in the Stone The Great Escape Bye Bye Birdie 55 Days at Peking Love with the Proper Stranger Lord of the Flies The Pink Panther The Nutty Professor Jason and the Argonauts