LOCAL NEWS:

Elgin Technology Center launching “Buy Local” and Loyalty
Rewards Card Program Aimed at Expanding Elgin’s Economy
Elgin, Illinois, November 1st, 2011 — Lasse Ingebretsen, Executive
Director of the Elgin Technology Center, announced the rollout of the “Elgin
Community Rewards Card” last week during a live/online chat with Mayor Kaptain.
The new card is a buy local campaign and loyalty rewards program rolled into
one. It’s designed to raise awareness and encourage residents to shop locally,
creating immediate job and business growth opportunities for people in the
Greater Elgin Area and beyond. Read More..


NEWS RELEASE ELGIN Oct 6th, 2011, Mayor Kaptain October “Live Chat”  
The next  “Live Chat with the Mayor” will take place at Elgin Technology Center,  Elgin Tower Building, 100 E. Chicago Street, on
Tuesday, October 25 from 7:00  p.m.- 8:00 p.m.  

The evening’s discussion will focus on how to help small business
owners be successful, and how to foster new entrepreneurial efforts through new
ideas, such as incubator business facilities.  
 
Mayor  Kaptain will be joined in this discussion by two guests - Sybil Ege,
business analyst for Elgin Community College’s Illinois Small Business Development Center and Lasse Ingebretsen, Executive Director of the Elgin Technology Center, also host for the evening’s meeting. 
 
Residents can log in to participate on-line at www.cityofelgin.org and follow the link
on the home page to chat live with the mayor and his guests. Participants can
type in comments and questions and the panel will respond directly in the
webcast. Residents are encouraged to participate either on-line or in person.

The purpose of these outreach events is for the mayor and other community leaders to hear directly from residents on issues, ideas and concerns they would like to share with their city government. These sessions are intended to provide a forum to discuss the important policy issues that will shape the future of our community. 
  
Residents can check out the complete schedule of Mayor’s  Listening Sessions and live web-chats at the city’s websitewww.cityofelgin.org/mayorkaptain, where they can also participate in an on-line survey. More meetings will be announced as they are scheduled. For more information email murphy_c@cityofelgin.org. or call 847-931-5667 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            847-931-5667      end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            847-931-5667 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            847-931-5667      end_of_the_skype_highlighting      end_of_the_skype_highlighting. 
  
For more information about resources for small businesses, please visit www.elginchamber.com/smallbiz.cfm.

 
 
"Elgin Tech Center receives  $10,000 from Motorola" - Daily Herald, 10/4/11
   by Tara Mathewson Garcia 

Elgin Technology Center has been  pushing its goal to make Elgin the best place in the country for startup tech  companies since it opened in January. The Motorola Mobility Foundation has  pledged its support of ETC’s latest venture, the ETC Academy, with a $10,000  empowerment grant. “It was that endorsement, the
thumbs-up about what we’re  doing, that was really the biggest bonus out of it
all,” said Lasse Ingebretsen,  founder and executive director of the Elgin
Technology Center. Ingebretsen  said the money will go toward buying tech
equipment for the ETC Academy, a  program that gives participants the guidance
to create and run their own tech  startup companies. Full story..

ETC Academy Open House  -- Tuesday September 20, 1PM to 4PM 
ETC Academy has designed a very unique fast-track program for Tech Entrepreneurs. In the 10-class program, there are no written exams. Instead, students build  their company piece-by-piece in our classroom with help and
sound input of eight ETC  instructor and classmates. When students graduate, they will own and  run a  successful tech company. The goal of ETC Academy
is to make Elgin, Illinois the Best Place in America for Start-Up Tech Companies.
All prospective students and stakeholders are  welcome! Food and refreshments are being served. http://www.elgintechnologycenter.com/etc-academy.html 

DH 2011 Entrepreneurial Excellence Awards --  September 22th, 2011
Lasse Ingebretsen - Elgin Technology Center have been selected as a 2011 honoree in Daily Herald Business Ledger’s 12th annual Entrepreneurial Excellence Awards program. 2011 EEA Honoree - Category: Innovation.

The awards will be presented at a recognition reception to be held on Thursday, September 22 at Danada House at 3 S. 501 Naperville Road, Wheaton. The event begins at 4:30 p.m. and will end by 7:30 p.m.

Tech Members are encourage to attend the event and network. Appetizers will be served, and there will be open, theater style seating. Fee is $45. Please be sure to register at www.tinyurl.com/EEAreg.com by Thursday, September 15:)


GrooVe IP Android Market -- ETC News August 2nd, 2011 
Voice without Minutes! This app, in conjunction with Google Voice, lets you make unlimited calls to any phone in the U.S. or Canada using the data connection of your mobile device (including Wi-Fi and/or 3G,4G) without using your mobile minutes. https://market.android.com/det​ails?id=com.gvoip

ETC and Motorola Mobility Foundation Empowerment Grant -- July 15, 2011
At 12 Noon today, ETC submitted its official application for a $10,000 empowerment grant from Motorola Mobility. Present in ETC's conference room was Grant Writer Michael Murschel, Video Producer Jonathan Palmer and Executive Director Lasse Ingebretsen. ETC will use the grant for the equipment needed in our tech training facility on the 2nd floor of the center - if received.  

Motorola Mobility believes people can achieve great things through access to the things that matter to each other and the world around them. They empower people to live their lives in a connected and meaningful way, and have launched the Empowerment Grants program to empower communities across the country through technology.

ETC Academy is offering Fall Semester tech classes starting Sept 15, 2011. Enrollment begins Aug. 15th.  ETC Academy will also offer a 1-YR Fast-Track Program for Tech Entrepreneurs that qualify - a selective cutting-edge program.

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Blue Fox Software Joins Elgin Technology Center -- July12, 2011 
Blue Fox Software, a Microsoft Certified Partner, is proud to provide Microsoft Business Intelligence Solutions. TCK Software, the parent company of Blue Fox Software, has provided systems to Fortune-500 firms in the Chicago-land area since 1993. During this time, it never had a project that wasn't a success. Blue Fox owns propriety systems ranging from Business Intelligence Software to System Integration and Process Automation Software. Blue Fox Software plans to distribute these new and exciting applications globally over the next 5 years. The ETC community is banning together and will support Blue Fox Software every step of the way!  http://bluefoxsoftware.com/

ETC Member Cityswipe in the News! - June 23rd, 2011
Cityswipe just developed a state-of-the-art technology allowing registered card holders to receive thousands of discount/promotional offers from participating merchants instantly by simply swiping the card before purchase. An Eco-friendly alternative that support local businesses! Visit:http://cityswipe.com/ Watch NBC 5 News:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSfngejNSo8

Robotics Team Join Elgin Technology Center - June 14th 2011
Elgin Technology Center is proud to announce that it will be sponsoring and housing the "got robot?" robotics team. According to Lasse Ingebretsen, Executive Director, "the age of artificial intelligence has finally arrived at ETC and we look forward working with coach Michael McKellar and his team in the future.

"got robot?" has a stellar record. In 2010 it won the 1st place Research Project award at the Illinois State Tournament  - their project was chosen over 64 other top teams in attendance. 

We encourage ETC members with interest in robotics to bring their kids to future ETC demo events, provide know-how and/or become an official team sponsor - which is great marketing opportunity.

This is a great "first-step" and we hope to attract more robotics teams and firms to down-town Elgin in the future. To learn more visit us at ETC or go to: http://www.facebook.com/ElginTech#!/pages/Got-Robot-FTC-Team/193642880683183


 ETC Members Invited to Walgreens Open IT House, May 18th 5-8pm
Walgreens are recruiting  IT people at Deerfield Corporate Campus.  Invitation requires an RSVP before May 9th. To read more about the event go to:  http://www.elgintechnologycenter.com/member-news.html

ETCs Green Expo Display - FREE Admission May 7th, 2011 (9am-4pm)
This year Elgin's Green Expo wants to have more "hands on displays" and ETC will be there for the first time to help! ETC is making a solar panel out of recyled pop and beer cans and demoing a green computer. Come and view 100's of exhibits and displays. Explore new ideas to live green, save green, and earn green! http://ecco-foxvalley.net/blog/

Elgin Community College Job Fair - Friday,  April 8, 2011, 1-4 p.m.
Attention all ETC Members: Elgin Community College has its Job Fair Friday, April 8, 2011 from 1- 4 p.m.at the ECC Spartan Events Center. No charge to attend. Dress professionally and bring plenty of resumes. Many interesting
companies are attending, including 4M World Technologies and Robert Half Technology. For more info go to:http://elgin.edu/business.aspx?id=4364&ekmensel=c580fa7b_94_108_btnlink

Daily Herald Business Ledger Mar 23rd, 2011 
 "New tech center looking to make Elgin 'E-city' 
  by Richard R. Klicki 
http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/ANsrlt/thebusinessledger.com/main.asp?SectionID=33&SubSectionID=99&ArticleID=1789

Illinois Reshoring Initiative,  March 16th 2011
ETC Executive Director, Lasse Ingebretsen was honored to be present during the Launch of the Illinois Reshoring Initiative March 16th 2011: part of a 5-step program to revitalize Illinois manufacturing via reshoring.  In an attempt to truly understand the costs of offshoring compared to local sourcing, the Reshoring Initiative has developed a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Estimator, a software designed to help OEMs and manufacturers compare the TRUE Total Cost of Ownership. http://www.reshoringmfg.com/

Boca Jump Elgin Mar 4th, 2011 
 "Elgin Tech Center has lofty goals for Elgin as e-city" 
  by Ted Schnell 
http://elgin.bocajump.com/Articles/elgin-tech-center
-has-lofty-goals-for-elgin-as-e-city

For Immediate Release: ETC - Friday Feb 18th , 2011
Tech Magazines!!  - Starting first week of March, members can now enjoy 15
new tech magazines in our Library-Lounge area on the second floor. Special thanks to T.G. Consultants for the help and donatation to our tech community
– it is very much appreciated. http://www.tgconsultantsinc.com

For Immediate Release: ETC - Friday Feb 11th , 2011
"Free WI-FI"  - Members can now enjoy free WI-FI in our Library-Lounge area,
and in the Conference-Training room on the second floor. Special thanks to
Fox Valley Internet for donating this service to our tech community – it is very much appreciated by our members. http://www.foxvalley.net/index.htm

For Immediate Release: ETC - Thursday Feb 10th , 2011
"Tech Talk"  is a new event that will take place every Saturday from 11AM to 1PM  starting February 19th! Members are encouraged to meet  in the  Library area to have informal conversations about the latest in tech, socialize and network. Bring a small article or story that you can share and/or discuss with other members!

For Immediate Release: Elgin Tower Building on Wikipedia, Feb 7th, 2011
The home of Elgin Technology Center, Elgin Tower building is now featured on Wikipedia.org. Please see the link below:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elgin_Tower_Building

For Immediate Release: Office Space - Going, Going, ... Wed. Feb 2nd, 2011
As of tonight we have almost 60 businesses and individuals have joined us as tech members!!  Many have expressed interest in office space at ETC that rents for $125-150/mth, but also in other floors in the building. If you are interested in office space let us know soon while the selection is good:)  lasse@castlewaytech.com

        In the News:  ETC and Motorola Mobility  

For Immediate Release: ETC - Wednesday January 27, 2011
Thanks to Tara Mathewson Garcia from the Daily Herald who made a big splash with her first page news story – “Could Elgin be high-tech hub?” and Mike Danahey wrote the powerful "High-tech summit in Tower Building" article featured in The Courier News - Elgin Technology Center is off to a great start.

Since the story broke, the response and feedback from the tech community has been awesome. Our first company is moving into Elgin Technology Center Feb 1st - others are expected to follow real soon.

As of tonight we have about 40 businesses and individuals as tech members!! Most signed up on-line this past week after reading Garcia’s article in the Daily Herald and Danahey's story in The Courier News.

Hitting a critical membership mass is very important to our tech community and we thank everybody that have helped us so far. We hope grow to 100+ tech members by late spring - a goal that seems very achievable at this point.  

At this point we are flipping the switch and start bringing in the employers, recruiters, and businesses seeking tech workers and consultants for their projects into ETC.

Lasse Ingebretsen
Executive Director
Elgin Technology Center

midVentures News Jan 26, 2011 
 "Nonprofit Tech Network Launched in Elgin Tower Building"
   by Shannalee T'Koy
http://midventures.com/2011/01/nonprofit-tech-network-launched-in-elgin-tower-building/

The Courier News Jan 25, 2011 
 "High-tech summit in Tower Building"
   by Mike Danahey
http://couriernews.suntimes.com/3376992-417/tech-ingebretsen-building-tower-technologies.html

Daily Herald , Jan 18, 2011
"Could Elgin be high-tech hub?”
  by Tara Mathewson Garcia
http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20110118/news/701199896/

For Immediate Release: ETC - Friday January 28, 2011

 ETC Advisory Council Meeting:  Last night Elgin Technology Center (ETC) held its first Advisory Council meeting – a historic meeting, in an historic building.
  
It was agreed that ETC's primary mission is to: "Nurture our existing IT-ecosystem and create a great environment consisting of 115+ vibrant small tech companies downtown Elgin by 2015".

To carry out ETC's mission, we formed five Strategic Initiative (SI) Groups designed to do the following: 

1. Web/IT Group (WIG)
    - Build a highly efficient infrastructure to support the efforts of all our SI groups.
2. Membership Services Group (MSG)
     - Ensure our members’ needs are being met in a very timely manner.
3. Employers Relations Group (ERG) 
    -Build ties that translate into measurable increased profits for our community.   
4. Research and Innovation Group (RIG)
    - Make sure we have an innovative community that stays at tech forefront. 
5. Admin and Tech Training (ATT) 
    - Provide the quality leadership and integrity all stakeholders would expect.

Each SI Group is led by an appointed Director. Team members who assist the Director in carrying out initiatives are hand-picked by each Director. Every SI Group should have 3-5 members. Our SI Groups are assigned tactical missions to be carried out with great speed on behalf of our community members.

A 90-Day Action Plan
Our Advisory Council decided to assemble an official 90-day action plan. The plan is currently being drafted and should be available on ETC’s website shortly. We encourage members to check out the plan to see is if there’s anything they can do to help out  with. Many of the tasks will be important, but simple and not time-consuming. 

What can I do now?
If you want to help our members and community reach immediate and tangible financial results, we want to hear from you. Stepping up to the plate is not only exciting; it makes you feel good too.

If you or someone you know has the professional expertise and strong desire to lead or be a member in one of our SI groups, please shoot an e-mail to our Executive Director, Lasse Ingebretsen ASAP.    lasse@castlewaytech.com 

FYI: Congrats to Justin Kline of Klinetech LLC who was just appointed to Director of Membership Services Group (MSG) and is now assembling his team. His involvement, drive and leadership are much appreciated by the community.