| Friday, May 21, 2004
ESU President is Recipient of Ben Franklin Technology Partners Special Recognition Award
At right, Dr. Robert J. Dillman, president of East Stroudsburg
University was the recipient of the Special Recognition Award at the
Northeastern Pennsylvania Innovation Awards Ceremony presented by The
Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania last
week. The award winners were acknowledged at the Ben Franklin I–xchange, at the Zoellner Arts Center at Lehigh University.
Awards were presented in eight categories, to companies or individuals who have achieved business success through Ben Franklin, have helped others to achieve success, or who have improved their business through innovation. Each award recipient represents a person or company that exemplifies achievement in that particular category.
The Special Recognition Award is presented to an individual whose strong vision, dedication and commitment to the program have helped to bring about a better business environment for Ben Franklin clients. "The selection of President Dillman for the award is based on his having demonstrated extraordinary leadership at East Stroudsburg." He was cited in the awards program for, "having positioned the university as a key economic development force in northeastern Pennsylvania." During his tenure ESU has become the first university in the US to offer an undergraduate degree in computer security. ESU also established an award–winning Business Accelerator Program that joined the Ben Franklin Business Incubator Network and the University City Science Center's Port of Technology. President Dillman led the development of the new Center for Research and Economic Development that is a resource for technology–based entrepreneurs. He also is leading the establishment of a world–class Science and Technology Center. An avid supporter of Ben Franklin, "Dr. Dillman has championed Ben Franklin business infrastructure investments involving ESU which total nearly 3 million dollars."
The purposes of the innovation awards are to congratulate winners on their success and achievement, to highlight the effectiveness of the Ben Franklin program, and to educate entrepreneurs and established manufacturers as to the resources that are available to them in northeast Pennsylvania.
The I–xchange has become the premier business networking opportunity in northeastern Pennsylvania. Last year, more than 600 technology entrepreneurs, business people, economic developers, venture capitalists, regional influencers, political leaders, educators, students, bankers, lawyers, and accountants from Ben Franklin's 19–county service area attended, and even more are expected this year.
About the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania:
The Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania links companies with experts, universities, funding, and other resources to help them prosper through innovation. The Center strategy encompasses three key areas: developing early–stage, technology–oriented companies; helping established manufacturers creatively apply new technologies and business practices; and promoting an innovative community–wide infrastructure that fosters a favorable business environment for high–growth companies. The northeastern center, located on the campus of Lehigh University with regional offices in Lewisburg, Reading, and Wilkes-Barre, is part of a four–center, state–funded economic development initiative.
In addition to President Dillman, The 2004 Northeastern Pennsylvania Innovation Awards winners are:
Entrepreneurial Achievement
The person that best exemplifies the quintessential entrepreneurial spirit: a combination of ingenuity, hard work, and innovation that has resulted in the creation of a successful and growing business venture.
James VanArtsdalen, Co–founder and Chairman, The Information Systems Manager, Inc., Bethlehem
Academic Partner
An individual affiliated with an institute of higher learning who has contributed his or her time and expertise to supporting the Ben Franklin program. This person's contribution has clearly surpassed "normal" expectations for involvement with and support of the Ben Franklin Technology Partners.
Dr. Wojciech Z. Misiolek, Associate Professor of Materials Science and Engineering and Loewy Chair, Lehigh University, Bethlehem
Incubator Graduate
The company that has best demonstrated successful Ben Franklin business incubation. The business has been operated skillfully and confidently, meeting all challenges from the development of the product concept, execution of the business and technical plan, successful start–up and operation, to graduation from the incubator.
Bio Med Sciences, Inc., Allentown, Mark E. Dillon, President
Product Innovation
The company that best demonstrates the commercialization of a unique, innovative product that creatively and effectively meets a market need.
Innovative Control Systems, Inc., Nazareth, Kevin Detrick, President
Innovative Application of Technology
The company that best demonstrates a "break the mold" approach to integrating new or existing technology into a manufacturing environment.
GENTEX Corporation, Carbondale, John F. Pullo, Vice President and General Manager
Manufacturing Achievement
The company that best exemplifies achievement in the manufacturing arena, showing a proven track record of success and an unbending commitment to achieving and maintaining excellence in manufacturing.
Neapco Inc., Pottstown, J. R. Mangini, Executive Vice President and General Manager
Entrepreneurial Advocate
An individual from the community who has contributed his or her leadership, time, and expertise to helping entrepreneurs and the Ben Franklin Technology Partners accomplish their goals. This person demonstrates a sincere and selfless desire to see the region thrive, and backs up his or her commitment with appropriate action.
Sharon Marshall, Principal, Marketing Solutions, Quakertown
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