Chairs squeaked and heads bobbed and weaved, each straining to identify the curious source of disruption among the quieted crowd.
The culprit? A wicked-smart robotic camera, whose technical mastermind will be used for pipe inspection services.
I almost choked on my ornamental polenta bite as I watched the robotic whippersnapper navigate down the meeting hall. Only slightly smaller than a 1989 boom-box, the little guy emitted a confident whirr and engrossed the entire audience…so much so you would have thought Kareem Abdul-Jabbar just walked in.
Then again, displays like this never cease to amaze me. It was after all, a Rocket Pitch Event.
Jonathan Rowe, director of the UNCW Entrepreneurship Center and creator of the semi-annual Rocket Pitch Event, alongside Chancellor Gary Miller, welcomed attendees to UNCW’s Burney Hall on April 19th.
The room was filled with representatives from academia, entrepreneurship, start-up companies, media, businesses, students, angel investors, nonprofits, and many more. Attendees noshed on elegant cuisine and sipped their cocktails as they listened to five companies “pitch” their respective product, business plan, and growth model.
PipeView Technologies kicked off the series. The founders behind the cost saving, pipe failure-fighting venture and the aforementioned robot technology are locally based and well-known across the community: Meredith Sullivan and Kristen Beckmeyer, co-owners of Coastal Cupcakes.And that was just the beginning.
The companies that followed were equally impressive.
Dan Tomkins presented his company, The Teacher Registry, which is an incredible online resource for teachers. Many educators supplement their own hard earnings for supplies that school systems cannot provide due to budget constraints. The Teacher Registry, akin to a wedding registry, allows teachers to create a profile where they can post their registry for school supplies. These supplies can then be purchased by parents, friends, and visitors who can search for the teacher by name through this portal.
Myo Med, LLC is a Wilmington based company that specializes in Myotonology®. The company’s president, Elizabeth Logan, explained how the patented microcurrent, noninvasive facial treatment focuses on toning facial muscles and increasing skin circulation. This proven product has enjoyed great success and Logan predicts Myo Med will continue to considerably expand its market share.
Terry Linehan of UNCW’s film department presented his company A Bunch of Us Productions, LLC. His pitch outlined his plan for producing an independent film shot in North Carolina. Using financial comparisons to Hollywood production costs, Linehan’s funding needs are modest. The preview of snapshots sent chills throughout the crowd…it is no surprise he has already secured significant capital for this project.
Cloudwyze, founded by Shaun Olsen, uses cloud-based technologies to provide users with more efficient, flexible (no contracts!) and affordable internet, phone, hosting, and IT services. I’ll admit, I don’t really understand the inner workings of the digital network, but I do understand the advanced, and largely untapped market in which they have infiltrated and the exponential growth they will soon encounter.
Time and again I am humbled by the creativity, drive, and determination exhibited by our area entrepreneurs. The Rocket Pitch Events are no exception. What’s more, three of the presenters Wednesday night are UNCW alumni…we are literally growing entrepreneurship and business in our back yard. UNCW and the UNCW Entrepreneurship Center deserve accolades for the strong academia, programmatic support, and effectiveness in recruiting mentors and existing business representatives to the process.
To visit individual company websites and for more information on the UNCW Entrepreneurship Center’s Rocket Pitch Event please visit:uncwec.org
Friday, April 20, 2012
Monday, March 12, 2012
Second Southeastern Sustainability Symposium & Expo: “Explore the Business of Sustainability”
This one day event will bring together businesses, industries, government agencies and individuals to provide the opportunity to network, promote resources and learn about sustainable business practices and certifications.
The Keynote Speaker is Eric Henry, President of TS Designs. TS Designs is an innovative, full-service apparel domestic manufacturing and screen printing company. The mission of TS Designs is to build a sustainable company that simultaneously looks after the people, the planet, and profits. Mr. Henry recently received the NC Sustainability Champion Award from Sustainable North Carolina. This award recognizes people whose efforts are advancing sustainable “triple bottom line” approaches through creative leadership and dedication. TS Designs is run on a triple bottom line business model, one that strives for social justice, environmental stewardship, and economic prosperity.
The event will be held on March 16, 2012, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM at:
Brunswick Community College Leland Center for Economic and Workforce Development
2050 Enterprise Dr. NE, Leland, NC 28451
(910) 755-8084
For more details and to register, please visit:
http://www.ncmbc.us/2012SustainabilitySymposium.php
The Keynote Speaker is Eric Henry, President of TS Designs. TS Designs is an innovative, full-service apparel domestic manufacturing and screen printing company. The mission of TS Designs is to build a sustainable company that simultaneously looks after the people, the planet, and profits. Mr. Henry recently received the NC Sustainability Champion Award from Sustainable North Carolina. This award recognizes people whose efforts are advancing sustainable “triple bottom line” approaches through creative leadership and dedication. TS Designs is run on a triple bottom line business model, one that strives for social justice, environmental stewardship, and economic prosperity.
The event will be held on March 16, 2012, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM at:
Brunswick Community College Leland Center for Economic and Workforce Development
2050 Enterprise Dr. NE, Leland, NC 28451
(910) 755-8084
For more details and to register, please visit:
http://www.ncmbc.us/2012SustainabilitySymposium.php
Monday, February 27, 2012
Public Weighs in on Riverfront Park
Interested parties gathered February 23rd at City Hall for a public input workshop on the revitalization of Wilmington’s Downtown Riverfront Park. ColeJenest & Stone the land planning/urban design firm selected to develop a schematic plan for the waterfront space, welcomed attendees with great enthusiasm.
Representatives from ColeJenest & Stone and Halvorson Design Partnership (Boston based firm providing their design expertise of waterfront parks), presented a wealth of information, but the session was mostly dedicated to generating feedback and an overall community vision for how the project should materialize moving forward.
The presentation was organized and resourceful, as it gave an overview of the current status of the park, park program opportunities, and potential park designs and features. Each segment included a variety of images and illustrations from similar parks in other cities which were eagerly discussed and critiqued by participants. In one exercise, images were arranged on the walls, and attendees were even given green stickers to mark those items they would like to see incorporated in the design of Wilmington’s park. Features included lawns, gateways, shade structures, water features, signature design elements, public art, and pavilions.
The meeting then scaled down the 3000 foot view of “what could be” and a more personal conversation surfaced. What defines our park’s character? What does it currently represent? History and heritage? A celebration of the waterfront? And, more importantly, what do we want to it to be moving forward?
Public input sessions like these are crucial to public works projects. It is vital to engage people, to give them ownership and a chance to make the park authentic to the community… to make the space reflective of both Wilmington’s heritage and her future.
ColeJenest will use this feedback, coupled with input from previous stakeholder meetings, to create a master plan for all three phases of the park. Because phases two and three are dependent upon future negotiations by the City, their energies will mostly focus on the first phase. They predict that by April, the conceptual plan will be ready to present to City Council, which, upon approval, will initiate construction.
The meeting was both powerful and productive. In a way, the atmosphere and sentiment in that room was analogous to how I imagine our park to be. I was thrilled to see the number of young parents present, their young ones in tow. It was easy to envision them enjoying a Saturday afternoon…children playing in a creative fountain, ducking shoots of water soaring toward the sky, shrieking with delight. Single and married couples of all ages were also at the meeting…again, my mind wandered as I imagined Frisbees soaring next to the river, couples nuzzled on benches gazing out at the water, and passersby watching as they meander along the cobbled bricks of Water Street…makes me want to grab a double fudge ice cream cone and join them.
Representatives from ColeJenest & Stone and Halvorson Design Partnership (Boston based firm providing their design expertise of waterfront parks), presented a wealth of information, but the session was mostly dedicated to generating feedback and an overall community vision for how the project should materialize moving forward.
The presentation was organized and resourceful, as it gave an overview of the current status of the park, park program opportunities, and potential park designs and features. Each segment included a variety of images and illustrations from similar parks in other cities which were eagerly discussed and critiqued by participants. In one exercise, images were arranged on the walls, and attendees were even given green stickers to mark those items they would like to see incorporated in the design of Wilmington’s park. Features included lawns, gateways, shade structures, water features, signature design elements, public art, and pavilions.
The meeting then scaled down the 3000 foot view of “what could be” and a more personal conversation surfaced. What defines our park’s character? What does it currently represent? History and heritage? A celebration of the waterfront? And, more importantly, what do we want to it to be moving forward?
Public input sessions like these are crucial to public works projects. It is vital to engage people, to give them ownership and a chance to make the park authentic to the community… to make the space reflective of both Wilmington’s heritage and her future.
ColeJenest will use this feedback, coupled with input from previous stakeholder meetings, to create a master plan for all three phases of the park. Because phases two and three are dependent upon future negotiations by the City, their energies will mostly focus on the first phase. They predict that by April, the conceptual plan will be ready to present to City Council, which, upon approval, will initiate construction.
The meeting was both powerful and productive. In a way, the atmosphere and sentiment in that room was analogous to how I imagine our park to be. I was thrilled to see the number of young parents present, their young ones in tow. It was easy to envision them enjoying a Saturday afternoon…children playing in a creative fountain, ducking shoots of water soaring toward the sky, shrieking with delight. Single and married couples of all ages were also at the meeting…again, my mind wandered as I imagined Frisbees soaring next to the river, couples nuzzled on benches gazing out at the water, and passersby watching as they meander along the cobbled bricks of Water Street…makes me want to grab a double fudge ice cream cone and join them.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Riverfront Park Stakeholder Meeting and Public Input Session
The city is looking for your input regarding the redevelopment of Riverfront Park. Two meetings will be held on February 23. You are encouraged to attend one or both if you would like to have a voice in the future of Riverfront Park. The stakeholder meeting will be from 10 am to noon and the public input workshop will be from 5 – 7 pm. Both meetings will be held in the City Council Chambers in City Hall.
Monday, February 6, 2012
New Hanover County Schools Announces 2012 Science Fair Winners
The New Hanover County Science Fair was held on Thursday, January 26, 2012 on the campus of Murray Middle School. Nearly two hundred students in grades 3-12 participated. Among the event judges were representatives from Old River Farms, Cape Fear Museum, Airlie Gardens, the Cape Fear River Watch, the New Hanover County Soil and Water Conservation District, University of North Carolina-Wilmington (UNCW), and the City of Wilmington Storm Water Services.
Several projects in each category will represent New Hanover County Schools at the Southeast Regional Science Fair to be held on February 11, 2012 on the campus of UNCW.
(*indicates selected for regional competition)
Elementary School Winners
Nina Hahn, Murrayville*
Elizabeth Kinsey, Anderson*
Layth Mansour, Sunset Park*
Caleb Marshall, Castle Hayne*
Caitlin Parrish, Blair*
Gavin Sokolinsky, Pine Valley*
Aeris Tinkler and Khalia Murray, Freeman School of Engineering*
Elyssa Hall, Codington*
Kendall Shaw, Wrightsboro*
Holland Baynard, Bradley Creek
Summer Marshburn-Teneyck, Gregory School of Math and Science
Maeson Morgan, Bellamy
Colby Styers, Codington
Daton West, Pine Valley
Nicholas Hildreth, College Park
Eric Powers, Pine Valley
Andrew Wise and William Caglarcan, Eaton
John Gizdic and Shaun Gizdic, Parsley
Scott Hightower, Pine Valley
Sandro Pantano, Ogden
Middle School Winners
Biological Science
1st- Dane Scull, Roland-Grise *
2nd- Savannah Clary, Noble*
3rd- Macy Austin, Trask
Physical Science
1st- Noelle Hoehn, Trask*
2nd- Mackenzie Williams and Emma Nelson, Murray*
3rd- Finn Sweetz, Murray
Earth Science
1st- Nathan Kinsey, Murray*
2nd- Lindsey Williams, Myrtle Grove*
3rd- Sam Scarborough and Jacob Harris, Holly Shelter
Technology
1st- Drew Cummings, Holly Shelter*
2nd- Eli Wilson and Scott Perry, Noble
3rd- Ryan Dunwoody, Holly Shelter
High School Winners
Biological Science
1st- Re’Onna Crawford and Talpha Everette, Isaac Bear Early College*
2nd- Garrett Leatherwood, Isaac Bear Early College*
3rd- Eli Myer, Isaac Bear Early College
Physical Science
1st- Brittany Williams, Laney*
2nd- Kevin Frink, Isaac Bear Early College*
3rd- Marissa Morrison and Erika Brigantti, Isaac Bear Early College
Earth Science
1st- Matthew Stanbury and Christine Chow, Isaac Bear Early College*
2nd- Casey Wenner- Isaac Bear Early College
3rd- Brooke Hoehn- Isaac Bear Early College
Technology/Engineering
1st- Richard Everhart, Isaac Bear Early College*
2nd- Anna Dyches, Isaac Bear Early College
In addition to the winners, Chloe O’Briant, Parsley Elementary, and Emma Bingham and Quinton Juliano, Isaac Bear, were also chosen to represent NHCS at the regional level.
Several students received special awards by local businesses for their outstanding projects. The award recipients include:
· Nathan Kinsey, Murray Elementary School, Airlie Gardens Award
· Taylor McMillon, Parsley Elementary, Cape Fear Museum Award
· Elizabeth Kinsey, Anderson Elementary, Cape Fear Museum Award
· Lindsey Williams, Myrtle Grove Middle, New Hanover County Soil & Water Conservation District Award
Several projects in each category will represent New Hanover County Schools at the Southeast Regional Science Fair to be held on February 11, 2012 on the campus of UNCW.
(*indicates selected for regional competition)
Elementary School Winners
Nina Hahn, Murrayville*
Elizabeth Kinsey, Anderson*
Layth Mansour, Sunset Park*
Caleb Marshall, Castle Hayne*
Caitlin Parrish, Blair*
Gavin Sokolinsky, Pine Valley*
Aeris Tinkler and Khalia Murray, Freeman School of Engineering*
Elyssa Hall, Codington*
Kendall Shaw, Wrightsboro*
Holland Baynard, Bradley Creek
Summer Marshburn-Teneyck, Gregory School of Math and Science
Maeson Morgan, Bellamy
Colby Styers, Codington
Daton West, Pine Valley
Nicholas Hildreth, College Park
Eric Powers, Pine Valley
Andrew Wise and William Caglarcan, Eaton
John Gizdic and Shaun Gizdic, Parsley
Scott Hightower, Pine Valley
Sandro Pantano, Ogden
Middle School Winners
Biological Science
1st- Dane Scull, Roland-Grise *
2nd- Savannah Clary, Noble*
3rd- Macy Austin, Trask
Physical Science
1st- Noelle Hoehn, Trask*
2nd- Mackenzie Williams and Emma Nelson, Murray*
3rd- Finn Sweetz, Murray
Earth Science
1st- Nathan Kinsey, Murray*
2nd- Lindsey Williams, Myrtle Grove*
3rd- Sam Scarborough and Jacob Harris, Holly Shelter
Technology
1st- Drew Cummings, Holly Shelter*
2nd- Eli Wilson and Scott Perry, Noble
3rd- Ryan Dunwoody, Holly Shelter
High School Winners
Biological Science
1st- Re’Onna Crawford and Talpha Everette, Isaac Bear Early College*
2nd- Garrett Leatherwood, Isaac Bear Early College*
3rd- Eli Myer, Isaac Bear Early College
Physical Science
1st- Brittany Williams, Laney*
2nd- Kevin Frink, Isaac Bear Early College*
3rd- Marissa Morrison and Erika Brigantti, Isaac Bear Early College
Earth Science
1st- Matthew Stanbury and Christine Chow, Isaac Bear Early College*
2nd- Casey Wenner- Isaac Bear Early College
3rd- Brooke Hoehn- Isaac Bear Early College
Technology/Engineering
1st- Richard Everhart, Isaac Bear Early College*
2nd- Anna Dyches, Isaac Bear Early College
In addition to the winners, Chloe O’Briant, Parsley Elementary, and Emma Bingham and Quinton Juliano, Isaac Bear, were also chosen to represent NHCS at the regional level.
Several students received special awards by local businesses for their outstanding projects. The award recipients include:
· Nathan Kinsey, Murray Elementary School, Airlie Gardens Award
· Taylor McMillon, Parsley Elementary, Cape Fear Museum Award
· Elizabeth Kinsey, Anderson Elementary, Cape Fear Museum Award
· Lindsey Williams, Myrtle Grove Middle, New Hanover County Soil & Water Conservation District Award
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Verizon Call Center Hosts Electronic Recycling Rally March 8
Verizon Wireless is hosting its second public recycling rally at the company’s Wilmington call center on March 8, 2012, at which electronics, as well as glass, plastics and aluminum will be collected. Everything Verizon collects is then shared with a recycler who disposes of the items in strict adherence to Verizon’s zero-tolerance landfill objective. The zero-tolerance policy requires that all materials are reused or recycled with some components stripped down to their essential materials and metals which are then distributed for re-use. “Verizon’s objective with our Recycling Rallies is to provide an easy and convenient way for our employees and the communities we serve to dispose of electronics in an environmentally friendly way. In 2011, Verizon was able to offset the equivalent of 562 tons of Co2 last year through multiple recycling events. This will be our third event in 2012 and we are looking forward to achievement more amazing results for the environment this year,” said Verizon’s Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer James Gowen.
Verizon’s sustainability office has travelled the country hosting e-recycling collection events in at least ten cities a year since 2009. They hosted a rally in Wilmington last July, collecting more here than at any other stop in their three year program. “We expected to fill two tractor trailers in Wilmington by the end of our collection event. We filled them in three hours,” commented John Dorn, of Verizon’s Sustainability Group, adding “By the end of the day, we had called three additional trucks to the site to pick up everything Wilmington’s citizenry recycled that day. It was amazing!”
Items that will be accepted include laptop and desktop computers including all monitors, televisions, computer cables, mice and keyboards, gaming consoles, telephones and answering machines, stereo and audio equipment, paper shredders, alarm clocks, printers, cameras, conferencing equipment, remote controls, earphones, small electronic appliances (such as coffee makers, toasters, toaster ovens and can openers), and electronic toys, without batteries. Standard glass, plastic and aluminum materials will also be accepted. Hard drives will not be wiped.
Verizon’s sustainability office has travelled the country hosting e-recycling collection events in at least ten cities a year since 2009. They hosted a rally in Wilmington last July, collecting more here than at any other stop in their three year program. “We expected to fill two tractor trailers in Wilmington by the end of our collection event. We filled them in three hours,” commented John Dorn, of Verizon’s Sustainability Group, adding “By the end of the day, we had called three additional trucks to the site to pick up everything Wilmington’s citizenry recycled that day. It was amazing!”
Items that will be accepted include laptop and desktop computers including all monitors, televisions, computer cables, mice and keyboards, gaming consoles, telephones and answering machines, stereo and audio equipment, paper shredders, alarm clocks, printers, cameras, conferencing equipment, remote controls, earphones, small electronic appliances (such as coffee makers, toasters, toaster ovens and can openers), and electronic toys, without batteries. Standard glass, plastic and aluminum materials will also be accepted. Hard drives will not be wiped.
- Verizon’s collections guarantee a zero-tolerance landfill
- Businesses encouraged to drop off computers, monitors, office equipment televisions and all e-waste
- Drop off on Converse Drive at Call Center, 3/8/11, from 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM
Contact: Margee Herring at 910-233-2466
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Dropout Prevention Coalition Issues First Newsletter
The Dropout Prevention Coalition (DPC) was initiated in 2011 by the Watson School of Education with the goal of bringing together a broad audience, representing schools and various community organizations to help students stay and succeed in school across Southeastern NC.
Follow the link below to view the DPC's Newsletter:
http://www.uncw.edu/ed/dropout/documents/newsletter/Newsletter_Jan2012.pdf
Follow the link below to view the DPC's Newsletter:
http://www.uncw.edu/ed/dropout/documents/newsletter/Newsletter_Jan2012.pdf
Monday, December 12, 2011
Cape Fear Future releases new tri-county education brochure
In the spring of 2011, representatives from Cape Fear Future and the Chamber Foundation (both initiatives of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce) joined forces to assist the improvement of K-12 schools by raising awareness and support through marketing.
To our knowledge, no entities in the tri-county region (New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender Counties) have produced a comprehensive regional annual report on our schools. The team felt strongly we should have documentation for distribution for both prospective and community residents/businesses. Therefore, the team connected with several school representatives and combed through local, state, and national data in an effort to consolidate school performance, statistics, and special programs.
The result of this effort is an up-to-date profile with relevant statistical information to be provided to corporate prospects, commercial and residential realtors and anyone looking at our school systems. Our first goal was to create a printed brochure, and the second is to create and expand educational materials on the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce website.
We are excited to announce the regional education brochure is complete! The team is currently seeking feedback on the content of the brochure and also entities that should receive the mailing for mass distribution in early 2012. Additional resources and statistics not included in the printed brochure will be provided on the new Wilmington Chamber of Commerce website when it is launched in February of 2012.
Please click on the link below to check out our new brochure:
http://www.wilmingtonchamber.org/customers/103102118203091/filemanager/Education_brochure_SF_for_website.pdf
To our knowledge, no entities in the tri-county region (New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender Counties) have produced a comprehensive regional annual report on our schools. The team felt strongly we should have documentation for distribution for both prospective and community residents/businesses. Therefore, the team connected with several school representatives and combed through local, state, and national data in an effort to consolidate school performance, statistics, and special programs.
The result of this effort is an up-to-date profile with relevant statistical information to be provided to corporate prospects, commercial and residential realtors and anyone looking at our school systems. Our first goal was to create a printed brochure, and the second is to create and expand educational materials on the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce website.
We are excited to announce the regional education brochure is complete! The team is currently seeking feedback on the content of the brochure and also entities that should receive the mailing for mass distribution in early 2012. Additional resources and statistics not included in the printed brochure will be provided on the new Wilmington Chamber of Commerce website when it is launched in February of 2012.
Please click on the link below to check out our new brochure:
http://www.wilmingtonchamber.org/customers/103102118203091/filemanager/Education_brochure_SF_for_website.pdf
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Supporters launch Wilmington-area arts council
"It's so nice," said painter Virginia Wright-Frierson, "to finally have something to celebrate."
She, along with more than 100 other artists, musicians, local officials and others, were on hand Wednesday night at the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the launch of the Wilmington area's new arts council.
Link to full StarNews article below:
http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20111207/ENT/111209765?Title=Supporters-launch-Wilmington-area-arts-council
She, along with more than 100 other artists, musicians, local officials and others, were on hand Wednesday night at the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the launch of the Wilmington area's new arts council.
Link to full StarNews article below:
http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20111207/ENT/111209765?Title=Supporters-launch-Wilmington-area-arts-council
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
NC Science Festival
Yesterday, I had the great pleasure of meeting Jonathan Frederick, Director of the NC Science Festival, an initiative of the UNC Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. This celebration, from April 13th-29th, is the first statewide science festival in the nation. Jonathan and his team are engaging participants across the state to create, host, sponsor, etc. events.
Their goal is to make April be known as the “science month” in North Carolina. The Festival includes both traditional and funky events, from an open house to a kitchen chemistry event in a local restaurant. Companies and organizations can submit programs that are already going on, or they can create a new program for the week of the Festival. Their long-term vision for the Festival is to have 1 million people participating each year at events all over the state.
Based on the feedback from 2010 Event hosts, there are a number of improvements from last year. For example:
• Individual webpage url for your event.
• Improved calendar functionality allows people to find your event that much easier.
• Option to upload your own event photo or logo.
• Customizable event flyer available.
• News media release template available to promote your individual event.
For the 2010 Final Report, future goals, and additional details on the festival, please visit: www.ncsciencefestival.org
Not only is this a wonderful opportunity to showcase our region’s (among other municipalities across the state) many science related activities, but it also gives our area great exposure in terms of economic development as the activities take place right here at home, while still connecting us to the state at large.
If you have any resources/programs/contacts in mind, I urge you to pass them on to myself or the NC Science Festival organizers. I look forward to your participation!
Their goal is to make April be known as the “science month” in North Carolina. The Festival includes both traditional and funky events, from an open house to a kitchen chemistry event in a local restaurant. Companies and organizations can submit programs that are already going on, or they can create a new program for the week of the Festival. Their long-term vision for the Festival is to have 1 million people participating each year at events all over the state.
Based on the feedback from 2010 Event hosts, there are a number of improvements from last year. For example:
• Individual webpage url for your event.
• Improved calendar functionality allows people to find your event that much easier.
• Option to upload your own event photo or logo.
• Customizable event flyer available.
• News media release template available to promote your individual event.
For the 2010 Final Report, future goals, and additional details on the festival, please visit: www.ncsciencefestival.org
Not only is this a wonderful opportunity to showcase our region’s (among other municipalities across the state) many science related activities, but it also gives our area great exposure in terms of economic development as the activities take place right here at home, while still connecting us to the state at large.
If you have any resources/programs/contacts in mind, I urge you to pass them on to myself or the NC Science Festival organizers. I look forward to your participation!
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Entrepreneurs show their stuff
Students, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and potential investors all gathered Tuesday at the New Hanover County Executive Development Center, for another round of the UNCW Entrepreneurship Center’s highly anticipated Rocket Pitch Event. Five entrepreneurs showcased their novel products, ideas and business models in the hopes of generating investment and community/business support.
For the full story, please visit the Greater Wilmington Business Journal's article:
http://www.wilmingtonbiz.com/industry_news_details.php?id=2895
For the full story, please visit the Greater Wilmington Business Journal's article:
http://www.wilmingtonbiz.com/industry_news_details.php?id=2895
Friday, October 14, 2011
Goings-On About Wilmington
I always love receiving a fresh publication of The New Yorker. I remember sitting with my sister when we were children flipping through my father’s magazines. We would cuddle up for hours, carefully examining those famous New Yorker covers and studying every cartoon, none of which I ever understood. My sister (beyond her years in both maturity and brains) would begin to giggle, as the meaning, which completely eluded me, would unhinge her. I would then roll over in stitches so she would think I actually understood the punchline.
Today, aside from the cartoons (which, to me, are now only occasionally a succession of non sequiturs) I find the real highlight of my New Yorker experience is always on page six: “Goings On About Town”, where theatre, nightlife, art, movies, and books galore are highlighted each week. I can almost imagine being in the midst of the great city, watching young bohemians as they make their way through the Meat Packing District; running to some avant-garde theatre production on W. 47th Street; sipping a gin martini with a twist at a swanky new bar exploding with the sound of a new indie underground band...but then, this is only glossy paper and print…a magazine...
While I do enjoy this indulgence, there really is no need for me to surf the pages written about the boroughs of NYC, because I reside in my beloved Wilmington…and I’m pleased as punch. The fact is, our region’s quality of life is unparalleled…from a Downtown Riverfront peppered with historical homes and trendy boutiques to the picturesque beaches with coastal cottages and bros catching waves. We truly have it made. And it’s the people here that make it. There is a small town feel, but a big town heart—cultural happenings abound. We too have a page six, and our goings-on are most certainly magazine worthy.
There is always a new restaurant opening, a new entrepreneurial venture, a new community group, or a new art exhibit cropping up. This is what I love about my work with Cape Fear Future…I am afforded the luxury of being in the midst of it all—from education and entrepreneurship to quality of life, there is always something new to discover and explore here in Wilmington.
There is a deep passion in our community for the improvement/availability of even more goings-on, a direct byproduct of economic and community development. With this passion can come community fragmentation, which is not uncommon when it comes to economic development, especially when competing in a global marketplace and depressed economy. Many cities across the nation clumsily falter as they strive to determine a focus and direction for sustainable job growth and the expansion of arts and cultural amenities. Our region is not immune to such fragmentation…we are still finding our footing.
While not always in agreement over those small and large treasures we need to emphasize or those aspects of Wilmington we need to improve, our town is rich in forward thinkers and numerous groups, who work effortlessly to improve both quality of life and business development. They are a gift to Wilmington and to each other because of the discussions they generate. They come together to think, to bounce ideas off one another, to extrapolate and motivate through lively, intellectual, progressive conversations. They move Wilmington, forward into what CFF and others imagine for us all.
As such, part of CFF’s role is to bring groups together, shape what economic and community development mean for our region, and help tell the story of our Port City.
The last page of each New Yorker features a weekly "Cartoon Caption Contest" with captionless cartoons. Captions are submitted by readers, three are chosen as finalists, and readers then vote on the winner. Wouldn’t it be nice if regional transformation was that easy?
Obviously, the evolution of our business and community sectors is no laughing matter. But, similar to these cartoons, the future of Wilmington and the direction of economic development is an incomplete canvas, awaiting the brush strokes of the community’s vision.
To that point, we must be more than just a vision…we must execute tenacity and continue to set the bar for great cities.
Today, aside from the cartoons (which, to me, are now only occasionally a succession of non sequiturs) I find the real highlight of my New Yorker experience is always on page six: “Goings On About Town”, where theatre, nightlife, art, movies, and books galore are highlighted each week. I can almost imagine being in the midst of the great city, watching young bohemians as they make their way through the Meat Packing District; running to some avant-garde theatre production on W. 47th Street; sipping a gin martini with a twist at a swanky new bar exploding with the sound of a new indie underground band...but then, this is only glossy paper and print…a magazine...
While I do enjoy this indulgence, there really is no need for me to surf the pages written about the boroughs of NYC, because I reside in my beloved Wilmington…and I’m pleased as punch. The fact is, our region’s quality of life is unparalleled…from a Downtown Riverfront peppered with historical homes and trendy boutiques to the picturesque beaches with coastal cottages and bros catching waves. We truly have it made. And it’s the people here that make it. There is a small town feel, but a big town heart—cultural happenings abound. We too have a page six, and our goings-on are most certainly magazine worthy.
There is always a new restaurant opening, a new entrepreneurial venture, a new community group, or a new art exhibit cropping up. This is what I love about my work with Cape Fear Future…I am afforded the luxury of being in the midst of it all—from education and entrepreneurship to quality of life, there is always something new to discover and explore here in Wilmington.
There is a deep passion in our community for the improvement/availability of even more goings-on, a direct byproduct of economic and community development. With this passion can come community fragmentation, which is not uncommon when it comes to economic development, especially when competing in a global marketplace and depressed economy. Many cities across the nation clumsily falter as they strive to determine a focus and direction for sustainable job growth and the expansion of arts and cultural amenities. Our region is not immune to such fragmentation…we are still finding our footing.
While not always in agreement over those small and large treasures we need to emphasize or those aspects of Wilmington we need to improve, our town is rich in forward thinkers and numerous groups, who work effortlessly to improve both quality of life and business development. They are a gift to Wilmington and to each other because of the discussions they generate. They come together to think, to bounce ideas off one another, to extrapolate and motivate through lively, intellectual, progressive conversations. They move Wilmington, forward into what CFF and others imagine for us all.
As such, part of CFF’s role is to bring groups together, shape what economic and community development mean for our region, and help tell the story of our Port City.
The last page of each New Yorker features a weekly "Cartoon Caption Contest" with captionless cartoons. Captions are submitted by readers, three are chosen as finalists, and readers then vote on the winner. Wouldn’t it be nice if regional transformation was that easy?
Obviously, the evolution of our business and community sectors is no laughing matter. But, similar to these cartoons, the future of Wilmington and the direction of economic development is an incomplete canvas, awaiting the brush strokes of the community’s vision.
To that point, we must be more than just a vision…we must execute tenacity and continue to set the bar for great cities.
Monday, September 12, 2011
New Hanover County Schools Transition Fair
On October 26, 2011, the New Hanover County Schools Transition Advisory Team will sponsor a Transition Fair entitled, “WHATS NEXT IN YOUR LIFE”. This fair is for any student enrolled in grades 10-12 that is receiving some kind of special support services at school.
The goals of this event are to:
•Provide our students with entry level employment information about opportunities in the greater Wilmington area.
•Provide our students with Post-Secondary educational information and regional options.
•Provide our students with an opportunity to interact and ask questions of area service providers.
The WHATS NEXT IN YOUR LIFE, transition fair will begin promptly at 9:30 AM in the Dale K. Spencer Building and will conclude at 7:30 PM with a break from 2:30PM- 5:30 PM. The team anticipates that approximately 500 students will be in attendance.
If you would be interested in setting up a booth at the Dale K. Spencer building for the purpose of providing information to our students and answering questions about your business, please contact Betsy Stanwood by September 29th, 2011: email at betsy.stanwood@nhcs.net or call at 910.254.4466.
Thank you for your support!
The goals of this event are to:
•Provide our students with entry level employment information about opportunities in the greater Wilmington area.
•Provide our students with Post-Secondary educational information and regional options.
•Provide our students with an opportunity to interact and ask questions of area service providers.
The WHATS NEXT IN YOUR LIFE, transition fair will begin promptly at 9:30 AM in the Dale K. Spencer Building and will conclude at 7:30 PM with a break from 2:30PM- 5:30 PM. The team anticipates that approximately 500 students will be in attendance.
If you would be interested in setting up a booth at the Dale K. Spencer building for the purpose of providing information to our students and answering questions about your business, please contact Betsy Stanwood by September 29th, 2011: email at betsy.stanwood@nhcs.net or call at 910.254.4466.
Thank you for your support!
Wednesday, September 7, 2011

We are pleased to announce a new partnership between the UNCW Watson School of Education and Cape Fear Future to promote the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) for K-12 students.
Together, WSE and CFF have developed a website of STEM programs offered in the region. This resource provides a listing of camps, field trips, after-school programs, contests, learning resources, and places to visit for STEM-related activities. We hope the STEM Resource will help facilitate teacher/parent access to STEM programs and resources, and increase student participation in STEM programs.
Please visit the new site at: http://www.uncw.edu/ed/stem/
We hope you will find the STEM Resource helpful, and help us share the link with teachers and parents in our region!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
UNCW Entrepreneurship Center Presents: 2011 Economic Outlook Conference
It's that time of year again! The UNCW Entrepreneurship Center is hosting their annual Economic Outlook Conference on October 11, 2011. As the theme will be focused on global trade and regional growth in Southeastern NC, this will be an event you won’t want to miss!
More details coming soon… www.uncw.edu/eoc
For more info on the EC, check out: http://uncwec.org/
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Cucalorus Film Festival Calls for Volunteers

The infamous Cucalorus Film Festival returns for its 17th year!
The Cucalorus team needs dedicated volunteers to join in the fun! The initial volunteer meeting will be an open house held at Jengo's Playhouse August 25th from 3-7pm. Volunteers are needed for screening, box office and technical departments.
For more information, please visit the volunteer open house facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=259397314085939
If you would like more information on events, involvement, membership, sponsorships, and more visit:
http://www.cucalorus.org/
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Successful Education Program May Be Cancelled Due to State Funding Cuts
"Making my way from a trailer park to Yale could not have been possible without Summer Ventures," stated Garry Reeder, a participant in a previous UNCW Summer Ventures program. One couldn’t ask for a more glowing endorsement for a program, right? But now that program is in jeopardy of being cancelled.
The 25th Annual Summer Ventures 2011 at UNCW got underway Monday, June 27th and will wrap up Saturday, July 23, possibly for the last time due to state budget cuts. UNCW is one of five NC universities to host Summer Ventures in Science and Mathematics (SVSM) Institutes administered by the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM). SVSM is a cost-free, state-funded program for academically talented students who may pursue careers based in science and mathematics.
The 4-week course of intensive study is led by university faculty and master high school teachers. The program brings rising juniors and seniors together in residential settings for four weeks of intensive study with courses designed to provide experience in scientific inquiry and mathematical problem solving. As a merit-based program, Summer Ventures is free to participating students.
"I still count that summer at UNCW as one of the most important experiences of my life,” said Robert Leandro, another UNCW SVSM participant. “Studying marine biology at SVSM opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me."
Despite this long track record of success, it's likely that 2011 will be the last year of Summer Ventures at UNCW - unless we can find a way to save it! Cape Fear Future encourages you to spread the importance of this program as it encourages and rewards high performing students while simultaneously preparing them in workforce development.
As a program serving "the best and the brightest", Summer Ventures is an investment in North Carolina's future. It's a program that should be showcased as a model of success and expanded, not eliminated. I hope you'll join our efforts to save Summer Ventures by sharing this information with others or by contacting Karen Shafer, Director, UNCW Science and Mathematics Education Center at 910-962-3168 (email: shaferk@uncw.edu) or Dr. Gabriel Lugo, Summer Ventures' Faculty Coordinator at 910-962-3246 (email: lugo@uncw.edu) to see how you can help.
The 25th Annual Summer Ventures 2011 at UNCW got underway Monday, June 27th and will wrap up Saturday, July 23, possibly for the last time due to state budget cuts. UNCW is one of five NC universities to host Summer Ventures in Science and Mathematics (SVSM) Institutes administered by the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM). SVSM is a cost-free, state-funded program for academically talented students who may pursue careers based in science and mathematics.
The 4-week course of intensive study is led by university faculty and master high school teachers. The program brings rising juniors and seniors together in residential settings for four weeks of intensive study with courses designed to provide experience in scientific inquiry and mathematical problem solving. As a merit-based program, Summer Ventures is free to participating students.
"I still count that summer at UNCW as one of the most important experiences of my life,” said Robert Leandro, another UNCW SVSM participant. “Studying marine biology at SVSM opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me."
Despite this long track record of success, it's likely that 2011 will be the last year of Summer Ventures at UNCW - unless we can find a way to save it! Cape Fear Future encourages you to spread the importance of this program as it encourages and rewards high performing students while simultaneously preparing them in workforce development.
As a program serving "the best and the brightest", Summer Ventures is an investment in North Carolina's future. It's a program that should be showcased as a model of success and expanded, not eliminated. I hope you'll join our efforts to save Summer Ventures by sharing this information with others or by contacting Karen Shafer, Director, UNCW Science and Mathematics Education Center at 910-962-3168 (email: shaferk@uncw.edu) or Dr. Gabriel Lugo, Summer Ventures' Faculty Coordinator at 910-962-3246 (email: lugo@uncw.edu) to see how you can help.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Friday, June 3, 2011
UNCW Entrepreneurship Center Hosts ENOV8T 2011

Jonathan Rowe, director of the UNCW Entrepreneurship Center and Fran Scarlett, regional director of the UNCW Small Business & Technology Development Center will act as program directors for this year's ENOV8T. High school students are encouraged to attend this exciting event to learn more about entrepreneurship, leadership, team building skills, and starting a new business.
For additonal information and registration, see the UNCW Entrepreneurship Center Website:
http://uncwec.org/programs/enov8t/
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Editorial - A new push could make Riverfront Park a star attraction
Wilmington's Riverwalk is one of the most relaxing ways to while away a lazy afternoon downtown. Now it's time to spruce up Riverfront Park. And thanks to the interest of a community group and a languishing federal grant, that may happen soon.
For full StarNews article see link below:
http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20110601/ARTICLES/110609957/1108/editorial?p=all&tc=pgall&tc=ar
For full StarNews article see link below:
http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20110601/ARTICLES/110609957/1108/editorial?p=all&tc=pgall&tc=ar
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