Tech Valley News
2007 Summit to Feature Exciting New Changes
Learn more at Summit in Tech Valley
The seventh annual Summit in Tech Valley will take place at a new location and feature a variety of exciting new changes when it is held this spring.
The region’s premier high-tech event is scheduled for Monday, May 14 in the hangar at the Million Air terminal at Albany International Airport. This year’s event – which has a theme of “3 Partners Piloting 1 Mission” – is expected to draw hundreds of leaders in the business, government and academic communities.
In a new feature to be implemented at this year’s Summit, attendees will choose a high-tech company to visit in the afternoon, with each venue offering unique programming. Thus far, MapInfo Corporation and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies have signed on to take part in what will truly be an interactive experience for attendees. Transportation will be provided to each location.
“We were intent on making this year’s Summit in Tech Valley far more distinct and interactive than any of our previous events, and we believe that we have done that,” said Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce Senior Vice President Ann Wendth, who is the lead organizer of the Summit. “Attendees will have a chance to visit some of Tech Valley’s high-tech jewels, and we are certain they will come away from the day with a renewed appreciation and awareness of the numerous high-tech initiatives that are occurring right here in the region.”
Berkshire Bank, through its Greater Berkshire Foundation, will serve as the major sponsor of the 2007 Summit for the second consecutive year. President – New York region Thomas C. Crowley says the bank is delighted to have the opportunity to once again serve as major sponsor of the event.
“The participation, presentations and level of commitment by all involved with the 2006 Summit far exceeded our expectations,” said Crowley. “We understand clearly that growth in the various technology fields encourages growth throughout the region in all areas.”
The Summit will also once again include a $100,000 Business Plan Competition that has led to great success for previous winners. For the fifth consecutive year, the law firm of Nixon Peabody LLP is serving as lead sponsor of the business plan competition; Albany Molecular Research Inc., MapInfo Corporation and the New York Business Development Corporation are major supporters of the competition.
In addition, a video presentation of the Tech Valley Innovative Educator Awards will be shown, and a technology showcase highlighting the region’s high-tech firms and CEO roundtable discussions will be held.
More information on key speakers and other Summit news will be provided in the upcoming months. For sponsorship information, contact Wendth at 518.453.5224 or annw@acchamber.org. For further Summit details, visit www.techvalley.org. 
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