The event will be hosted by Building Bridges for Business, the County of Allegheny, the City of Pittsburgh, the Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Chatham University and Duquesne University’s Small Business Development Center. Small Business Works will provide education on the necessary steps to obtain capital. Learn from our nationally known expert speaker on HOW to apply successfully for a business loan.

Information will be provided on:

• What are the basic steps and information needed in applying for a loan?

• The hidden obstacles in the loan application process and how to overcome them.

• Sources and types of capital.

• We walk you through filling out a sample loan package.

The event will also feature resources that will offer growth opportunities for attendees.

“Small businesses are really the lifeblood of our economy and their impact and importance has really been seen in this tight economy,” said Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “Offering programs like this helps to eliminate the barriers that small Building Bridges for Business Small Business Works Seminars 2012 — 2 companies face and empowers and educates them so that they may take advantage of the opportunities that exist.”

“Small businesses are essential to our neighborhood business districts and their success and growth is key to maintaining a livable and vibrant City,” said Mayor Luke Ravenstahl. “Through opportunities like this, we hope to help small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs achieve success by educating them on the many tools and existing programs that are currently available.”

The Kingsley event will be the first in a series of other Small Business Works seminars in various Allegheny County neighborhoods set to occur in 2012. Each event will provide access to education and regional business resources. Major sponsors for the Kingsley Small Business

Works seminars include: Brunnhuber and Associates, Comcast Business Class, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Pittsburgh Business Times, Pittsburgh Venture Capital, Staples, the Frankstown Road Giant Eagle, and Positively Pittsburgh Live. Find more information and to register for the event on Building Bridges for Business’ web site, www.buildingbridgesforbusiness.org.

“The event with Building Bridges is about giving financial options to the small businesses of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,” said Sue Malone keynote speaker for the May 21, 2012 event. Malone added, “The first thing we have to understand financing is still available for small businesses, both start up and existing businesses. We have all been through the economic down turn and have heard there is “no” money available. I will let you know, there is money available, it just takes a bit more effort to obtain the financing.”

This week, we’ll explore how both PNC Bank and Highmark rely on cutting-edge, homegrown technologies to better serve their customers.

Hosted by the PTC’s CEO Audrey Russo and Director Visibility Initiatives Jonathan Kersting, TechVibe is on the air every Saturday at noon bringing you interviews and conversations from the Pittsburgh region’s fast-moving technology and entrepreneurial communities.

Stream TechVibe Radio on www.wpgb.com or iHeart Radio.
Missed a previous broadcast? We have a massive library of podcasts right here.

TechVibe Radio is sponsored by Concert-oh!, EyeFlow, The Hartford, Sierra w/o Wires, PTC Employee Benefits Group, Pittsburgh International Airport and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Connect to the 2012 Pittsburgh Auction from May 3, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. to May 18, 2012 and help support the many important initiatives of the Pittsburgh Advertising Federation and Media Association of Pittsburgh.

Click here for full details and to start bidding!!

A Note from the Partners:
Now is your chance to get all the great items you want, know that you’re helping to build our regional industry’s confidence in its own work and raise awareness among the critical pool of talent and corporate marketing directors locally and nationally.  Our mutual goal of providing educational and networking activities for members and the community at large reaffirms our commitment to the community through business and education.

We’re proud to be Pittsburghers and believe in the talent pool available in our great city. 

Help us continue that connection!

http://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/AuctionHome.action?auctionId=160822751

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM

Location: Rivers Club, 301 Grant St #411, 15219
Please join U.S. Senator Pat Toomey on May 29th as he outlines the potential benefits of the recent federal jobs bill. As a member of the Senate Banking Committee, Senator Toomey played a key role championing several financial reforms aimed at removing barriers to capital by America’s fast growing start-up businesses. As an example, one of the provisions of the JOBS Act will allow small businesses to raise funding through crowd-sourcing strategies that enable entrepreneurs to offer equity for very small investments.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about the JOBS Act and how it will propel America’s Small Businesses.

1:30 p.m. Registration and Networking
2:00 p.m. Program
3:00 p.m. Adjourn

Register here.

These past few weeks have been filled with good news for small businesses in Pittsburgh.  Recently, On Numbers ranked Pittsburgh as having the strongest small business sector of 21 major Eastern metros as part of the publication’s annual ratings of small-business climates across the country.  It’s exciting to see Pittsburgh’s ranking in this survey skyrocket over the years, from 17^th in 2010 to sixth last year to taking top honors this year.

Also, the most recent PNC Economic Outlook finds that, among several positive trends, Pennsylvania business owners showed a significant improvement in business expectations and optimism compared to Fall 2011 for hiring, profits and sales.

Small business owners in Pittsburgh are on a roll. With such great momentum moving our local small business economy forward, we at Microsoft are focused not only on providing technology solutions that help businesses grow, but also on protecting business owners from technology dangers that can hold them back.

These dangers can be especially insidious as they often come in small packages, like software purchased for a company.

How can something that takes up so little space cause so much harm? Consider how powerful your company’s productivity software is and the efficiency and accuracy benefits it delivers.  If counterfeit, something as small as the discs housing these resources can seriously compromise your company’s security, reputation and legal standing.

Here in Pittsburgh, I work closely with local businesses and can confidently say that, when equipped with the facts about illegal software’s dangers, they make more informed decisions about software purchases. However, these conversations have also revealed that some do not have the basic information around why and how counterfeit software impacts business viability. If you fall into that category, consider this a primer on counterfeit software’s dangers:

• Increased vulnerability, decreased productivity: Purchasing software from a non-reputable website or software vendor increases the chances of downloading malware or viruses, which makes PCs or laptops slower and less reliable. It also exposes your – and your customers’ – data to fraud.  By purchasing softward from reputable Microsoft partners, you’ll decrease your chances of downloading malware and viruses or losing your critical business data, problems that are symptomatic of using counterfeit software.

• Nowhere to turn: If your business is in the habit of moving fast to keep pace with competitors and customers, the last thing you want is to be locked out of technical support in a time of need.  Counterfeit software doesn’t give you access to protection such as a complimentary subscription to Microsoft Security Essentials, the award-winning antivirus solution from Microsoft. 

• Legal repercussions: An individual or a company can be found legally responsible for pirating software even if business owners are unaware of copyright infringement.  Businesses in possession of counterfeit or non-genuine software face hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines, years in jail, or both.

This is why your company’s computer software – and where you buy it – matters. By installing only legal Microsoft software, or purchasing a device on which it’s pre-installed, you get the experience you expect and deserve for your investment. For Microsoft software, always look for a Certificate of Authenticity (COA), which helps identify a genuine Microsoft product. Product keys can also be a sign of genuine software as no product key is ever sold separately for Microsoft. Also be wary of online auctions, peer-to-peer networks, and websites that appear legitimate but bear no sign of being verified Microsoft vendors and sell software at a price far below market value.

Some business owners are motivated into action by understanding the risks, but just as many are inspired by knowing how legal software creates an advantage for their companies.  Fortunately, I have plenty of that information to share:

• Someone who has your back: With legally-obtained, -produced and -licensed software, businesses have access to technical support; ongoing improvements and updates; and unparalleled protection like that from Microsoft Security Essentials.  Legal software also includes full documentation to help you get the most from your computing experience.
• An economic boost: Your support of local, legitimate technology businesses fuels local jobs and tax revenue, and helps level the competitive playing field. The protection of marketplace intellectual property and marketplace opportunities are invaluable to businesses of all sizes, including yours.
• Peace of mind: With authentic, genuine software, you’re positioning your business to win, and ensuring your customers a consistent, secure experience. No amount of savings on software from a suspicious source compares to the confidence your business will feel knowing it’s simply doing the right thing.

Don’t jeopardize the success of your company in this thriving marketplace because of misinformed software purchasing decisions. Learn more about how to make wise technology decisions for your company, employees and customers, by visiting www.microsoft.com/piracy/. And may your business ride this wave of good news into an even more successful future!

ONE WHIRL Yoga Fest + Healthy Lifestyle Expo features a sunrise to sunset day of yoga classes and workshops. Classes will range from restorative to power yoga, Zumba to drum circles, energy and body workshops, and healthy lifestyle seminars.

“Greater Pittsburgh is a leader in the healthy lifestyle movement,” says WHIRL Magazine Publisher Jack Tumpson. “WHIRL Magazine will reinforce its ongoing support of local businesses and the people behind them through the ONE WHIRL Yoga Fest + Healthy Lifestyle Expo.”

Special guests include Sherri Baptiste of the world-renowned Baptiste Power of Yoga, and Pittsburgh native Jim Donovan, formerly of Rusted Root, who will both lead workshops.

Local yoga studios will hold classes and specialty workshops. In addition, regional experts and service providers will provide seminars on healthy lifestyles, promote the locavore movement, new exercise techniques, and local businesses.

Tickets are $75 for a full-day pass, including three workshops and a commemorative T-shirt. Individual workshops are $30-$55, plus a $15 general admission fee. A $10 student ticket is also available.

Tickets go on sale Tuesday, May 15 and are available through ShowClix (showclix.com), WHIRL Magazine (whirlmagazine.com) and partner yoga studios including, South Hills Power Yoga, Schoolhouse Yoga, Moonglow Yoga, Himalayan Institute of Pittsburgh, Bikram Yoga Pittsburgh, YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh, BYS Yoga, and FitWell Studios.

For more information about the ONE WHIRL Yoga Fest + Healthy Lifestyle Expo please contact Julia Weiskopf, Director of Marketing and Public Relations at jweiskopf@whirlmagazine.com or at 412/431-7888.

Celebrating Innovation and Creativity in Technology

Featuring special guest, J. Moses, Founder of WeChi Social Media Game and Co-Founder of UGO Entertainment   REGISTER NOW!

It’s that time of year again: the Pittsburgh Technology Council is raising the roof, and raising the bar, at Pittsburgh’s biggest creative tech party of the year. Join us, and some of the hottest art and techies around, for an awards ceremony like no other. Get ready for a streaming mash-up of networking, interactivity and inspiration! With an all new format, the 2012 event features: “Pop-Up Awards” every 20 minutes, for a full night mixing and mingling; “Technology Drive” Interactive Exhibition space, featuring 40 of this year’s most innovative and creative tech projects; the all-new “People’s Choice Award” Tour and Tweet – an interactive exhibition juried by you live via Twitter; plus door prizes, dancing and the sounds of DJ Tracksploitation. Don’t miss this mash up of creativity, business – and fun!

Plus, media industry guru, J. Moses, joins us from New York City to talk about the next generation of Social Media, and his new WeChi application. J. has worked around the globe in his many roles, including: Director on the Board of Take Two Interactive Software; President of BMG Interactive – where he ‘greenlighted’ Grand Theft Auto; President of MTV Russia; Co-founder of UGO Entertainment; and Executive Producer on an array of film and television projects.

Thursday, June 07, 2012

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: The Grand Hall at the Priory, 614 Pressley Street Pittsburgh, PA 15212, North Side

Agenda:
5:00-6:00PM: Courtyard VIP Reception

6:00-9:00PM: Main Event
6:00-8:00pm: Cocktails, Food and Networking
Interactive Exhibition 6:00-7:30pm: People’s Choice Awards Tour + Tweet
6:30-8:00pm: Pop Up Awards, every 20 minutes
7:30 pm: Special Guest, J. Moses
8:00 pm: Peoples Choice Award, Create-A-Video Contest Winner and Door Prizes

Cost: 
General Admission: $119
VIP Admission: $149, includes VIP reception
Student: $45 (main event only)
Valet Parking
Discounted Rooms Available for PTC Guests 

REGISTER NOW 
Seating is limited. All tickets must be purchased in advance.
Early registration is recommended.
Registration: online | events@pghtech.org | 412.918.4229

GET ENGAGED
Start the party now at #PGHDATA. 
www.pghentertainmenttech.org

2012 DATA Awards Partners + Sponsors:
Champion Sponsor: DOLLAR BANK
Gold Sponsor: Bayer MaterialScience
Production Sponsor: Wrecking Crew Media
Social Media Partner: 321Blink
Media Partners: Suz Media | Nak You Out
Award Partner: Kessler Studios
This year’s fourth annual DATA Awards Event is part of the Creative Technology Network, developed with the generous support of the Benedum Foundation. 

Claudia Garcia Leads Up PTC's Export Program.

With an ever-increasing number of Pennsylvania technology and manufacturing companies looking to grow in global markets, the Pittsburgh Technology Council launched the Technology Export Initiative (TechExport) this spring.

The initiative is funded through a $200,000, two-year contract from the Pennsylvania
Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), which was awarded a $1.7 million competitive grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce.

DCED selected the PTC to partner on TechExport to link clusters of technology companies to both state and federal export services. This initiative targets companies comprising the region’s key technology sectors like advanced manufacturing, IT, green energy and life sciences. The unique business needs of technology firms, including various international trade barriers, differ significantly from those of traditional manufacturers. At the same time, it is often critically important for technology companies to enter the international arena in earliest stages of their lifecycle.  For these reasons, the Pittsburgh Technology Council, in a joint effort with the Pennsylvania’s Center for Trade Development (CTD), has created the TechExport Program to better serve Pennsylvania tech firms seeking international growth.

Over the next two years, the TechExport Initiative intends to work with at least 100 companies, said Claudia Garcia, TechExport Director.

TechExport will:

• Provide personalized export counseling assistance free of charge.

• Help companies access federal money under the Global Access Program,
up to $5,000 in matching awards for qualifying companies to offset cost
associated with international growth.

• Introduce companies to currently available export assistance.

• Link regional companies with the services offered by the 21 PA trade offices strategically located throughout the world.

• Set up an Expert Hotline to provide regulatory support about export compliance, international certifications and legal advice.

• Publish a bi-annual, statewide magazine to provide exporting information, success stories and market opportunities.

• Promote trade event development (trade missions and trade shows) and Organize education and training events.

Garcia said TechExport is open to any technology/manufacturing company across Pennsylvania, and services are free under the grant.

“I’m excited to learn about the needs of our companies,” said Garcia. One of the key challenges, according to Garcia, is the lack of companies understanding all of the resources available to help them export. DCED has 21 offices around the world with resources on the ground ready to help Pennsylvania companies expand into those respective markets.

According to federal International Trade Administration data, Pennsylvania companies exported $41 billion worth of goods last year, up 17 percent from the previous year. Top export categories include chemicals, machinery, metals, computers and electronics and transportation equipment.

Get more information on the TechExport Initiative by contacting Claudia Garcia at 412-918-4202 or cgarcia@pghtech.org.

This process of distributed sensemaking, they say, could save time and result in a better understanding of the information needed for whatever goal users might have, whether it is planning a vacation, gathering information about a serious disease or trying to decide what product to buy.

The researchers explored the use of digital knowledge maps — a means of representing the thought processes used to make sense of information gathered from the Web. When participants in the study used a knowledge map that had been created and improved upon by several previous users, they reported that the quality of their own work was better than when they started from scratch or used a newly created knowledge map.

“Collectively, people spend more than 70 billion hours a year trying to make sense of information they have gathered online,” said Aniket Kittur, assistant professor in Carnegie Mellon’s Human-Computer Interaction Institute. “Yet in most cases, when someone finishes a project, that work is essentially lost, benefitting no one else and perhaps even being forgotten by that person. If we could somehow share those efforts, however, all of us might learn faster.”

The research team, including Kristie Fisher and Scott Counts of Microsoft Research, will present their findings May 7 at CHI 2012, the Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, in Austin, Texas.

They recruited 21 Microsoft employees for the study, asking them to create knowledge maps on three different subjects, one of which was to be created from scratch, one based on a map previously created by one person and yet another based on a map that had iteratively been modified by four other users. The participants took the least time to generate knowledge maps when they based them on iterated maps and self-reported that the quality and helpfulness of those maps were superior to those developed from scratch or from a map generated by a single person.

In most cases, the organization of the knowledge map, rather than any specific content, was most useful. For instance, two people looking to start a garden might live in different climates or settings, so the types of seeds they might plant could be different, but each would benefit from elements such as “design ideas,” “how to” and so on.

Using eye tracking, the researchers showed that as knowledge maps are modified successively by multiple users, new users spend less time looking at specific content elements, shifting a greater balance of their attention to structural elements like labels. “This suggests that distributed sensemaking facilitates the process of ‘schema induction,’ or forming a mental model of the information being considered,” Counts said.

But this structure did not start to emerge until a map had been modified at least once. This would explain why participants favored the iterated maps over the others, Fisher said.

One problem for distributed sensemaking is overcoming the “first iteration hump,” the researchers noted. Though the participants favored maps that had been improved by a succession of users, they also favored their maps created from scratch over those created by one other person. One way to get people to use newly created maps instead of making their own might be to pay them to modify another user’s map, or to require users to integrate some “first-round” maps before they are given access to the highly iterated ones. It may also be possible to use automated methods to produce maps that look more like maps that have been revised by multiple users.

This research was sponsored by the National Science Foundation, Microsoft and the Center for the Future of Work at Carnegie Mellon University.

The Allegheny Conference is reaching out to businesses across the region to ask them to identify their air service priorities. The Conference will use the information to target those carriers that will best serve the needs of our regional economy. We ask that you provide the information in one of two ways:

• Go to http://bit.ly/AirServiceSurvey to fill out our three-question survey

• Or, if your tracking system makes it easier to run a summary report, you can submit a copy electronically (pdf, spreadsheet, etc.) to awallace@alleghenyconference.org, and also please indicate (a) the most important destination not served non-stop from PIT and (b) the total amount spent on 2011 air travel (questions #1 and #3 from the online survey).

Please feel free to contact Ken at kzapinski@alleghenyconference.org with any questions. Thank you!