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Sneak Peek of TechShop Pittsburgh

Posted on by Jonathan Kersting

tshopIt’s just a few weeks away. March 9, TechShop is set to open its doors in Bakery Square. The Pittsburgh Technology Council has been following every move. We had techShop on TechVibe Radio in January and we even shot a little promo video.

I just got back from from some pre-media events this afternoon and the machinery is being installed. Activity is all over the place. TechShop Founder Jim Newton gave me a personal tour of the progress. He’s double stoked to be making the final descent and land TechShop in Pittsburgh next month as its seventh location.

TEQ has coverage of TechShop in its upcoming March issue, but we’ve decided to provide Techburgher readers with a first read of the story. It’s right below, by yours truly!

 

TechShop to Build Dreams in Pittsburgh

When I opened the doors at San Francisco’s TechShop last summer, I became immersed in a melee of makers intensely toiling with seemingly every tool and technology required to turn an idea into a product right at their fingertips.

I never heard of TechShop until a few hours before stepping foot inside, and I was completely stoked to learn that the membership-based, do-it-yourself workshop and fab studio had plans to open its doors in Pittsburgh.

Less than a year later, TechShop will cut the ribbon on March 9, offering local makers, artists, entrepreneurs and anyone else a launch pad for their ideas —a real place for inspiration through perspiration.

With proximity to tech companies, a revitalized East End and the universities, Dan Woods, Chief Experience Officer and VP of Business Development, couldn’t be more excited for TechShop’s latest location. There are six TechShops across the country with more in the works.

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TechShop is setting up the equipment.

“There’s an incredible convergence of art and technology here,” said Woods. “We love the location here with all of the neighborhoods. This is a convergent area.”

At TechShop, Woods is responsible for the general management of products, corporate strategy and sales. Before joining the team, he was the co-founder of MAKE Magazine, which focuses on how-to projects for makers.

TechShop members have access to a world-class workshop with machines, tools, training, inspiration and support they need to pursue their passions, develop new skills and launch new businesses.

Tech Shop at a Glance:

• More than $1 Million Worth of Machines, Tools and Equipment, including CNC prototyping tools to industrial sewing and textiles equipment, laser cutting and electronics, to

A view of the welding area.

A view of the welding area.

welding and machine shop equipment.

• Hundreds of Classes Each Month for Members & Non-Members

• Friendly, Knowledgeable, Highly Trained staff

• Community of Innovative  Makers, Artists and  Entrepreneurs

• Group Event Spaces and Workshops

In addition to the more than 4,000 individual members who belong to TechShop, corporations are increasingly turning to TechShop as a strategy for motivating employees, developing new workforce skills and fueling innovation. Universities are partnering with TechShop as an open innovation studio for their faculty, students and alumni, said Woods.

TechShop is collaborating with the VA Innovations team and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to provide cutting-edge training and equipment for veterans seeking to become more competitive in the job market or aiming to become successful entrepreneurs. This effort supports the VA Innovation Initiative’s (VAi2) interest in finding new ways of providing Veterans with resources that help them to serve an important role in America’s economy. More info to come on the program at http://www.va.gov/VAi2/TechShop.asp

“We provide folks with the light bulb, a-ha moment. You can feel the satisfaction of discovery,” said Robert Thomas, Director of Experience, with his drywall dust-covered TechShop hoodie zipped up tight during a walk through of the facility while still under construction. “The greatest component is

This machine is begging to get dirty!

This machine is begging to get dirty!

allowing people to make their own way. Set a path and allow people to create a product and get it in the market. Incredibly bright folks will be accessing this space.”

Upon visiting TechShop, visitors will immediately notice that each of the work areas has pony walls to provide line of sight across the shop. Thomas explained that this is to promote collaboration and interaction with members. He said TechShops are places where members build real communities and relationships.

“Techshop is opening in Pittsburgh. This is one of many new dreams to come true for a city now flourishing in creativity and innovation,” says Kim Harvey, Director of the Creative Technology Network at the Pittsburgh Technology Council. “This is yet another opportunity for us to make, play and work our way toward showing the world the vibrant city we have become.”

TechShop CEO Mark Hatch appears to be equally excited about the latest location.

“Pittsburgh has been at the heart of American ingenuity, making and manufacturing since it was founded.  We are excited to open this location in an area with a deep

In a few short weeks, TechShop members will be creating.

In a few short weeks, TechShop members will be creating.

ecosystem of great technology-related companies and institutions,” says Hatch. “Our newest location will offer programs that support the growing community of makers and innovators by providing tools, equipment, software and instruction in a large, open workshop space.”

Newton Consulting announces opening of new headquarters in Claysville, Washington County

Posted on by theprossman

Newton Consulting, LLC, announces the opening of its new company headquarters building on the main street of historic Claysville, Pa., about 30 miles southwest of Pittsburgh.

“We’re very excited about this move on a number of levels,” said company President and Founder Rick Newton. “It marks an era of rapid growth for our company, it provides a comfortable and collaborative working environment for our employees, and it invests in our local community.”

The company, which serves a client base across North America and in Europe, has experienced significant growth in recent years. Since 2009, the company grew from 33 employees to 73 today; from $8.5 million revenue to a projected $20.2 million in 2012; and from 26 clients to its current 47. The company also launched wholly owned subsidiaries in London in 2011 and in Canada in 2012, both doing business as Newton Enterprise. The company’s growth has been recognized in the Inc. 5000 and Pittsburgh 100 awards.

“We can attribute our growth to our business model that allows us to remain flexible in the marketplace while also attracting and retaining some of the top information technology, recruiting, and business consultants in the industry,” said Chief Operating Officer Bill Boehner. “This allows us to respond nimbly to evolving business needs while also providing the best of customer service.”

The company purchased a 1980s-era two-story building on State Route 40 – also known as the Historic National Road and Claysville’s Main Street, and refurbished the exterior to resemble an 1880s-era building to embellish the town’s historic character. Newton Consulting offices are on the second floor of the 10,000-square-foot building. The first floor is under renovation for potential lease. Local contractors were hired for the majority of the renovation work, which included interior design and construction, exterior brick work, paving, and the installation of an elevator.

“Our new headquarters space serves an immediate need for our company’s administrative and operational departments that support employees working all over the U.S. and U.K., while also providing the flexibility of an open work space for future growth,” said Director of Office Operations and Corporate Controller Shari Kienzle.

In 2012, the company added Operations Strategy and Mobile Application service lines to its suite of services that includes IT Strategy and Project Management, Talent Acquisition, Application Development and Support, and Systems Integration. “We offer business solutions that help take clients from vision to performance,” said Boehner.

Newton Consulting was founded in 2003 by Rick Newton, who had over 20 years of experience integrating and managing information technology for other corporations. Newton saw the unmet opportunity for business services to be delivered in the spirit of servant leadership, rather than solely driven by profits. He also wanted to create a healthy and productive work environment where strong relationships were formed with clients and employees while maintaining balance between work and family life and sharing in the risks and rewards of the business. With a simple yet powerful vision of what professional consulting could and should be, Newton created a unique business model that embodies strong core values and hired his first employees in 2006.

Through its early years, Newton Consulting operated as a “virtual” company with most employees working from their home or at client sites. A headquarters office for administrative employees was eventually created in a refurbished carriage house on Newton’s home property a few miles from Claysville. With rapid company and employee growth, the need for additional space and operational function grew.

“Many people in the industry thought I should move the company headquarters to a business district like Southpointe or in Pittsburgh,” said Newton. “But I feel very strongly about giving back to my local community, and community revitalization is part of that picture.”

An open house for the public is being planned for the spring. For employment opportunities with Newton Consulting, please visit the company’s website www.newtonconsulting.com.

TechVibe Radio Accelerator Part 2

Posted on by Jonathan Kersting

For part 2 of the TechVibe Radio Accelerator Series with Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, we talk to Shareholder Craig Heryford about foundational steps tech startups must take when launching their operations. Listen to the entire interview right here.

Listen to the Pittsburgh Technology Council’s TechVibe Radio Show every Saturday at noon on FM News Talk 104.7.

Pittsburgh Robotics Events Dominate October

Posted on by Jonathan Kersting

October might as well be dubbed “Pittsburgh Robotics Week” with the Robot Hall of Fame, RoboBusiness and the QoLT Summit 2012 all happening in perfect succession.

Here’s a quick rundown of all things robotics happening across Pittsburgh in October.

Pittsburgh Technology Council is proud to support The RoboBusiness Leadership Summit, coming to Pittsburgh October 22-24, 2012.

RoboBusiness Leadership Summit is the leading business development event for the global robotics industry, where executives come together to accelerate the commercial advancement of robotics.

Join PTC’s President and CEO, Audrey Russo, as she shares the strategies that have connected Pittsburgh’s tech-based companies with winning opportunities at RoboBusiness 2012. Russo speaks as a business advocate across the local, state and federal levels. Her session, “From Prototypes to Sales” will focus on how to build new business relationships and access capital in the greater Pittsburgh area and beyond.

AND as a member of Pittsburgh Technology Council, you’ll enjoy the EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION PRICE

– an exclusive savings of $500 – when you register by October 15th. 

You must use code PTC500 to activate this special savings during registration.

The RoboBusiness After-Party at Andy’s Wine Bar in downtownPittsburgh will bring you pure enjoyment and fun!  Don’t miss the only place on the planet where the robots dance like people and the people dance like robots.

Join the QoLT Center for its 2012 Summit as it celebrates recent accomplishments in early stage R&D for intelligent and adaptive systems that benefit older adults, people with disabilities, and ultimately, everyone!  Catch developments in basic and applied research, learn how QoLT collaborates with industry and practitioners, or support our students competing in the NSF’s Perfect Pitch Elevator Pitch Contest.

The highlight of October will be CMU’s Robot Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at theCarnegieScienceCenter on Oct. 23. Voting for the 2012 Robot Hall of Fame Inductees is now open to the public! Help determine this year’s winners by casting your vote online today.

In addition to inducting the newly elected robots, the ceremony also will honor five jury-selected robots from the 2010 induction class: NASA Mars Exploration Rovers Spirit and Opportunity, iRobot’s Roomba vacuum cleaner, the da Vinci Surgical System, the characters Huey, Dewey, and Louie from the 1971 film “Silent Running,” and T-800, the character played by actor Arnold Schwarzenegger in “The Terminator” film series.

 

 

Call for Presentations: Americans for the Arts Convention in Pittsburgh 2013

Posted on by Kim Harvey

Americans for the Arts invites you to submit a session proposal for the 2013 Annual Convention!

Join us June 14-16, 2013 in Pittsburgh, PA to continue the national conversation on the “new normal,” the 2013 Americans for the Arts Convention brings focus to how the arts are meeting the needs of communities as demographic shifts take hold.  The Annual Convention program will explore strategies for communities to adapt, transform, and revitalize in a changing landscape to build the 21st-Century American Community.  The Annual Convention welcomes sessions from members and non-members, so please feel free to forward this message.

We are seeking proposals for two types of presentations:

1.       Convention Sessions, which are 90 minutes and should be complete learning experiences with specific outcomes and learning objectives. Sessions can include multiple speakers, but are limited to no more than four speakers per session.

2.       Roundtable Discussions for Career, Organization, and Community 360.  Roundtable Discussions are a great networking and issue-based discussion opportunity. Roundtables offer a variety of topics related to promoting sustainable careers in the arts and tackling difficult capacity-building issues in arts organizations and your greater community. Roundtables should only include one discussion leader per table.

Proposals should focus on innovative strategies, tested tools, and best practices that relate to the frames of the Annual Convention, including diversity, equity, and access; placemaking; education; social impact; technology; demographic shifts; and building business partnerships and new business models. Beyond these frames, we welcome sessions addressing fundamental concepts in fundraising, advocacy, marketing, and board development and engagement.

Americans for the Arts is also accepting sessions for the Emerging Leaders Preconference and the Public Art Network Preconference. Both preconferences are June 13-14 and end by the start of the Annual Convention. The opportunity to designate your session proposal for one of these two preconferences can be found on the Convention Session proposal form.

The submission deadline is Wednesday, September 19, 2012 and submissions are only accepted online at http://convention.artsusa.org/proposals.