TowsonGlobal’s first Business Plan Competition has found a winner… Two, in fact! On April 11 five finalists—Hem of His Garment, My Hopeful Journey, Knight Protection Inc., PubRaiders.com, and Pure Bang Games—presented in front of a panel of distinguished judges over the course of three hours. After careful consideration, Pure Bang Games and My Hopeful Journey were selected as winners.
Each entrant had fifteen minutes to present their business plans, followed by 10 minutes of Q&A. The finalists were eloquent, confident and most importantly, very passionate about their ideas. During the discussions, the judges provided insightful financial, marketing and management advice.
The competition was stiff, and in the end, there was a tie between the innovative ideas of PureBang Games and My Hopeful Journey.
Pure Bang Games Website
Pure Bang Games is a social game company poised to grab a chunk of the $1B social games market by creating fun, innovative social games aimed at women and tweens. Their first title, My Pet Rock, is live on FaceBook and they are raising capital for marketing.
My Hopeful Journey Website
My Hopeful Journey is a web-based application, much like a personal organizer, that changes the way women integrate infertility treatments into their lives. It includes a calendar, task list and journal all in one application. It is highly flexible and is accessible from any computer, phone or other device that has internet access.
Each winner will receive a prize package valued at $7,250, which will include the facilities, mentoring and networking assistance of a three-month Resident Membership in TowsonGlobal, promotional products and services from X-Sell Promotions, and a monetary prize of $2,000.
TowsonGlobal’s latest effort in encouraging and strengthening entrepreneurial spirit and innovation in the Baltimore area has surpassed expectations. The response for the competition has been gratifying and shows the great potential of entrepreneurs in our region.
With just over three weeks to go before the 4th annual Solutions Showcase on April 13th I wanted to share a couple of the event’s highlights with our readers.
First, our Exhibitors! This year we are so excited to have 15 exhibitors representing Towson’s most exciting research and educational programs in the area of technology, STEM, and community outreach. Here are just a few:
Adolescent and Adult Language and Literacy Clinic (ALL)
Provides spoken and written language assessments to adolescents and adults struggling with speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
Offers intervention services to individuals with spoken and written language disorders including dyslexia
Provides a unique professional preparation opportunity for graduate students training to become speech-language pathologists
Center for Applied IT & MAISA
Cyber security consulting and seminars
External graduate assistantship program for business
Research partnerships in information assurance and applied IT
Bioscience Education and Outreach Program
Field-trip destination, providing hands-on, inquiry based bioscience lab activities toMaryland’s secondary science students
Providing a variety of professional development opportunities to teachers throughout Maryland
Equipment loan program to assist Maryland educator’s in delivering high quality, hands-on bioscience laboratory activities in their own classroom
Showcase 2010 Exhibitors
Second, our Speakers! This year the Showcase will feature two fantastic keynote speakers. Ms. Kathleen Oliver, Assistant State Superintendent for Maryland, responsible for Career Technology and College Readiness, will highlight educational and outreach programs that are focused on regional workforce needs and provide opportunities for business, government, and education to work together to meet those needs. Mr. Dickie George, Senior Technical Director for Information Assurance with the NSA, will discuss the changes in Information Assurance in the last forty years, what the challenge is, how the cyber cold war compares to the cold war of the 1960’s, what skills are sought after in new hires, and opportunities at the Agency.
This free event is the best opportunity for business, education, and government partners interested in working with Towson University faculty, researchers, and professional outreach centers to meet the right people and identify opportunities for collaboration!
Earlier this month, Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley proclaimed February 2011 as GIS Inventory Month in Maryland. The proclamation describes the importance of GIS in government-related matters, such as resource conservation, emergency preparedness and mitigation, and decision-making transparency. By doing so, the proclamation lays the foundation for a 3-week challenge focused on listing the state’s GIS inventory in Ramona, a nationwide GIS inventory tool created by the National States Geographic Information Council (NSGIC) through funding from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The goal of the 3-week challenge is to list and document the state’s framework GIS layers in Ramona by March 1, 2011. The layers are categorized and listed below.
Boundaries
Cities/Towns/Municipalities
Counties
State
Location Address Points
Geographic Place Names
Geodetic Control Points/Networks
Elevation
Contours
DEM
Planning/Cadastral
Centroids
Vector Parcels
Imagery/Base Maps/Earth Cover
Orthoimagery/Digital Orthophotography
Land Cover
The basic premise of Ramona is to connect data producers and consumers by providing a single location where public and private GIS data can be documented by the producers and searched by the consumers. In order to inventory data, one must visit the Ramona website and create a profile. If one only wants to search the inventory, one does not need to create a profile. So if you are interested in participating in the GIS Inventory Challenge, visit the Ramona website and create a profile to either search and/or document your GIS data.
To give us your opinion! Have you ever fantasized about what policies you would put in place in order to get the economy rolling again? No?! Perhaps it’s something that only we economists like to do in our spare time. I know I have plenty of ideas and suggestions.
Of course, it’s easy to be an armchair quarterback when it comes to difficult decisions but I think having an open dialogue where ideas and policies are challenged and discussed is extremely important. In order for policies to have a shot at being successful, they should not be formed in a vacuum far from the people who must deal with the repercussions on a daily basis.
As part of our Economic Outlook Conference this year, we are asking your opinion and we really want to hear it! You know what they say – sharing is caring. When you register for the conference, please take a few minutes to fill out three brief questions. Your answers will be gathered and shared during the conference in a fun way (hint: it will involve audience participation). Here are the questions as they appear on our conference page:
If you were in charge, what policies/programs/legislation would you put in place to lower unemployment?
If you were in charge what policies/programs/legislation would you put in place to lower the deficit?
How would you address the challenges facing the real estate market from underwater mortgages to the shadow inventory of homes?”
Even if you can’t attend this year’s conference (which is unfortunate) we are still seeking your input You can submit your responses right away—HERE!
Check out what some local experts “would do” if they were in charge.
Hope to see you all at the Economic Outlook Conference on February 16th!
Mark your calendars for April 13th for Towson University’s fourth annual Solutions Showcase event! The event will take place from 12:00-2:00 in the Minnegan Room and will include plenty of time for networking with TU’s faculty and staff exhibitors and two dynamic keynote speakers (stay tuned for that announcement). What makes this event so exciting every year is the diversity of attendees–education leaders, business executives, government leaders, non-profit directors, and of course TU’s leading faculty and professional researchers!
Registration is OPEN and did I mention this free event includes a great lunch–it doesn’t really get any better than that!
As I began reflecting upon this past holiday season, I realized that many of us flew to our destination via commercial airlines and many of us not only paid for ourselves but for the privilege of having luggage accompany us to our final destination. We have reacted indignantly when we have heard or read about another fee the airlines are charging us; from fees for boarding early or using the lavatory to fees for checking in luggage, including carry-on luggage.
However, as an economist, I applaud these efforts as airlines are establishing a pricing structure which enables consumers to choose the precise mix of airline services that fit their needs and budgets. From an economist’s view, this pricing structure is very efficient as it forces individuals to reveal their willingness to pay for different levels of services-remember, what did your parents always ask you before you left for a long car ride? From an airlines perspective, the ability or the increased ability to charge a different price to each person depending on whether they prefer an aisle seat or emergency exit row seat, how many pieces of luggage they have, whether they want to eat and perhaps whether they want to use the bathroom or not better serves their bottom line.
According to the Wall Street Journal, in 2009 airlines racked up $13.5 billion in what are called a-la-carte fees, a 43% jump over the prior year. Leading the charge for the a-la-carte fees were United Airlines, American Airlines and Delta Airlines each racking up over $1.4 billion in 2009. Moreover, these fees were the reason why many airlines were in the black in the most recent reporting period. Many reports are surfacing that for 2011, the airlines may introduce (if they have not already) additional fees such as:
Infant fees
In person check in
Using a credit card
Checked bag fees by the pound
Name change fees
No more refunds if a fare goes down
Carry-on bag fees
Fare lock-in fees
Internet “convenience fee”
While this trend is likely to continue for many airlines, some airlines are capitalizing on the ire of air passengers about this policy. To wit, Southwest Air’s ad campaign of “bags fly free” or their newest ad revealing the fees that other airlines charge for changing your ticket seem to be working as Southwest has enjoyed another year of profitability , its 37th year of profitability.
Photo Credit: Southwest Airlines Flickr
So before you plan your next holiday, make sure you pack light, leave your baby at home, wear multiple layers of clothing and stuff your pockets with what you would have had in your carry- on bag, pay for the trip in cash, don’t book your ticket in person but don’t use the internet to book your ticket either. Other than that, have a great flight!
I’ve worked for the Center for GIS for a LONG time. But, I’m happy to say there are a few other folks who have been here pretty long, too, but more interestingly, they started their careers at CGIS as student employees. I thought it would be interesting to look back and find out more about their days as undergrads (or grad students in some cases).
Ardys Russakis
Ardys Russakis (pronounced R-DIS) started working at CGIS in 1995 and is now the Operations Officer. Her mentor was Dr. Kent Barnes, a professor in the Towson University Department of Geography & Environmental Planning. Ardys believes that his insistence on hard work really paid off. She commented that there were a “number of times I had to redo GIS projects in the lab….by the time I finished my BA I realized how important it was to review, review, and review your work along the way. If something seems too easy you have probably missed a step, and if something seems impossible you are probably over thinking it.”
Ashley Lesh Buzzeo
Ashley Buzzeo is a rising star around here. She told me that Dr. Jay Morgan, Director Emeritus of CGIS, took the time to mentor her and didn’t just teach her about professional skills, but also life skills that focus on being passionate about work while putting family first. She was recently promoted to project manager and when she shared with me the most valuable skill she gained as a student employee, I can see why these early skills she learned in the workforce have made it easy for her to emerge as a leader. “I learned from day one that at CGIS, our work requires multiple skills, collaboration, and good communication from many coworkers to accomplish specific tasks.” Besides being a leader here, she is one of the most active CGIS staff members in the Maryland State Geographic Information Committee (MSGIC).
Jeremy Monn
Back in 2003 when Jeremy Monn started out as a Graduate Assistant, we sat next to one another in our old offices that use to be located in the basement of Linthicum Hall. Recently, he told me that the most valuable skill he gained while working as a student was preparing and delivering conference presentations. With encouragement from faculty members in Towson University’s Geography Department and from CGIS supervisors, he prepared and delivered several conference presentations as a graduate assistant. I’m sure that is part of the reason he enjoys teaching as an adjunct in the Geography Department so much. Jeremy also considered Jaime Alvarez, a former CGIS co-worker, to be a good mentor. On Friday afternoons, they’d share a Dr. Pepper and discuss projects. Jaime “was always very approachable and always stressed that I not hesitate to ask him questions. That’s something I have tried to stress as a CGIS employee and an adjunct instructor.”
Susan Wooden
Just a few months after I started working for CGIS, Susan Wooden was hired as a part time student employee while working on her Master’s degree in Professional Writing. As we discussed our time here, Susan said that not only the coursework sharpened her skills, but also the work she was charged with such as managing proposals and project documents for CGIS made her put everything she was learning about grammar, rhetoric, and style to work right away, under the pressure of deadlines and administrative scrutiny. Besides professors from the Professional Writing program mentoring her, she said that “Dr. Jay Morgan’s encouragement and advice, and his telling me often “Your work is important to CGIS” was key to my longevity and success at CGIS.”
According to the Federal Reserve Bank’s Livingston Survey, the US economy is expected to grow at an annual rate of 2.5% in the first half of 2011, followed by growth of 2.9% in the second half of 2011. This moderate growth could be signaling economic recovery. Here at TowsonGlobal we are certainly seeing an increase in activity and are pleased to announce that three new companies have joined the incubator program:
Chesapeake Compensation Solutions LLC, a provider of compensation consulting services for mid-large sized firms and non-profit organizations, joins as an Associate Member. The firm’s two principals bring over 43 years of combined hands-on experience in internal corporate and external compensation consulting.
Keffa Coffee LLC, a leading importer of specialty coffees to roasters across the United States and Canada, and also to several Asian countries, joins as a Resident Member. Keffa holds a significant quality advantage in the Ethiopian segment of the coffee industry because of the principal’s experience in the industry, his personal relationships with farmers in the major coffee growing areas of Ethiopia, and his product knowledge. The owner is one of only 350 certified coffee tasters worldwide.
Sterling America Inc., a full service tax sale investment services company that provides investment opportunities for clients seeking safe, secure investments in tax liens and deeds across the United States, joins as an Associate Member. The firm’s products and services are designed to break down geographic limitations and open tax sale investment opportunities across the US to any individual or entity.
The technologies, products and services these companies are developing will greatly enhance the economic vibrancy and health of the Baltimore region.
For those that voted—No it wasn’t Jingle Bells, Frosty the Snowman, or Rudolph—our 2010 holiday video card includes our talented staff and students singing (and in some cases dancing) to our version of the 12 Days of Christmas. Jenn Lake, our student graphic designer, deserves a big THANK YOU for all her work in producing this year’s video.
Snow.Ice.Cabin fever. Winter fights to keep us in our homes. Towson University’s Community Art Center (CAC) is braving the elements to cure you of cabin fever by offering fun and unique art classes during winter 2011.
According to the CAC website, “The Center encourages individual expression while teaching new skills, ideas and techniques. Small class sizes give individual attention while encouraging students to work on different ability and developmental levels. Courses range from drawing, painting and sculpture to computer graphics and animation. The CAC offers classes for children, teens and adults.”
Top: Young Artist Workshop Student Bottom:Ruth Pettus self-portrait
While writing this blog post, I had the pleasure of speaking to Bonnie Reynolds, Director of the Community Art Center, who filled me in with some of the exciting courses planned for this winter:
For Young Kids (Ages 5-7): The Young Artist Workshop encourages creative thinking through a variety of mediums. Ms. Reynolds emphasized that this is one of the CAC’s most popular classes, so register early as spaces fill quickly
For Teens (Ages 12-18): The Animation and Game Design courses allows students to express their creativity in a 21st century way
For Adults (Ages 17-Adult): The Adult Art Studio with Ruth Pettus gives students a fantastic opportunity to learn from an internationally renowned artist
Of course, the CAC offers even more art classes this winter and throughout the year including: Drawing and Design, Cartooning, Potter’s Wheel, and more. Check out the CAC website today for a complete listing.
Ms. Reynolds’ passion and genuine love of both the arts and people came through on the phone. According to her, “The arts open up wonderful ways to look at the world.” She hopes anyone interested will contact her for more information and to register for classes. Talking to Ms. Reynolds inspired me to get in touch with my artistic side this winter; of course the hard part will be deciding which class to take!
Posted by Clay Hickson 
Guest Blogger
Bobbie Laur
Sharyn Grove
Jeremy Monn
Raquel Frye
Clay Hickson
Dawn Bott
Lindsey Meyer
Allie Pyzik
Daraius Irani
Past Bloggers
Jenn Lake
Kelsey Beckett
Timothy Brooks
Ashley Buzzeo
Matt Michels
Nicole Schiraldi
