> Drive to the Future
Drive to the Future
| April 28, 2004 The Connecticut Technology Council launched its “Drive to the Future” program in Windsor on May 6, 2004. This two year journey will take Council board members and staff through most of the 169 towns in Connecticut to meet with members and other technology and innovation oriented businesses (http://www.ct.org). The Drive will be conducted in a state-of-the-art hybrid sedan, with logos from various companies and state programs colorfully decorating its sides. The lead sponsor of the program is NERAC, of Tolland Connecticut, a world leader in delivering patent information to technology clients. In each town, the “Drive” will seek to meet face to face with industry executives, political leaders, economic development professionals, chambers of commerce, educators, and others who are creating the innovations that will drive jobs and economic growth statewide for decades to come. The Technology Council representatives will share information above the evolving state economy, assess barriers to growth for innovative companies, and connect people, ideas, and opportunities to strengthen Connecticut’s position as a competitive hub for innovative businesses. Considering the fierce global courtship of innovative companies, and the competing interests at the town level between costs of living, quality of life and growth, the Drive will seek to catalogue and share the best practices in attracting and sustaining these types of businesses. Businesses and leaders in each town will be encouraged to join the on-going Connecticut Growth Network to keep discussions on-going. Representatives of Department of Economic and Community Development, Connecticut Economic Research Center (CERC) will travel along to report on efforts at the State level to promote and aid innovative business practices and technology. Matthew Nemerson, President and CEO of the Connecticut Technology Council notes, “It is the responsibility of the technology community to make a strong case for investments in a state-wide culture of innovation. We feel there is some urgency in focusing on where the next generation of quality jobs will come from and who will have the skills to fill them. Stimulating discussion at the town level will generate support at the state legislature and between towns and regions. The more global and competitive the economy becomes the more deliberately collaboration and best practices must be deployed statewide.” Fuscient, an innovative marketing and CRM firm, helped the Council develop a new web site and online marketing strategy for the Drive to the Future launch. The Web site enables CEO’s across the state to communicate with each other on issues related to business competitiveness and innovation (http://www.ctgrowthnetwork.com). The Connecticut Technology Council represents 350 technology firms from UTC and GE to small venture funded start-ups. It seeks to promote a culture of innovation and collaboration in the State. Our other corporate sponsors include, Deloitte & Touche, LLP, Horton International, LLC, The Litchfield Insurance Group, Nerac, Inc., Pfizer, Inc., Tallán, PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP, Shipman & Goodwin, LLP, and Webster Bank. Reports and analyses of each visit will be available on our website at, http://www.ct.org or http://www.drivetothefuture.org. In addition, events will be transmitted via webcam, weblogs and through regular media reports. About the CT Technology Council The Connecticut Technology Council is the state’s leading industry association of technology companies – representing, in addition to the Software/IT cluster, BioScience, Telecommunications, and Advanced Manufacturing companies. Founded in 1994, the Council is a private non-profit association whose mission of facilitating and stimulating the growth and awareness of technology businesses is accomplished through a variety of public policy, business development, and professional development programs and activities. For more information about the Council, visit its web site at www.ct.org or contact the Council at (860) 289-0878. About Fuscient Fuscient specializes in helping clients grow their business and build better relationships with their customers, by combining traditional marketing smarts with innovative technology. You can learn more about their business at www.fuscient.com. |