The Center for Advanced Engineering and Research is a Region 2000 initiative to develop an industry-focused regional research and development center that drives the development of innovative products and processes by providing local access to university and federal research and inventions. The CAER is dedicated to the creation of an industry-based research hub in Region 2000 that will bring together private and public money, talent and resources to foster knowledge creation, facilitate technology transfer and improve the scientific and engineering workforce to benefit local industry. Construction is currently underway on this $10M facility in New London. Come hear from Bob Bailey, CAER Executive Director firsthand on what the CAER is and how unique an asset it will be to our community.

Our Wired Wednesday luncheon will be held on August 25 from Noon until 1:30PM at the Holiday Inn on Main Street, Lynchburg. The cost is $10 for Tech Council Members and $15 for non-members. Wired Wednesdays are great for networking; come join us. RSVP using the form below. You can also pay online by clicking the Shopping Cart link.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 11, 2010

Lynchburg, Va. Virginia’s Region 2000 Technology Council honored two companies and one individual that has made outstanding contributions in the tech sector this past year at its Ninth Annual Awards Night held on Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at the Holiday Inn, Downtown Lynchburg.

This year’s technology award winners are:

Innovator of the Year (award sponsored by AREVA): Team Edison2 of Lynchburg was honored for its design and creation of “The Very Light Car”, a sustainable vehicle capable of getting 125 miles to the gallon with no sacrifice to passenger safety. The car is a contender in the $10 million Automotive X-Prize competition and inspires a new generation of viable, super-efficient vehicles that exceed 100 miles per gallon. Team Edison2 owner Oliver Kuttner accepted the award on behalf of the design team.

Technology Company of the Year (award sponsored by Virginia’s Center for Innovative Technology): ABS Technology Architects of Lynchburg was awarded for its outstanding tech support to area businesses. The firm is a Cisco Gold Direct Value Added Reseller that opened a new office in downtown Lynchburg in 2009 to support a high volume of clients in the Region 2000 area with advanced technology solutions such as IP Unified Communications, advanced security services, and MESH wireless services. The company, headquartered in Virginia Beach, has achieved the Cisco Channel Customer Satisfaction Excellence rating for eight consecutive years and has grown its revenues from $9.8 million in 2008 to $9.8 million in 2009. Tom Spitnale accepted the award on behalf of the ABS team.

Educator of the Year (award sponsored by nTelos): Marcia Yochum, a high school physics teacher and chair of the science department at Virginia Episcopal School, was honored for her achievements in making science and technology education fun and relevant for students. She most recently launched a VEX robotics program at the school in which her passion for education was evident in her team’s display of critical thinking and genuine love for learning at the VEX Regional Tournament held at Liberty University earlier this year. Prior to joining VES, Yochum worked in both the government and private sector as a physicist and engineer.

Following the awards ceremony, Tad Deriso, President and CEO of the Mid-Atlantic Broadband Cooperative, delivered the keynote address to more than 175 entrepreneurs, educators, and innovators in attendance. Deriso has boosted broadband access to rural communities and raised awareness about the importance of open access fiber networks as an economic development value.

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For more information, please contact:

Jonathan Whitt, Executive Director

Region 2000 Technology Council

Phone: 434-847-1447