We got a lot of requests for the slides from Peter Coffee’s February Learning Lunch presentation on Creating Cloud Communities. We also have the video and audio files are in post production and hope to have them posted soon as well.
Sage Automotive Interiors announced today that it has signed a letter of intent to move into a newly-constructed facility on Clemson University’s International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) campus. The building will become the international headquarters for Sage.
The new construction is part of a $3 million government grant. Construction on the facility will begin in April 2010. Sage plans to move into its new facility by June 2011.
“Sage is thrilled to have the opportunity to be headquartered on the CU-ICAR campus,” said Brian McSharry, COO of Sage Automotive Interiors. “Being on an automotive research campus just makes sense for us. The proximity to the outstanding academic research is a great strategic fit for Sage’s international operation, plus our partnerships with Clemson and the Greenville Area Development Corporation (GADC) make it an added bonus.”
“We’re pleased that Sage Automotive recognizes the many advantages that Greenville County and the CU-ICAR campus offers their company,” said Mike Buiter, Chairman of the Greenville Area Development Corporation Board. “As an innovative organization with global opportunities in the automotive industry, they had no shortage of location options in which to place their international headquarters. As a prized member of the local and South Carolina business communities, we’re delighted that they have selected Greenville County.”
“Sage is a perfect complement to our growing CU-ICAR community,” said Bob Geolas, CU-ICAR executive director. “They are at the front end of customer trends in automotive interiors. The staff experience and global reach of this company makes them a recognized market leader. We could not be more excited about having such a dynamic and creative company join the CU-ICAR campus.”
“We are pleased about Sage Automotive Interiors location to CU-ICAR,” said Greenville Mayor Knox White. “This continues to confirm that our partnership with CU-ICAR and the community’s commitment is paying dividends with new jobs and exciting companies like Sage.”
Investments by C. Tycho Howle of Atlanta and an anonymous private sector partner, along with a state match, total $4 million to support an endowed chair position in the Cyber-Institute Center of Economic Excellence (CoEE) at Clemson University.
The center’s primary focus will be to develop novel software-based approaches and new computational capabilities to solve complex societal issues and meet complex human and business needs. The endowed chair holder will be the academic leader of the center and hold the title “hf Flagship Endowed Chair in Human Centered Computing in the Holcombe Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.” Human-centered computing is an emerging field focused on making computational technologies more usable and how computational technologies affect society.
“The holder of the endowed chair in human-centered computing will be a catalyst for bringing together an interdisciplinary research team involving a wide range of computing applications in engineering, physics, biology, psychology, sociology and many other fields,” said Holcombe Electrical and Computer Engineering Department Chair Darren Dawson. “This multidisciplinary team will develop software-based approaches and computational capabilities to build new tools and methods to gain a better perspective on their research. For example, when a computer combines a map with the data from thousands of sensors measuring ocean currents and temperatures around the globe, a collection of numbers can become a stunning visualization that helps us understand shifting climate patterns. Likewise, a computer-generated visualization can help a surgeon better understand what is happening inside a patient’s heart before ever picking up a scalpel.”
“In order to solve many of today’s complex societal issues, we must be able to analyze and understand large amounts of data,” said James Bottum, Clemson’s chief information officer and principal investigator of the CoEE proposal. “To do this, we often require high performance computer systems, high bandwidth communication systems and innovative user interfaces for remote collaboration. So, the center also will focus on developing new capabilities for improving and expanding electronic collaboration.”
“This new center will facilitate research, education and workforce development and provide an environment for collaboration,” said Clemson President James F. Barker.
“These capabilities will allow Clemson researchers to tackle more complex problems and enhance our ability to support economic development in our state. We are grateful to the donors and the State of South Carolina for their vote of confidence in Clemson.”
Howle and the anonymous private sector partner each invested $1 million to support the research and infrastructure of the center, and that will be matched by the state for a $4 million total investment.
“I’ve had the privilege of an exciting career centered on harnessing the power of computing to make business processes faster, more accurate and more measurable,” said Howle. “But, we’ve only scratched the surface on making the interaction between humans and software more intuitive, informative, accessible and interactive. There is tremendous potential for transformative innovation in this area, and this $4 million investment will help Clemson stay on the forefront of important technology research. The hf Flagship Foundation is honored to support this endowment.”
Howle is founder and chairman of Atlanta-based nuBridges, Inc., a leading provider of software and managed services that help businesses protect and exchange sensitive data in compliance with increasingly tight compliance requirements. He is a long-time supporter of Clemson. Howle received a bachelor’s degree in physics and a master’s degree in systems engineering — a degree program previously in the electrical and computer engineering department — from Clemson University in 1971. He also holds an M.B.A. from the Harvard Business School. A native of Lancaster, he and his wife, Marie, reside in Atlanta.
The South Carolina General Assembly established the Centers of Economic Excellence Program (http://www.sccoee.org/) in 2002, and it is funded through South Carolina Education Lottery proceeds. The legislation authorizes the state’s three public research institutions to use state funds to create Centers of Economic Excellence in research areas that will advance South Carolina’s economy. The state funds must be matched dollar-for-dollar by private investment in the program. The program also supports CoEE endowed chairs, world-renowned scientists who lead the Centers of Economic Excellence.
The Centers of Economic Excellence program has created 12 Centers of Economic Excellence supporting 15 endowed chairs at Clemson to take advantage of the university’s faculty expertise and research strengths. This state program awarded the Cyber-Institute Center of Economic Excellence at Clemson in 2008 with $2 million to be matched in private funds.
via: Clemson University
Clemson University researchers have developed a hands-free alternative to cell phone texting while driving.
“If you can’t keep people from doing it, make it safer,” said Juan Gilbert, professor and chairman of the human-centered computing division of Clemson’s School of Computing.
He said one problem with banning texting while driving is that people are likely to continue doing it. He said it will be difficult for police to enforce a ban unless they actually see someone in the act. Gilbert said evidence of texting while driving often surfaces only after an accident.
Gilbert’s team developed an application, called VoiceTEXT, that allows drivers to speak text messages and keep their eyes on the road at the same time. Drivers using VoiceTEXT put their cell phones in Bluetooth mode and connect it to their car.
via: Clemson University
“Through the car’s speaker system or through the driver’s own Bluetooth headset, drivers can give a voice command that delivers a text message,” Gilbert said. “So you can speak to your phone and tell it to send a message to an individual. The recipient’s phone recognizes the voice as a text message and the other person is able to respond appropriately.”
Gilbert and his researchers are conducting a survey on the use of VoiceTEXT at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DC6S5X7. The survey opens with a video demonstration of VoiceTEXT, followed by three multiple-choice questions and space for comments.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reports that 80 percent of crashes and 65 percent of near-crashes involve driver distraction. Cell phone use is among the reasons for driver distraction, the agency says.
Recruiting Solutions, a Greenville-based staffing and workforce-management firm, will relocate to a new office in order to allow room for growth, bring several satellite facilities together, and improve their overall efficiency.
Effective March 1, 2010, Recruiting Solution’s new offices will be located at 124 Verdae Boulevard, Suite 103, in Greenville’s Bonaventure Office Park. The move will place their healthcare, manufacturing, information technology, and administrative service lines in one facility.
Individual and corporate tax payers can support the continued growth of a Knowledge Economy in South Carolina by making a contribution to the Industry Partnership Fund. This Fund was established in 2006 under the Industry Partners Act in order to sustain the SC Launch Program beyond SCRA’s initial investment of $12 million. Under this Act, a South Carolina taxpayer (individual or corporate) can receive a 100% credit against state income taxes, insurance premium taxes and/or certain license fees for contributions. Contributions to the Fund are accepted on a first come basis with the aggregate limit being $6,000,000.
All funds directly support the mission of the SC Launch program which is to assist with the commercialization of university research, finance start-up and spin-out companies, provide incubation and business services to companies and to execute the mandates in the Innovation Centers Act and the Industry Partners Act.
If you are interested in making a contribution for 2010 or have questions, contact SC Launch at 803-343-5311.
Your contributions support the growth of high-tech startups and South Carolina’s Knowledge Economy.
via: SC Launch
9:00am Quickbooks for Small Business Workshop
This hands-on, QuickBooks program is designed for those with basic computer skills who want to know what is really necessary to make their business financial operations run more efficiently. The program is presented using 2009 software, by a Certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor with substantial experience in small business financial management. Class size is limited for optimal instruction, and all attendees receive workbooks and material from Quickbooks. Presented by the Clemson Small Business Development Center
11:30am I.T. Leadership Council
The South Carolina IT Leadership Council is an invitation only group of senior level IT Professionals who meet to share best practices. For more information, please contact Phil Yanov, (864) 513-1526
5:30pm Clemson Alumni Entrepreneur event
The Spiro Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership is hosting an evening with two successful Clemson alumni entrepreneurs who will share their experiences and offer advice in a lively panel discussion. Clemson students and faculty, local entrepreneurs, and members of the business community are all invited to enjoy this presentation and meet the panelists during the reception.
See more events on the GSATC Event Calendar.
The South Carolina IT Leadership Council is a monthly peer forum for senior ranking IT professionals. The group meets the fourth Wednesday of every month January through October with attendance limited to forum members. The meetings tend to be “roll up the sleeves” and handle the real issues faced by senior level IT Professionals. Each meeting features a presentation and facilitated discussion of strategic Information Technology topics selected by the forum members.
If your organization’s VP of Technology, Chief Information Officer, or top level IT professional are interested in participating, please contact us for an invitation.
SC ITLC Organizer:
Phil Yanov, 800-688-2094
Next meeting: February 24, 2010
Aspiring Upstate entrepreneurs have an exciting resource to help them prepare for launching a new business. The Clemson University Small Business Development Center is excited to announce enhancements to an interactive workshop to provide information needed before taking the plunge. “JumpStart Your Business, Tips for Start Up Success” will explore the basics of what it takes to get into business. Topics include how to set-up a business, forms of business organization, an overview of financial statements, general legal requirements, the elements of an effective business plan, financing options, and how to improve the odds of success. This practical program is designed to help you ask the right questions and find the most important information to make informed business decisions. Pre-registration is required. Call 864.370.1545
OR EMAIL SBOSTIC@CLEMSON.EDU
WHEN
Tuesday, March 16th, 2010; 6:30 – 8:00 pm
WHERE
Clemson at the Falls
55 East Camperdown Way, Greenville
Classroom 1A
INVESTMENT
$25
via: Clemson
The South Carolina Department of Commerce, the Greenville Area Development Corporation and Bosch Rexroth Corporation today announced that the company will expand its hydraulics business unit in Greenville County. Bosch will invest $10 million and expects to create up to 50 new jobs, requiring a variety of skilled workers to fill both managerial and manufacturing positions.
“Working with the State and local developmental agencies, we are pleased to be able to continue to invest in our Fountain Inn, South Carolina site,” said Mike McCormick, vice president and technical plant manager, Bosch Rexroth Corporation.
Bosch Rexroth currently employs nearly 400 associates at its facility on Southchase Court in Fountain Inn, where it manufactures industrial hydraulic units, including piston units and pumps. The changes will allow the company to also manufacture hydraulic motors used in oil drilling, transportation and other industries. The company’s investment will also better position the plant for potential future Bosch expansions.
“The consolidation of our operations here, while a challenge for the Bosch Rexroth organization overall, is a very positive development for our plant. We find South Carolina provides a stable business climate and a solid workforce for our company,” said Keith Beasley, vice president and commercial plant manager, Bosch Rexroth Corporation.
“Bosch has been an important part of the South Carolina business community for many years, and this investment further strengthens the company’s commitment to our state. Bosch Rexroth’s decision to bring this additional work into Fountain Inn is another sign that our business-friendly climate, highly-skilled workforce and exceptional market access are working to attract new investment and foster growth among our existing businesses. This announcement is also a positive reflection of the continued dedication and work of Commerce’s European office in Germany to stay in contact with our existing businesses and ensure that South Carolina is continuing to meet their needs,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce. “We thank Bosch for choosing to grow in South Carolina and look forward to furthering our long-standing relationship with the company.”
“Bosch Rexroth Corporation’s decision to invest in Greenville County is again the result of a true team effort,” added Mike Buiter, chairman of the Greenville Area Development Corporation, noting that grants from both Advance SC and Duke Energy were instrumental in landing the expansion. “Bosch Rexroth is a long-standing quality corporate citizen of this community, and their growth will continue to create good paying jobs while affirming that manufacturing can thrive in our state.”
“We’re pleased that the leadership of Bosch Rexroth recognizes the many advantages that the Fountain Inn facility offers their company,” said Gary Long, mayor of Fountain Inn. “This announcement is another shot in the arm to Fountain Inn’s growing business community.”
Bosch Rexroth will be making physical improvements and adding new equipment to the Fountain Inn facility over the next few months. The company plans to begin hiring for the new positions before the end of the year. When hiring begins, persons interested in job opportunities can visit www.boschjobs.com for more information or contact Human Technologies Inc. of Greenville at 864-467-0330.
via: Bosch
