April 2008 - Posts

• Philly’s Emerging Tech Conference a Success

  When you think high-tech, realize Philadelphia is the place to find IT. The Emerging Technologies for the Enterprise conference, held in Philadelphia on March 26 – 27, 2008 was a huge success and attracted over 400 IT professionals. Innovation Philadelphia spoke with Tracey Welson-Rossman of Chariot Solutions, the host of the third annual conference. What were the outcomes of the Emerging Technologies for the Enterprise Conference?  Over 60 speakers attended from inside and outside of our region that were exposed to our IT community and its happenings.  Feedback from the participants has been extremely positive regarding the quality of the other speakers and the quality of the attendees. All were willing and happy to come back next year. We doubled the attendees from last year, with 400 in attendance. Unfortunately we had to turn people away due to space constraints.  Attendee comments have been positive, with feedback saying that it was great content, great community meeting place. We had outstanding attendance for one of the sessions on Philadelphia and how the region supports startups and entrepreneurs. Over half the attendees came from 25-100 mile radius from Philadelphia. Ninety (90) percent of the attendees said they would come back next year, so we have laid the groundwork for a destination conference in the IT space for this area. What are the assets of the information technology industry in Philadelphia? The Philadelphia Region has a committed developer community - they want to learn.  We have over 25 user groups in our region addressing all different facets of the IT spectrum.  There are more user groups located in this area than anywhere else on the East Coast.   Companies need this type of worker to help them grow and use newer technologies.   How has the information technology industry grown over the past five years? Over the past five years, we have seen a steady growth and demand for our business.  Considering we started at the lowest point after the dotcom bust, we have seen our competitors and partners grow and expand, also.  We also know there is a tremendous demand for Java architects and developers even with the presence of offshore resources. What is your advice for young professionals working in/trying to break into the information technology industry? Make sure to stay current.  Core courses are being taught at universities and colleges, but you need to pay attention to the tools and technologies being used in organizations.  Go to conferences, user groups and learn outside of your regular studies. To download the presentations from the event, visit http://www.phillyemergingtech.com/index.php. Posted Apr 24 2008, 06:18 PM by blogadmin with no comments

• The Philadelphia Region’s Information Technology Sector – 'An Outstanding Competitor in IT and Improving Its Game'

  The Philadelphia Region's information technology industry sector's economic impact on the Philadelphia Region is $2.1 billion annually. This creative occupation employs 44,000 workers with average annual wages of $70,600.   Information technology firms comprise nearly 8% of all creative industry employment in the Philadelphia Region. The Philadelphia Region's information technology industry - defined in Creative Footprint as all industries/occupations involving the servicing, producing and distributing computer, network and telecom equipment and services - houses impressive highly-skilled employees. Employment growth in recent years sets the stage to claim Philadelphia's reputation as a hub for information technology. Notable Assets Allocation of venture capital makes the Philadelphia Region an idea location for young IT companies. According to Select Greater Philadelphia, “There were 17 Information Technology (IT) venture capital deals (software, computers, peripherals and IT services) in 2006 totaling $79.6 million in funding, averaging $4.68 million per deal.”  Many of these companies have made it onto “fastest growing companies” lists. Ed Epstein, Vice President of MISI Company, which provides user experience, consulting services, and technical resources to large and small companies, says that the Philadelphia Region is an ideal place for information technology professionals to work and play. From a social perspective, Philadelphia provides an outstanding environment for the technology community to live, Epstein notes. “From a work perspective - between the far stretching regions of the suburbs, southern NJ, and DE - this region attracts and embraces a hot-bed of technology, life-sciences and financial organizations,” he says.  According to Epstein, the Philadelphia Region is an outstanding competitor in IT and improving its game. The Philadelphia Region is home to numerous well-established information technology companies. According to the 2007 Philadelphia Business Journal's "Book of Lists", the region's largest computer consultant firms, by number of local employees, include agencies such as Computer Aid Inc. (CAI), Judge Group, LiquidHub Inc., Alliance Consulting, RCG Information Technology Inc. and SMART Business Advisory and Consulting. Combined, the top six computer consultant firms employ over 1,800 professionals in the Philadelphia Region. Industry Growth The information technology industry in the Philadelphia Region has “matured” in positive, significant ways in recent years, Epstein notes. “Not only has technology innovation exploded, more importantly its outcomes have shifted the ‘way of life’ of every business and every individual,” he says. “Technology now alters how businesses start, manage and grow! In fact, it has flat-out created new communication, thoughts, markets, business and social sectors.” In recent years the region’s IT needs have seen a steady growth and change in demand.  “I’ve seen our industry transform over the past five to ten years from a ‘dot com’ environment to a more service oriented environment,” said Drew Morrisroe, President and CEO of CTN Solutions, an IT services provider. “I believe there is no replacement for that personal touch even with all of the advancements of technology.  Those who will succeed going forward must provide demonstrative value to their clients.”  The City of Philadelphia and region have taken notice to this industry growth. The Mayor's Commission on Technology (MCOT) launched a monthly webcast program, "Philadelphia's Got IT," to promote Philadelphia as a city in-sync with the Digital Age. The goals of the program are to showcase Philadelphia partnerships that promote education, e-workforce and economic development and showcase high tech regional relationships, assets, resources and partnerships with business, government and community. According to recent Brookings research titled An Economic Plan for the Commonwealth: Unleashing the Assets of Metropolitan Pennsylvania, advancement in IT in the Philadelphia Region is viewed as a strength that can be a catalyst to growth and prosperity for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. IT Talent Development For professionals looking to break into the information technology industry, Morrisroe suggests to be knowledgeable about changing technology. “I would advise a young person to be well rounded and never stop their education process.  The ones who make it in this industry must know the technical aspects of their job at least at a conceptual level.” Epstein advises young professionals to “invest in yourself” as an information technology professional. “Keep your technology education and experience current if not advanced, and become actively involved in the community through network events and educational sessions,” he says. Creative Footprint reported that of the degrees awarded by Philadelphia Region Postsecondary Institutions, 16.2% of the degrees related to the for-profit, creative economy were for information technology.  In addition, 14.3% of minority- and female-owned creative businesses in the Philadelphia Region are in the information technology industry sector. The Philadelphia Region’s colleges and universities are setting the bar for IT. According to the “Greater Philadelphia Regional Report 2007” published by Select Greater Philadelphia, “Three schools in the region – Villanova, Swarthmore, and Temple – were listed in the top 20 most wired campuses by the Princeton Review and PC magazine, with Villanova taking top honors in the nation.” A Creative Industry Sector on the Rise A recent publication by Robert Half Technology reported that IT hires are expected to rise in the Philadelphia Region. A net 13% of chief information officers (from companies with 100 or more employees) surveyed said they expect to hire information technology professionals this quarter.  “Companies are investing in new initiatives and technologies such as server and network virtualization; Voice over Internet Protocol; and feature-rich, Web 2.0-type websites,” said Katherine Spencer Lee, executive director of Robert Half Technology. “As a result, there is heightened demand for IT professionals with experience in these and other emerging specialty areas.” Nationally, Dow Jones VentureSource recently reported that information technology companies were responsible for $6.1 billion of the $7.8 billion in liquidity generated by mergers and acquisitions of U.S. venture-backed companies in the first quarter. The findings in Creative Footprint illustrate the enormous potential of the for-profit, creative economy. In particular, the information technology industry sector holds tremendous potential in forming a new identity for the Philadelphia Region. Made a reality, this industry will offer economic benefits in the form of new jobs and new businesses and will increase the region's competitiveness across the nation. This new identity will make the region a destination for all businesses thirsty for creative talent. Tell us what you think.   Posted Apr 23 2008, 07:38 PM by blogadmin with no comments

• Call for 'Connectors'

  LEADERSHIP Philadelphia is conducting research to identify trusted young leaders, in their early 20’s to early 40’s, in the Philadelphia Region. The leaders indentified will come from different industry sectors and different parts of the region, but they will share a commitment to the common good, the ability to get things done, and the respect and trust of their friends and colleagues.  LEADERSHIP Philadelphia is looking for the “connectors” who seem to know everyone, and may operate “beneath the radar screen.” There is much to learn from these effective individuals and ask that you help to find and acknowledge these people: Visit www.leadershipphiladelphia.org and click on “Connector Project” to complete a seven question survey to identify young leaders you know personally in Greater Philadelphia. The web survey should take no more than 10 minutes. Posted Apr 23 2008, 03:12 PM by blogadmin with 1 comment(s)

• Product Design and Merchandising – ‘It’s a Good Time to be a Designer in Philadelphia’

  The Philadelphia Region's product design and merchandising industry sector's economic impact on the Philadelphia Region is $2.7 billion annually. This creative industry sector employs nearly 26,000 workers with average annual wages of $51,600.   Product design and merchandising firms comprise nearly 8% of all creative industry employment in the Philadelphia Region. The product design and merchandising industry sector ranges from the design of medical, commercial and consumer products to the design and layout of a department store. The Philadelphia Region's product design and merchandising industry - defined in Creative Footprint as all industries/occupations relating to the design, production and display of products, packaging materials and exhibits - houses impressive highly-skilled employees. Employment growth in recent years sets the stage to claim Philadelphia's reputation as a hub for product design and merchandising. Notable Assets Product design and merchandising professionals in the region say that the colleges and universities specializing in design are a key asset of this industry in the Philadelphia Region. Roberta Gruber, Director of the Fashion and Design & Merchandising Department at the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design at Drexel University, notes that the Philadelphia Region has “excellent design schools and hungry talent.” Peter Bressler, founder of Philadelphia full service product design firm Bresslergroup, agreed that there are a large number of schools that graduate product design and merchandising professionals. Bressler also said that the Philadelphia Region is an easy accessible city, with many modes of transportation available to visit clients. “We are able to service a number of clients in the region, as well as out of the country.”  The size of the Philadelphia Region is also an asset to product design and merchandising professionals. “A smaller city [such as Philadelphia] is easier to manage…and New Yorkers are coming to our area. [The Philadelphia Region] has always been a nice, comfortable place to live in,” Gruber says. Bressler agrees, adding Philadelphia is now associated with prestigious product design firms. “It is interesting, we find that clients went to larger companies [in larger cities] and were dissatisfied, then came to us.” Industry Growth Creative Footprint reports that hundreds of self-employed professionals within the creative industry are product design and merchandising professionals. In addition, 14.9% of minority- and female-owned creative businesses in the Philadelphia Region are in product design and merchandising industry. For a young professional breaking into the product design and merchandising industry, Bressler advises to do “whatever you can to get your foot in the door.” He suggests working for a few months for little or no pay to prove your skills to a company and then try to get hired. Dr. Joseph H. Hancock, II, Assistant Professor at the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design at Drexel University notes that networking is key within the industry. The industry has grown tremendously within the Philadelphia Region over the years. “From when I started in the industry until now is a phenomenal difference,” Bressler says. “When I first started, there were only two [product design] firms in the region. Now there are 25 or more, all different sizes.” He also says that there have been vast improvements in the depth of talent within the region and awareness of the talent within the Philadelphia Region. There has also been growth in the trends of product design and merchandising. “During the last five years, you have seen a strong emphasis in branding in order to have product differentiation,” says Hancock. He notes that future of product design will rely heavily on branding. The Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the Product Development and Management Association is a group dedicated to sharing knowledge of best practices and building a professional community of people and organizations that have a stake in the researching, establishing, and promoting of best practices in the broad areas of Product and Services Development and Management. The organization meets throughout the year and provides participants with the opportunity to learn new ideas and approaches from world-class product and service development organizations and network with other product development professionals. A Creative Industry Sector on the Rise The product design and merchandising industry is on rise throughout the US. The International Design Excellence Awards program is the premier international competition honoring design excellence in products, ecodesign, interaction design, packaging, strategy, research and concepts. Entries are invited from designers, students and companies worldwide. Winning entries will receive press coverage in BusinessWeek magazine and businessweek.com as well as in hundreds of newspapers and networks. “Philadelphia is evolving and changing as the city becomes more and more populated,” Gruber says. “The greatest hurdle is understanding the customer base.” She notes that the customer base will change as the city evolves and there may be a higher taste level which in turn can lead to more expensive items. “It is a good time to be a designer in Philadelphia, for any product,” she says. Tell us what you think. Posted Apr 09 2008, 08:38 PM by blogadmin with 2 comment(s)

• Chamber offers Internships

  Need help with your creative business? Creative companies, small businesses, and entrepreneurs seeking assistance can work with Philadelphia high school students through the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and Mayor Michael Nutter’s Working Solutions Program. Working Solutions is a program to provide students aged 16 – 21 with summer paid internships. Mayor Michael Nutter has challenged the business community to increase the number of summer internships to 2,000. Last summer, the Chamber’s efforts helped identify 1,049 paid positions with participation from 138 companies. Internships last for six weeks beginning on June 30th. Each position costs the employer about $1,600. Interns work at least 20 hours per week Monday through Thursday and attend professional development programs offsite on Fridays. Internships are open to Philadelphia students who will enter 11th grade or higher in the fall. All students are pre-screened and pre-qualified. You can become involved by offering internships at your worksite or sponsoring positions with a Philadelphia non-profit. To learn more go to the chamber’s website, go to http://www.workreadyphila.com/irf.html.  Posted Apr 09 2008, 05:03 PM by blogadmin with no comments

• DreamIt Ventures Invests in Philadelphia Start-Ups

  DreamIt Ventures, a pre-seed venture firm, is committed to developing a new generation of technology companies. With its official launch this past weekend, the new Philadelphia start-up program is initially investing in 12 entrepreneurial ventures to their next level of funding. DreamIt is providing selected start-up companies pre-seed funding, operational and strategic guidance from a team of proven business advisors, counsel and services from leading law firms and accounting firms, and access to an impressive list of “gurus” with insight into launching great companies.  DreamIt is founded by David Bookspan, Michael Levinson and Steve Welch, who have all founded, built and successfully sold one or more business.  “Our partners include many prominent law firms and accounting firms with professionals who concentrate on providing service to startups,” said Levinson.  “Each of them has agreed to donate their time to help DreamIt Companies properly structure their businesses, and to provide counsel throughout DreamIt `08.” The program’s speakers, gurus and mentors include leading visionaries, entrepreneurs and business strategists from the Philadelphia Region.  They will speak during DreamIt '08 and/or provide regular coaching, mentoring and guidance to DreamIt companies. A new investment model for Philadelphia This investment concept, without the management component, has proven successful in other regions: Y Combinator (Silicon Valley and Cambridge, MA), TechStars (Boulder, CO) and SeedCamp (London). The initial 12 investments, announced this past weekend at a Kick Off Reception, vary in industry. “While there were many great applications, we really focused in on those that met our criteria, as posted on our web site,” said Levinson. Criteria include, “(a) Great team, (b) explosive opportunity and (c) something that could be completed or prototyped within three months.”   DreamIt ’08 will run from May 21st, through August 22nd, and culminates on Funding Day when the DreamIt Companies will present to select venture capitalists, angel investors and other funding sources.   The program will be hosted at the University City Science Center. For more information and to apply to the program, visit http://www.dreamitventures.com/. Posted Apr 09 2008, 05:01 PM by blogadmin with no comments