April 2019

The Hampton Roads Innovation Collaborative (HRIC) has launched Corporate Pillars, a program designed to emulate some of the conditions that contributed to the success of Silicon Valley tech firms.

Dan Bell, president of HRIC stated “The goals of the Corporate Pillar program are twofold: to provide an environment where large regional organization’s IT leaders can become aware of smaller/growth technology firms within the region, and also to provide feedback on their product, services, strategies and more, contributing toward their growth.”

The approach taken by HRIC was to solicit involvement from senior IT personnel in large business, government and academia.  To date, the following organizations have opted to participate: Cox, PRA, City of Virginia Beach, City of Chesapeake, Clark Nexsen, Huntington Ingalls Inc. Technical Solutions Division, Newport News Shipbuilding, ODU Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Port of Virginia, Sentara, Tech Center Research Park and Towne Bank.

Beginning with the first meeting in April of 2019 and continuing every 90 days, HRIC organizes a 3-hour Corporate Pillars meeting, inviting 6 growth firms in to present for 20 minutes each (with Q&A) on their business.  These are private sessions, closed to the public and invitation only from HRIC.  Meeting locations are intended to take place on both the southside and peninsula.

Read More at: Corporate Pillars PR

The Hampton Roads Innovation Collaborative is launching the virtual Foundation for Innovation program to find ways to better connect the assets and people on the Peninsula with the idea of sparking new ideas to eventually fuel a strong Hampton Roads-wide technology corridor, said HRIC President Dan Bell.

The pilot program is running first on the Peninsula with every intention on “Going Regional” with measurable results.

Read More Here: TW Biz and Daily Press article

CIO Roundtable – HRIC Press Release v.3

Traditional Information Technology is a form of innovation which contributes to regional company strength and job development.

The CIO Roundtable is made up of technologists including CIOs, CTOs and other senior technology leaders coming from all segments of the Hampton Roads economy including Private Sector, Governments and non-Profits.  Collectively, these information technology leaders represent significant industry expertise and experience which is applicable to the advancement of this industry segment.

Seeking to assist the CIO Roundtable in advancing its mission, the Hampton Roads Innovation Collaborative (the former HR Technology Council, a 501c6), will act as an organizational host by providing project management, logistical support, meeting coordination services, membership collaboration and reporting.  Outcomes are intended to include improved understanding of region-wide technology related needs and opportunities.

The working relationship between the two separate entities is in place only to forward common interests in technology, innovation and business improvements in the region while maintaining organizational independence

Mick Vollmer, ‎Vice President, Cyber Security and Risk Governance stated: “The CIO Roundtable is very pleased to reconnect with the Hampton Roads Innovation Collaborative.  We have a common set of interests in technology innovation which we can capitalize on very effectively via this relationship.”

Dan Bell, President of HRIC added: “HRIC offers itself as a bonding agent and execution platform for the CIO Roundtable.  Together I believe we can help to enhance the information technology business environment in Hampton Roads.”

The first series of activities scheduled for this new collaboration in 2017 are:

1) Launching a Regional Cyber Accelerator activity.

2) Working with Education to enhance workforce development.

3) Conduct IT Needs Assessment surveys toward strategic initiative planning.

Norfolk, Va.—If you want to learn more about the unique challenges that women face in business and what they are doing to overcome them, then mark your calendar for 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 8, for the inaugural Women’s Forum of Coastal Virginia at ODU Innovation Research Park Building 2, 4211 Monarch Way, in Norfolk.

Angela Reddix, Founder and CEO of Norfolk-based ARDX, a multi-million-dollar management and technology consulting company, will be a featured guest panelist. Reddix, who is a mother of three, is currently pursuing a Ph.D. as well as launching a nationwide nonprofit.
The Women’s Forum of Coastal Virginia is being presented by The Hampton Roads Innovation Collaborative (HRIC), in cooperation with Cetan Corp, Cheryl Tan Media, and Old Dominion University’s Women’s Business Center. The organizations wanted to introduce the concept of a recurring series of events specifically for women in business. The event on December 8 is the first.

“Challenges women face in business have been well documented and discussed,” said Dan Bell, president of HRIC. “Work/Life Balance, Health Issues, Discrimination and Pay, Leadership and the Glass Ceiling, harassment and more. The Women’s Forum of Coastal Virginia is a program created by woman members of HRIC, for regional women in the workplace.”

Cheryl Tan, Cheryl Tan Media, added: “These issues are real around the world, nationally and regionally, right here in Hampton Roads. Our concept is by creating a network, support group and experiential learning environment we can help move the needle in the correct and positive direction.”

Erika Small-Sisco, Manager, Women’s Business Center, commented; “The Woman’s Forum of Coastal Virginia is a part of the HRIC Critical Mass series of experiential learning and networking events. The forum is designed to help women in business to succeed and provide a place to share, learn and network.”

Topics to be covered during the Forum through panel sessions and interactive discussions include creating a culture of equality, achieving work/home balance, and shattering the glass ceiling.

Interested individuals can register for the Forum for just $25 ($5 discount for students), which includes lunch, at https://thewomensforum.eventbrite.com.

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