The i xchange combined the presentation of Ben Franklin’s seventeenth annual Innovation Awards and executive networking sessions with a keynote address by Jack Uldrich. An expert on future trends, emerging technologies, innovation, change management, and leadership, Uldrich is a leading authority on helping businesses to adapt. He has served as an advisor to Fortune 1000 companies and is noted for his ability to deliver provocative, new perspectives on creating competitive advantage during rapid change. Jack Uldrich is a renowned global futurist, independent scholar, and sought-after business speaker. During his keynote address, Mr. Uldrich shared practical tools and methods for implementing innovation in organizations.
The 2011 Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania Innovation Awards winners are:
Entrepreneurial Achievement
An individual who best exemplifies the quintessential entrepreneurial spirit: a combination of ingenuity, hard work, and innovation that has resulted in the creation of a successful and growing business venture.
WINNER: Wade Spicer, Chief Executive Officer
Strong Pools and Spas, Northumberland
Incubator Graduate
The company that has best demonstrated successful Ben Franklin business incubation. The business has been operated skillfully and confidently, meeting all challenges from the development of the product concept, execution of the business and technical plan, successful start-up and operation, to graduation from the incubator.
WINNER: RCD Technology , Quakertown
Robert Oberle, President
Product Innovation
The company that best demonstrates the commercialization of a unique, innovative product that creatively and effectively meets a market need.
WINNER: Dynalene Inc., Whitehall
Dr. Satish Mohapatra, President and Chief Executive Officer and Daniel Loikits, Chairman of the Board
Innovative Application of Technology
The company that best demonstrates a “break the mold” approach to integrating new or existing technology into a manufacturing environment.
WINNER: Snake Creek Lasers, LLC, Hallstead
Martin Sukle, Chief Executive Officer
Manufacturing Achievement
The company that best exemplifies achievement in the manufacturing arena, showing a proven track record of success and an unbending commitment to achieving and maintaining excellence in manufacturing.
WINNER: Effort Foundry, Inc., Bath
Charles Hamburg, Chief Executive Officer and William Easterly, President
Partnership
An individual or organization whose strong vision, dedication, and commitment have helped the Ben Franklin Technology Partners accomplish its goals. This support demonstrates a sincere desire to see the region thrive.
WINNER: Schuylkill Economic Development Corporation, Pottsville
Frank J. Zukas, President
