iTen Talent Shows Promise

For techies who desire to relocate or return to this area, the iTen Wired Talent Center is just what the doctor ordered. With a growing number of high-tech jobs along the Gulf Coast, the iTen Wired Talent Center will serve as a tool to connect local businesses with prospective employees in this database. This is a unique opportunity for technology-based firms along the Mobile-Pensacola-Fort Walton Beach area to connect with local talent. The iTen Talent website also offers a direct link for job seekers to upload their information.

The talent center is an innovative website with resume-upload capability. This will help in providing technology companies with the strong talent needed to be successful. It reflects state-of-the-art functionality and technology in the highest degree. The portal focuses on creating a talent pool in four target industries: technology, aerospace, life sciences and engineering. The talent center is designed for individuals with those skill sets to provide their information so local companies in these four industry sectors can connect with them if there are job opportunities along the Gulf Coast.

The talent center, iTen Wired, is an extension of the online entrepreneurial portal itenwired.com. It is designed to showcase our area's assets and entrepreneurs. It also provides a virtual means of communication for information sharing and educational opportunities. "One of the biggest issues facing technology companies is the ability to recruit talented employees," said Blaise Adams, vice-chair of Economic Development for the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. "The Talent Center is a local solution to a global problem."

"iTentalent.com is a way to keep technology savvy people here and bring those that have left the region back to the gulf coast," said Charles Wood, senior vice president of Economic Development for the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. "We are already working with universities in the region to market the website to their students and alumni to connect them with potential job opportunities in this area." The Chamber also hopes to tap into the region's military talent.

iTen Wired is an entrepreneurial initiative led by the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce and its Entrepreneurial Development Council in concert with regional economic development partners in Escambia, Mobile, Baldwin, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties. iTen Wired is centered on innovation, technology and entrepreneurs and focuses on bringing people and ideas together along the I-10 corridor. For more information, please visit www.itentalent.com.

iTen Wired Summit ~ February 19, 2008

The Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce along with other iTen Wired partners will host the first iTen Wired Summit. This will be one of the region's most innovative events of the spring. The event will be held on February 19 at the Brookley Industrial Complex located at 254 Old Bay Front Drive in Mobile.

The summit will feature industry speakers and panelists addressing a range of issues affecting entrepreneurial development such as capital formation, globalization and technology transfer. The focus targets trends and indicators in fostering technology-based and innovation-led economic development efforts.

Coupled with networking and industry exposure, the iTen Wired Summit is an opportunity to meet with the lead organizations, industry experts and entrepreneurs across the region. The goal is to start a dialogue about converging issues around building an entrepreneurial friendly climate. Connect with fellow industry leaders, including the region's leading investors, corporate partners and technology-based entrepreneurs. Position your company in front of the region's resources and take advantage of the opportunity to voice your needs and concerns!

Early registration rates are available. Registration is currently $25 and includes lunch. After February 13, the registration fee increases to $35.

Eastern Shore Receives USDA Grant

Steve Pelham, USDA Rural Development State Director, presented a $70,000 check to representatives of the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce. Accepting the check on behalf of the Eastern Shore Chamber were Darrelyn Bender, President/CEO, Scott Koser, Chairman, Business Technology Committee, and Greg Loughlin, Director of Business Development and Joe Bullock, incoming Board Chairman.

The Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce, as part of its Blueprint for Tomorrow strategic plan, is commencing a feasibility study concerning the establishment of a research and training center on the Eastern Shore. This key Blueprint for Tomorrow initiative will determine the support for, and the economic impact of establishing a campus like center for businesses working with cutting edge technologies as well as training workforce for these same technologies. Another integral part of this feasibility study will be identifying possible partners in this effort.

The $70,000 grant was provided through USDA Rural Development’s Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) program. This program offers grants to public bodies and nonprofit organizations to finance and facilitate development of small and emerging businesses located in rural areas and towns with less than 50,000 population. To assist with business development, RBEGs may fund a broad array of activities, such as acquisition and development of land, construction of buildings, repairs and expansions, access streets and roads, parking areas, utility and service extensions, equipment, revolving loan funds, fees for professional services, and technical assistance.

Click here for more information on the Chamber’s Blueprint for Tomorrow strategic plan.