As the most comprehensive resource available for those involved in technology-based economic development, SSTI offers the services that are needed to help build tech-based economies. Learn more about membership...
SSTI Digest
Geography: Illinois
People
Tom Thornton is resigning his position as President of the Illinois Coalition to join a Midwest Venture Capital firm.
People
Cary Nourie has been named Vice President of Policy and Planning for the Illinois Coalition; he previously was with the North Carolina Governor's Washington Office.
People
John Dougherty resigned his position with the Illinois Coalition to accept a job in the private sector.
$16.5M PROPOSED FOR ILLINOIS S&T PROGRAMS
In his first budget address, Illinois Governor George Ryan outlined a series of initiatives which would catapult Illinois into the top tier of states for technology-based economic development spending. Coupled with the $3-million-plus technology initiative announced earlier this year by Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, Illinois S&T investments could grow to $20 million annually, a threshold only six other states have crossed and maintained: Georgia, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas.
CHICAGO UNVEILS TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVES
On Monday, Chicago Mayor Richard Daley announced a series of initiatives to promote technology development for the city, including an information technology incubator, formation of a Mayor’s Council of Technology Advisors, and a Civic Network to support capacity needs for Internet commerce by Chicago businesses.
The cornerstone of the Mayor’s technology initiatives, however, is the formation of the Chicago Technology Growth Fund, a $3 million venture capital fund to provide seed-stage financing in conjunction with private investors for high-tech startup firms located within Chicago. The Illinois Coalition was named to manage the fund for the city.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
November 17, 1998
The National Association of Seed Venture Funds is sponsoring a seminar entitled "Seed Investing as a Team Sport" to be held in Des Moines. The purpose of the seminar is to expand the attendees' understanding of business investing, help locate a team of like-minded investors in the region, and provide new tools to help optimize investment dollars. For more information, visit NASVF's website at http://www.nasvf.org
November 18-19, 1998
The Progressive Policy Institute is sponsoring a two-day conference "Understanding America's Transformation To a New Economy" in Washington, DC. Scheduled speakers include Vice President Al Gore and Sen. Tom Daschle. For more information, contact PPI at 202/608-1235.
Northwestern University Seeks Associate Vice President for Strategic Initiatives
Northwestern University invites nominations and applications for the new position of Associate Vice President for Strategic Initiatives. The person who fills this position will develop and implement initiatives that will enhance the University=s research enterprise.
Reporting to the Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies, the Associate VP will:
Coordinate overall strategy and management of faculty initiated start-ups;
Develop cross-campus, inter-school initiatives for university investment;
Provide leadership for the development, implementation, and communication of policies and programs affecting research and commercialization; and,
Illinois 1997 High Tech Yearbook Released
The Illinois 1997 High Tech Yearbook is a first-ever annual report documenting the people, organizations and infrastructure driving the high technology industry in Illinois. The report was recently released by the Illinois Coalition and KPMG Peat Marwick, in cooperation with the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago.
The Yearbook is the latest addition to a growing number of states or regions that are developing technology indexes.
The state's science and technology strengths are highlighted in the yearbook through a series of indicators tracked by the Illinois Coalition. The indicators identify and explain the ingredients and dynamics of Illinois' technology economy.
According to the report, in 1984 Illinois was tenth in the U.S. for the size of its technology economy. Today, it is fourth. The following outline some of the key indicators the report highlights:
Illinois’ New Web Site Links to Mfr Directory
The State of Illinois recently announced a new World Wide Web site that provides Illinois firms with a means to quickly locate the technical and business assistance available in Illinois.
The Illinois Coalition reports that perhaps the most innovative feature of the site is its linkage to the new on-line version of the Thomas Regional Directory Company’s industrial buying guide. The buying guide covers the North Central Tri-State Region, which includes Illinois and parts of Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin. The directory can be used to conduct product and company information searches.
The site can be reached at: http://www.ncsa.uiuc.edu/illcoalition