RichTech Newsroom

Four organizations and three individuals recognized during Richmond’s primer technology award show, RichTech’s Seventeenth Annual Technology Stars Gala

Robby Demeria — Tue, 15 May 2012 17:00:34 GMT

RICHMOND, Va. (May 9, 2012) – RichTech held its 17th Annual Technology Stars gala tonight, honoring several local organizations and individuals that are actively helping advance Central Virginia’s technology-based economy.

More than 600 people attended the Technology Stars gala, held at the Richmond Marriott. The awards are structured in a way that recognizes individual accomplishments, corporate wins, non-profit success stories, innovators in their field, and small businesses.

“Tonight the finalists were representative of the growth and strengthen we have seen in Richmond’s technology economy, said Robby Demeria, Executive Director of Richmond. “As last year, we had several non-traditional IT company finalists; a tribute to Richmond’s growing creative technology community as mobility and social media take root in both the consumer and business markets. The organizations and individuals that we have recognized this evening each understand the value of technology in our community.”

“One of the highlights of the evening was recognizing the Educator finalist.” said Margaret E. “Lyn” McDermid, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Dominion and RichTech Chair. “A key part of RichTech’s mission is to promote technology throughout Virginia, and STEM education is critical to that growth. Our finalists are personally and professionally committed to encouraging and growing young minds who will be our future inventors, entrepreneurs, and corporate leaders. The winner of the Educator Award has historically been given a monetary gift as part of the award. This year, in recognition of the personal sacrifices made by all teachers and educators, RichTech is pleased to extend this to all finalists.”

The award name, its description, and the winners are:

The Community Catalyst Award Sponsored by Cisco & SyCom is awarded to the individual or organization that has made significant impact on the growth of technology in the Richmond Region, and/or the advancement of Greater Richmond as a center for technology innovation.

Phil Conein of, TecHead. Conein believes that small business can have the largest voice in the future of the Richmond Region. Creating collaboration between creatives, technologists, and business innovators is what will drive that belief forward, and is what Phil works toward daily.

The Educator Award Sponsored by Computer Resource Team is awarded to the educator or school program that provides exceptional technology leadership and encourages students to pursue higher education or training in science, technology, engineering and math.

Cindy Jones, Clover Hill Elementary. Jones has a passion for STEM and her philosophy is simple; increase excitement and academic time, increase physical activity time, which strengthens the mind-body connection, and empowers the educational process. STEM in her class provides awareness and excitement which in return encourages students to pursue the STEM areas.

The Emerging Company Award Sponsored by Cherry, Bekaert & Holland is awarded to the local technology company that has demonstrated recent growth in revenues and/or employees, a company whose recognized accomplishments and prospects demonstrate the ability to achieve commercial success.

Health Diagnostic Laboratory, Inc. (HDL, Inc.) HDL, an accredited leader in health management, offers a comprehensive test menu of risk factors for cardiovascular and related diseases. HDL’s systematic approach identifies factors contributing to disease and provides a basis for effective manage patients.

The Technology Builder Award Sponsored by SLAIT Consulting is awarded to the local technology company delivering technology solutions and/or services to external clients that build capacity and increase operational efficiency.

Whitlock. Whitlock is a global AV solutions provider, offering AV Integration, Enterprise Standards, Unified Communications, Videoconferencing, Digital Media, Visualization and Managed Services, including AVNOC remote support, field service/maintenance, on-site staffing, virtual and hosted video services.

The Technology Innovation Deployment Award Sponsored by VACO Technology is awarded to the company or organization whose creative use of existing technology enhances processes, methodologies and/or services for their own or others' benefit.

The Reginald F. Lewis School of Business at Virginia State University. VSU is the first School in the country to launch an integrated curriculum in a digital fashion. The RFLSB is committed to partnering with industry in the development of leaders and critical thinkers for the 21st century.

The Technology Innovation Developer Award Sponsored by Comcast Business Class is awarded to the company or organization whose development of new technology applications and/or systems creates new processes, methodologies, and/or services for their own or others' benefit.

Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (VDHCD). VDHCD partners with communities throughout the Commonwealth to develop their economic potential, increase their capacity to address community development and housing needs, improve the quality and affordability of housing, regulate Virginia's building codes and provide training and certification.

The People's Choice Award Sponsored by Peak10 is awarded to the Awards Finalist company selected by Gala attendees via real-time mobile app voting as the overall technology community's choice for Best in Show. Winner announced live at Gala after real-time voting.

The RichTech Chairman's Award Sponsored by Altria Client Services Presented annually to an individual or organization that has made a significant impact on the growth of technology in the Richmond Region, and/or the advancement of Greater Richmond as a center for technology innovation.

Karen Booth Adams, Hot Technologies Holding

RichTech honors three individuals and four entities - Richmond Times Dispatch

Laura Essex — Tue, 15 May 2012 01:31:55 GMT

Phil Conein believes that small business can have the largest voice in the future of the Richmond region.

Conein, president at information technology staffing firm TecHead, works toward creating a collaboration between creative people, IT professionals and business innovators to help drive that point forward.

His efforts were honored by RichTech during its annual awards gala Wednesday night.

Conein received the Community Catalyst Award, sponsored by Cisco and SyCom, for his impact on the growth of technology in the Richmond region and the advancement of the area as a center for technology innovation.

Two other individuals and four organizations also were recognized during RichTech's 17th annual Technology Stars Gala. More than 600 people attended the event, held at the Richmond Marriott.

Other people and organizations honored were:

Cindy Jones, a teacher at Clover Hill Elementary, received the Educator Award, which is sponsored by Computer Resource Team, for encouraging students to pursue higher education or training in science, technology, engineering and math.

Health Diagnostic Laboratory Inc. received the Emerging Company Award, sponsored by Cherry, Bekaert & Holland. It is awarded to the local technology company that has demonstrated recent growth in revenues and/or employees.

Whitlock received the Technology Builder Award, sponsored by SLAIT Consulting.

The Reginald F. Lewis School of Business at Virginia State University received the Technology Innovation Deployment Award, sponsored by VACO Technology, for launching an integrated curriculum in digital.

Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development received the Technology Innovation Developer Award, sponsored by Comcast Business Class.

Karen Booth Adams, an angel investor who started Hot Technology Holdings, received the RichTech Chairman's Award, sponsored by Altria Client Services.

Lakshmi Challa named Henrico County Community Leader of the Year

Laura Essex — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 19:02:33 GMT

Attorney Lakshmi Challa has been named the 2012 Henrico County Community Leader of the Year by the Greater Richmond Chamber's Henrico Business Council.

Challa is the chief executive officer of Challa Law Offices Inc., which has offices in Virginia, North Carolina and India.

The award honors unsung heroes who show unwavering support for Henrico County and the business community, demonstrate dedication to the betterment and growth of the county, and exhibit enthusiasm for and make a significant difference in their community, the chamber said.

Working with the Virginia Poverty Law Center, Challa established the Immigrant Victims of Domestic Violence Project to assist undocumented immigrants who are victims of domestic or sexual violence obtain legal status and lead a life free from the tyranny of their abusers and fear of deportation, the chamber said.

Her creative solution to marshal additional assets by bringing law students from the University of Richmond's School of Law to assist on a pro bono basis dramatically expanded the project's effectiveness, the chamber said.

Under her leadership and with the pro bono assistance of a cadre of attorneys and law students, the project has helped more than 50 women remain in the United States, work legally and provide for their families and children, according to the chamber.

Through her outreach, Challa serves as a role model by demonstrating the importance of community service, the chamber said.

Additionally, Challa has provided legal expertise to Commonwealth Catholic Charities, supporting unaccompanied minors brought to the U.S.; has served on the state's Illegal Immigration Task Force; and was appointed by Gov. Bob McDonnell to the Virginia Commonwealth University's Health Systems Board. She serves on numerous organization boards in central Virginia.

The chamber's 2012 Henrico Awards will be presented 7:15 a.m. next Wednesday at Henrico Doctor's Hospital.

For the free breakfast meeting, go online at www.grcc.com or call (804) 783-9368.

TCSC brings the Chick-fil-A Leadercast to Richmond

Robby Demeria — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 13:48:40 GMT

Richmond, VA undefinedCommunity business leaders can access the knowledge and experience of world-renowned leaders by attending Chick-fil-A Leadercast at Parkway Baptist Church in Richmond on May 4, 2012.

Chick-fil-A Leadercast is a one-day leader development event broadcast LIVE from Atlanta, Ga. to hundreds of sites throughout the nation, including Richmond. Speakers for this year’s event include:

o Soledad O’Brien, Anchor and special correspondent for CNN
o Tim Tebow, NFL quarterback, Heisman Trophy winner and best-selling author
o Patrick Lencioni, Best-selling author and president of The Table Group
o John Maxwell, Leadership expert & best-selling author of “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership”
o Marcus Buckingham, Strengths strategist, best-selling author and researcher
o Angela Ahrendts, CEO, Burberry
o Roland Fryer, Professor of economics at Harvard University and CEO of the Education Innovation Laboratory
o Urban Meyer, ESPN analyst and former head football coach for the University of Florida
o Andy Stanley, Best-selling leadership author and communicator
o Sheena Iyengar, Author of “The Art of Choosing“ and world-renowned expert of choice

Last year, 85,000 leaders from 17 countries attended Chick-fil-A Leadercast. In its 12th year, this full day, experiential conference is predicted to reach its largest audience to date.

“It is one of the single most consolidated sources of leadership that I know of,” said Paul Urbanowki, senior manager at AT&T. “But it goes beyond that. I think this conference, although very focused on leadership, transcends the topic and really shows you how to lead in life.”

This year’s program will focus on the power of choice. The diverse group of internationally-acclaimed authors, leadership experts and practitioners will share insights to help leaders empower and equip others at work, at home and in the community through his or her choices.

“We’re really good at getting messages aimed at very specific, targeted audiences. But we aren’t always very good at reaching out across the culture,” said Malcolm Gladwell best-selling author of “Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking” and “Outliers: The Story of Success.” “I think this is one of the few organizations that does that...that really appeals to me.”

For more information about Chick-fil-A Leadercast, visit www.chick-fil-aleadercast.com. For local ticketing information, call Ben Jobrack at (804)-794-3491 or visit www.richmondleadercast.com.

Award-Winning News from Cisco Partner Summit 2012

Robby Demeria — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 20:03:29 GMT

We were pleased to announce that SyCom Technologies won the Customer Satisfaction Partner of the Year for the East Area award at Cisco Partner Summit 2012 in San Diego.

SyCom Technologies was chosen from a select group of Cisco partners in recognition of our outstanding achievements in 2011. Our close relationship with Cisco means that we have access to the best training and the best products, which helps us give you exceptional service and expertise. And that means we all win.

For more information on how your organization can benefit from our award-winning products, service, and support, call us at 804-262-7100, send an email to info@sycomtech.com, or log on to www.sycomtech.com.

Governor McDonnell Applauds Microsoft’s Selection of Virginia as the Recipient of the “Real Impact Solutions Award”

Laura Essex — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 19:08:05 GMT

RICHMOND – Virginia’s Deputy Secretary of Technology, Aaron Mathes, was recently asked to travel to Redmond, Washington to give a presentation on the Commonwealth’s efforts to modernize multiple agencies’ business functions away from outdated, costly models that hindered efficient citizen service. Representatives from the Virginia Information Technology Agency, Northrop Grumman, the governor’s office and several state agencies worked together to adapt a shared technological services environment by leveraging Microsoft’s CRM Dynamics platform in place of creating custom-developed solutions.

“Virginia government continues its innovative and creative approach to improving customer service and saving taxpayer’s dollars in the process,” said Governor Bob McDonnell. “This award illustrates that Virginia continues to be recognized for its innovative approaches to streamlining government and reshaping the way our 8 million citizens interact with their state agencies. It is just one more step we are taking to modernize, streamline, and improve accountability in state government.”

The Real Impact Solutions Award is awarded during Microsoft’s U.S. Public Sector CIO Summit attended by hundreds of IT leaders from across the Unites States. The award, selected through a vote of the summit attendees, is bestowed by industry peers to the most innovative and effective government IT project presented at the conference.

Those agencies now using the solutions, based on Microsoft Dynamics CRM, include several areas of the governor’s office, the Secretary of Trade and Commerce, the Secretary of the Commonwealth, and the Secretary of Technology, as well as the State Board of Elections, Department of Historic Resources, and the Department of Education. In all cases the modernized business functions have enabled faster processing of citizen services, inquiries and concerns, retirement of outdated and often unsupported software and hardware systems, and the redeployment of existing staff to other tasks. The bottom line is these agencies are now operating more efficiently and effectively at current staffing and budgetary levels. Both the citizens of Virginia, as well as other state agencies, are the ultimate beneficiaries of these modernized business systems.

“Virginia’s IT professionals are quietly revolutionizing and modernizing how the people’s business is done in Virginia,” said Deputy Secretary Mathes. “Citizens contacting state agencies to address their needs will benefit every day as we continue working to streamline and modernize these processes throughout state government. The governor’s office is pleased to use many of these innovative solutions in our secretariats, and we will continue working with VITA and our technology partners to improve other agency processes in the future.”

SyCom Technologies Named to CRN’s 2012 List of Tech Elite 250

Laura Essex — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 00:47:56 GMT

Second Annual List recognizes IT Solution Providers with deep technical expertise and premier certifications in North America

Richmond, VA, March 12, 2012 – SyCom technologies announced today it has been named to CRN’s second annual list of the Tech Elite 250. Companies on the 2012 Tech Elite 250 list represent an elite group of IT Solution Providers that have invested in the training and education needed to earn the most technical certifications in the IT Channel.

In compiling the list, CRN editors worked with the UBM Channel research group and a team outside experts to define the most customer-beneficial technical certifications in the IT channel. These technical certifications have enabled solution providers to deliver the most premium products, service and support to their North American customers.

SyCom Technologies is dedicated to the continuing education of their employees at all four locations throughout Virginia and West Virginia. The technology company provides ongoing training and certification opportunities to its staff and expert technicians.

“The 2012 Tech Elite 250 list recognizes an exclusive group of Solution Providers that have shown a dedication to helping customers innovate while reducing costs,” said Kelley Damore, Vice President, Editorial Director at UBM Channel. “By identifying and adapting to the skills and training needed to best serve today’s customers, members of the Tech Elite 250 have proven their commitment to delivering the products and services that today’s end-users value most.”

A sample of CRN’s 2012 “Tech Elite 250” list is featured in the February issue of CRN Magazine and online at www.crn.com.

“Our people make the difference and truly define our success as a company. Any opportunity we have to help them grow professionally is an opportunity to better serve our customers. “Says, CEO Tom Cricchi. “We are proud to be recognized for the initiative our team has taken to improve the quality of our services.”

About SyCom: (www.sycomtech.com)
Founded in 1996, SyCom has offices in Richmond, Vienna and Roanoke, and Charleston, W.Va. Our focus is primarily mid-Atlantic with a national delivery capability. Named “Best Place to Work in Richmond,” we are an employer of choice for some of the best IT talent in the region. Our engineers are some of the best in their respective fields more than 10% of our engineers have been with the company since we started our commitment to sage advice you can trust. Our mission is “To provide outstanding and memorable service in everything we do.” While the technology is important, our people and service make sure your implementation is as smooth and memorable as possible.

Virginia Named Top State in Which to Make a Living in 2012

Robby Demeria — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 12:27:21 GMT

MoneyRates.com has ranked Virginia the “Best State to Make a Living” in its annual study. Virginia jumped up from fourth place in 2011 to take the top spot in 2012 based on measurements in the four categories considered by MoneyRates.com: Average Income, which has increased over the past year; Cost of Living based on ACCRA Cost of Living Index, which slightly decreased; Unemployment Rate, which has decreased in Virginia; and State Income Tax, which has not increased under the McDonnell administration.

Speaking about the ranking, Governor McDonnell remarked, “Our administration is focused on getting Virginians back to work and our economy back on track. Over the past two years, we have put in place numerous policies to help spur private-sector job creation. We have traveled the nation and the world to tell the Virginia story and bring new job-creators to the Commonwealth, and to introduce the Commonwealth’s products to new markets overseas. We have been joined in this effort by lawmakers from both parties as the work to get Virginians back to work is a bipartisan endeavor. That work is getting results. Virginia has been named by CNBC and Pollina as the best state in America for business. Agricultural exports hit a record high in 2011. Corporate expansions are up. Most importantly, our unemployment rate has fallen to a three-year low at 5.8 percent. Since we took office in 2010, 154,000 more Virginians have the good-paying jobs they need to support their families. This is good news. Virginia is on the right track. Now, we must redouble our efforts to continue making Virginia a job-magnet and an economic leader in the years ahead.”

From the report:

1. Virginia (Adjusted average income: $43,677)

In jumping from fourth to first, Virginia improved its adjusted average income figure by $2,557. This year, Virginia enjoyed a best-of-both-worlds scenario in which its average income rose while its cost of living fell slightly. The state also saw its unemployment rate drop to 6.2* percent, which is well below the national average.

*While the report is impressed by Virginia’s previous drop to 6.2 percent unemployment, the new seasonally adjusted unemployment figures for January released just last week show an even greater drop in the state to 5.8 percent, a three-year low.

Support WCVE, the Community Idea Stations through the Big Idea Challenge

Robby Demeria — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 12:25:53 GMT

Do not continue reading this message unless you believe that you and your colleagues possess superior brain power and are ready to prove that you are the smartest tech company in Richmond.

I knew that you would keep reading.

WCVE, The Community Idea Stations (home of PBS/NPR) is raising money by holding a brain teaser game called the Big Idea Challenge. RichTech is supporting the challenge by encouraging our members companies to form teams and compete against each other for the title of "smartest tech company in Richmond." We will recognize that winner and all of our member participants at the Awards Gala on May 9th.

The ultimate goal is to raise money for WCVE. You probably are aware of the debates about – or the decisions to cut – funding for public broadcasting. Wherever you come down on the issue, I know that you appreciate the importance of keeping our PBS and NPR programming. And we all know what we will miss if we lose that programming!

To learn more see bigideachallenge.org

The game begins in April - please register soon!

Computer Aid, Inc. (CAI) to hold open enrollment between March 26 and April 30

Robby Demeria — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 12:24:56 GMT

Since 2006, Computer Aid, Inc. (CAI) has been the Managed Service Provider responsible for overseeing all service delivery activities for the IT Contingent Labor (ITCL) contract for the Commonwealth of Virginia. The CAI ITCL Contract is comprised of two separate programs:

1. Staff Augmentation of IT temporary resources
2. SOW Deliverables-based, Fixed Price Projects

Between March 26 and April 30, 2012, CAI will hold an open enrollment for companies interested in joining the network of suppliers who are able to compete for deliverables-based work under $2 million in the Statements of Work program. Since the SOW program began in late 2010, $17,307,830 has been awarded to participating firms, with $7,145,078 (41.28%) being awarded to the Commonwealth’s small, women, and minority owned (SWaM) firms.

If you are interested in applying, please email VAITCLSOW@compaid.com to have your firm added to the distribution list for receiving the enrollment application and criteria. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of the Account Managers:

Christy Butcher (christy_butcher@compaid.com, 804-288-4246) or
Sue Flaxman (susan_flaxman@compaid.com, 717-651-3126)

If you are interested in joining the Staff Augmentation program, you can do so at any time. For information, go to the VA ITCL website: http://smsa.compaid.com and click on the link “Criteria for Joining”.

PlanIT Technology Group Changes Name To SLAIT Consulting

Robby Demeria — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 18:32:29 GMT

PlanIT Technology Group is changing its name to SLAIT Consulting. The new name change reflects the company’s enhanced focus on technology consulting, including managed services, ITIL-focused service desk outsourcing, seat management services, and general IT outsourcing services. SLAIT Consulting will continue to offer a full range of other IT services such as virtualization, network and security, enterprise storage and professional services.

SLAIT President Nigel Buttery said the new name reflects the rapidly changing nature of the company’s service offerings, its staffing and its expansive geographic service area. “We are in an industry that literally changes every day. We have been fortunate since our founding in 1990 to be able to stay ahead of the curve and evolve with the technology,” Buttery said. “We are now a company with more than 350 professionals on staff and serve a significant portion of the Eastern U.S. We felt our name should better reflect our broader IT role and call attention to our expansion and future plans,” he added.

SLAIT Consulting is based in Virginia Beach, Virginia. However, the company has expanded its services reach with offices in Richmond, VA; Raleigh, NC; Gaithersburg, MD (serving the Washington, DC market) and New York. SLAIT Consulting specializes in delivering customized, creative IT services & solutions for customers in the commercial business sector and in state and local government.

SyCom Technologies Named to CRN’s 2012 List of Tech Elite 250

Robby Demeria — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 15:08:41 GMT

SyCom technologies announced today it has been named to CRN’s second annual list of the Tech Elite 250. Companies on the 2012 Tech Elite 250 list represent an elite group of IT Solution Providers that have invested in the training and education needed to earn the most technical certifications in the IT Channel.

In compiling the list, CRN editors worked with the UBM Channel research group and a team outside experts to define the most customer-beneficial technical certifications in the IT channel. These technical certifications have enabled solution providers to deliver the most premium products, service and support to their North American customers.

SyCom Technologies is dedicated to the continuing education of their employees at all four locations throughout Virginia and West Virginia. The technology company provides ongoing training and certification opportunities to its staff and expert technicians.

“The 2012 Tech Elite 250 list recognizes an exclusive group of Solution Providers that have shown a dedication to helping customers innovate while reducing costs,” said Kelley Damore, Vice President, Editorial Director at UBM Channel. “By identifying and adapting to the skills and training needed to best serve today’s customers, members of the Tech Elite 250 have proven their commitment to delivering the products and services that today’s end-users value most.”

A sample of CRN’s 2012 “Tech Elite 250” list is featured in the February issue of CRN Magazine and online at www.crn.com
.
“Our people make the difference and truly define our success as a company. Any opportunity we have to help them grow professionally is an opportunity to better serve our customers. “Says, CEO Tom Cricchi. “We are proud to be recognized for the initiative our team has taken to improve the quality of our services.”

TBL Networks Named to CRN’s 2012 List of Tech Elite 250

Robby Demeria — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 20:02:36 GMT

TBL Networks announced today it has been named to CRN’s second annual list of the Tech Elite 250. Companies on the 2012 Tech Elite 250 list represent an elite group of IT Solution Providers that have invested in the training and education needed to earn the most technical certifications in the IT Channel.

In compiling the list, CRN editors worked with the UBM Channel research group and a team of outside experts to define the most customer-beneficial technical certifications in the IT channel. These technical certifications have enabled solution providers to deliver the most premium products, service and support to their North American customers.

“TBL Networks is very honored to be named to CRN’s 2012 Tech Elite 250,” said Alan Sears, President and CEO of TBL Networks, Inc. “This recognition is especially appreciated as it reflects our dedication to providing our clients with impactful technology solutions and unmatched customer service.”

TBL Networks’ dedication to training and certifications were instrumental in their selection. Founded by three Cisco Voice CCIEs, TBL’s staff also includes the only VMware VCDX in Central Virginia, in addition to two 2011 VMware vExperts. TBL Networks is a Cisco Certified Gold Partner, a VMware Enterprise Solutions Provider, an EMC Premier Velocity Partner, and a VCE Vblock Qualified Partner.

Mobile: ‘The Last Revolution’ Richmond’s digital prognosticators predict what’s coming next into your hand and into your business plan

Laura Essex — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 18:38:20 GMT

Forget five years out. Swiping plastic cards and punching in pin numbers at the retail checkout will be a thing of the past within 18 months, according to Richmond-based technology prognosticators. Yep, 18 months until our mobile phones and tablets truly become our wallets and, with barely a touch, transfer money and content to another electronic device in a shop or to a friend through “near-field communication” (NFC).

It’s not pie-in-the-sky stuff, considering that, as of last year, Starbucks began accepting payments by smartphone at more than 1,000 of its shops within Target. Plus, Google introduced its mobile wallet app in September on the Nexus S 4G Android smartphone. And folks are speculating that the iPhone5 will have it, says Doug Meacham, a founder of the Social Media Club of Richmond and a senior strategist for CrossView, which helps retail clients with their business strategy across multiple channels. Joel Erb, president of Richmond marketing firm INM United and a co-creator of the entertainment app Spot Trot, estimates that NFC will be in more mobile devices in less than a year.

“Mobile is what’s going to drive the last revolution,” says Casey Quinlan of Richmond-based Mighty Casey Media. “It will fully connect everyone because we will all have the world in our hand.”

“Users are going to expect a single experience, the same interaction no matter where they are, whether it be in a retail location, on a blog, on a mobile device, on a website. It’s going to put more strain on businesses to catch up.”

To back that up, here’s a jaw-dropping statistic: “There are 6.8 billion people on the planet. 5.1 billion of them own a cell phone, but only 4.2 billion own a toothbrush,” according to the Mobile Marketing Association Asia. “NFC is going to change purchasing, our shopping experiences and how we are marketed to,” says Erb, who studied business as well as sociology at the University of Richmond. “It’s a little scary. [Mobile media] is changing how we interact as a species. The interactions that we are having with people are decreasing. A bump or text message is not the equivalent of a phone call. It’s not the same as a face-to-face meeting. Business still comes down to relationships.”

Maria Thomas, who addressed the Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce’s Extraordinary Women’s Exchange in November, stressed that companies have to keep asking themselves, “How do you define your business?” And she used Amazon.com, which was founded in 1999, as a prime example. Back in July 2000, Business Week’s cover ventured the headline asking, “Can Amazon Make It?” Twelve years later, after forays into different businesses such as auctions and web services, the company’s tagline sums up what Amazon supposedly can do for the customer that no one else can: “Amazon.com … and you’re done.”

“You must invent on behalf of your customers,” says Thomas, who worked for Amazon in its infancy, headed up digital media for NPR and is a former CEO of Etsy. “And remember what your core business is.”

BY SUSAN WINIECKI
Issue: February 2012
Posted: 2/2/12 10:45 AM
richmondmagazine.com

Komen for the Cure: Hoist by their Own Pink Ribbon

Laura Essex — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:05:35 GMT

by Casey Quinlan
February 6, 2012

Susan G. Komen for the Cure spent 30 years building itself into a global brand that successfully sold itself as the premier non-profit focused on women’s health. It has invested $2B in breast cancer research in that time, planted 124 affiliate chapters worldwide, and was named one of the two most-trusted non-profit brands in America – the other was St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital - in a 2010 Harris Interactive survey.

All that hard work seemed to be hanging by a slender pink thread in the firestorm of protest that resulted from Komen’s announcement that they were pulling almost $800K in grants to Planned Parenthood. Komen said it made the decision due to rules now in place at the charity preventing it from giving grants to organizations that are under investigation by local, state, or federal authorities for any kind of wrongdoing. Planned Parenthood is being investigated by a Congressional committee - led by an anti-abortion activist, Rep. Cliff Stearns R-FL - for violations of the 1976 Hyde Act, which forbids federal money being spent on abortion services.

The thread got stretched even thinner when it was revealed that a $7.5M Komen grant to Penn State had not been pulled. Penn State is currently under investigation by the Dept. of Education for violations of the Clery Act, which requires university officials to issue a timely warning if a campus crime represents a threat to the campus community. Can you say “Jerry Sandusky”?

I am a breast cancer warrior – I don’t care for the word “survivor” personally, I feel that it has a victim-ology that I just won’t own – and I know that the cancer community has grown weary of Komen’s pinkification. I myself have participated in fierce conversations across that community over the last few years about why pink now makes many of us see red. The chatter got particularly piquant in 2010 after Komen launched what we called Lawsuits for the Cure, wherein they sued other cause brands over the use of the phrase “for the cure” in brand messaging.

In 2010, Komen unleashed the legal hounds on some small charitable organizations including Uniting Against Lung Cancer, which was raising money with an event called Kites for a Cure. The breast cancer community erupted with a chorus of “what are you DOING?” directed at Komen, and on one health activist site we actually fielded a somewhat feeble response from Komen’s Director of Communications Andrea Rader. That post also contains an examination of Komen’s 2009 annual report, with an assessment of its donation-to-research-dollars-spent ratio.

Komen likely can’t figure out how they’ve lost control of the conversation – either the smaller one over Lawsuits for the Cure or the fierce flame-thrower they’ve faced in the days since they announced their defunding of Planned Parenthood. And that is, to me, the big branding lesson here. They haven’t been listening to their brand’s constituency. They lost sight of their original mission – ending breast cancer – and became all about the pink ribbon. Protecting their brand, their tagline, their marketplace became the mission, and they’re losing their war.

“The Komen brand had preexisting fractures when the now-you-see-it-now-you-don't funding of Planned Parenthood emerged this week,” says cancer blogger Jody Schoger about the controversy. “Komen’s credibility and leadership has been seriously impaired.”

Branding guru Kelly O’Keefe, Professor at the VCU Brandcenter and President of O’Keefe Brands, makes this observation about Komen’s self-inflicted wounds. “There's nothing more tragic than a management team that doesn't understand their own brand. The Komen Foundation [doesn’t] understand their followers. They don't see the link between their appeal and the appeal of other organizations that provide life-saving help to women. They cultivated years of goodwill and shattered it in hours. Only time will tell whether their retraction will stop the fallout, but it will be a long time before consumers trust them again.”

Lung cancer is now killing 50% more women than breast cancer, according to CDC data. Deaths from metastatic breast cancer haven’t decreased in the last 20 years. Where are the awareness campaigns for those scary stats? If Komen is indeed about saving women’s lives, why aren’t they all over one or both of those issues?

I’m afraid that the answer is buried under an avalanche of pink ribbons, pink hats, pink sneakers, pink mugs, pink Bibles (really?), pink perfume from Avon (which contain toluene and galaxolide, known carcinogens, but Komen seems OK with selling it), pink buckets of Kentucky Fried Chicken (what?), and plenty of other pink gear that’s sold to raise “awareness”. Awareness of Komen, since I sincerely doubt we need to be made more “aware” of cancer. Komen’s primary focus is no longer women’s lives, its focus is now solely on its “pink” brand.

Here’s where the brand becomes the enemy of the mission. This situation can happen to a for-profit enterprise as easily as it can to a non-profit. Just ask Detroit, which lost its focus on building what worked, and wound up almost burying itself. Or Johnson & Johnson, which survived a huge brand threat in the 1982 Tylenol poisoning case only to find itself, in the last couple of years, ground under the wheels of a series of recalls of its Children’s Tylenol and Benadryl.

Komen started with a very worthy mission. However, the ugly underside of cause branding – particularly cancer causes – is that money given to your cause means that it isn’t donated to mine. Turf wars spring up when there’s big money on the line. With an annual raise of more than $400M in 2010, Komen’s in that big-money category. Undoubtedly this is why they’ve chosen to buddy up with the NFL in recent years, gearing up teams with pink gloves and pink cleats as part of the breast cancer awareness pink-fest that is October. By the way, the NFL doesn’t actually give any money to Komen as part of the pink-cleat-fest; it’s solely an “awareness” campaign.

We don’t need more awareness. What we need is effective prevention, early detection, and treatment. However, ending breast cancer would mean the end of “pink” – which is not what the Komen brand is all about at this point, is it? Ending “pink” ends the brand, which would be bad for those who depend on the pink machine for their continued financial health.

“Pink” seems to be less about saving women’s lives at this point than it is about self-sustenance. “As the public critique of pink ribbon culture and industry continues to mount, those who have the most to lose from changing the system, those who profit from pink consumption, publicity, and propaganda, continue to speak out in defense of the status quo,” says Gayle Sulik, medical sociologist and author of the best-selling book “Pink Ribbon Blues: How Breast Cancer Culture Undermines Women’s Health”.

Author and breast expert Elisabeth Dale of The Breast Life weighs in with what I think is a great observation about branding, breasts, and Komen. “Breasts are symbols of motherly sustenance and nurturing. The Komen breast brand was destroyed when the foundation appeared to act in a callous and uncaring way towards other, less fortunate women. It was a dick move.”

Indeed it was. And now we wait to see if “pink” is smart enough to learn from its mistakes.

Casey Quinlan
Mighty Casey Media, LLC

Henrico-Based Mondial Assistance USA Rebrands as Allianz Global Assistance

Laura Essex — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:50:36 GMT

Company plans to add 100 area jobs in 2012

Henrico-based Mondial Assistance USA, a leading consumer specialty
insurance and assistance provider, has rebranded to Allianz Global Assistance as part of a global brand
transition expected to be complete in late 2012. Allianz, parent-company of Allianz Global Assistance, is the
20th largest company in the world (Forbes Global 2000, 2011) and 67th most valuable global brand (Interbrand, 2011).

Since 2000, Allianz Global Assistance’s Richmond-based operations have more than quadrupled in size from
213 to 900 associates, making it one of the area’s largest private employers. The company is still growing
and expects to add another 100 associates this year. In 2011, the company announced that it will lease Deep
Run One, a five-story office building in the Deep Run Office Park, consolidating its three area offices.

“For almost 30 years, we’ve been innovators in the consumer specialty insurance space, pioneering travel
and ticket insurance products and partnering with airlines and other online providers,” said Jonathan M.
Ansell, Chairman of Allianz Global Assistance USA. “The change to Allianz Global Assistance brings one of the
world’s largest and most-respected insurance brands to the Richmond market.”

The company’s popular Access America® travel insurance products will be renamed Allianz Travel Insurance.
In the United States, Allianz Global Assistance insures 13 million people, mostly with its travel insurance and
event ticket protection plans. Globally, the company consists of 28 business units representing 1.9 billion
euros (approximately $2.4B) in revenue – and is one of the fastest growing in the Allianz group.

Allianz Global Assistance, a unit of Allianz for the last decade, is moving to capitalize on the growing
recognition of the parent company’s brand among Americans and coincides with a national brand
awareness campaign. This campaign highlights core areas of the Allianz business in the U.S., including the
company’s focus on investment, insurance and retirement products and services. The campaign launched in
2010 with ads running in the Wall Street Journal and on CNBC, NPR and other national media outlets.

In 2011, the company was recognized twice for its outstanding working environment with an Employer AllStar award, presented by the Richmond Society for Human Resource Management (RSHRM) and the Greater Richmond
Chamber of Commerce (GRCC), and the Platinum Fit-Friendly award, presented by the American Heart Association (AHA).

“We’re proud of the recognition we’ve received for our employee-friendly programs,” said Ansell. “We look forward to building upon our success and
maintaining our position as an employer of choice in the Richmond region.”

As the company has continued to grow, so has its community involvement. In 2011, the company’s
ScholarTrips program helped send five area students on study abroad trips by awarding $2,500 scholarships.
According to ScholarTrips recipient Katelyn Marshall, “the Mondial Assistance ScholarTrip gave me the
chance to experience the completely unique culture of Costa Rica, and to immerse myself in the Spanish
language.” In addition, associates supported a variety of causes through volunteer opportunities throughout
the year and during the company’s Month of Service.

Allianz Global Assistance USA
Allianz Global Assistance is a leading consumer specialty insurance and assistance company with operation
centers in 28 countries. In the United States, Allianz Global Assistance (AGA Service Company) insures 13
million customers and is best known for its Allianz Travel Insurance plans.

In addition to travel insurance, Allianz Global Assistance offers event ticket protection and unique assistance
services such as international medical assistance and concierge services. The company also serves as an
outsource provider for in-bound call center services and claims administration for health insurers, property
and casualty insurers, and credit card companies.
4% of the world’s total population, benefit from its services, which the Group provides on all five
continents.

# # #

RichTech Member Lakshmi Challa to receive Richmond Bar Association's Pro Bono award on January 19, 2012

Robby Demeria — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:25:38 GMT

Managing Partner of Challa Law Offices and RichTech Member, Lakshmi Challa is the 2011-2012 recipient of the John C. Kenny Pro Bono Award. The award is presented annually to an individual or law firm that demonstrates a dedication to furthering the delivery of pro bono legal services to the poor and underserved in the Richmond Metro area. The Richmond Bar Association will convey the award to Ms. Challa on Thursday, January 19, 2012 at the RBA's monthly luncheon meeting at the Omni Hotel.

In 2009, working with the Virginia Poverty Law Center, Ms. Challa established the immigrant Victims of Domestic Violence Project. This project provides pro bono legal assistance to undocumented immigrants who are victims of domestic or sexual violence in obtaining legal status in the U.S. without reliance on their abusers.

Since the clinic's inception two years ago, Ms. Challa and those attorneys she has recruited and trained to assist her in the clinic have helped over fifty women remain in the United States, work legally, and provide for their families and their children.

Since 2009, Ms. Challa and the Challa Law Offices have dedicated over 1,000 hours to the success of this program. Ms. Challa has changed the lives of victims of domestic violence, giving them an opportunity to lead a life free from fears of domestic violence and deportation.

Ms. Challa has also been of great assistance to Commonwealth Catholic Charities, an organization offering numerous support services to individuals and families throughout Virginia. Ms. Challa offers her support specifically with respect to unaccompanied minors who are brought into the United States. In addition, she is a member of the Board of Directors for the Virginia Poverty Law Center and has done pro bono work for the Red Cross.

Governor McDonnell, Amazon.com Announce Company’s Plans to Open Two Fulfillment Centers in Chesterfield County and Dinwiddie County

Robby Demeria — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:35:08 GMT

Governor Bob McDonnell and Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) today announced the company’s plans to open two fulfillment centers in Virginia, investing a total of $135 million. The company will invest $85 million and create more than 1,000 jobs in Chesterfield County, and invest $50 million in Dinwiddie County, creating more than 350 jobs.

Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell said, “This project that includes a $135 million investment and more than 1,350 new jobs is a tremendous win for the greater Richmond region. Amazon is known all over the world, and the new centers in Chesterfield and Dinwiddie counties will fulfill orders across the United States. The establishment of these new operations is testament to the positive business climate and success the company has experienced in the Commonwealth.”

“Chesterfield and Dinwiddie counties were chosen for this significant project due to the ease and speed with which the facilities can be built and become operational,” said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “In addition, the skill and availability of the region’s workforce were key factors. We are thrilled that Amazon recognized the assets and solid infrastructure in place in the greater Richmond region and will make a great investment to establish its new fulfillment centers in Virginia.”

“We look forward to opening two new Amazon facilities in the Richmond area next year, bringing tens of millions of dollars and hundreds of new jobs to the state,” said Dave Clark, vice-president, Amazon North American Operations. “We’re grateful to Governor McDonnell and other state, county and local officials for their commitment to our investment in Virginia.”

As a new member of the Chesterfield and Dinwiddie County communities, Amazon also announced that it is donating $10,000 to the Federation of Virginia Food Banks, which will be allocated to food banks in these counties.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Chesterfield County, Dinwiddie County, the Greater Richmond Partnership, and Virginia’s Gateway Region to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McDonnell approved a total of $3.5 million in grants from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist both Chesterfield County and Dinwiddie County with the project. The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission approved $850,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds for the Dinwiddie County project. The company is eligible to receive benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide funding and services to support the company’s recruitment and training activities.

“We are so pleased that international Internet giant Amazon has selected Chesterfield County for their new one million-square-foot fulfillment center,” said Art Warren, the Chairman of the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors. “It is exciting this outstanding announcement coincides with the opening of the new Meadowville interchange which will benefit everyone, present and future. And, the infrastructure surrounding this announcement further positions the Meadowville technology Park as a key destination for business. Welcome Amazon as the newest member of our corporate family.”

“Dinwiddie County is extremely pleased with Amazon’s decision to locate a fulfillment center in the Dinwiddie Commerce Park,” said Doretha E. Moody, Chairman of the Dinwiddie County Board of Supervisors. “This is an excellent example of the commitment of the Board of Supervisors to economic development and creating employment opportunities for our community.”

“The Tobacco Commission is glad that we were able to team up with Dinwiddie and the Governor's Office to attract Amazon to Virginia,” said Senator Frank M. Ruff, Jr., a Commissioner of The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission. “We believe that they will be a good employer and a good corporate citizen that will provide good jobs for the region. We believe that Amazon will be pleased with our workforce and the region.”

The new facilities are expected to be complete next fall. Amazon’s fulfillment centers in Virginia will be operated by Amazon.com.kydc LLC.

Governor McDonnell, Amazon.com Announce Company’s Plans to Open Two Fulfillment Centers in Chesterfield County and Dinwiddie County

Robby Demeria — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:35:17 GMT

The new facilities are expected to be complete next fall. Amazon’s fulfillment centers in Virginia will be operated by Amazon.com.kydc LLC.

RichTech Executive Committee Member, Glenn Davis, Delivered Commencement Address at VCU School of Business 2011 Winter Graduation Ceremony

Laura Essex — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:11:43 GMT

BranCore Technologies founder, Glenn Davis, gave the commencement address to the VCU School of Business 2011 Winter Graduation Class. The graduation ceremony took place on Saturday, December 10th, at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Glenn was recently selected to receive the School of Business Alumni Star Award for 2011.
“It is truly an honor to be able to give back what I have learned, over the years, to my Alumni, said Glenn Davis, President and CEO of BranCore Technologies.