Entrepreneurial Showcase

01-Dec-2008 Contact:  Jack Miner, Managing Director, bcVentures, (269) 962-7526

December 4, 2008 - Innovation met reality on Thursday at an Entrepreneurial Showcase hosted by bcVentures, the technology development and recruitment arm for Battle Creek Unlimited.

“Many people are struggling to find a bright spot in these tough economic times,” said Jack Miner, Managing Director, bcVentures.  “Well, here’s an opportunity.”

The event was held at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and focused a spotlight on four local entrepreneurial projects that have made progress in the last year.  Social and networking time was from 5:00 - 6:00 PM, with a presentation from 6:00 - 6:30 PM.

The spotlight focused on the following four groups, all at different stages in their development:

Cabin Safety and Security Research Team: Under the leadership of Lori Brown at Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation, this project is designed to further research crew safety and security issues and to identify gaps that may slow down or block communication between pilot and flight attendants. The team is currently researching wireless communications technologies, fatigue and crew alertness monitoring and aviation security training, among other areas.

PSO One: The name stands for Patient Safety Organization One, and under the direction of Dr. Bill Hamman and Beth Beaudin-Seiler, the group uses simulation design learned from the aviation industry and applies it to health care.  PSO One provides hospitals and other health organizations risk assessment, systems evaluations, process improvements and team evaluations through the simulation process.

WindSight: The company headed by Peter Tchoryk is a spin-off from Michigan Aerospace Corporation and is dedicated to bringing to market laser-based wind measurement products.  The long-range wind sensors provide forecasting of wind speed and direction, which allows alternative energy wind farms to make the best use of its energy output while decreasing maintenance costs of the wind turbines.

‘corePHP’: owners Steven Pignataro and Jonathan Shroyer offer a full service design and web development company, including an open-source content management system called Joomla!, where customers can purchase programs for their own websites from the online store of ‘corePHP’. In addition, ‘corePHP’ is developing digital displays to replace traditional menu boards in major fast food chains. 

“Our goal was to highlight not only the new projects and companies, but also the local established companies that have played a part in helping the entrepreneurs to move forward,” said Miner.  “When you start a new project or company, you need the help of those around you.  We want to thank those who’ve played a part in moving forward these four groups.”

For more information about the December 4 event, contact Sonja Dotson of Battle Creek Unlimited at (269) 441-1679.

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