Miami Valley Venture Association - Building the Entreprenurial Spirit

February Guest Speaker:
Michelle Murcia, CPA, CEP- Chief Financial Officer, TechColumbus and
Founding Board Member, Advanced Energy Economy Ohio

Critical mass exists in several clean energy technology areas within the state. Ohio has a robust, yet distributed network of economic development entities acting in the technology arena. Organic clusters have taken shape around past public and private investments and there are many such astounding assets throughout Ohio. However, this plethora of activities and assets leads to a great deal of competition within the state for federal and state dollars. Coordination of the emerging advanced energy business clusters around the state is much needed.

The Advanced Energy Economy Ohio will fill this vital role.

The core mission of Advanced Energy Economy Ohio (AEE Ohio) is to connect, attract and grow advanced energy and clean technologies across Ohio by ensuring access to capital and seeking public policies favorable to long-term positive economic impact. Drawing upon the experience, expertise and networks of its members, AEE Ohio is poised to be the leading voice for the collective interests of technology based energy businesses in Ohio. Come and learn about this new entity and how AEE Ohio plans to connect and engage Miami Valley venture capitalists statewide and at the national level.

Michelle is a finance executive, with over 20 years of broad finance and administration experience and is currently the Chief Financial Officer of TechColumbus, a regional economic development organization focused on the advancement of early stage technology-based start-up companies located in Columbus Ohio. TechColumbus is the catalyst for technology-driven economic growth in Central Ohio. The organization works to create new companies, strengthen existing businesses, open doors to technology resources, help promote and attract the next generation of high-wage/high-growth industry sectors, support the attraction and retention of talented people, and promote opportunity for all citizens. As a founding Board Member of Advanced Energy Economy Ohio, Michelle will share with you the organization’s vision for positioning Ohio as a global leader in advanced energy technologies.

Who Should Attend: Entrepreneurs and members of the small business and financing communities.

Registration: $25 for members and $35 for non-members, payable by cash or check (to Miami Valley Venture Association), in advance or at the door. Students are invited to attend at cost, $11.00. Click here to register.

Cancellations: Must be received by noon on Monday, February 13th,, or the reservation is subject to billing.

Parking & Directions: Meeting attendees can park for free in the Sinclair Conference Center's dedicated underground parking garage, Lot C, which is easily accessible from Fourth Street, just west of Perry Street. Please visit the Sinclair website for specific directions: http://www.sinclair.edu/facilities/ponitz/map/index.cfm