The next XcellR8 meeting will be held Thursday, June 9, 2011, from 8-9 am at Nerac.
Thanks to everyone who participated in the discussion and dialog with Charlotte Creech from the start-up Combat to College – the business case presentation and the ensuing comments and suggestions were compelling. Charlotte has since connected with a number of you continuing the discussion as their team forges ahead.
Ron Regan, a first time attendee and guest of Jeffrey Cohen has been invited to address the group next Thursday the 9th. Ron is the CEO of MC Ergo www.mcergo.com and is seeking the group’s input regarding possible avenues of growth for his business. The economic downturn caught Ron just as he completed an investment in and expansion of his ergonomic furniture lines. With the “bottom falling out of the furniture business,” he’s evaluating a number of options related to adjacent markets. What the group offers will be critical to his business re-engineering.
With biz dev activities and group interest on the increase, we’re looking to schedule a special session of XcellR8 for June 23rd, when we’ll hear from Jody Ferrer, President and CEO of The Perfect Promotion, a West Hartford based specialty advertising firm that works closely with clients to increase their brand visibility by developing creative and effective programs utilizing imprinted apparel, promotional products, print and graphic design services.
Jody comes to the group looking for input on developing a sales team to cover CT, plus possibly NY, MA and RI. She presently uses an independent rep on a part time basis plus 1 FTE selling in the Hartford market. She’s having difficulty attracting potential candidates – but has not aggressively advertised. She’s looking for the best ways to market the position, as well as guidance when interviewing and “selling” the opportunity. She’s open to additional independent reps or FTE’s. Compensation is commission based starting at 40% of the net profit. http://theperfectpromotion.net
And don’t forget that we’ll be reaching out to Keith Bessette in the near future to provide an update on the Shizzlr rollout and/or to invite in other student entrepreneurs associated with more of the several planned new business ventures coming out of UConn. We’re also looking to reconnect with Marcia LaReau to learn more about an exciting new partnership development with the Alumni Association at UConn.
Regards,
Kevin
Kevin Bouley President Nerac, Inc. One Technology Drive Tolland, CT 06084 www.nerac.com
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Xcellr8 Innovation Cell
Our mission is to stimulate collaboration, innovation and entrepreneurial activity between leaders and executives of the tech business and education communities.
It’s an opportunity to participate and share thoughts and ideas on how we can best work together to stimulate growth, create innovation and spur economic activity.
We feel it’s important to challenge the status quo, and construct a solid foundation for future growth by utilizing and developing talent that exists today in our region.
Cell Leader: Kevin Bouley, President of Nerac, Inc. Cell Location: Tolland Meeting time and location: 8:00 to 9:00 am, the second Thursday of each month at Nerac, Inc offices in Tolland, One Technology Drive, Tolland, 06084 - Meetings are for cell members only – if you are a technologist based in the Tolland area and are interested in joining the meetings, please contact: Contact: Kevin Bouley, cell leader, kbouley@nerac.com or Paige Rasid, (860) 289-0878, x335 prasid@ct.org