FYI: You are receiving this as a member of the Venture West Network or the Wyoming Technology Organization.

January 2008 Newsletter

Happy New Year. A new year is a great time to begin new endeavors. We have a new Executive Director, Heidi Peterson, a new staff member, Gabriela Munoz, and a new name, the Wyoming Innovations Network. 

Wyoming Technology Organization and Venture West Network merge to form the Wyoming Innovations Network
The Wyoming Technology Organization and Venture West Network, Inc. merged to form Wyoming Innovations Network (WIN). This new entity is dedicated to "advancing Wyoming's entrepreneurs through innovation, integration and education. Along with these efforts to support entrepreneurs, WIN also has a special focus on IT and other technology companies", said WIN Executive Director Peterson. 

Jon Benson, WIN Board Member, said the following regarding the new organization, "The synergy produced from the combination of WTO and VW is tremondous. With these two entities coming together we will see a new day for both Wyoming’s entrepreneurs and its technology industry. As CEO for the WTBC, I have the opportunity to meet many of Wyoming’s entrepreneurs and technology leaders. To have an organization that is dedicated to assisting both is going to be a great asset for Wyoming. I look forward to the future of the Wyoming Innovations Network and I am glad to be associated with such an organization."

Peterson promises to provide greater drive and direction for the WTO’s current projects including increasing advocacy among the state legislature, facilitating coordination and communication among the tech companies in the state, and publicizing the growing technology sector.

For those who are afraid that these changes mean a shortage of services fear not. The WIN will continue the activities of its parent organizations as well as provide some new activities.

Learn more about the newly formed Wyoming Innovations Network on the website, www.wyominginnovationsnetwork.org

New Membership Information
With the formation of the Wyoming Innovations Network, you may be wondering what will happen to your membership in the Wyoming Technology Organization and the Venture West Network. The new organization will have members who can pick an area to emphasize such as technology or entrepreneurship. We will have a new year long membership beginning on February 1, 2008.  If you join after that point you will be prorated for the amount. And for those of you who have already joined we will credit your past account balance to the new membership.

Also we are offering the opportunity to be a sponsor for the Wyoming Innovations Network. Being a sponsor entails many benefits including special recognition on website and in media, solicitation emails to our membership and workshop sponsorship. For additional information on how you can become a sponsor or member, see the website www.wyominginnovationsnetwork.org

OxiSense Technologies wins the 10 K Executive Summary Prize
One of the seven semifinalists for the Wyoming $10 K Entrepreneurship Competition at the University of Wyoming, OxiSense Technologies, was awarded for their outstanding executive summary. The proposed business specializes in sensors to measure chlorine levels in the hydrogenation process for ships. This team, along with the other semi-finalists (Epic Video, Proof-Foundry, Vail Packaging, Green Construction, Auto Gyrator, and P2), will move on to panel interviews to determine the most viable business venture. 

The winner of the 10 K Entrepreneurship Competition will receive $10,000 and one year rent free office space at the Wyoming Technology Business Center. The 10 K Entrepreneurship Competition is a program to encourage UW students to create businesses using their talents, ideas, and energy. More information is available on the 10k Entrepreneurship Competition Website, www.uwyo.edu/10k/.

2008 Upcoming WIN Events 
One purpose of the Wyoming Innovations Network is to provide workshops to develop entrepreneurs in Wyoming. Additionally, WIN will provide opportunities to network. Mark the following events and dates on your calendar for 2008:

February/ March 2008 Ear Mark $$$ Event-WIN
Wyoming Technology Business Center- Laramie, Wyoming
April 30, 2008 The IT Summit-
The Wyoming Innovations Network is a sponsor of The IT Summit. Your company is invited to speak, sponsor, and exhibit. The IT Summit is the executive technology conference series coming to the University of Wyoming on April 30th, 2008. The purpose of the educational conference series is to support the proliferation of information technology. Attendees are senior-level IT buyers from government, education, and corporate. The event features a full day of presentations, networking, and exhibits. All conference activities (presentations, exhibits, meal functions, and networking) occur in a single room to provide you with maximum face-time with the attendees. Keynote speakers include Bob von Wolffradt, CIO, State of Wyoming and Joe Schwecke, Supervisory Special Agent, FBI.
To register go to
http://pwg.groupcommons.com/base/standard/conference/register/10 and enter Discount Code WY08-WIN-CLEVEL for complimentary conference registration.
University of Wyoming-Laramie, Wyoming
May 15, 2008 1st Annual Wyoming Entrepreneur's Summit-WIN
    Day-long event with dual-track workshops for entrepreneurs and investors
    Exhibit space available for venture capital and financial industry professionals
Little America-Cheyenne, Wyoming
June 26, 2008 Growing Your Business-WIN, WEDA, StarWest
    Conference on expanding business beyond the first stage
Sheridan, Wyoming
August 28, 2008 6th Annual Entrepreneur's Pitch-WIN
    Each entrepreneur has an opportunity to give their business plan presentation followed with an interactive critique and discussion by the expert panel.
Casper, Wyoming
October 9, 2008 IDEA Expo-Wyoming Business Council
    A conference to inspire innovation in Wyoming business
Little America-Cheyenne, Wyoming
October 23, 2008 Women's Summit-WIN
    Conference for Wyoming's businesswomen
Laramie Hilton Garden Inn-Laramie, Wyoming
December 2008 Vision Awards Program-WIN, Worthlin Consulting
    Presentation for involving and educating Wyoming's youth on entrepreneurship
Little America-Cheyenne, Wyoming

Free UW Community Enrichment Course
"What Small Business Owners need to Know about Website Ownership"- Laura Wheeler, Small Business Web Development Specialist  
January 24, 2008 (7:00-8:00pm)
Medicine Bow Room at the Beta House on the University of Wyoming Campus

Obtain Angel Investor Funds
The Wyoming Angels group is looking for businesses to invest in. The WYA group is now accepting business plans on their website. Businesses seeking funding can submit their business plans online at: http://wyomingangels.angelgroups.net/ 

Interested in Getting Your Company Name Out?
The old saying goes, "Nothing happens until you sell something". Media exposure is one of the greatest ways to assist you in "selling" your company's products and services. WIN has a few methods to increase your invisibility in your community. We offer free online podcasts and exclusive television interviews. The podcasts are in-depth interviews with technology business executives from across the state. These interviews are posted on the WTO Website and can be added to your website as well.

The television interviews appear on the Casper's ABC Affiliate, KTWO. They are part of a the daily morning show, "Good Morning Wyoming". These interviews with Morning Anchor, Jennifer Jefcoat, offer the opportunity to reach a large number of potential customers and investors.  Additionally, during these segments you can showcase your company's offering and highlight any special events or products you offer.

If you are interested in being interviewed for a podcast or being featured on "Good Morning Wyoming" please send an email to George James with the subject line: Podcast/TV segments. We have many openings for 2008, but the spots are filling fast. 

Around Wyoming
Please tell your colleagues, business partners and friends about the Wyoming Innovations Network. WIN is making tremendous headway towards growing a thriving technology sector and increasing support for entrepreneurs. With your help, the support will only continue to grow.

Best regards,
The WIN Team

tel: 307.766.6283Send Us Your News!
Do you have news? If so, send your press release to info@wyomingtechnology.org and we'll post it on the WTO web site under the 'News' heading and on the WTO home page.

Be sure to add us to your press release distribution list. At this time we only accept press releases electronically via email.

P.S. Please forward this message to anyone you think will benefit from this organization. It will be our members that make this organization successful. Join Today!

www.wyominginnovationsnetwork.org | 307-766-6283 | hpeterson@wyominginnovationsnetwork.org
Wyoming Innovations Network | 1938 Harney Street, Laramie, WY 82070