Under the Arch

BEN FRANKLIN, GANNON SBDC ANNOUNCE WINNER OF BUSINESS PLAN CONTEST

A company focused on helping pilots of small planes better navigate during adverse weather has been selected as the winner of the Big Idea $25,000 Business Plan Contest.

The company, Forward.Vision., was presented a $25,000 check during a press conference at Gannon University. The contest, designed to give new and start-up companies some much-needed business financing, was sponsored by Ben Franklin Technology PArtners and the Gannon Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

State Senator Jane M. Earll made the presentation to Forward.Vision. and its managing partner, Dr. Patrick Farrell.

Forward.Vision. designs and markets an infrared-based camera system that helps pilots more easily navigate through smoke, darkness, fog, rain, and snow. The Forward.Vision. Infrared Camera System consists of a military “off-the-shelf” infrared sensor, mounting pod, liquid crystal display, and a proprietary configuration/security box.

Designed for general aviation aircraft usage, the system improves forward visibility for small-plane pilots while offering an alternative to higher-priced equipment designed for commercial passenger and cargo planes.

The company envisions the system lessening the number of general aviation accidents caused by bad weather or because of loss of forward vision. “Many non-instrument capable pilots inadvertently enter non-visual conditions and are unable to navigate a safe landing,” the company said in a statement.

Currently, only a very small percentage of planes the company is targeting as a market – in the categories of experimental or law enforcement aviation – use infrared imaging. According to company officials, aircraft constructed in the experimental category are produced in greater numbers than FAA-certified aircraft.

Company officials are hoping to generate $1 million in sales in 2006 and $4 million in 2007.

More about the $25,000 Business Plan Contest

The contest was open to any business that did not formally exist before March 28, 2005. The business and its owner must reside or plan to reside in Erie, Warren, Crawford, or Mercer counties.

Companies hoping to enter the contest had to meet other eligibility requirements. The company had to be manufacturing or technology focused and interested in developing new products or processes. Prospective contest entrants also could not have a proposal in progress with Ben Franklin Technology PArtners through September 28, 2005.

Companies meeting eligibility requirements had to submit a three-page business plan summary. Those companies selected as finalists also had to submit a 10-page business plan and present it to a panel of judges.

Applications and presentations were judged on the basis of their degree of innovation and chances for commercial success, as well as the potential to create jobs in Pennsylvania.

More about Ben Franklin Technology PArtners

The Ben Franklin Technology Partners organization, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, is designed to stimulate business growth and economic development in the Commonwealth. Ben Franklin seeks to develop manufacturing- and technology-based companies that meet certain technical, market, and management requirements.

More about the Gannon SBDC

The Gannon University Small Business Development Center serves businesses and entrepreneurs in Erie, Warren, Crawford, and Mercer counties. The SBDC is staffed by consultants with expertise in accounting, finance, marketing, research, banking, international business, environmental issues, and small-business ownership. The Gannon SBDC provides one-on-one business management consulting to clients at no charge.

OUR EVENTS

Friday, January 6 – First Friday Erie: Offered at 7:30 a.m. in the Mary, Seat of Wisdom Chapel. The program begins with Mass, followed by a light breakfast in the Upper Lounge. The speaker this month is Robert McCrarey, director of Catholic Charities, who will talk about “Faith and a Healthy You and Me in 2006.” All are welcome.
Friday, January 6 – Technology Buffet: Discover the new and exciting innovations being used by Gannon faculty. Offered from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in rooms 1050 and 1030 of the Palumbo Center.
Thursday, January 12 – Community Mass: Offered at 11 a.m. in the Chapel.
Friday, January 13 – Spring 2006 Faculty and Staff Community Meeting: 3 p.m. in the Yehl Room.
“Our Events” is intended to serve as a random sample of campus events. For a more complete listing, refer to Eventcal.

CURRENT BIRTHDAYS

Sally LeVan. Thomas Fortin. Harvey Long. Joe Luckey. Nancy Goodman. Edward Hawley. Chol Dhel. Teraza Koul-Arop. Jack Marcus. Statia Sullivan. Kara Morgan. Lesley Hite. Melinda Baginski. Mary Beth Hoag. Mary Carol Gensheimer. Jami Klingensmith. Greg Duffin. Lawrence Abbondanza. Tim Zarnick. Bryan Prior. Jim Kelvington. Eric Grignol. Wes Tallmadge. William Haggerty. Douglas Allen. John Coffman. Adam Borrell. Barbara Protzman. Phil Kelly. Yar Abol. Gary Berringer. Debra Steiner. Corey Stitzel.

HEARD ON CAMPUS

Seven Gannon students attended the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) 2005 Region V Student Conference. The students were Travis Donaldson, Michael Hudik, Travis Sharp, Megan Stoyka, Jeff Triplett, Brad VanTassel, and Nicholas Christopher. Congratulations to the Gannon students, who won a first-place award in an Impromptu Design Contest. The conference was held in Morgantown, W.Va. ASME’s Region V covers western Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Ontario.