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Today, Congressman Bill Posey hosted an Entrepreneur Summit at the Technological Research and Development Authority (TRDA) Business Innovation Center in Melbourne. The summit brought together various entrepreneurs from across the Space Coast region to showcase their innovative technologies.  Presenters included a variety of start-up and early-stage companies representing a wide array of industry sectors.

“It’s apparent from the presentations this morning that the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in Brevard County and all across America,” said Congressman Posey. “We have a broad range of ideas everything from high tech software applications and billing services to an application that will simplify the lives of new parents. I’d like to thank all those involved in pulling today’s event together and making it such a success.”

“The innovative technologies and business concepts of the companies showcased today highlight the Space Coast’s entrepreneurial spirit and point to a future for the region’s economy that is more diversified and globally competitive,” said Chester J. Straub, Executive Director, Technological Research and Development Authority.

“Some of today's most successful companies began during a recessionary period,” said Lynda Weatherman, President & CEO of the Economic Development Commission of Florida's Space Coast. “We applaud the innovators at the Entrepreneur Summit for identifying a need and developing an idea.  We look forward to helping these entrepreneurs grow their business on the Space Coast.”

“Three Palm Bay Chamber members participating in Congressman Posey’s Summit included Address N’ Mail’s two new subsidiaries ‘Bill My Way’ and ‘Is It There Yet’, Advanced Magnetic Lab and Wise Energy,” said Vicki Northrup, President and CEO of the Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce. “We are so proud of our innovative companies for bringing their entrepreneurial spirit and efforts to the Summit and look forward to supporting them during this early growth phase and in the coming years as they mature.”

“This has been an amazing day with so much talent right here in our own backyard. It is so wonderful that Congressman Posey put this together to help these small innovative businesses demonstrate their amazing work,” added Donn Miller-Kermani, Ph.D., Director of the Women’s Business Center at Florida Tech.

The agenda included a keynote address by Congressman Bill Posey followed by presentations from Advanced Magnet Lab Inc., Airgonomix LLC, Bill My Way/Is It There Yet?, Quix Products, Sea-Watch Technologies, SebiaCMET, Inc., Wise Energy Online LLC, and viaRadio Corporation. Presenters were given the opportunity to interact with a panel of entrepreneurial professionals which included Richard McNeight, Founder of Federal Systems; Randall Poliner, Managing General Partner of Antares Capital Corporation; Charles Resnick, Managing Partner, Inflexion Management; John Igoe, Partner, Edwards, Angell, Palmer & Dodge; and Kirstie Chadwick, Managing Director of Growth Innovators and Alan Smith, Trustee of Florida Tech.

Representatives from Florida Venture Forum, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne Regional Chamber of East Central Florida and Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce spoke on a variety of economic and business issues. The event was concluded with remarks from Scott Moody of AuthenTec.

The Entrepreneur Summit was held in coordination with Technological Research and Development Authority (TRDA), Brevard Workforce, the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast, Small Business Development Center at Brevard Community College, Women’s Business Center at Florida Institute of Technology, and Space Florida. 

Due to the success of today’s event, another entrepreneur summit is scheduled for January 2011. More details and specific information will be announced as they become available.