Archive for the ‘Press Releases’ Category

Bellingham, WA –The NW Innovation Resource Center (NWIRC) is pleased to announce that Carol Selby and Michael Allsop have joined our Board of Directors.

“We are extremely fortunate to enhance our Board with the experience and expertise brought by Carol and Mike. The current business leaders who make up our Board of Directors have been invaluable to establishing the NWIRC.” stated Debbie Ahl, chair of the NWIRC. “Their efforts along with Carol and Mike will be critical to guiding its continued growth.”

The number of entrepreneurs who are seeking guidance from the NWIRC is expanding and encompassing a wide variety of innovative opportunities. Carol Selby has expertise in finance within several industries as well as support of startup businesses as a previous member of the Small Business Advisory Council in Salt Lake City, Utah. Mike Allsop is well known in Whatcom County as a founding member of Allsop, Inc. Mike has a great expertise with manufacturing, marketing and distribution. It is anticipated that their skills will add to the quality of direction provided by the Board as the NWIRC supports these growing number of
entrepreneurs.

Bellingham, WA – October 7, 2011 – The NW Innovation Resource Center (NWIRC) is pleased to announce the creation of a community commercialization service to assist inventors in the area with the evaluation of the economic value of their intellectual property. The WA Economic Development Commission has awarded funding to the NWIRC for an Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) position to implement this service.

Northwest Washington has a history of innovation as illustrated by research from the
Technology Alliance Group which revealed over 70 patents awarded in Whatcom County
annually for the past several years. These inventions often lay dormant when intellectual
property holders are not interested in or equipped to take the steps required to determine
potential commercial value.

“Whatcom County has a history of community based economic innovation, but little means to capitalize upon an already vibrant wealth of knowledge and ideas,” said Sen. Kevin Ranker, D-Orcas Island. “Investing in this center will convert that innovation into real jobs. With the county continuing to struggle in the fight against unemployment, this investment could not come at a more critical time.”

“If we hope to emerge in a position of competitive strength from this recession, as well as future recessions, it will be because we properly focused on innovation,” said Sen. Jim Kastama, chair of the Senate Economic Development, Trade & Innovation Committee. “At a time when jobs and entire industries are vanishing, growth requires that we focus on solutions to tomorrow’s needs.”

“Senators Ranker and Kastama recognize that individuals in more rural communities are often an untapped resource for innovation” stated Debbie Ahl, chair of the NWIRC. “Their efforts have been pivotal in piloting this service.”

The NWIRC will provide assistance to inventors in determining the best method to generate commercial value from their inventions. If a business can be started as the commercialization vehicle, the NWRIC’s Accelerator Program for new businesses will become involved to provide support and guidance to establish and grow the business. This commercialization pilot provides a means for broader participation in innovation throughout the area.

Startup Weekend is coming to Bellingham, and will be held at Western Washington University (WWU) on June 24-26. Our goal is to bring together passionate, local entrepreneurs to create new ventures in our community. The NWIRC, Big Idea Lab and WWU CBE are joining together to bring this event together.

Startup Weekend is a 54-hour startup event that provides the networking, resources, and incentives for individuals and teams to go from idea to launch. A wide variety of people participate in Startup Weekend events. We have seen high school students and college students participate in teams, as well as seasoned professionals in many industries. Participants get to explore new arenas, build new skills and practice teamwork in a fast paced environment.

To register, or access more information about the event go to: http://bellingham.startupweekend.org