Among myriad accomplishments under Johnathan’s leadership, $40 million of risk capital was formed, sparking creation of a $250 million network of early-stage investment funds to spur high-growth entrepreneurship. He worked to build an inclusive regional technology and innovation movement, providing the vision and leadership that brought together an urban school district and corporate partner to create the state’s first information technology-based high school, which is now a model of successful turnaround urban education that has attracted national media.

Johnathan partnered with universities, businesses and nonprofits to obtain over $40 million in grant funding, cash investments and in-kind support for research and commercialization and to nurture a high-growth entrepreneurship ecosystem, including a business accelerator and training program. And he received Ohio gubernatorial appointments to the Midwest Governors’ Association Investments for the Knowledge-based Economy project, serving as co-chairman of the Increasing Research Capacity and Accelerating Commercialization team, and to the Ohio House and Senate Joint Legislative Commission on High-Tech Business.

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BICI MISSION STATEMENT

The Black Innovation and Competitiveness Initiative is an open, collaborative and innovative platform that fosters solutions-based approaches to 21st century community economic development.

Supported by three essential pillars of innovation:

• STEM Education and Workforce Development
• Access to Capital and Capital Formation
• High-Growth Entrepreneurship

The BICI strategy seeks to leverage existing assets within Black American communities to create new opportunities and ensure competitiveness in the global Innovation Economy.

BICI – Black Innovation and Competitiveness Initiative

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It is time for policy makers on both sides of the progressive-conservative divide to stop debating and start enacting policies to create jobs, especially for those suffering the most from the persisting great recession. One way to do that is to create green empowerment zones that would generate urban jobs, promote clean energy and enhance American competitiveness in the global shift to green technology. An empowerment zone generally is an economically distressed urban area that is eligible for government tax breaks as a way to spur business investment, small business growth and jobs. The concept has been embraced by Republicans like Jack Kemp and Ronald Reagan as well as Democrats like Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.

Last week, as part of the National Urban League’s new 12-point Urban Jobs Rebuild America Plan, we called for the creation of green empowerment zones in urban areas where at least 50% of the population has an unemployment rate that is higher than the state average. Manufacturers of solar panels and wind turbines that open plants in high unemployment areas will, for a period of three years, be eligible for a zero federal income tax rate and a zero capital gains tax rate under the condition that they hire at least half of their workforce from the local high unemployment area, and retain those workers for a minimum of three years.

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By Mike Sachoff

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation said today it is putting $20 million into funding an online education and technology initiative to increase college graduation rates in the U.S.

The Foundation’s initiative, “Next Generation Learning Challenges,” has released the first series of  requests for proposals (RFPs) for technology applications that can improve postsecondary education. This round of funding will total up to $20 million, including grants that range from $250,000 to $750,000. Applicants with top-rated proposals will receive funds to expand their programs and demonstrate effectiveness in serving larger numbers of students. Proposals are due November 19, 2010; winners are expected to be announced by March 31, 2011.

“American education has been the best in the world, but we’re falling below our own high standards of excellence for high school and college attainment,” said Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

“We’re living in a tremendous age of innovation. We should harness new technologies and innovation to help all students get the education they need to succeed.”

The initiative will fund RFPs approximately every six to 12 months. The RFP released today seeks proposals that address four specific challenges:

* Increasing the use of blended learning models, which combine face-to-face instruction with online learning activities.

*Deepening students’ learning and engagement through use of interactive applications, such as digital games, interactive video, simulations, and social media.

*Supporting the availability of high-quality open courseware, particularly for high-enrollment introductory classes like math, science, and English, which often have low rates of student success.

*Helping institutions, instructors, and students benefit from learning analytics, which can monitor student progress in real-time and customize proven supports and interventions.

Source: webpronews

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IMPACTjax Happs > 10.19.10

IMPACTjax T-shirts are here!!

Shirts are just $7.00 and you can pick them up anytime between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. here at the Chamber.  Attending an event? Register on-line and we can bring your shirt to you at the event!! Click here to buy your shirt today!

IMPACTjax at Art Walk:

Are you an IMPACTjax member and an artist?  If so, we want to display your art work at the IMPACTjax Art Walk booth in December!  Please contact Jennifer Ubilla, IMPACTjax Manager, at Jennifer.ubilla@myjaxchamber.com to receive more information.

An Evening with IMPACT at BlackFinn American Grille

DATE: Wednesday, October 20^th

TIME: 5:30 – 8:00 p.m.

RSVP: Click here

COST: Free for IMPACTjax members, $10 for future members!

LOCATION: 4840 Big Island Drive, Suite 05 (St. John’s Town Center)

EVENT DESCRIPTION: Please join us for an evening with IMPACT at the new BlackFinn American Grille!  BlackFinn offers a contemporary style of classic American fare, while its four distinct experiences- The Patio, Grille Room, Saloon and Dining Room- allow guests to enjoy BlackFinn on any occasion!  Enjoy 2 free drinks and appetizers in the saloon and on the patio as you network with over 100 IMPACTjax members at what is bound to be Jacksonville’s newest community gathering place!

** Special offer to IMPACTjax Members: Register for the exclusive Finn Club: http://blackfinnamericangrille.com/finn-club/and receive a complimentary flatbread pizza **

Cattyshack’s 5^th Annual Halloween Haunted Forest

Date: Saturday, October 23^rd

Time: 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.

RSVP: RSVP Ryan Hall at RyanHall79@gmail.com.

COST: NONE! Free for future members too, so invite a friend!

LOCATION: The CattyShack, 1860 Starratt Road (directions to be sent out prior to the event)

Event Description: IMPACTjax has been asked to help out in Cattyshack’s 5^th Annual Halloween Haunted Forest event. We will be helping in the tent with different children’s games. If you want you can come dressed for the spooky occasion.

How to Increase Sales & Prospects

DATE: Tuesday, October 26^th
TIME: 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. (Networking begins at 5:30; Event starts promptly at 6:00)
RSVP: Click here

COST: Free for IMPACTjax members. $10 for future members!

LOCATION: Jacksonville Business Journal 1^st Floor Conference room.

1200 Riverplace Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207. (Steinmart building downtown) Park in Steinmart Parking Garage for free parking.

EVENT DESCRIPTION: Whether you’re in sales or looking to become involved in sales one day, come learn crucial skills of how to increase sales leads & prospects.  This seminar will teach you exactly how and where to find the information that is valuable to you in your specific industry.  Learn how to use the Jacksonville Business Journal to your advantage, so you can obtain important relevant information and perhaps get an article, write up, or advertisement for you or your business into the journal.  Presented by the Jacksonville Business Journal, this event will help increase your return on investment and make you more efficient when reading the JBJ.  There will be Q&A after presentation, and even if you already read the JBJ, this will open your eyes to some great new information!

IMPACTjax returns to the Arboretum

DATE: Saturday, November 6^th

TIME: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

RSVP: Randy Edmunds at randy.edmunds@yahoo.com

COST: NONE! Free for future members too, so invite a friend!

LOCATION: At the Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens, 1445 Millcoe Rd (The full project address and directions will be sent to you by e-mail after you sign up)

EVENT DESCRIPTION: Now that the weather is cooling down again, join us at the Arboretum to help with some sprucing up of the different trails. We will be clearing out heavy under brushing to make new trail through the virgin forest using axes, loppers, and chain saws.  We’ll also be working on lighter duty things such as finishing up several trails with raking and light-duty under brushing, as well as removing trash from the entire woods area.   This will be a great day out of doors in a beautiful area, so please dress appropriately and wear closed-toed shoes.  Please also bring work gloves, loppers, pruning shears, and rakes if you have them.

How to Manage Generational Gaps in the workplace

DATE: Tuesday, November 9^th
TIME: 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. (Networking begins at 5:30; Event starts promptly at 6:00)
RSVP: Click here

COST: Free for IMPACTjax members. $10 for future members!

LOCATION: Downtown Chamber Bldg. Hadlow Board Room.

EVENT DESCRIPTION: Working your way through management?  Trying to get to the top fast?  Come to this seminar featuring local upper management figures from each Generation; Baby Boomers, Gen. X & Gen. Y.  Today’s workplace is changing and you might find yourself managing people older than you or you might have a boss that is younger than you, if so this event is for you.  Our panelist will share some insight on how they work through their daily challenges and share some best practices when managing up or down.  Look forward to seeing you all there and bring some good questions for our panel.

Sheriff Rutherford addresses IMPACTjax

DATE: Monday, November 15^th
TIME: 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. (Networking begins at 5:30; Event starts promptly at 6:00)
RSVP: Click here

COST: Free for IMPACTjax members. $10 for future members!

LOCATION: Downtown Chamber Bldg. Hadlow Board Room.

3 Independent Drive, Jacksonville, Fl 32202

EVENT DESCRIPTION: Join young professionals interested in Government Affairs as we engage Sheriff John Rutherford about his goals in 2010 and beyond. The Sheriff will discuss Jacksonville’s successful public safety initiatives and the plan to make Jacksonville safer.  A question and answer session will follow.

An Evening with IMPACT at City Hall Pub

DATE: Wednesday, November 17th

TIME: 5:30 – 8:00 p.m.

RSVP: Click here

COST: Free for IMPACTjax members, $10 for future members!

LOCATION: 234 A Philip Randolph Blvd

EVENT DESCRIPTION: Please join us for an evening with IMPACT at City Hall Pub!  City Hall Pub is proud to be a part of Jacksonville’s sports, entertainment and historic heritage.  Located near the Veterans Memorial Arena, the Baseball grounds and EverBank field, CHP is a great place to meet for any sporting or entertainment event or just for a casual night out with friends!  Enjoy 2 free drinks and appetizers while you network with over 100 IMPACTjax members!

IMPACT the Jaguars

IMPACTjax is a proud supporter of the community-wide effort to support the Jacksonville Jaguars!  The Jaguars are one of the largest economic drivers in northeast Florida, and we recognize the true value of an NFL franchise to the city and the people of Jacksonville.  The 2010 season will be a defining one; don’t miss out on what promises to be a memorable year!  Be a part of the NFL action as teams including the Colts, Eagles, Redskins, Titans, Texans, Raiders, Broncos and Browns come to Jacksonville Municipal Stadium in 2010.

Why not support your city and buy tickets?   Visit www.Jaguars.com or call Ryan Lohnes in the ticket office at (904) 633-6300 to purchase!  The official section of IMPACTjax – Section 149 (in front of the Bud Zone) – is SOLD OUT.  However, we encourage you to purchase tickets close by!

On July 26, IMPACTjax members and guests took a fantastic behind the scenes tour of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ home, the EverBank stadium.  Why don’t you join us for upcoming tailgate parties and a Jags game (or eight?!) with 100 of your closest IMPACT friends?  Tailgates are announced on a game-by-game basis, so make sure to look out for the blurb in your weekly Happs.

Not sure where to head before of after Jaguars games?  Check out the OFFICIAL TAILGATING PARTNER of IMPACTjax,The Ivy Ultra Bar, 113 East Bay Street!  In addition to FREE beer at IMPACTjax tailgates, The Ivy is providing exclusive drink specials to IMPACTjax members: $4, $5, $6 cocktails and one FREE shot with your first purchase if the Jags win!  If that’s not reason enough to check them out, they have the best bartenders in town!  www.theivyultrabar.com

Looking to become more involved with IMPACTjax?

• Join one of our committees to help in the planning of our events!

INTERACT with your peers at our Social & Cultural Committee meeting on the second Monday of the month. Contact Whitney Walter for more details.  wwalter@hardeninsight.com *ACTIVELY SEEKING NEW COMMITTEE MEMBERS TO HELP OUT WITH JAGUAR TAILGATES!*

GROW as a professional at our Professional Development Committee meeting on the third Monday of the month. Contact John Burger for more details. john.burger@aloftjacksonvilletp.com

CONNECT with the community at our Service & Giving Committee meeting on the second Wednesday of the month. Contact Laura Gonzalez for more details. laura.y.gonzalez@gmail.com

VOICE your opinion at our government affairs Committee meeting on the fourth Monday of the month. Contact William Lahnen for more details.  William_Lahnen@csx.com

• Be an Ambassador! Announcing the NEW IMPACTjax Ambassador Program
  Are you a regular to IMPACTjax events, and find that you are meeting the same people each time?  Are you looking to make the most of your IMPACTjax experience?  Become an IMPACTjax Ambassador.  Help members connect, and in the process you meet as many new people as possible! You can participate as little or as much as you would like.  Contact Suzie Hutto for more details at Suzie_Hutto@CSX.com .

Other Events Around Town.

19^th Annual Dinner with Bill – October 20^th

Presented by The Arc Jacksonville “Dinner with Bill” celebrates people with disabilities and the companies that employ them. This year’s dinner will have Barry Morrow as the keynote speaker. The highlight of the event will be the 2010 Corporate Disabilities Employee Awards, presented in association with the Mayor’s Disability Council. Please join The Arc Jacksonville as they continue to serve people with disabilities and their families who live and work in our community. Event will be held Wednesday, October 20^th starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront. Individual tickets $50. For more information please visit http://www.arcjacksonville.org/events_dinnerwithbill.php.

The RED Party Fundraiser – October 23^rd

The Single Greatest Night Committee, a young professional group supporting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is hosting their annual fundraiser!  With your ticket, you’ll enjoy free beer from 9-11:30PM, as well as $5 Three Olive drinks and $4 Red Party shots all night long.  Make sure to wear RED and bring all your friends — 100% of ticket sale proceeds go to charity! Come on out for this special event at the Ivy Ultra Bar downtown and support finding a cure for Cystic Fibrosis.  To purchase tickets for $20, email Suzie Hutto at shutto@gmail.com.  Tickets will also be available at the door for $25.

2nd Annual Halloween Pub Run – October 23^rd

Just because it’s a run doesn’t mean it’s a race! Grab your friends, put on a costume, mix, mingle and travel bar to bar while supporting a great cause. All athletic abilities welcome! Prizes will be given for best male, female, couple and group costumes. Special group rate for IMPACTjax members! Email adriennecartagena@bestbuddies.org to reserve your ticket for $20! Run begins at 5:30 at the Jacksonville Running Company and visits several bars throughout Tinseltown, finishing with an after-party at Urban Flats.

BustyBlues Races for the Cure Again! – October 23^rd

Over the past 35 years, mortality rates for women with breast cancer have gone down. While this is great news, there’s still much more to be done, and you can help. BustyBlues, the 2009 Largest Team in Jacksonville, is getting ready for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure again this year!  Join by going to KomenNorthFlorida.org and registering today! Also, keep up on FB for all the latest on fundraising and membership drive activities!

“Pig Pickin” Hawaiian Barbeque Fundraiser – October 23^rd

The Discovery Circle, a young professional group supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Jacksonville, will host “Pig Pickin,” a Hawaiian-style barbeque fundraiser on Oct. 23. The Jacksonville community is invited to Hula over to the St. Joe Company (245 Riverside Ave.) from 1p.m. to 5p.m. to enjoy the festivities. To purchase tickets for $25, call (904) 807-4663 or order online at www.rmhcjax.org. Tickets will also be available at the door for $30. Tickets for children between the ages of 2 and 12 are $10 each.

Arlington Council Holiday Magic All Council Mixer: Stir It Up! – November 4^th

Stir it up with fashion, food, and fun join the Arlington Council for their All Council Mixer-Stir It Up! Fashion show featuring the Small Business Leaders will be held from 6:30 – 7:30 pm along with music by Doug Matthews of the St. Johns River City Band. Event will be held Thursday November 4^th from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Courtyard Marriott Kendall Town. Admission $5 in advance / $10 at the door cost includes one drink ticket and hors d’oeuvres along with access to cash bar. To RSVP contact Peggy Johnson at 928-333.

2010 Fight for Air RUN/WALK – November 20^th

2010 Fight for Air RUN/WALK gives you the power to improve the air we breathe. Run to help a child suffering from asthma. Walk to fund research to treat and cure lung cancer. Fight to help those coping with COPD. Join to protect your family from the harmful effects of air pollution and secondhand smoke. Event is scheduled for November 20^th at the Nocatee Greenway Trails in Ponte Vedra, FL. Why will YOU fight for air? For more information, call 904-520-7123 or email jaxevents@lungfla.org

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All Content © 2010 | Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce | 3 Independent Drive, Jacksonville, Fl 32202 | 904.366.6600

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The government said that the funding, the second round of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), is part of the overall $7.2 billion designated for broadband expansion nationwide, $4.7 billion of which comes through the Commerce Department and $2.5 billion from the Department of Agriculture.

“The Departments of Commerce and Agriculture will invest in 66 new projects across America that will finally bring reliable broadband Internet service to communities that currently have little or no access,” said President Obama, in announcing the funding.

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READ MORE ON BROADBAND COMMUNITY!

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Please review the broadband summary text below for further details about this important subject matter.

The Broadband Opportunity Coalition (BBOC) is an historic alliance of civil rights organizations joined together to overcome barriers to adoption of technology in communities of color. BBOC members include the National Urban League, National Association for the Advancement of Colored P

eople (NAACP), National Council of La Raza (NCLR), Asian American Justice Center (AAJC), and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). The Minority Media and Telecommunications Council (MMTC) and the Joint Center for Political & Economic Studies serve as advisors to the BBOC.

One Economy and the BBOC were awarded $28.5 million in federal stimulus from the National Telecommunications and information Administration (NTIA)’s BTOP program. Through partnerships with AT&T, Comcast, National Association of Broadcasters, Cisco, Google, CTIA—the Wireless Association, and others, One Economy and the BBOC are supplementing the stimulus award with private sector matching support valued at $23 million.

“There are three barriers to Internet use: accessibility, affordability, and lack of relevant content,” said Moustafa Mourad, interim president and CEO of One Economy. “One Economy and the BBOC will continue to work with our corporate and community partners to break down the barriers with innovative and proven initiatives that ensure all people—regardless of background, income, or literacy level—can reap the social and economic benefits of information and technology.”

Key Urban Broadband Players include:

- Marc Morial, Urban League                             - Ralph B. Everett, President of JCPES

- Rey Ramsey, CEO of One Economy               - David Honig

- Moustafa Mourad                - Janet Murguia, president of the National Council of La Raza

- Joint Center for Economic Studies               – Broadband Opportunity Coalition

- Minority Media and Telecommunications Council

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http://one-economy.org/sites/all/files/OE%20BBOC%20Stimulus%20Press%20Release.pdf

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NewAmericaFoundation — June 11, 2010 — Access to high-speed, affordable and ubiquitous broadband is a necessity in the 21st century. Although Congress allocated $7.2 Billion for broadband projects in the 2009 Stimulus Act, the final application round for funding has closed. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) estimates that an additional $350 billion is needed to expand high-speed connectivity nationwide; meaning cities and communities will need to explore other options for bringing broadband to their residents, businesses and institutions.

On June 10th, 2010, Craig Settles will present key lessons from his book, Fighting the Next Good Fight: Bringing True Broadband to Your Community. A broadband business strategist, marketing expert, author and internationally renowned speaker, Craig Settles helps organizations use broadband technologies to improve local government’s operating efficiency, as well as promote local economic development.

Fighting the Next Good Fight offers guidelines to action for government administrators and IT staff, private-sector companies, community stakeholders and economic development professionals. These serve as the foundation to build a financially sustainable broadband networks in communities across the country. Government initiatives, private sector entrepreneurship and community efforts can all play a role as the next catalysts for municipal and community broadband and help bridge the digital divide.

Bryan Sivak, Chief Technology Officer of the District of Columbia, Joanne Hovis, President-Elect of NATOA and President of Columbia Telecommunications Corporation and Gary Carter, Analyst at City of Santa Monica Information Systems Department will respond to Mr. Settles’ presentation.

http://www.newamerica.net/events/2010…

Excerpt from Youtube – New America

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