UEDA
SUMMIT
September 29 -
October 2, 2019
Reno-Tahoe, Nevada
UEDA Summit 2019 Sponsors and Exhibitors
Thank you to all sponsors and exhibitors for supporting the 2019 UEDA Summit. It is through the generous support of organizations, such as you, that UEDA is able to achieve its mission of delivering economic development innovation through engagement with higher education. Thanks for your continued support.
Elsevier
Presidential Sponsor
Lead the way in advancing science, technology and health.
We help institutions and professionals advance healthcare, open science and improve performance for the benefit of humanity. Combining content with technology, supported by operational efficiency, we turn information into actionable knowledge. Elsevier empowers knowledge which empowers those who use it.
University of Nevada – Reno
Presidential Sponsor
The University of Nevada, Reno was founded in 1874 as Nevada’s first institution of higher education. Today, the University delivers onitsland-grant mission of access to education and knowledge by investing in the academics, facilities, engagement, support and vibrant campus life that promote our diverse students’ cognitive growth and academic achievement – all while remaining one of the best values in American higher education.
California State University – Northridge
Chancellor Sponsor
One of the largest universities in the country, California State University, Northridge (CSUN) is an urban, comprehensive university that delivers award-winning undergraduate and graduate programs to nearly 40,000 students and counts more than 350,000 alumni who fuel the greater Los Angles economy and beyond. The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities named CSUN an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University for university-wide efforts to promote innovation and entrepreneurship, advancing regional development through public service, engagement and outreach. Recognizing CSUN’s leadership in fostering diversity, CollegeNET named CSUN a Social Mobility Innovator for its transformative effect on students and the region.
University of North Alabama
Educational Session Supporter
The University of North Alabama (UNA) is a comprehensive regional state university founded in
1830, and is the oldest university in Alabama. With four colleges and twenty-nine departments,
UNA offers more than 100 graduate and undergraduate degree programs serving approximately
8,000 students. The College of Business has the largest MBA program in Alabama, as well as
vibrant innovation and collaborative economic development initiatives through the Institute for
Innovation and Economic Development. The University has been the recipient of numerous
national and international awards including the 2019 Deshpande Rising Star in Curriculum
Innovation.
Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada
Regional Sponsor
The Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN) is a public private partnership committed to adding quality jobs to the region by recruiting new companies, supporting the success of existing companies, and assisting newly forming companies, to diversify the economy and have a positive impact on the quality of life in Greater Reno-Sparks. The primary role of the EDAWN Business Development team is to attract new companies to region that will create quality jobs in the area. They do so by working with companies directly, with site selectors, and other partners. The team focuses on headquarters and specific targeted industries. The Retention, Expansion and Workforce team focuses on providing support to the region’s existing primary companies. Through company visits, they assist with issues to make it easy to do business in Northern Nevada and connect companies with resources needed to insure growth and success. The EDAWN Entrepreneurial team focuses on attracting technology companies and fostering seed capital investment. They support startup and early stage companies via community programs, and other initiatives, resulting in the creation of new jobs, infusion of capital, and relocation of startups to the region.
The Lemelson Foundation
Innovation Sponsor
The Lemelson Foundation was established by Jerome and Dorothy Lemelson in 1992 with the vision of cultivating future generations of inventors to create a better world. After twenty-five years of giving, the Foundation continues to be led by the Lemelson family. To date we have provided more than $210 million in support of our mission. The Foundation focuses on nurturing invention-based businesses that are developing unique, physical products to address global and community challenges, and are destined for high growth.
Kovarus & Dell EMC
AM/PM Educational Sponsor
Kovarus is a systems integrator that helps companies modernize and automate IT. We enable businesses to transform their IT
service delivery to help them accelerate innovation and deliver cost-effective business outcomes.
Kovarus has helped some of the greatest companies in the world by leveraging the Kovarus Solutions Portfolio of best-in-class technologies and services to deliver business services faster, at scale and more effectively to provide them a competitive advantage.
With an extensive array of elite technical certifications and credentials, leading technology partners continually recognize Kovarus for its commitment to excellence and its focus on delivering exceptional customer service.
Today, higher education is at a pivotal moment. Colleges and universities are in the middle of a significant shift in educational models, delivering both unique learning models and student campus experiences through digital transformation. Students are increasingly taking advantage of technology on demand to meet their own learning needs and chart their own path to workforce readiness. This change around why, how and when students are learning is a driving force behind the growing need for advanced technology in higher education on campuses.
Georgia Southern University
Water Bottle Sponsor
Georgia Southern University, founded in 1906, offers 141 degree programs serving nearly 26,500 students through nine colleges on three
campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, Hinesville, and online instruction. Georgia Southern creates lifelong learners who serve as responsible scholars, leaders and stewards in their communities.
Georgia Southern is also committed to community engagement and economic development. For example, the Business Innovation Group (BIG) at Georgia Southern University’s Parker College of Business works to provide students and the community with the skills and training necessary to understand business principles, to recognize economic opportunities, and to successfully launch new business enterprises.
University of Nevada – Reno
Community Sponsor
The University of Nevada, Reno was founded in 1874 as Nevada’s first institution of higher education. Today, the University delivers on its land-grant mission of access to education and knowledge by investing in the academics, facilities, engagement, support and vibrant campus life that promote our diverse students’ cognitive growth and academic achievement – all while remaining one of the best values in American higher education.
TrailBlaze Creative
Collaboration Sponsor
TrailBlaze Creative increases the competitiveness of nonprofits, businesses, and communities through image management. With expertise as marketing and communications strategists, we provide planning, management, and tactical support to organizations looking to embrace a growth mindset. We have a passion for creativity and strive to help those organizations who are working hard to make a difference.
Uniquely, TrailBlaze was formed at the request of our clients who were seeking a firm that a) places client needs first; b) establishes trust; c) embodies their brand; and d) provides creative strategic direction for sustainable organizational growth. We use these elements at the core of all of our client relationships.
We are honored to be UEDA’s Association Management firm.
Virginia Tech
Break Sponsor
Virginia Tech takes a hands-on, engaging approach to education, preparing scholars to be leaders in their fields and communities. As the commonwealth’s most comprehensive university and its leading research institution, Virginia Tech offers 240 undergraduate and graduate degree programs to more than 31,000 students and manages a research portfolio of more than $513 million. The university fulfills its land-grant mission of transforming knowledge to practice through technological leadership and by fueling economic growth and job creation locally, regionally, and across Virginia.
Through a combination of its three missions of learning, discovery, and engagement, Virginia Tech continually strives to accomplish the charge of its motto Ut Prosim (That I May Serve).
Desert Research Institute
McAllister & Quinn
The Desert Research Institute (DRI) is a recognized world leader in basic and applied interdisciplinary research. Committed to scientific 
excellence and integrity, DRI faculty, students, and staff have developed scientific knowledge and innovative technologies in research projects around the globe. Since 1959, DRI’s research has advanced scientific knowledge, supported Nevada’s diversifying economy, provided science-based educational opportunities, and informed policy makers, business leaders, and community members. With campuses in Reno and Las Vegas, DRI serves as the non-profit research arm of the Nevada System of Higher Education.
University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services Institute for Public Service
Registration Sponsor
The University of Tennessee Institute for Public Service (IPS) extends the resources of the state’s land-grant university to help leaders of local and state governments and businesses find solutions to everyday problems. In fiscal year 2013, IPS agencies helped their customers contribute more than $600 million in economic impact in Tennessee. The Center for Industrial Services (CIS), an IPS agency, leads the institute’s economic development efforts by helping existing firms become more competitive, develop new products and markets, and by teaching economic development practitioners new approaches to navigating economic growth. During 2013 CIS is celebrating 50 years of service to Tennessee existing industry on behalf of the University of Tennessee.
Kansas State University
Registration Sponsor
The Kansas State University Research Foundation and Institute for Commercialization reaches into the university for innovation and out around the world to create economic and social benefits. Their mission is to facilitate technology commercialization, corporate engagement, encourage faculty engagement, advance economic prosperity, and promote the University’s strategic initiatives. This includes patent and technology licensing services, business attraction, strategic partnerships, new business creation, and more. They are dedicated to the start-up and expansion of technology based, high-growth enterprises and enabling the commercialization of university and under-utilized corporate intellectual property. This approach allows them to aide in advancing the Land Grant mission of Kansas State University.
University of Wisconsin – Madison
Association of Public and Land Grant Universities (APLU)
The University of Wisconsin–Madison is a hub of education and innovation. UW-Madison’s $1.2 billion in research awards helps drive 
$15billion of economic impact annually to the state and includes the formation of over 400 startups. UW-Madison’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem is supported by a diverse array of programs that work to transform ideas into discoveries and address real-world issues. Programs and resources to support commercialization include UW–Madison’s Discovery to Product, Office of Business Engagement, Weinert Center for Entrepreneurship, Small Business Development Center, and Law & Entrepreneurship Clinic, as well as the University Research Park and the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF). Taken together, the rich resources at UW–Madison encourage innovation and creativity to impact our state, our country, and our world.
Visit Reno Tahoe
Networking Venue Sponsor
The Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority, RSCVA, was established in 1959 as the Washoe County Fair and Recreation Board. The RSCVA acts as a marketing organization for the county to promote convention and tourism business.
Unlike other convention and visitor bureaus across the country, the RSCVA owns several facilities designed to draw out-of-town visitors.
The mission of the RSCVA is to attract overnight visitors to Reno Tahoe lodging properties through tourism marketing, convention sales and facility operations, featuring local amenities, attractions and events; thereby enhancing the economic benefit and quality of life for Northern Nevada.
Jim Woodell & Company | Collaborative for Insight & Impact
Welcome Sponsors
Institutions of higher education are facing increased expectations around connecting their work to the economy and society. Jim can help through his service offerings.
Jim Woodell helps higher education institutions and their partners deepen, strengthen, and convey their economic and societal impact. Jim focuses on critical factors for defining and achieving outcomes in multiple impact domains.
East Stroudsburg University
Welcome Sponsor
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania (ESU) continues its long tradition of providing students with an exceptional living and learning environment. Students choose from 60undergraduate and 30 graduate degrees, and certification programs. At ESU’s Innovation Center, students and the business community benefit from innovative opportunities for entrepreneurial growth. As a partner in the economic development, ESU is committed to providing high quality academic programs in emerging fields.Additionally, ESU’s Business Accelerator is creating a robust entrepreneurial culture that is attracting inspiring entrepreneurs and early stage companies to northeastern Pennsylvania. For more information, visit www.esu.edu, 570-422-7920.
University of Nevada, Reno College of Business
Welcome Sponsor
The University of Nevada, Reno’s College of Business is the premier provider of business education in the region, as such, we prepare
students to become competitive, ethical and innovative business professionals in order to drive economic development and improve quality of life for all citizens of the State of Nevada. We continue to be an increasingly influential driver of economic development in the State of Nevada.
Porter Government and Busienss Solutions
Welcome Sponsor
Porter Group is a bipartisan government affairs and business consulting firm. From beginning to end, Porter Group will be your partner—and we’ll offer you a unique, customized plan of action that will get the job done.
Porter Group has developed an unparalleled network in the world of politics, public policy and business giving you access to the key decision-makers. As we’ve learned, there are many ways to get the job done. Sometimes the best way is not the most obvious way.
The blueprint we’ll develop for you at Porter Group will be innovative and successful—and it will not be one-size-fits-all. We’ll look at your needs, and our strengths, and come up with a plan that works for you.
WooClap
Media Sponsor
Rather than fighting smartphones, Wooclap turns them into an exceptional learning tool. Wooclap is an interactive platform used by more than 100,000 teachers to boost classes through the use of smartphones. Wooclap is the fruit of a collaboration with neuroscientists, educational engineers and professors, and has the particularity to interconnect with Moodle, PowerPoint and other platforms used by teachers.
Association of Public & Land-Grant Universities
Media Sponsor
The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) is a research, policy, and advocacy organization dedicated to strengthening and advancing the work of public universities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The association’s membership consists of 242 public research universities, land-grant institutions, state university systems, and affiliated organizations.
APLU’s mission is to: expand access and improve student success to deliver the innovative workforce of tomorrow; advance and promote research and discovery to improve society, foster economic growth, and address global challenges; and build healthy, prosperous, equitable, and vibrant communities locally and globally.
Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development
Exhibitor
The Nevada Office of Economic Development (GOED) provides resources and support for businesses fostering creation, expansion and recruitment which leads to a robust, sustainable and resilient economy for our state. GOED helps to further the economic development vision of Governor Steve Sisolak to support all Nevada businesses and to ensure that our state’s small businesses have access to state programs designed to stimulate expansion. GOED also promotes the state to film and television productions through the Nevada Film Office and connects businesses with government contracts through the Nevada Procurement Technical Assistance Center.
Indiana University Kokomo
Agenda at a Glance Sponsor
Indiana University Kokomo, a regional campus of Indiana University, is located approximately 50 miles north of Indianapolis. The campus
is located in the heart of Indiana’s advanced manufacturing and agribusiness core. Granting mainly bachelor’s degrees, along with a limited number of associate and master’s degrees, the campus serves a fourteen county region in north-central Indiana. The majority of graduates remain in the region contributing to the regional economy. Indiana University Kokomo embraces its mission as a regional campus, and we are committed to enhancing the economic development, quality of life and educational attainment in our service region.
USAC
Agenda at a Glance Sponsor
University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC) is a nonprofit, university-based organization offering more than 50 affordable, authentic
study abroad programs in 27 countries. Since 1982, USAC has provided students with life-changing opportunities to live and learn in countries around the globe. We strive to provide experiences in which students grow into engaged citizens in the world, not only in the classroom but also through field trips and tours, integrated living, language partners, internships, volunteering and service-learning opportunities. Learn more about our specialty and partnership programs, scholarships, budget sheets and financial aid, and how to get started at usac.edu.