09:00:13
Just wanting to let everyone know what we're working on and will be working on for the remainder of the summer and into the fall. Now that the website is getting closer to fulfilling its mission, and we're seeing a continuing growth in traffic and stickiness, I'm going to be turning my attention more and more on other important aspects of ITEN.
We're in the process of rolling out an enhancement to the Mongel Training program that focuses on the requirements and steps for a company to achieve graduation from Mongel Training. New information on this will be posted on the site in the next few days. We've also begun work on exciting enhancements to the Beta Program. There are already three companies enrolled in the Beta Program, and all three feel they're getting a lot of benefits from it. We're using their experiences to devise a more detailed program which you will also soon be able to see posted on the site.
We've got a couple of upcoming events already scheduled: Strange Loop in October and our third Start Up Connection in November. You can check out "Events" to get more info on both of those. Beyond that, I've begun working on a more or less private event for ITEN companies and mentors that we'll probably schedule for late September or early October. This event will connect ITEN companies with local investors looking for IT deals. If you're looking to get access to other people's money, you'll want to make sure to attend.
There is also the possibility of an event before the end of the year or early in 2010 centered on the topic of global web marketing. It turns out we've got a world-class university program in web globalization right here in town and we want to make these resources more widely known and available to ITEN. If you can't wait, ITEN companies can do a Mentor Match on "web globalization" in the Marketing section of the search menu and find a couple of new ITEN mentors who are part of this program.
Finally, I'd like to recognize a few of our mentors and volunteers who have stepped forward to fill roles that are desperately needed and appreciated, and done so with no expectation of compensation. Gokhan Lus has volunteered as our new Beta Program Coordinator; Tom Dopheide will play the same role for the Mongel Training; Sheila Burkett continues to do incredible things for ITEN as the Project Manager for the website. By recognizing their contributions, I don't want to in any way ignore the wonderful contributions being made each day by the volunteer mentors, the Mongel team and everyone giving their input to the program. This week, we say good-bye to Kenneth Leu, who's been our summer intern from Washington U. He's made a lot of important changes and clean-up on the website and has provided great value for our very modest investment for his time and energy.
Times are difficult, and programs depending on contributions and government support are facing cutbacks all over. ITEN continues to grow and provide significant benefits to the community. We hope and trust that the value we are creating in the form of an emerging entrepreneurial community and exciting new ventures will justify the continuing support of our State and our region.
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