October 12, 2007
Regional Growth Partnership Announces New Additions To Enhance Technology Development
Regional Growth Partnership Announces New Additions To Enhance Technology Development
TOLEDO, Ohio – The Regional Growth Partnership (RGP) is proud to announce the addition of two new team members to support its technology growth and development efforts.
Greg Knudson was recently hired as vice president for the RGP and Natasha Hussain Black will serve as director of technology and lead RGP’s Launch program.
“Both Greg and Natasha bring a wealth of experience in diverse industries that will allow us to continue developing our technology programs,” said Steve Weathers, president and CEO of the RGP. “Their leadership will be critical to advance our mission aimed at diversifying the regional economy.”
Knudson’s primary role will be working to build the State of Ohio’s Entrepreneurial Signature Program in northwest Ohio through a $15 million grant to create Rocket Ventures, a newly created organization under the RGP that will provide management oversight and entrepreneurial services to tech-based start-up companies.
Knudson brings an extensive background to the RGP, having led business development, sales and marketing efforts for a number of corporations over the years in automotive, technology and industrial manufacturing.
As director of technology, Hussain Black’s primary responsibility will be leading the operation of Launch, a business assistance program to support entrepreneurial companies in commercializing technologies.
Launch and Rocket Ventures are major initiatives designed to enhance the commercialization of technologies from universities in northwest Ohio, as well as to advance the spin out of new technologies from existing businesses in the region, according to Weathers. These programs will help expand the region’s capabilities in creating and attracting knowledge-based jobs in various technology sectors, he added.
The Regional Growth Partnership is a private nonprofit development corporation dedicated to fostering local, national and international economic growth opportunities for Northwest Ohio.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
John Gibney
Regional Growth Partnership
Phone: 419/252-2700