Nanotechnology Manufacturing conference held in Swainsboro

NANOTECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE AT FLAT CREEK

Swainsboro-Emanuel County Joint Development Authorities, with the help of the Chamber of Commerce, hosted a conference for the National Nanotechnology Manufacturing Center in Swansboro Oct. 18-19. The main purpose of the event was to inform potential member companies about the Nano Valley Consortium which is the first of its kind. The Consortium was organized by the NNMC in conjunction with the Army's Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey. It will allow members to know in advance about government contracting opportunities and it shortens their time in getting those contracts completed as well. Barbara Stafford, Executive Director of the NNMC introduced speakers as did Dr. Diane Lewis, president of Georgia NanoFAB.

Major companies from all across America, and one from Canada, met on Thursday, Oct. 18 at Flat Creek Lodge and Friday, Oct. 19 at East Georgia College. Approximately 70 people attended, representing such companies as DuPont, Fujifilm Dimatix, PPG, BASF, Raytheon, Lucent, Kodak, Imerys, Southwire, Chevron Mining, Milliken, General Dynamics of Canada and many more. Major universities were also represented such as the University of Florida, Rutgers, Georgia Tech, Harvard, Georgia Southern, and Penn State. Fifteen officials representing the U.S. military were present as well.

Local officials on hand to meet and greet the guests included host, Andy Riley, president of SECJDA; Bill Rogers, president of the Chamber of Commerce; Rep. Butch Parrish; Sen. Jack Hill; Loy D. Cowart, chairman of SECJDA; Keith Thompson, chairman of Emanuel County Board of Commissioners; and Dessie Davis, vice chairman. Larry Calhoun, president of Swainsboro Technical College attended along with Pete Snell, vice president of economic development; and Johnny Payne, director of institutional development.

Kenny Griffin of Georgia Power Company gave the blessing at lunch. Mayor Charles Schwabe welcomed the guests on Friday as did Dr. John Black, president of East Georgia College.

Friday's keynote speaker was Terry Medley, director of Global Compliance for DuPont. Dr. Ron Mc- Neill of University of Illinois reviewed a U.S. Dept. of Commerce study he had conducted. Numerous officials from the U. S. Army spoke concerning the opportunities and advantages in nanotechnology applications. Other speakers updated attendees on various subjects relating to nanotechnology.

Reader Comments

No comments have been posted. Be the first!

Other Stories With Comments:
Article	Comments
Relay for Marie	1
Seedling Garden Club holds auction	1
Good teachers make a difference	1