KIZ Coordinator Presents at Partnership's National Conference

The coordinator of the Williamsport/Lycoming Keystone Innovation Zone delivered a presentation at the recent NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership National Conference in Orlando, Fla.

Katie C. Bell's May 4 workshop, "Greenovation: A Unique Approach Encouraging Green Product Development," offered the opportunity for IMC Inc. a partner in the KIZ's work with local business and industry to pass along a successful program that was developed in central Pennsylvania.

"I wanted to share our concept with other centers so they could consider implementing Greenovation activities in their own states," Bell said. "It would be great to see other states utilizing an approach that we developed."

MEP is the IMC's federal sponsor and supports the needs of manufacturers through centers across the United States. MEP hosts an annual conference that offers such centers the opportunity to network, learn and share best practices. "Green" topics were a focus of this year's conference.

In preparation for the presentation, the IMC registered trademarks for Greenovation through the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office.

"It was a unique opportunity to go through the process of protecting the use of our terminology and logo, which is something that many of our clients pursue when developing new products," Bell said.

The Greenovation workshop was well-received and a few centers already have expressed interest in implementing similar programs in their states.

"We look forward to helping MEP centers pursue Greenovation activities," the coordinator added.

The IMC one of Pennsylvania's seven Industrial Resource Centers is based at Pennsylvania College of Technology's Center for Business & Workforce Development.

For general information about the college, visit online , e-mail or call toll-free 800-367-9222.