EIGERlab

2011-09-26T09:08:00.001-05:00

Former 2011 Stateline FastPitch Competition presenter, Tim Wambach, Handicap This Productions! was featured on the front page of the Chicago Tribune. The article and video highlights how Tim and his friend Mike Berkson “deliver onstage laughs and wisdom about life with Cerebral Palsy.” Their journey has resulted in a book, speaking engagements and the formation of Keep On Keeping On, a nonprofit foundation to help others with physical disabilities.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-disabled-friends-show-20110920,0,7551674.story?page=1

2011-09-08T15:18:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to EIGERlab’s client and tenant, Blake Hamilton of TerraPlants on their first, impressive sale to Franchesco’s Ristorante. For more information regarding TerraPlants, please see page six of The Voice article (link).

TerraPlants Inc. is a web-based, e-commerce business designed to provide commercial, industrial and residential customers with a simple source for high quality, direct shipped, indoor plants and containers that can be shipped anywhere in North America with a focus on hospitals, restaurants, banks, schools, colleges and universities looking to go GREEN.

2011-08-05T10:39:00.001-05:00

*CNC Machine Training Instructor Opening*
TechWorks’ Fast-Track CNC machine training is experiencing a record-level numbers of students. Because of the demand and the number of job openings in the region, EIGERlab would like to hire additional instructors (ad below). **Please consider reposting.

TechWorks at EIGERlab is seeking a PT CNC instructor to provide a variety of teaching/learning activities that prepare students for basic machining skills. Classroom and hands-on coursework includes blueprint reading, shop math and GD & T. A minimum of five years CNC machining experience with excellent presentation skills are required. Instructor experience is a plus. Please send your resume to TechWorks, 605 Fulton Avenue, Rockford, IL 61103.

earning activities that prepare students for basic machining skills. Classroom and hands-on coursework includes blueprint reading, shop math and GD & T. A minimum of five years CNC machining experience with excellent presentation skills are required. Instructor experience is a plus. Please send your resume to TechWorks, 605 Fulton Avenue, Rockford, IL 61103.earning activities that prepare students for basic machining skills. Classroom and hands-on coursework includes blueprint reading, shop math and GD & T. A minimum of five years CNC machining experience with excellent presentation skills are required. Instructor experience is a plus. Please send your resume to TechWorks, 605 Fulton Avenue, Rockford, IL 61103.

2011-07-29T10:44:00.000-05:00

Thank you to Mori Seiki and Ellison Technologies for donating a two axis, lathe machine to EIGERlab’s TechWorks CNC training program. This will enable the program’s instructors to train on state-of-the-art equipment. We’re proud to share that TechWorks classes are filled through the end of 2011. Currently we are searching for an instructor so we’ll be able to train additional students (entry level-machinists) in order to fill the extraordinary demand of CNC machinists with companies in the Northern IL/Southern WI area.

2011-07-28T15:52:00.001-05:00

Student presentation-Technical Center for the Arts at EIGERlab

Students Matt Kennedy and Joel Walter presented an overview of their student residency experience today at EIGERlab (E-L). They were both thrilled to be able to work with the technical-minded, creative people at E-L, not to mention the “big boy” machinery they were able to access. In addition to the students presenting, Mike Miller, Joel’s professor who experienced the residency in 2010 also shared an overview of his work and comments regarding the program. The students’ PowerPoint presentations will be available on the EIGERlab Web site.

WIFR media coverage on TechWorks’ Fast-Track CNC Machine Training results

2011-05-05T14:43:00.002-05:00

Successful F-T graduates possess a NIMS credential, WorkKeys ACT assessment and Job Readiness instruction totaling six weeks of comprehensive training. These graduates are highly desirable candidates for the large number of starting-level CNC machinist’s positions in the Northern IL area. If you know anyone who is unemployed or underemployed and is interested in a career in advanced manufacturing, please repost; for more information phone 815.965.3522.

http://www.wifr.com/searchresults?searchKeywords=michael+techworks&group1=phrase&time=30&sort=date

EIGERlab's StartUp Accelerator #5 Receives 5 Star Rating

2011-05-04T15:28:00.000-05:00

Having been to countless conferences, conventions, meet-ups and networking events ad nauseam...the "unconference" AKA startup Accelerator #5, held April 30th, in Rockford, at the EIGERlab was inspirational and fun, and proved to be a great resource for inventors, independent business folk and would-be entrepreneurs. The structure of the event actually mirrors the iterative process of new product development and creating a new business. Typical conferences have a set agenda with predetermined experts to meet an anticipated but often unconfirmed need of the participants. The "unconference" format encourages the participants to voice the topic of their choice or choose from suggested topics. All voices are heard, sessions are scheduled, and experts attracted to the event share in navigating discussions to address a given topic. The amount of structure in the discussions varies but more often than not seems appropriate. In contrast to traditional conferences you don't have to sit in the back of the room to sneak out if the topic or presenter proves of no interest to you. At the "unconference" you are encouraged to vote with your feet with no offense taken or implied by the person that votes.
The event(s) seems to attract a productive mix of people seeking help and resources, along with various experts that attend because they enjoy giving and assisting the community of aspiring inventors and entrepreneurs. The Bizstarts staff does a great job of moving things along and James Carlson of Bucket Works adds his expert facilitation skills to the mix to make the event even a bit more memorable.
Lots of positives from this well executed event. I left knowing that innovation and entrepreneurship are alive and well in Rockford. The event was also intended to erase the perception that the state border be a boundary of consequence for doing business between Illinois and Wisconsin. To that end, I left with this feeling and new twist on an old acronym; FIB really means Friendly Illinois Brethren.

Reed Felton

2011-04-26T15:47:00.002-05:00

Rock Valley College’s SIFE team leader plans to bring a group on entrepreneurial students to SUA#5

http://www.rvcsife.org/

2011-04-15T17:02:00.000-05:00

Interested in moving your business idea forward or building your current business at a free event with lunch included AND the chance of winning something valuable...Join us at the EIGERlab for the StartUp Accelerator Event #5: Saturday, April 30 from 10 AM-4 PM (registration at 9:30A). Valuable giveaways include: *an iPod*

*Rapid prototyping services ($200 value)*
*One free month’s rent at the EIGERlab incubator.

startupaccelerator.org

Supporting startups in WI brings new business opportunites

2011-03-24T13:26:00.000-05:00

“Dan Cataldi, executive director of EIGERlab, said he feels there’s still high interest in starting businesses, but people may not know how to put their ideas into motion — a problem he hopes the Startup Accelerator, taking place this April 30 for the first time in Illinois, will help solve. “I think it’s really tough to find the financial support necessary to move their ideas forward,” he said. “As the economy starts to create more jobs, some of these people might go back to work not because they don’t want to start their own business but because they’re having a tough time seeing how to fit all the pieces together.”

http://badgerherald.com/oped/2011/03/23/supporting_startups_.php

Job Creation in the U.S. Hits 29-Year Low at Peak of Great Recession, According to New Census Bureau Data

2011-03-23T15:25:00.000-05:00

"While we know all too well that jobs were lost, this is the first indication of how the recession impacted job creation. It's heartening to know that, despite the economic obstacles, entrepreneurs were still finding ways to create jobs, though fewer than in past recessions," said Robert E. Litan, vice president of research and policy at the Kauffman Foundation. "We hope these data prompt policymakers to clear away any rules and regulations that stand in the way of entrepreneurs and innovators who want to grow companies and jobs."

http://www.kauffman.org/newsroom/job-creation-in-the-us-hits-29-year-low-at-peak-of-great-recession-according-to-new-census-bureau-data.aspx

Man and Machine: Fast-track towards a New Career

2011-03-22T14:29:00.000-05:00

The strategy of the TechWorks program is to arm workers with the skills local machining companies say they need.

ROCKFORD (WIFR) --"It's exciting. I'll be able to pay off my bills and save my house."

For thousands of those still looking for a job, it's no longer a question of how but more a question of when. But for Michael Niedermeier, the quest is over.

"The market out there is terrible. I would still be out there handing out applications and pounding on doors."

Niedermeier was hired on Friday as a CNC machinist after completing a six week training program, for a job that pays a starting salary around $36,000.

"When you're done, you're ready to go."

The strategy of the TechWorks program is to arm workers with the skills local machining companies say they lack, Graduates who are certified to run computer operated machines, a tweak TechWorks recently made to its curriculum.

"The curriculum is longer, more hands on, more testing, and to produce more a more employable student or graduate at the end."

It's a big change, and one that didn't come easy for Niedermeier.

"Those machines can be intimidating." But he and others in the first class of CNC machinists are already reaping the rewards.

http://www.wifr.com/home/headlines/Man_and_Machine_Fast-track_towards_a_New_Career_118400674.html

2011-03-18T13:47:00.002-05:00

Do you know any unemployed military veterans? If so, please share the following information. EIGERlab will be participating in the Workforce Connection’s Veterans’ Job Fair on Tuesday, May 17, National Guard Armory, 10451 N 2nd Street, Machesney Park, 10am -2pm. If you know any businesses that are in need of employees, please ask them to contact Ted Duckett, (815) 395-6645 or TDuckett@TheWorkforceConnection.org

Balanced IT Solutions CEO hopes airline contract will boost firm

2011-03-16T09:40:00.000-05:00

EIGERlab client, Kerry Frank of Balanced IT Solutions who was, "once a bootstrapping basement entrepreneur, has moved to a spacious corner office, a staff of 10 and an aviation software business that is ready for takeoff," as reported by Brian Leaf of the Rockford Register Star.

Kerry has a history of being successful. She was one of the winners in both the 2008 Stateline FastPitch Competition and statewide, 2009 Innovate Illinois Competition. Congrats to Kerry and Dude Frank and their team on a job well done!

Balanced IT Solutions CEO hopes airline contract will boost firm

2011-03-01T15:19:00.000-06:00

“One thing I do know is that making money is not the same as starting a business. For entrepreneurs, this is an important thing to understand. Most of us identify with the products we create or services we provide. I make software. He is a headhunter. She builds computer networks. But the fact is, all of us must master one skill that supersedes the others: making money.”

http://www.inc.com/magazine/20110301/making-money-small-business-advice-from-jason-fried.html

Midwest Energy Forum

2011-02-23T16:28:00.000-06:00

Winnebago’s Winnovation

2011-02-17T13:20:00.000-06:00

A Look Back at Entrepreneurship in 2010 - Innovation America

2011-01-05T10:09:00.000-06:00

A Look Back at Entrepreneurship in 2010 - Innovation America

Winnebago County officials work to help ex-inmates get work - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

2010-12-23T11:38:00.000-06:00

Winnebago County officials work to help ex-inmates get work - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Harrison Harmonicas: Finding the Right Pitch « Northwest Quarterly

2010-12-22T16:04:00.000-06:00

Harrison Harmonicas: Finding the Right Pitch « Northwest Quarterly

TechWorks:Providing skilled labor for Stateline manufacturers

2010-11-08T13:09:00.000-06:00

Stateline manufacturers need skill labor. Stateline people need jobs. TechWorks’ (TW) Fast-Track CNC operator training program is a win-win.

TechWorks’ Gold Collar Job Skills for advanced manufacturing provides Fast-Track CNC operator training (F-T), National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) credential training (either lathe or mill) and customized, on location training. The initial 96 hour F-T training prepares individuals for rewarding career in advanced manufacturing. Additionally, NIMS training can greatly improve people’s skill set and chance of being employed and advancement.

TW is currently in the midst of a marketing campaign to share information on how individuals can train for a new career for positions that need to be filled today! The economy is showing signs of recovery and many local employers are in need of trained employees. With an investment of one month, a training fee of $1,920 and assistance with placement, individuals have the opportunity be gainfully employed at a starting salary of $35,000 with benefits.

Stateline manufacturers believe in TW’s efforts. Nationally renowned companies believe in TW and have partnered by providing advanced manufacturing equipment and tooling which allows individuals to train on today’s equipment. DMG Mori Seiki, Haas Technical Education Center, Sandvik Coromant and Ellison Technologies are companies that recently provided support, machinery or tooling to assist in the effort to move advanced manufacturing training in the Stateline area to the forefront.

TW is one of EIGERlab’s (E-L) areas of focus. E-L is a centrally located, state of the art, mixed-use incubator. It serves the region with leading-edge business and engineering support services. The community-related services are generally offered at no cost and the programs include: IL Small Business Development Center (SBDC), IL Procurement Technical Services Center (PTAC), U.S. Dept of Commerce Export Center and SCORE. In addition, TW is affiliated with Rock Valley College and RAEDC.

Individuals that have completed the TW F-T training and have received placement assistance strongly believe in the results-oriented program. Steve Thomas completed both the F-T training and the NIMS Certification. He states that it was directly due to this training that he was both hired and has advanced at Gunite Corporation. “The job is very gratifying and the Information I learned in class was beneficial. My trainer, Gordy Blaisdell was awesome…a wealth of knowledge.”

In addition to training, TW also assists in educating our youth about advanced manufacturing. They held two KidsWorks Kamps that were wildly popular. Successful local entrepreneurs spoke at their Lunch and Learn lunchtime break further hammering home the different aspects of modern, clean manufacturing. Kids toured impressive companies such as Woodard Governor, again enforcing information that was being shared in class. Kids were exposed to Solid Works software and then moved to working with the advanced manufacturing equipment on the shop floor.

Lastly, TW recently participated in the IMTS show, America's largest manufacturing technology show at McCormick Place where TW representatives were able to convey information regarding advanced manufacturing to 300 area students and teachers that attended.

Embry-Riddle boss: Houston is Rockford's competition - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

2010-10-12T14:55:00.000-05:00

Embry-Riddle boss: Houston is Rockford's competition - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

IMTS exhibitor's survey: Industrial sector is regaining confidence - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

2010-10-12T14:54:00.000-05:00

IMTS exhibitor's survey: Industrial sector is regaining confidence - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

As Embry-Riddle seeks growth, 2 schools cut back on aviation - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

2010-09-30T11:20:00.000-05:00

As Embry-Riddle seeks growth, 2 schools cut back on aviation - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Brad Harrison, Harrison Harmonicas, adorns the cover of Business Asset

2010-09-24T11:36:00.001-05:00

Brad Harrison, with Harrison Harmonicas, creator of the only made in America harmonica adorns the cover of Business Asset created by local photographer, Nels Akerlund. Nels, you did a fabulous job capturing Brad’s unique personality and his famous B-Radical harmonica. Brad, keep on making us proud here at the EIGERlab and moving forward with your dreams.

http://us1.campaign-archive.com/?u=c0427c15e54b19f55fa3dae8f&id=f81339c863&e=64707b1dfe

New York Times article

2010-09-24T11:35:00.001-05:00

The attributes that make great entrepreneurs, the experts say, are common in certain manias, though in milder forms and harnessed in ways that are hugely productive. Instead of recklessness, the entrepreneur loves risk. Instead of delusions, the entrepreneur imagines a product that sounds so compelling that it inspires people to bet their careers, or a lot of money, on something that doesn’t exists and may never sell.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/19/business/19entre.html?_r=1&src=me&ref=generallling that it inspires people to bet their careers, or a lot of money, on something that doesn’t exist and may never sell. lling that it inspires people to bet their careers, or a lot of money, on something that doesn’t exist and may never sell. lling that it inspires people to bet their careers, or a lot of money, on something that doesn’t exist and may never sell.

Local Rockford students & teachers attend America’s largest, Int'l Mfging Tech Show (IMTS)

2010-09-22T09:35:00.000-05:00

Six busloads…300 area students and teachers attended America’s largest, International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) at Chicago’s McCormick Place. TechWorks, a manufacturing training facility located in the EIGERlab assisted in both efforts to bring students to IMTS and sponsored a booth. Please see the attached ...media coverage link with additional ones to follow. Thank you to Rockford Register Star, WIFR and WREX for their media coverage.
http://www.rrstar.com/insight/x998862861/Manufacturing-is-not-boring-grimy
http://www.wifr.com/economy/headlines/103013574.html
http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=13158865

2010-09-13T12:50:00.001-05:00

Rockford Register Star, Sept. 11
ROCKFORD — New owners are working to reinvent EIGERlab as a business incubator and accelerator that will grow entrepreneurship and employment in the region.

http://www.rrstar.com/news/x907386149/New-owners-to-reinvent-EIGERlab

2010-09-13T12:48:00.001-05:00

Rockford Register Star, Sept. 9
Rock River Valley manufacturers to tout their wares at Chicago show
ROCKFORD — More than a dozen area companies are planning to be part of more than 1,100 firms exhibiting at next week’s International Manufacturing Technology Show, one of the industry’s largest trade shows.

http://www.rrstar.com/businessrockford/x863085694/Rock-River-Valley-manufacturers-to-tout-their-wares

2010-08-27T16:04:00.001-05:00

New York Times, Aug. 25

“Some Business Skills to Go With the Passion”

...But is the rise of the entrepreneurial role model just the latest self-help fad? Or is there real substance to the concept of entrepreneurship? Can it be studied and learned? There seems to be no shortage of effort. Courses in entrepreneurship are now offered by more than 1,200 American universities, and by thousands more organizations including community colleges, small-business development centers and chambers of commerce…

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/26/education/26ENTREPRENEUR.html?ref=education

Brad Harrison to be on BBC America!

2010-06-30T13:03:00.001-05:00

Brad Harrison of Harrison Harmonica will be featured tonight in a BBC World News America segment, “Rustbelt America” along with Ingersoll Machine Tools and Rockford, IL. The segment highlights “towns that are picking up—reviving.” The segment will be featured during the hour-long show on Comcast, channel 173 at 6 p.m.

FastPitch Reflections

2010-06-25T11:29:00.000-05:00

Fast Pitch Reflections

June 23rd, 2010 at 11:00am Bob Trojan

Last night, I attended the annual FastPitch competition and listened to the final 10 entrepreneurs make their 3 minute “pitch”. As I sat listening and watching, I couldn’t help reflect back on my own situation 10 years ago when I started my company, Rockford Linear Actuation, Inc. along with 2 colleagues.

I had some advantage over those last night; I knew the market and customers, our product was accepted in the marketplace and I had good knowledgeable employees to carry us forward.

Was there risk? Sure. It unfolded within 15 months of start-up and it took 3 years to resolve.

Did I have to put my house up for loan collateral? You bet (loans were paid off on time!)

Did we go through the 2009 “Big Recession? Sure and we’re still alive by taking the actions necessary.

What I saw last night were 10 entrepreneurs who want to see their idea develop into a business and be proud of their accomplishment. Their road will be filled with some tough times ahead.

As Dan Cataldi from the Eigerlab said to the group, “don’t quit; even though you don’t win the money tonight, you’re not a loser. If you quit, that’s when you become a loser”

Congratulations to all…..and don’t quit!

http://blogs.e-rockford.com/manufacturing/2010/06/23/fast-pitch-reflections/

Ice ax entrepreneur picked as Stateline FastPitch winner

2010-06-23T13:52:00.002-05:00

The Stateline FastPitch Competition on Tuesday honored its youngest and first female winner in Katrina Epperson, whose work with her father in developing an ergonomically designed ice ax for mountain climbing impressed contest judges and potential investors.

http://www.rrstar.com/businessrockford/x696771133/Ice-ax-entrepreneur-picked-as-best-at-FastPitch

Breakfast Buzz

2010-06-12T15:35:00.002-05:00

Steve Robinson, Regional Development Director-Illinois for Constant Contact
Presents "Five Keys to E-mail Marketing".
Sponsored by RSM McGladrey, Inc.
Wednesday, June 9 - 7:30-9:30 a.m.
In the EIGERlab Auditorium, 605 Fulton Ave., Rockford

Artist's Residency at Eigerlab.

2010-06-03T21:57:00.003-05:00

Artist's Residency at Eigerlab. May 21-June 20, 2010.

University of Illinois, Springfield Visual Arts Professor Mike Miller and University of Oregon Ceramics Professor Brian Gillis will be in residence at the Rockford engineering/ business incubator developing new projects using 3-D scanning and printing equipment in the fabrication lab.

FastPitch on WREX Channel 13

2010-05-25T11:58:00.001-05:00

Check out Sherry Pritz talking about the upcoming FastPitch Competition on WREX Channel 13 Rockford.

Click Here to Watch!!

FastPitch contest brings success for entrepreneurs

2010-05-11T12:04:00.001-05:00

Brad Harrison of Harrison Harmonicas has become a poster boy of sorts for FastPitch, convincing budding entrepreneurs that they can be successful, too…

http://www.rrstar.com/multimedia/galleries/x2084235263/FastPitch-contest-brings-success-for-entrepreneurs

Making harmonicas of note in Rockford

2010-04-02T15:06:00.004-05:00

Tiny startup company targets professional players

By Colleen Mastony, Tribune reporter
March 21, 2010

He had poured his life savings and the better part of 10 years into the development of the small, nickel-plated harmonica. Years of research, months of false starts, dozens of failed prototypes, countless nights of sleeping on the floor at the office.

"Everything comes together at this moment," said Brad Harrison, a wiry 40-year-old with salt-and-pepper-hair, standing at the end of his makeshift assembly line in Rockford. He tightened a few screws, snapped on the cover plate and then took a moment to admire the harmonica, with its handsome dark-wood comb and aerodynamic design.

He whispered goodbye to the instrument, and gave it a gentle kiss.

With that, Harrison had put the finishing touch on the 33rd instrument manufactured by Rockford-based Harrison Harmonicas, a fledgling company which last month became the only harmonica production facility in the United States.

"Everyone is talking about these harmonicas," said Howard Levy, an Evanston resident widely acknowledged as one of the world's most accomplished harmonica players.

So far, Harrison's B-Radicals have been rolling off the six-man assembly line at a frustratingly slow pace; sometimes just one or two harmonicas are produced in a day. But the first shipments are significant, not only because they are American-made, but also because Harrison's design features replaceable reeds, a detail that, in the harmonica world, marks a profound change.

Marketing his instrument as the Steinway of harmonicas and targeting professional players who have long complained about the inconsistent quality of standard, mass-produced instruments, Harrison hopes to ship 5,000 harmonicas this year and, as production ramps up, generate jobs in Illinois. But his task has been far from easy.

Harmonica production is an exacting business, requiring highly precise machinery. Even the slightest variation can have a catastrophic effect on sound. All of which has resulted in a flurry of false notes in a corner of a repurposed warehouse where workers frequently burst into blues riffs to test the latest instrument coming off the production line and where parts of rejected harmonicas pile high.

On a recent day, the reed-machine had once again gone haywire, bringing production to a standstill. Harrison took a deep breath. "It used to drive me nuts," he said. "Now when things are good I just say, ‘That's what I expected.' And when things go bad I say, ‘We'll figure it out.' "

What Harrison is trying to figure out is a problem that dates back to the origins of the instrument. Invented in the 1800s and first mass-produced in Germany, the harmonica was designed to play simple, major-key folk tunes. By the turn of the 20th century, it had become a popular everyman's instrument, in large part because it was easy to master, portable and inexpensive, then selling for as little as 25 cents.

But in the American South, players began experimenting with the sound, pioneering new techniques that expanded the instrument's range and developing the intense, soulful wailing that is now a hallmark. The harmonica became a driving force in blues music and, in clubs on the South Side of Chicago, a central component of what became known as the "Chicago Sound."

By the 1990s, professional harmonica players were tackling more technically difficult material. And increasingly, they turned to custom craftsmen, who took the bodies of mass-produced harmonicas, corrected the flaws and fine-tuned the sound, enabling players to achieve unprecedented levels of musical achievement.

The fact that mass-produced harmonicas were designed to be inexpensive, disposable instruments had always irritated Harrison. A waiter working in Chicago, he had started playing harmonica in 1995 and later taught himself how to customize the instrument. After hitting on several design innovations, he established himself as a respected customizer, selling his instruments to Bruce Willis — he still has Willis' canceled check — and to Bono, he says, among others. A Japanese company offered to buy his design for about $300,000, he says. But Harrison balked at the deal and ultimately decided to start his own factory.

In 2007, he began spending his free time approaching machine shops, metallurgy experts and manufacturing plants. After a year, he ended up at EIGERlab, a business incubator in Rockford. Daniel J. Cataldi, director of EIGERlab, liked that Harrison's idea involved manufacturing, an industry that the incubator was trying to resuscitate in Rockford.

But Cataldi was also intrigued by the iconic nature of the harmonica. "It's a product that makes people smile," he said. Cataldi gave the project his backing, offering office space, equipment and business expertise.

It took eight months to develop machinery and two years to produce a decent harmonica. Harrison blew through $150,000 of his own savings, maxed out five credit cards and spent most nights sleeping at the office.

"I would see him in the morning and he would be putting away his sleeping bag," recalled Mark Tingley, an EIGERlab engineer.

This winter, the B-radicals finally began to sing. Selling the harmonicas for $180 each, compared with $40 to $80 for a mass-produced model and $200 to $300 for a customized one, Harrison delivered his first shipment in February.

Among harmonica enthusiasts, those instruments are considered "a really big deal," according to Levy, the virtuoso who lives in Evanston. Though custom craftsmen have long adjusted the bodies and parts of mass-produced instruments, "no one has ever made a harmonica where they've designed these improvements into the manufacturing process," Levy said. Harrison's primary innovation, the replaceable reeds, is expected to extend the life of the instrument.

Musicians who have played the first B-Radicals seem to be giving them good-to-glowing reviews. One of several musicians contacted by the Tribune, Jason Ricci, 36, a blues player from Nashville, gushed that the instrument "responds faster and easier than any harmonica I've ever played." Sandy Weltman, 53, a player from St. Louis, said he too has been impressed, but is waiting to see how the instrument performs at a gig, which he called "the real test."

Back in Rockford, Harrison is still working out the kinks in his manufacturing process. On a recent afternoon, the assembly line shut down while the company's chief operating officer rushed to the hardware store to buy a new part for a compressor.

After the machines were running again, Harrison sat down in the tuning room to test the two instruments scheduled to be shipped that day.

He put a harmonica to his lips and played a quick, jazzy tune. Piles of rejected reeds were scattered on the tables around him. He swayed and tapped his foot.

When he finished, he smiled with satisfaction and said: "We hit every note."

cmastony@tribune.com

Copyright © 2010, Chicago Tribune

Find article here.

Local Inventor Funnels Ideas into Reality

2010-04-02T15:03:00.005-05:00

"No more mess, no more spills," that's the promise a local man is making with his invention, created right here in our own back yard.

The Jugbuddy is a funnel that stands on its own three legs, giving do-it-your-selfers an extra hand; avoiding the frustrations normal funnels may cause.

It's the brain child of local inventor Ed Foster, and was made possible with help from the EigerLab. Foster was able to make a 3D model of his project at the lab and then prototype it, making his dream a reality.

The Jugbuddy retails for just under ten dollars, you can find it in 37 local hardware stores, or head to jugbuddy.com to get one of your own.

Find article here.

EIGERlab Strengthened As It Becomes Part of Rockford Area Economic Development Council;

2010-04-02T13:10:00.003-05:00

Can Help More Businesses with Advanced Technology Support;
Rock Valley College to Manage Programs at EIGERlab

For Immediate Release

December 21, 2009, Rockford, Illinois -

EIGERlab, the entrepreneurship center for advanced technology located at 605 Fulton Avenue, will become part of the Rockford Area Economic Development Council (RAEDC). This can help even more Rockford-area companies become successful entrepreneurs and grow their business.

The action was announced at a news conference held today at EIGERlab by representatives of EIGERlab, RAEDC and Rock Valley College (RVC). The RAEDC intends to assume the assets from the parent company of EIGERlab, Rockford Area Ventures (RAV), and to provide strategic direction and marketing for the entrepreneurship center. RAEDC intends to contract program management to RVC.

It was also announced that RAEDC and RAV have signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The two groups are conducting due diligence to determine if the asset transfer can take place. The process is expected to take about two months. As part of the process, RAEDC has applied for a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit status for a new entity named Rockford Area Strategic Initiatives (RASI). The assets of RAV will be transferred to RASI. A second Memorandum of Understanding was also signed between RAEDC and RVC to develop the contract for program management. Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP are assisting RAEDC with the transactions.

Upon completion of the proposed transfer, the RAV board of directors will be dissolved and the programs and services of EIGERlab will continue with direction from RAEDC and programming by RVC. The strategic change includes TECHWORKS Training Center, located at EIGERlab, which has recently expanded training and certification opportunities for companies from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS). The institute is the nation's only American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-accredited developer of precision manufacturing skill standards and competency assessments. NIMS certifies individual skills against standards and accredits programs that meet its quality requirement. NIMS stakeholders represent more than 6,000 American companies.

EIGERlab Client Pleased
Brad Harrison, founder of Harrison Harmonicas, the only harmonicas made 100 percent in the United States, said, "I'm very pleased at this news, that EIGERlab is now part of the Rockford Area Economic Development Council. This will assist EIGERlab and the many services that are here to continue. They are a big help to businesses like me that want to grow but sometimes need technical help."

Harrison is currently "incubating" at EIGERlab, after receiving assistance by many EIGERlab programs and services, including Rapid Prototyping, Rock Valley College, Northern Illinois University and more. He won first place in the 2008 FastPitch competition on entrepreneurial potential sponsored by the Rock River Valley Entrepreneurship Center at EIGERlab." Harrison chose to stay in Rockford after 11 communities in six states recruited him after he won the 2008 State of Illinois Innovation contest. He chose Rockford because he could not find EIGERlab's equivalent services anywhere else.

Collaboration Key to Nurturing Startups
RAV Board Chairman Don Thayer said, "Some time ago we identified the RAEDC as an organization that could provide the strategic alliance and support we wanted. To have Rock Valley College also involved makes this partnership even stronger." Thayer was recently named chief executive officer of Illinois Growth Enterprises.

RAEDC President Janyce Fadden said, "The three organizations are very excited about this collaboration as it will allow EIGERlab to continue its important work for our community's fledgling entrepreneurs and small businesses, but with the formal support of two long-established institutions. I know that the future will see the three groups working even more closely together. We see this as creating new opportunities for our community's economic vitality. This should accelerate job creation for entrepreneurs and thus for our region."

RAEDC's incoming Board Chair Bill Roop, who led the task force exploring the merger possibility, said, "Supporting the existing businesses in our community is one of our main goals. By making sure that EIGERlab is in a strong position to do what it does well, supporting new and growing businesses that have advanced technology capabilities is an important way to improve the economic strength of our community."

Rock Valley College President Dr. Jack Becherer added, "What Rock Valley College will provide will be a natural extension of what we currently offer at EIGERlab, enabling us to reach more entrepreneurs at an important point of their startup or growth phase. I know the community will benefit from this type of resource consolidation."

ABOUT THE RAEDC
The primary role of the Rockford Area Economic Development Council is to enhance wealth creation in the Rockford Region by marketing the area and helping employers retain and create quality jobs. The RAEDC works closely with many partners to serve as a one-stop resource for clients, to improve the competitiveness of the region, and to engage the community in the work of economic development.

ABOUT THE EIGERlab
Created in 2004, EIGERlab is a research and development center that champions and studies advanced technologies. It also provides startup assistance for entrepreneurs and incubator space in the facility, 605 Fulton Avenue, Rockford. In 2009 TECHWORKS training center was added to the family of services at EIGERlab.

ABOUT ROCK VALLEY COLLEGE
Rock Valley College is a two-year community college in Rockford that serves 7,500 students in six counties. It also holds continuing education classes at more than 50 sites throughout its district and operates employment and training programs at another facility.

For More Information
Janyce Fadden, RAEDC President
815.987.8118
mailto:jfadden@rockfordil.com
http://www.rockfordil.com/

Don Thayer, RAV Board Chair
Illinois Growth Enterprises, Inc.
815.962.8333
dthayer@illinoisgrowth.com
http://www.eigerlab.org/

Dr. Jack Becherer, Rock Valley College President
815.921.4001
mailto:j.becherer@rockvalleycollege.edu
http://www.rockvalleycollege.edu/

RAEDC agrees take over EIGERlab parent group

2010-04-02T13:07:00.002-05:00

By Jeff Kolkey

RRSTAR.COM

ROCKFORD —

The Rockford Area Economic Development Council would absorb Rockford Area Ventures, which runs the EIGERlab manufacturing training, innovation and entrepreneurial center, under an agreement that is to be announced this afternoon.

RAEDC President Janyce Fadden said that bringing Rockford Area Ventures under the umbrella of the economic development group is part of an effort to better leverage local resources and sustain a program that has seen more than large investments from state and federal sources.

“It puts under one roof services that businesses need so that EIGERlab isn’t thought of only for startups,” Fadden said. “It’s also for existing businesses, and through the Voice of the Customer surveys we can use our marketing strengths to promote services at EIGERlab.”

EIGERlab, 605 Fulton Ave., is a research and development center that champions and researches advanced manufacturing technologies. Services are offered that help entrepreneurs advance their ideas through everything from strategic and business planning to financing and marketing.

Rockford Area Ventures was the idea of Jon Lundin to create a business incubator and research center. The civic leader and historian died in May 2007.

Researchers from the University of Illinois, Northern Illinois University and Northwestern University use the lab to test advanced technology. The labs also include advanced machinery that can create prototypes at high speeds for entrepreneurs in the early stage of manufacturing.
EIGERlab added Techworks this year, a training center offering certification by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills.

Fadden said that what is being announced today is a pair of memorandums of understanding that will create a framework for the RAEDC to partner with Rock Valley College to run programming at the lab as the economic development organization acquires the assets of Rockford Area Ventures.

“We are a sales, marketing and economic development office, and we are not resourced to run programming,” Fadden said. “Programming is what Rock Valley College does very well, and so this is creating a very strong collaboration in the community to leverage the strengths of Rock Valley College and RAEDC to make sure the work that Rockford Area Ventures started doesn’t just stay in the community, but grows.”

Staff writer Jeff Kolkey can be reached at jkolkey@rrstar.com or at 815-987-1374.

Find article here.

RAEDC gains strength through teamwork

2010-04-02T13:04:00.004-05:00

ROCKFORD (WREX) - A new partnership could bring more jobs to Rockford. EIGERlab announced on Monday that it will become part of the Rockford Area Economic Development Council.

Rockford Area Ventures is also on track to hand over its assets to RAEDC, which hopes to use the extra resources to bring in new companies and encourage current ones to grow. "We certainly are looking for ways to expand the services that are here, to put more of our efforts on the front line of serving clients," said RAEDC President Janyce Fadden.

Rockford Area Ventures says it pursued the deal because it did not make sense to duplicate services. It wanted to take things to a new level, even if that meant turning things over to another group. "We couldn't be more delighted that RAEDC has taken up our offer," said RAV Board Chair Don Thayer.

Thayer says the RAV deal should be complete by the end of January.

Find article here.

EIGERlab & NBIA

2010-04-02T12:04:00.002-05:00

EIGERlab is a member of the National Business Incubation Association (NBIA) who is the world's leading organization advancing business incubation and entrepreneurship.