Tennessee Technology Development Corporation CEO Eric Cromwell (at left) is making clear to all who will listen that -- notwithstanding the state's $5.4 million tranche and (finally) a firm grip on the leadership role in taking the state's knowledge sector to the proverbial "next level" -- he has set himself just a two-year horizon for making a difference. After several years of hovering over the tech target as a State employee, Cromwell is not only impatient to get on with tech-driven development; but, probably also realizes that he'll soon-enough spend what the state has coughed-up. Particularly given looming uncertainty about the economy and the identity and priorities of the next Governor, much if not all of TTDC's state funding will need to be replaced with federal and-or private-sector dough -- the kinds of grants, donations and sponsorships that will only materialize if TTDC can point to successes in pushing nascent tech companies along the development trail, recruiting new companies and cultivating existing tech business. And that, m'friends, is why it's worth noting today's story about the appointment of one Dan Schmisseur as Cromwell's first chief operating officer and strategist. Schmisseur has been close to tech and entrepreneurial initiatives in both Austin and Kansas. Read all about it here.
Friday, June 06, 2008
State's tech push gets fresh horse
Tennessee Technology Development Corporation CEO Eric Cromwell (at left) is making clear to all who will listen that -- notwithstanding the state's $5.4 million tranche and (finally) a firm grip on the leadership role in taking the state's knowledge sector to the proverbial "next level" -- he has set himself just a two-year horizon for making a difference. After several years of hovering over the tech target as a State employee, Cromwell is not only impatient to get on with tech-driven development; but, probably also realizes that he'll soon-enough spend what the state has coughed-up. Particularly given looming uncertainty about the economy and the identity and priorities of the next Governor, much if not all of TTDC's state funding will need to be replaced with federal and-or private-sector dough -- the kinds of grants, donations and sponsorships that will only materialize if TTDC can point to successes in pushing nascent tech companies along the development trail, recruiting new companies and cultivating existing tech business. And that, m'friends, is why it's worth noting today's story about the appointment of one Dan Schmisseur as Cromwell's first chief operating officer and strategist. Schmisseur has been close to tech and entrepreneurial initiatives in both Austin and Kansas. Read all about it here.
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