Ben Franklin Technology Partners iXchange values ​​innovation – Daily Local

Innovation was the theme of Ben Franklin Technology Partners ’annual iXchange event from northeastern Pennsylvania.

Participants gathered virtually for the May 18 event, which included the presentation of six awards for innovation to early-stage technology companies, prominent manufacturers and individuals who helped the organization develop the technology economy of northeastern Pennsylvania.

One of the winners was Peter Malinara, CEO and Chairman of Adhezion Biomedical Berks County. He received the Frederick J. Beste III Partnership Award, which is given to a person whose “strong vision, dedication and commitment have helped Ben Franklin Technology Partners achieve their goals”.

Angela Valletta, President and CEO of Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeast Pennsylvania, linked her opening remarks to the theme of the event – “Innovators; Past, Present and Future ”- saying that innovation is very important for the work of Ben Franklin Technology Partners.

“We are increasingly seeing the importance of innovation to accelerate growth, mitigate the downsides of this growth and address crises and improve the human condition,” Valletta said. “Innovation and technology also create high-paying jobs that support the well-being of the family.”

He added that over the past two years, Ben Franklin’s clients have applied technology quickly and efficiently to solve problems.

“From biotech companies that develop vaccines and tests, to telemedicine providers that facilitate remote medicine, to training platforms that allow home learning and more,” said Valletta, adding that by creating and maintaining good jobs, Ben’s customers Franklin Technology Partners are the foundation of a strong regional economy.

Ben Franklin Technology Partners invests and supports companies in job creation and retention, and encourages economic growth in northeastern Pennsylvania, according to information on the organization’s website.

Valletta said that since its inception in 1983, the organization is usually in the top 5% of the most active investors in the United States

“In 2021 alone, we worked with about 400 companies and helped clients create or maintain more than 7,300 jobs in northeastern Pennsylvania,” he said.

The Innovation Awards are presented each year to companies or individuals who, with funding and assistance from Ben Franklin Partners, have succeeded in business and helped others succeed or improve their business through innovation, said Wayne Barz, Director of Information Companies at Ben Franklin Partners.

“In every aspect of his 18-year relationship with Ben Franklin Technology Partners Pete Malinara has been a productive, passionate and generous resource. He has served on Ben Franklin’s board since 2003 and has helped form, conduct and represent Ben Franklin’s Greater Reading Medical Devices Group, which seeks to build synergies in Berks County for the development of this lucrative sector, ”said Connie Faylor, Regional Manager, Greater Reading Company. Schuylkill Ben Franklin Technology Partners, presenting Malinar with the Frederick J. Beste III Partnership Award.

She added that thanks to her entrepreneurial and corporate experience, Malinara brings in-depth experience in medical devices and biotechnology, and has led Surgical Specialties Corp. and Adhezion Biomedical, both in Reading. She said he volunteered his time, energy and experience to advise and guide clients of Ben Franklin and other entrepreneurs.

Malinara said he saw the value of Ben Franklin Technology Partners for the community.

“And in many cases, I’ve really seen Ben Franklin’s networking resources and know-how in transforming outdated, inefficient manufacturing processes into modern systems and even dreams come true,” he said while accepting the award.

Malinara has represented Ben Franklin on the Greater Reading Economic Partnership Steering Committee, on the Tower Health and Greater Reading Chamber Alliance boards, and on various boards and committees with Alvernia, Albright and Penn State Universities.

The following are other winners of the Innovation Award:

• The Entrepreneurship Achievement Award was presented to MXTR Automation, Williamsport, Mickey Moose, Co-Founder, President; Founder Joe Maura, Director of Product Development.

• R. Chadwick Paul Jr. Award. The Incubator Graduate Award was presented to US Specialty Formulations LLC, Bethlehem, Dr. Kyle Flanigan, Founder and CEO.

• The Product Innovation Award was presented to the founder of American Paper Bag, Sugar Notch, Jan Robson.

• The Award for Innovative Application of Technology was presented to Tower Products Inc., Easton, Rick Principate, CEO.

• The Manufacturing Achievement Award was presented to United Gilsonite Laboratories, Dunmore, David Jolie, Vice President of Manufacturing and Distribution.

After the presentations, participants had the opportunity to participate in chats with innovators, including three of Ben Franklin’s clients, including two former Innovation Award winners.

Ben Franklin’s technology partners Northeast Pennsylvania are part of a four-center economic development initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and funded by Ben Franklin’s Office of Technology Development.