grow

How can a community tap into the talent and passion of its best and brightest citizens … to grow the economy? The goal of GROW is to help a community advance its economic development “ecosystem,” empowering a city or county to quickly adapt to changing technologies and grow economically. We hold quarterly web-based gatherings, exploring a new area of technology each time, to give your community the opportunity to connect, build new relationships, and pursue specific proposals for development in your area. Four events are planned:

Additive Manufacturing (December 1 -2, 2020)

Advances in Textiles (February 3 - 4, 2020)

Environmental Technologies (May 12 - 13, 2021)

Marine and Aviation Innovations (August 4 - 5, 2021)

We begin by recruiting 100 of your best and brightest citizens to attend — buyers, entrepreneurs, investors, technical experts and civic leaders. Using web video and break out rooms, we provide a series of presentations from experts, then engage your group in a focused discussion about the applications and opportunities for your city.

  • Who has experience in this area?

  • What is already being done in this community?

  • Who would be an interested buyer?

  • Who might have an interest in investing?

  • What is our next step as an economic community?

  • Who would be willing to lead an effort?

We facilitate the dialogue — driving to specific proposals and next steps.


Planned Sessions


December 1-2, 2020

Additive Manufacturing

Welcome & Presentations — 9 - 11 am PST December 1, 2020

Community Discussion — 2 - 4 pm PST December 1, 2020

Community Planning — December 2, 2020


 

An Overview of Additive Manufacturing Approaches

Caleb Christenson, Business Development Manager, FORECAST3D

FORECAST provides Industrial 3D printing services, short-run manufacturing, and high volume output for prototype and production parts across all industries.


 
maine.gif

Large-Scale Advanced Structures and Composites

James Anderson, Senior R&D Program Manager, Advanced Structures and Composites Center, University of Maine, Orono, ME

The UMaine Composites Center built a 3D Printer that has “printed” items as large as a boat, receiving three Guinness World Records.


 
usc.gif

Additive Manufacturing in Construction

Berok Khoshnevis, CEO of Contour Crafting, and Professor in Engineering, University of Southern California

Dr. Khoshvnenis is an international pioneer in the use of 3D printers for constructing buildings.


 
Thermwood.gif

Large Scale Commercial 3D Printers

Rick Neff, CEO, Rick Neff, LLC. and Consultant to Thermwood

Thermwood builds industrial “Near Net Shape” composite additive manufacturing machines that can print and trim on the same machine.


February 3-4, 2020

advances in textiles


Welcome & Presentations — 9 - 11 am PST February 3, 2020

Community Discussion — 2 - 4 pm PST February 3, 2020

Community Planning — February 4, 2020


 

Material Science in the Development of New Fabrics

John Jeanneret, Business Development Leader, NuMat Technologies®

NuMat is an innovative material science company–founded by a team of chemists, engineers and energy experts–working to improve energy efficiency.


 
ennis.gif

High Tech Fabrics for the Marine Industry

Kirk Reiniger Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Ennis Fabrics

Ennis Fabrics is a B2B Wholesale Fabric and Supplies Distributor


 

Ecological Innovations in The Production of Fabrics

Steve Madsen: CEO & Cofounder, Tersus Solutions

TERSUS® Solutions by CO2 Nexus TERSUS uses liquid carbon dioxide instead of water to manufacture and clean technical textiles. The process not only saves water, but uses less energy and fewer chemicals. And the textiles and garments last longer and perform better.