Ben Franklin Technology Partners Releases Its 2008 Annual Report
The ups and downs of our economy may feel like a roller-coaster ride, but history shows that we will bounce back. Now, more than ever, it is crucial for Ben Franklin Technology Partners (BFTP) to continue its proven approach to building the state’s economy, focusing on the entrepreneur as the ultimate engine of economic growth. Technology and innovation will move our economy forward and help lift us out of economic uncertainty.
During periods of extensive layoffs, former employees find themselves looking for the next opportunity—which often entails starting their own business. In fact, according to a recent Business Week article, 18 of the 30 current Dow Jones Industrial index companies were launched during economic downturns. Clearly, opportunities abound for the entrepreneur today, particularly in the fast-growing alternative and clean energy arena.
In 2008, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed a $665.9 million energy independence initiative that includes $40 million over four years for BFTP to spur development of alternative and clean energy technologies. Meanwhile, we announced a new funding initiative for alternative and clean energy technologies made possible through a $250,000 grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration. More than 100 companies responded to our call for proposals—concrete evidence that Pennsylvania’s entrepreneurs are eager for new challenges.
As a statewide network, we pool our collective expertise to develop the best possible strategies and solutions for contributing to the growth of our clients—who succeed not only at the regional and state levels, but many of them internationally as well.
Our pledge, as it has been for more than 25 years, is to continually move the Commonwealth’s technology agenda forward. Thank you for your ongoing support of this important work.
Stephen Brawley
President and CEO, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central & Northern PA
Richard R. Lunak
President and CEO, Innovation Works/Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southwestern PA
R. Chadwick Paul, Jr.
President and CEO, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern PA
RoseAnn B. Rosenthal
President and CEO, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern PA
Download the BFTP 2008-2009 annual report (PDF format; 1.1 MB file)
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