Launch Pad Defined

This is the best Tech
networking event I have ever seen. From all cities along the Spokane,
Liberty Lake Post Falls and CDA corridor, there were companies, schools,
VCs, Econ Dev., Mayors, Senators, service providers, etc.

Bill Kalivas, from Launchpad productions, puts this on. From 4-6 there was a
VC panel and Q&A. Then from 6-9:30, food and bevs served and networking.
Over 1200 people attended. Interspersed throughout the night were short
speeches, etc.

However, I wanted to put this out there to you all as food for thought as an
econ dev move for Montana.

Go to these links for more info: (Don’t worry, these are short paragraphs..5
mins tops.)
http://www.launchpadproduction.com/media.php?op=show&id=5
http://www.launchpadproduction.com/launchpad.php
http://www.launchpadproduction.com/events.php

Katie C. Matthias
Technology Practice Manager
Payne Financial Group, Inc.
145 W. Front St.
P.O. Box 3327
Missoula, MT 59806
Direct: 406.532.5921
Toll Free: 888.848.2910
Cell: 406.370.2797
Fax: 406-721-4241
[email protected]

Launch Pad is an association of technology and
business leaders that strive to build awareness of
Spokane’s high-tech community and hope to
ultimately help attract technology business to the
region.

Members of the technology and biotech community
have supported Launch Pad events from the
beginning. In part, it’s because we’re different from
traditional economic development organizations or
networking events. Launch Pad is the region’s high-tech community coming together
and saying that we want to see Spokane grow—that the business community will help
drive our own success.

Last year’s events were incredible and we’re expecting even more companies to
demonstrate their products at 3.0, more people to attend and more great discussion
about the steps being taken to ensure our region’s high tech success.

If our region is to attract and foster high-technology business, the business community
needs to lead the effort. That’s why Launch Pad issues a challenge to area
businesses—we need people to step up to the plate and show the great work that’s
being done in our region! And did we mention that Launch Pad events are more fun
than any other business function you’ve ever been to

***

Contact:
Bill Kalivas, 509-953-3305
Launch Pad Productions
Andrei Mylroie, 509-444-2350
Desautel Hege Communications

The Latest Release: Launch Pad Version 3.0

Popular technology networking, social event to be held for first time in North Idaho
May 15th

(Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, April 15, 2002) – What do microbrews, high technology,
business attire and a resort atmosphere have in common? This May, they’ll all play a
part at the latest Launch Pad event, Launch Pad 3.0.

Launch Pad, the region’s best attended and most exciting technology networking,
social and product demonstration event, will extend beyond Spokane and hold its first
event in Coeur d’Alene on May 15th at 6 p.m. The first two Launch Pad events, which
surpassed attendance expectations, were held at the Holley Mason Building and the
most recently the Fox Theatre, both located in downtown Spokane.

Also prior to Launch Pad 3.0 will be a unique venture capital rally, held in
collaboration with the Entrepreneurs Forum of the Greater Northwest, Jobs Plus and
the Spokane Economic Development Council, will be held beginning at 4:00 p.m.

In addition, a new and exciting award—The 2001 Launch Pad Entrepreneur of the
Year—will be announced. This annual award will recognize the Inland Northwest’s
outstanding technology innovator. Criteria for the honor include the innovative use of
technology in the workplace as well as support of the technology community. The
successful candidate will be selected by a diverse committee including
representatives from EFGN, Technet, SIRTI, INTEC, and regional EDC and Chamber
members.

“There are so many great companies with tremendous potential in North Idaho, and
this is a chance to shine the spotlight on them and show the collaboration that exists
here in the Inland Northwest,” said Bill Kalivas, one of the founding members of
Launch Pad Productions and the Vice-President of Information Technology for
INTEC.

Launch Pad 3.0, to be held at the Coeur d’Alene resort, will be the third Launch Pad
event since its inception in early 2001. More than 1,000 people from throughout
North Idaho and the greater Spokane area are expected to attend the free affair. The
Coeur d’Alene Resort is the event’s main sponsor and host.

According to Bob Potter from JobsPlus, north Idaho’s economic development
organization, Launch Pad is a perfect way for businesses to build awareness and to
bring more exposure to the region’s healthy technology economy.

“North Idaho’s technology economy is growing rapidly,” Potter said. “This will be a
great opportunity for the region to see what we have to offer, and for us to create
enduring ties between businesses in Idaho and in Spokane.”

“North Idaho obviously has a strong technology sector,” said Steve Wheeler, Manager
of Blue 541, a Hagadone Corporation advertising agency. “The technology
community wants to build awareness about what they’re doing and who they are. A
Launch Pad event is the perfect way to help do this.”

Companies sponsoring and exhibiting at Launch Pad 3.0 include: C2 Bandwidth,
The Coeur d’Alene Resort, Cerium Networks, Cisco Systems, Civic Minded Media,
Contineo Technologies, E3 Technology, Gonzaga Leadership Prog., ICM Asset
Management, Itronix, Northwest Venture Associates, Paine Hamblen, Payne
Financial Group, Productivity Point, Riverstone Development, SIRTI, The Delta
Group, TriGeo Network Security, University of Idaho -Research Park, World Wide
Packets, Qwest, Technet, Class 101, the Information Technology Academy (ITA) and
EFGN. Media sponsors include KXLY and the Journal of Business.

A few sponsorship and display opportunities are still available, if interested go to
http://www.launchpadproduction.com/events.php and download the sponsorship pdf
or contact Kara Dixon with Launch Pad Productions at 509-747-7905.

Students and anyone else interested in learning more about these companies and
meeting some of the top technology professionals in the region are encouraged to
attend. Additionally, some regional college faculty members will be on hand to
discuss their respective technology, engineering and entrepreneurial programs.

Rob Brewster, Bill Kalivas and Elizabeth Byrd founded Launch Pad Productions in
early 2002. Launch Pad Productions specializes in producing fun, dynamic events
that offer innovative ways to promote ideas. A recent notable Launch Pad
Productions project includes Co-Producer and Promoter of the “The Dan Dickau
Song” which reached nationally recognized venues as such as ESPN Radio, Sports
Illustrated, Fox and CBS Sports and was downloadable on the ESPN and Gonzaga
University web-sites. More information about Launch Pad Productions is available at
http://www.launchpadproduction.com.