A leader of an influential semiconductor trade association will deliver a keynote address at the second annual Saratoga County Prosperity Summit to be held Thursday, Nov. 16 at the Saratoga Springs City Center.
With a theme of “Exploring the Next Wave of Opportunity for Saratoga County,” the event will also feature comments from CEOs of top technology firms with a presence and impact in the region.
Jodi Shelton, co-founder, president and board director of the Global Semiconductor Alliance (GSA) will speak to attendees about the significant impact and importance of the region’s technology sector, led by the continued growth of GlobalFoundries and its Fab 8 advanced manufacturing facility in Malta.
She will also discuss emerging trends in the worldwide semiconductor market, and highlight opportunities for businesses in Tech Valley and across the Northeast to capitalize on the integration of computer chip technology in nearly every industry.
“We are delighted to welcome Jodi Shelton, a recognized and respected leader in the global semiconductor industry,” said Marty Vanags, president of the Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership. “Her perspective will provide vital insight that is perfectly aligned with our focus: ensuring that businesses and the regional economy are well prepared for the next wave of semiconductor-driven economic opportunity and growth.”
Shelton co-founded GSA in 1994. With offices in the United States, Switzerland, Taiwan and China, the alliance represents more than 400 member companies throughout 35 countries, which combine for more than 75 percent of industry revenues.
Shelton has recruited the participation of industry-leading CEOs and executives from top companies—including Qualcomm, NVIDIA, Infineon, TSMC, Samsung and Spreadtrum—to support the efforts of GSA, which has made a significant impact on the industry and played a vital role with the emergence and worldwide adoption of the fabless business model.
Also delivering keynotes at the event are Rick Whitney, CEO of M+W Americas and Greg Moran, president and CEO of OutMatch. Under Whitney’s leadership. M+W has built high-tech facilities around the world and across the region, including at GlobalFoundries and SUNY Poly.
He will discuss “The Resurgence of U.S.-based Electronics Manufacturing: What it Means to the Capital Region.” Moran secured a $36-million venture capital investment to enable the merger of Chequed.com, launched in Saratoga Springs, and Assess Systems to create OutMatch, a leader in applying predictive analytics and workforce data to help companies hire, retain, and develop great talent. He will speak on “Using Predictive and Actionable Workforce Analytics to Build a World-Class Team.”
The summit, which is open to the public, will also feature a pair of panel discussions:
• “Smart Cities: How Infrastructure, the Internet of Things (IoT) and Big Data Intersect to Drive Next-Generation Communities,” with confirmed panelists Chris Covell, president, SmartWatt Energy; Tony Civitella, CEO, Transfinder; and Michelle Madigan, finance commissioner, City of Saratoga Springs.
• “Building the Ecosystem – What a Technology Startup Needs to be Successful,” with confirmed panelists Peter Kalish from GE R&D and SCORE; Nick Mesiti, patent attorney and partner at Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti P.C.; and John Schneiter of Free Form Fibres
For more information, including details on registration and sponsorship opportunities, visit saratogapartnership.org/2017/10/prosperitysummit/.