ATHENS AREA TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL: LAUNCH PARTY ANNOUNCEMENT

The Athens Area Technology Council (AATC) and its founding members invite the
local technology community to network with like-minded individuals, businesses and
organizations at this FREE introductory meeting. Whether you are an entrepreneur
hoping to launch a new technology, an established leader in a tech-driven business,
a student of new media or a tech expert looking for opportunities-- the AATC Launch
Party on February 13th, is the place to be.

When: Thursday, February 13: 5PM to 7:30PM
Where: Mercury Art Works Studio, 225 W. Clayton St., Downtown Athens
 What: Network and Register, 5:00-5:30; Panel Discussion, 5:30-6:30; Q & A, 6:30-
7:30

This free event will provide the opportunity to: network with other tech-savvy
individuals; hear from a panel of tech experts; and learn more about how to get
involved in the development of this dynamic group by becoming a member and by
submitting contact information to the AATC Member Directory. Local businesses will
also have the opportunity to learn more about sponsorship of the AATC and future
events. Mercury Art Works has generously donated space for the Launch Party, and
the AATC Steering Committee will provide refreshments.

Attendees of the Launch Party will have the opportunity to participate in an
interactive panel discussion about the role technology business plays in sustaining
and improving our quality of life in Athens.  The panel’s entrepreneurs and
community leaders will also discuss the history of Athens’ growing technology and
biotechnology industries. Speakers include Drew Page (Clarke County Economic
Development Foundation), Michael Rainer (Exploration Resources, Inc.) and
Margaret Wagner-Dahl (University of Georgia Research Foundation’s Commercial
Alliances Program). The panel will be moderated by Dr. Scott Shamp (New Media
Institute).

The Athens Area Technology Council is a membership organization founded in
2002 to bring value to Athens and its surrounding communities by offering a venue
in which to:
 *Promote and network existing and emerging technology companies and
opportunities
 *Promote the Athens area as a vital hi-tech and biotech center of industry
 *Educate the community at-large about the positive impact of technology on the
Athens area

Members of the AATC Steering Committee include representatives from: Small
Business Development Center, Economic Development Foundation, Athens New
Media Synergy Center,  Georgia BioBusiness Center,  New Media Institute, Terry
College of Business, Mercury Art Works, Athens Banner Herald, Galis-Kimbrough,
Digital Insight, Exploration Resources, Viasta, Radical Logistics, Network Genomics
and Athens Downtown Development Authority. Come to the Launch Party to add
your organization to this ever-growing list of AATC members!