Organizers
Nicholas Bereza
@NECS_BerezaBio: Nicholas Bereza is a computer scientist and an educator. In 2002 he founded NE Computer Solutions that now provides technical consulting, services, and products to many clients throughout the Northeastern United States. He has over a decades worth of experience developing innovative software and deploying system architectures for a variety of clients including the University of Connecticut and the University of New Haven. As an adjunct professor he has taught computer courses at Norwalk Community College, and critical infrastructure protection courses at the University of New Haven/Sandia National Lab join graduate program. Nick also provides continuing education through free seminars and courses ranging from computer security to system administration.
John Shemo
Bio: Vice President and Director of Economic Development for the MetroHartford Alliance focused on talent development, attraction and retention for the region. Dedicated to galvanizing and raising the profile of the region’s entrepreneur community to gain national exposure.
Julie Daly
@HartfordJDBio: Executive Director of HYPE (Hartford Young Professionals & Entrepreneurs), Julie works every day to help young professionals discover and appreciate the City of Hartford.
Clif Hirtle
@ClifhirtleBio: Manager of mobile/desktop development at UConn, Chair of Entrepreneur Committee at HYPE, & former Campus Representative for Apple. Currently working on several city projects, including a city event aggregating website (SocialHartford.com), historical podcast/cell phone tour system, and a real estate leasing website aimed to better connect renters and owners. I believe young entrepreneurship is the next era of business evolution and hope to assist HYPE & SW in any way possible to help bring that about.
Evan Goldstein
Bio: Evan Goldstein is a partner at the law firm of Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, P.C. Evan has experience in business law, creditors rights, commercial litigation, business bankruptcies and workouts. Evan and his law firm counsel numerous businesses and institutional investors, particularly in private equity, angel investing, venture capital financing, mezzanine financing, high technology and e-commerce, providing advice in debt and equity financings, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and strategic alliances, regulatory requirements, intellectual property rights, licensing and contract law. In addition UKS represents both mature and emerging growth companies in a variety of hi-tech enterprises, including software, information technology, clean technology and health care services. Attorney Goldstein received his J.D. from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Yeshiva University, New York, New York in 2000. He received his B.A. from University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont in 1995. Evan has been selected for inclusion on the 2009/2010 and 2010/2011 New England Rising Stars Super Lawyer list. The list features outstanding young lawyers in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine in the bankruptcy, creditors’ rights, business/corporate and business litigation practice areas.
Rick Mullins
Bio: Rick Mullins is the Executive Assistant to the President at Central CT State University. ITBD has been host to a mixed use business incubator since 1993 and has over 60 graduates. CCSU ITBD was inducted into the CT Business Hall of Fame in 2011 for its services in business incubation, event management and workforce development to the community and businesses statewide.
Camielle Griffiths
Bio: Camielle Griffiths is the Information Technology and Website Administrator for the MetroHartford Alliance.
Eileen Peltier
Bio: Eileen Peltier is the Senior Director of the Center for Professional Development (CPD) at the University of Hartford. Founded in 1968, its mission is to help individuals advance and businesses thrive. The CPD works with adults from across Connecticut and beyond to provide career counseling; professional development seminars, including certificates in leadership and supervisory skills; education workshops with the Construction Institute; and entrepreneurial training, business advising and technical assistance to small businesses through its Entepreneurial Center.
Eric Soares
@necs_soaresBio: Founding member and co-owner of NE Computer Solutions. Eric is experienced in software and application development as well as in IT, and is fluent in a variety of programming languages. He feels passionately about education and often offers free seminars and courses in web development and computer programming. Eric believes that by using technology to solve everyday problems it is possible to find personal success while also having a positive and lasting impact on one’s community.
John O’Toole
@JOTCTBio: John A. O’Toole is the manager of Economic & Community Development for Northeast Utilities ‘operating companies—CL&P/Yankee Gas Services. John A. O’Toole, manager CL&P/Yankee Economic and Community Development, is responsible for strategic planning, budgeting and promoting economic policy, business and community development in Connecticut.
James Smith
@ucfiberBio: President and CEO of Universal Connectivity, a Connecticut based Northeast telecommunications service provider specializing in helping companies adapt to new telecommunications technologies at a pace and cost that supports their business goals. As a member of the Connecticut Chapter of the Entrepreneurs Organization www.eonetwork.org James will be helping to engage the CT Chapter as well as the NY and Boston Chapters participation in this exciting event.
Jack Antonich
Bio: Advisor to HYPE Entrepreneurial Task Force. President, Sales Leverage Group. Business Consultant and Entrepreneurship Evangelist. Delivers the Kauffman Foundation FastTrac NewVenture, GrowthVenture & TechVenture programs at the University of Hartford Entrepreneurial Center.
Laura Dinan
Bio: Laura Dinan is a coordinator of Economic & Community Development for Northeast Utilities’ operating companies—CL&P/Yankee Gas Services. Laura is actively engaged in promoting economic, business and community development in Connecticut. She has experience in event planning, marketing and speechcraft. 89588223
