WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA (September 14, 2007) Nearly 30 information technology (IT) professionals from the Winchester area gathered Wednesday, September 12, to take part in the EDC’s inaugural IT cluster meeting. The increasing number of IT service firms in Winchester-Frederick County, in addition to the advanced technology being used by the area’s existing industries, has created the opportunity for collaboration to discuss and solve common issues.
The IT cluster joins a heralded existing business program that boasts 5 existing clusters, including construction manufacturing, food processing, metal fabrication, plastics and printing. Cluster meetings facilitate cooperation among like businesses to tackle issues that face the industry. Existing clusters have been instrumental in creating a two-way communication portal between businesses and service providers. Noteworthy examples of the success of the creation of this portal include curricula development dialogue with local educational systems and awareness of assistance programs.
“I am very excited about the creation of a great venue for exchanging information for IT professionals in the area,” commented Basil C. Hudson, III, President of Global Technology Services, after the first IT meeting.
“The formation of the IT Cluster is a strategic expansion of our existing business program,” commented
Patrick Barker, Executive Director of the EDC. “As the presence of IT based companies continues to grow in Winchester and existing businesses continue to invest in automation, it is paramount that companies have an avenue to collaborate and address industry specific issues. This is critical in sustaining an environment where companies can grow and expand within the community,” added Barker.
Several action steps resulted from the meeting. One is a planned conversation in early November with the local education providers about IT internship opportunities. In addition, the need for an IT service directory, similar to other business directories published by the EDC, was highlighted.
Groups that were invited to the initial meeting are as follows:
American Woodmark, Annadale Millwork/Allied Systems Corporation, Bank of Clarke County, City of Winchester, Clutch, Inc., Coldwell Banker Premier Properties, DSL Data Services, Executive Protection Systems, First Bank, Frederick County, Frederick County Public Schools, Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, Global Technology Services, Grafton School, Henkel-Harris Co., H.P. Hood, Intelos, Kohl’s Distribution Center, Kraft Foods, Level 3 Communications, Lord Fairfax Community College, Melnor, Midwesco Filter Resources, National Fruit Product Co., Net Tech Center, New World Pasta, O’Sullivan Films, Parsons Brinkerhoff, Rubbermaid, Shenandoah University, Shentel, Southeastern Container, SpecialMade, Susquehanna Technologies, The Shockey Companies, ThermoFisher Diagnostics, Trex, TV3 Winchester, US Army Corps of Engineers, Valley Health, Valley Proteins, Verizon, Verisec, Virtual Training Company, Visual Link, Winchester City Public Schools, Winchester Equipment Co., Winchester Printers, Winchester Star, Winchester Woodworking, and Yount, Hyde and Barbour.
Companies interested in learning more about IT Cluster membership can contact the EDC at 540.665.0973.
The EDC provides a wide array of information and free services designed to help American and international businesses expand or locate operations in Winchester and Frederick County. All Services are confidential and available at no cost. For more information contact the EDC at 540.665.0973 or visit on the web at www.winva.com