Mr. Lawrence G. Almeda of Attorney at Law, Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione

Shareholder and Patent Attorney, Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione

Lawrence G. Almeda is a shareholder at Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione (founded in 1917), one of the nation's largest Intellectual Property law firms. He focuses his practice on patent opinions and prosecution in the medical, chemical, nanotechnology and mechanical arts. Particularly, his practice has an emphasis on patent protection on medical devices, nanomaterials, micro- and nano-devices, chemical processes, polymers, fuel cells, and hybrid engines. Mr. Almeda also has significant experience in counseling clients on patent infringement and validity evaluations.

Mr. Almeda is chair of the Business Law Section and immediate past chair of the Intellectual Property Law Section of the Washtenaw County Bar Association, where he is also a Director at large of its Board. He is also the immediate past President of the Michigan Asian Pacific American Bar Association.

Mr. Almeda is a 2007 graduate of Leadership Detroit, a regional leadership program sponsored by the Detroit Regional Chamber Foundation. He is a member of the Governor's Advisory Council on Asian Pacific American Affairs and has recently been appointed to the United States Commission on Civil Rights, State Advisory Committee.

Mr. Almeda received his LL.M. in Intellectual Property from The John Marshall Law School, his J.D. from the University of Detroit Mercy Law School, where he was a published member of the Law Review, and his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University.

Back To Top ^

Mr. Richard Beedon of MacBeedon Partners, LLC

Founder & CEO of MacBeedon Partners, LLC

Back To Top ^

Mr. Thomas E. Anderson of Automation Alley

MBA, Senior Director, Automation Alley

Back To Top ^

Mr. Art Espey of 4Steps2.com

http://4steps2.com/

Art Espey is founder and CEO of 4Steps2.com, an epublisher that helps small business owners and entrepreneurs burst through their business barriers.

Art, who is a serial entrepreneur, has led companies to the Top 100 list in their industries nationwide, expanded an Inc. 500 company into international markets, fixed manufacturing plants with serious financial challenges and managed various acquisition integrations. Art has a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Merchant Marine Academy and a Master of Science degree from Eastern Michigan University.

Art, who is Vice Chairman of the Southeast Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross, has been both a gubernatorial appointee and a mayoral appointee for various commissions and task forces.

Art lives in Detroit with his wife Christy and their three children. Art is a martial artist who enjoys backpacking, kayaking, reading, and travel.

Back To Top ^

Mr. Kenneth L. Harris, Chairman, President, CEO, International Detroit Black Expo of International Detroit Black Expo

Kenneth L. Harris is known for his maverick-like style in his approach to altering societal and economic challenges within his community. An avid reader and socially-conscious individual, Kenneth has always been passionate about helping African-Americans and other minorities realize their dreams, most importantly through entrepreneurship and economic empowerment. He found it necessary to bridge the gap between minority-owned businesses throughout the region and founded the International Detroit Black Expo, Incorporated (IDBE) on May 24, 2004.

-Apostle, n. def. - a pioneer of any reform movement-

Born and raised in the City of Detroit, Kenneth L. Harris is the Founder, President and CEO of the International Detroit Black Expo, Inc., an economic empowerment agent for African-American businesses in the State of Michigan. Over the last few years, the nonprofit organization has grown exponentially to more than 20,000 African-American business members across Michigan providing a stronghold in the community.
It is his affable demeanor, motivating spirit coupled with business savvy and his continuous remembrance of his ancestors' struggle that has given Harris the wings to successfully improve the culture of entrepreneurship in Metro Detroit. His most significant organizational success to date is the fruition of the inaugural Buy Black Weekend 2007, a four-day marketplace exposition for Metro Detroit families and business community held during Memorial weekend at the Cobo Convention Center in Detroit.
Kenneth has made tremendous landmarks and professional accomplishments at the young age of 33, such as the first African-American Chief of Staff and Executive Assistant to the Mayor of Southfield and the first African-American Director of Greek Affairs at Wayne State University. Additionally, he is the first African-American Counseling Psychologist at Nolan Middle school through St. John School-Based Health Centers and is currently the first African-American Director of Minority Business Development and Strategic Initiatives for the Michigan Minority Business Development Council, Inc.
Kenneth also serves on the Board of Directors for the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Michigan Center for Fair Housing, the Ira Newble Foundation, the Derrick Coleman Foundation and the NAACP - Detroit Branch. He is an active life member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Prince Hall Masonry, Hartford Memorial Baptist Church (Detroit) and the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce, just to name a few.
Recently, Kenneth L. Harris received the U.S. Small Business Minority Business Advocate of the Year award and is listed in the Influential Leaders section of Who's Who in Black Detroit. He also hosts The Bottom Line radio talk show weekly on Radio One WCHB 1200 AM in Detroit.
Kenneth has received numerous accolades. He graduated with a BA in Psychology and MA in Counseling Psychology both from Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia and is currently a Ph.D. Candidate at Bernelli University in Alexandria, Virginia majoring in International Business and Entrepreneurship Studies.
Among his many accomplishments and responsibilities, nothing is more rewarding to him than being a devoted father to son Kenneth, Jr. and strengthening the community as his cornerstone for his continuous mission.

Back To Top ^

Mr. Tad V. Machrowicz of R&D Technology, Noble International

Mr. Machrowicz has over 20 years of experience in the aerospace and automotive industry. He worked for Douglas Aircraft, and consulted for the Air Force prior to joining the auto industry in 1989 with Delphi, formerly Delco Products.

At Delphi, he was responsible for the development and production implementation of the highly successful AutoRide and MSR controlled suspension systems still used today on several vehicle platforms. The group that Mr. Machrowicz led continued to evolve this controlled monotube damper design and has gained further success with the MagnaRide system available on many vehicles including the high performance Corvette and Ferrari nameplates. These systems helped reestablish Delphi's controlled suspension group as the preeminent supplier of high value, high technology suspension systems in the worldwide auto industry.

Today, Mr. Machrowicz is the Vice President of Research, Development & Technology for Noble International Ltd., in Troy, MI. Noble supplies the auto industry OEMs body structure materials and components ranging from engineered laser welded blanks and trim to engineered structure and impact systems. The introduction of the P-tech® process providing highly engineered, ultra high strength steel impact structures has established Noble in recent years as a recognized innovator in this market. He is responsible for continuing the development and introduction of high value technologies relating to the auto structures and steel processing industries, as well as product development and customer application.

Mr. Machrowicz received his BS in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Virginia and Masters Degree from University of Dayton in Engineering Management. He holds multiple patents ranging from auto component design in suspension, electrical systems, and structural systems. His work in the controlled suspension group at Delphi afforded him Delphi's highest engineering honor, the "Boss Kettering" Award in 2000.

Back To Top ^

Mr. Carl Meyering of Meyering Corporation

Carl Meyering, MBE, is the Chairman and CEO of The Meyering Corporation, Development Bankers,which assists public and private firms in obtaining financing capital and assists startup companies.

The Meyering Corporation in the licensing also specializes and evaluation of patents and new inventions. TMC was the first licensing firm to use patent royal ties as a method of financing patent development.

Carl Meyering has served on the Board of Directors of the Michigan Center of High Technology and is it immediate past chairman. He was appointed to the State of Michigan Venture Capital Commission by Governor John Engler. He was chairman of the venture group for the Regional Detroit Chamber of Commerce. He is a board member of the Michigan Photographic Historical Society. Meyering has written articles and spoken at major universities (to their graduate business students) regarding the raising of capital for startup businesses.

Carl Meyering is a retired United States Marine Officer and a member of the Red Coats (the USMC retired officer group in the Detroit area). He also is a member of Grosse Pointe Memorial Church and has served as a Trustee, Deacon and Elder. He is a member of the International Combat Photographers Association and a member of the Pacific Stars and Stripes Newspaper alumni group. Carl is also a past president of the Rotary Club of Grosse Pointe.

Carl is an avid fan and enjoys non-profit fundraising. He firmly believes that the caring people of the Metro Detroit area are very generous with their time and money.

Back To Top ^

Mr. Jayson D. Pankin of Delphi Technologies, Inc.

New Venture Creation Specialist
Delphi Technologies, Inc.
Delphi Corporation

About Jayson

Jayson leads Delphi Technologies, Inc.'s commercialization activities targeting spin-outs of potential "game changing technologies" into start-up companies. This includes creating internal incubators and external ventures, such as the spinoffss of SpaceForm, Inc. to commercialize a revolutionary metal welding technology, and Monarch Antenna, to bring to market an advanced reception system applicable to next generation consumer and military wireless devices. Both DTI and its spinouts have received significant awards and recognition from industry groups and the trade media. Jayson is developing a pipeline of disruptive technologies as candidates for future spinout, including the smart antennas, infrared sensors, nano materials, hydrogen generation and storage and application software innovations.

For over twenty-five years, Jayson has been a venture partner specializing in early stage and turnaround situations. He has started and participated in new ventures in a variety of industries: biotechnology, material sciences, retail, insurance, software, manufacturing and packaging. He has worked with numerous universities and Fortune 1,000 companies to acquire emerging technologies and form commercialization partnerships to grow new products and companies. He was a founder of Titan Auto, Inc., one of the largest insurance companies in Michigan and has advanced the commercialization of artificial blood and biological therapies for cancer and other serious illnesses. He started a non-profit foundation in Russia that used the broadcast media to disseminate pro-democracy motion pictures throughout the former Soviet Union. He earned his BBA in Accounting and MBA in International Business at the George Washington University.

Back To Top ^

Mr. Alain Piette of SpaceForm Inc.

President, SpaceForm Inc.

Back To Top ^

Mr. Derek Richmond of Attorney, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Department, The Nath Law Group

DEREK RICHMOND is an Attorney in the Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Department of The Nath Law Group. Mr. Richmond's practice areas include patent litigation, interferences, and prosecution. He is experienced in writing infringement and validity opinions, client counseling and licensing negotiations. Mr. Richmond is also experienced in the field of thermodynamics and equipment design for industrial uses.

Mr. Richmond received a Juris Doctorate degree in 2000 from the National Law Center of The George Washington University. In 1997, Mr. Richmond received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Thermal Systems Design from Lawrence Technological University.

Mr. Richmond is a member of the American Intellectual Property Law Association, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the American Bar Association. He has successfully argued in front of the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Mr. Richmond is registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office and is also admitted to practice before the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the Courts of Appeals for the Federal and Fourth Circuits.

Back To Top ^

Mr. Ross Sanders of Bizdom U

Ross Sanders, Executive Director has served on the leadership team of Rock Financial and Quicken Loans for 10 years. In this capacity, he led the creation of a joint venture, managed the start-up of a national branch network, coordinated the relocation of the corporate headquarters and led numerous process improvement initiatives. Prior to this experience, Ross spent ten years at MetLife, where he managed large projects for clients including General Motors and General Electric. There he led the development of the GM National Retiree Servicing Center, managed a GE Benefit Center and coordinated several major performance improvement initiatives. Ross received his Bachelor's Degree from Michigan State University, earned a Master of Business Administration Degree from Wayne State University and is trained as a Six Sigma Black Belt.

Back To Top ^

Mr. Kyle Schwulst of Electrojet (SBIR Funding)

President & CEO, Electrojet (SBIR Funding)

Back To Top ^

Mr. Jonathan B. Smith of Wave Dispersion Technologies, Inc. ("WDT")

http://www.whisprwave.com , http://www.inc.com/inc5000/2007/company-profile.html?id=200702030 ,

Jonathan B. Smith is a President & CFO at Wave Dispersion Technologies, Inc. ("WDT").
Prior to joining WDT, he worked at several investment banking firms including JP Morgan & Co., Deutsche Bank, and accounting firm Arthur Andersen, LLP. While working in the investment banking field, he was actively involved in various strategic planning, treasury and financing roles.

In addition to his investment banking experience, he has also been involved in a number of entrepreneurial ventures including the development of two successful Internet related start ups.

He is a graduate of:
Michigan State University (Homeland Security Certificate Program)
Wesleyan University (BA Social Studies)
University of Hartford (MS Accounting)

He is an expert in Internet marketing strategy and is a recognized expert on the subject. He has utilized these skills to market WDT's products on a global basis. He is also the editor of the Maritime Homeland Security and Force Protection Blog and the Shoreline and Coastal Erosion Blog. In addition, he has used his Internet skills to give back to the community, raising over $500,000 online for deserving charities, since 2002.

He was recently nominated as a finalist for Automation Alley's - Emerging Leader Award.
He was named the 2004 National Man of the Year for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society® and was named the winner of the 2004 Kauffman Community Award - Honorable Mention.
In addition to his personal accomplishments, WhisprWave® has received numerous awards for excellence in entrepreneurship, and government procurement.

Back To Top ^

Mr. Michael A. Temple of Attorney at Law, Pepper Hamilton LLP

Michael A. Temple
Michael A. Temple is an associate with Pepper Hamilton LLP, resident in the Detroit office. Mr. Temple concentrates his practice in commercial law, including venture capital, mergers and acquisitions, domestic and international corporate transactions, technology licensing and service agreements, and securities transactions.

Mr. Temple represents buyers and sellers in acquisitions and restructurings; commercial entities in the full range of general commercial matters; and borrowers and lenders in financing transactions. He represents buyers and sellers of high-tech goods and services in negotiating purchase and sale agreements, service agreements and software licenses. He has assisted in the formation of venture capital partnerships by drafting limited partnership agreements, general partner documents and management company documents. His international work includes transactions in England, Germany, Mexico and Canada.

Mr. Temple also assists in the preparation of offering memoranda and advises clients with respect to compliance with federal and state securities laws in connection with the offer and sale of partnership interests.

Representative transactions in which Mr. Temple has participated include:


assisting in the formation of venture capital limited partnerships, including preparation of offering memoranda, subscription materials, partnership agreements and management arrangements, and negotiation of closings

assisting in the licensing by the U.S. Small Business Administration of business investment companies, and counseling these entities with respect to compliance and investment issues

documenting and negotiating debt and equity investments by venture capital entities and small business investment companies in seed and other stages utilizing several types of investment securities

representing development-stage companies in their private placements of debt and equity securities, including assisting in the preparation of offering documents and drafting investment documents

representing a seller involved in a multi-million dollar sale of stock in a manufacturing entity with multiple facilities supplying to the automotive industry

representing a seller in a multi-million dollar sale of assets of an Internet-based company in the participatory sports industry

representing a NYSE corporation in its multi-million dollar asset acquisition of an Internet-based services corporation in the health care industry.

Mr. Temple is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. He is a member of the American Bar Association.

Education
B.A. 1996, with honors, Michigan State University; Phi Beta Kappa
J.D. 1999 Wayne State University Law School; associate editor, Wayne Law Review

Bar Admissions
Admitted to practice in Michigan

Back To Top ^