DevelopmentArchive for the ‘’ Category

II-VI Incorporated Opens New Facility for Epitaxial Wafer Manufacturing

As part of the II-VI Epiworks event, a Proclamation was read by Council Member Angie Brix (on behalf of Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen) declaring May 15, 2018 as II-VI EpiWorks Day in the City of Champaign.

From the press release:

PITTSBURGH, May 15, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – II‐VI Incorporated (NASDAQ:IIVI), a leading provider of compound semiconductor epitaxial wafers, today announced the opening of its new high tech compound semiconductor material center of excellence in Champaign, Illinois.

This represents a significant milestone in II-VI’s ongoing investment in its manufacturing footprint to ramp up production capacity of high performance compound semiconductor epitaxial wafers. These products serve growing markets and are at the core of 3D sensing, optical networking, wireless communications and power electronics. Since the groundbreaking for this expansion, in November 2016, II-VI continues to actively recruit managers, engineers and technicians to join its experienced team.

Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner was present at the inauguration’s ribbon cutting ceremony.

“On behalf of II-VI, I would like to express my thanks to the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity for its ongoing support and unwavering commitment to our success,” said Quesnell Hartmann, General Manager and co-founder of II-VI EpiWorks. “The completion of this phase in our expansion provides us with the critical infrastructure to scale our production, advance our technology, and enable us to serve the rapidly growing demand from our global customer base.”

“II-VI and the State of Illinois have formed a strong partnership, sharing a vision that businesses with leading edge technology and advanced manufacturing capabilities are the most competitive over the long-term,” said Dr. Chuck Mattera, President and CEO, II-VI Incorporated. “With support from Illinois, we expect to continue to invest in this Champaign facility, by adding state-of-the-art manufacturing capacity, improving process capabilities, broadening the product portfolio and recruiting and developing a lot of talent to fill the anticipated growth in jobs and opportunities for career growth.”

“It’s a thrill to participate in the opening of a manufacturing facility that will develop key technology enabling some of the most exciting new consumer electronics in the world.” Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner said. “It showcases how local industry, strong university systems and state government can partner to realize a bold vision for a globally competitive semiconductor manufacturing center of excellence that’s built right here, in the heart of our wonderful State of Illinois.”

II-VI develops and manufactures compound semiconductor epitaxial wafers that enable devices to achieve high bandwidth, power efficiency and reliability.  II-VI’s global compound semiconductor production capabilities include multi-purposed 6 inch wafer fabs with both epitaxy and device fabrication capabilities for GaAs, SiC and InP compound semiconductors.

View event photos here.

 

2018 Innovation Celebration Winners Announced

CHAMPAIGN, IL, March 30, 2018 – Over 300 people gathered at Parkland College for the 13th Annual Innovation Celebration on the evening of Thursday, March 29th to recognize those individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions, taken risks, and provided leadership to ensure the continuing economic success of Champaign County, the ongoing success of the University’s economic development mission, and the growth of entrepreneurial talent and energy in our community.

Innovation Celebration is not merely an award for accomplishment, but a benchmark of success for those outstanding individuals, organizations and corporations who are nominated and selected to receive this prestigious award.

Innovation Celebration is hosted by the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation in partnership with the University of Illinois, Parkland College, and community sponsors. For more information, visit www.innovationcelebration.com.

Entrepreneurial Excellence: Social Venture Award
Serve as change agents by creating and implementing sustainable solutions to reshape society, benefit humanity, and address social concerns.

Salt & Light

Entrepreneurial Excellence: Student Startup Award
Formed by students in the last three years and demonstrates a commitment to continuing success through entrepreneurial talent, creativity and energy.

Mesh++

Entrepreneurial Excellence: New Venture Award
Formed in the last three years, and demonstrates a commitment to continuing success through entrepreneurial talent, creativity and energy.

SNOOZ

Entrepreneurial Excellence: Paul Magelli Advocacy Award
Actively engage, encourage, coach and mentor entrepreneurs in the community, and provide extensive support to help them achieve success.

Stephanie Larson
Carly McCrory

Entrepreneurial Excellence: Management Award
Demonstrates expertise in assembling resources, creating an organization, and working to build and implement effective action plans.

Cindy Somers – Spherion Staffing

Innovation: Economic Development Impact Award
Has made a significant economic development impact in the community and continues to demonstrate their commitment to Champaign County.

Busey

2018 Innovation Transfer Award—University of Illinois
Recognizes an individual or group from the University of Illinois whose research has resulted in either a discovery or a work with the potential for significant societal impact.

Dr. Donna Cox – Advanced Visualization Lab at National Center for Supercomputing Applications

2018 Alexis Wernsing Innovation Award—University of Illinois
Recognizes an individual or team from the University of Illinois that has channeled their experience living with a disability into positive change through the creation of new products, environments, or protocols that enhance quality of life.

Mark McCarthy – Access Illinois

2018 Innovation in Engagement Award—Parkland College
Recognizes an individual or group at Parkland College who has shown support of the college’s community engagement mission.

Adam Porter – Perimeter Road Sound Recordings

The EDC was pleased to work with the following sponsors of our 13th annual Innovation Celebration: the University of Illinois’ Technology Entrepreneur Center, Research Park, Office of Corporate Relations, and Office of Technology Management, along with Parkland College, Lodgic Everyday Community, Carle, Serra Ventures, Surface 51, Singleton Law Firm, City of Champaign, Ramshaw Real Estate, Litania Sports Group, Pixo, Hatch Ag Group, IllinoisVENTURES, Huawei R&D USA, Aqueous Solutions LLC, Personify, AARP, Hanson Financial, Community Solutions Incubator at the Community Foundation of East Central Illinois, II-VI EpiWorks, Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC, and Busey.

A special thanks to Five Foot Productions for producing the videos.

 

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Press:

Businesses, individuals feted at 13th annual Innovation Celebration – The News-Gazette

13th Annual Innovation Celebration held in Champaign – FOX 55/27 Illinois

Here’s who won awards at this year’s Innovation Celebration – Smile Politely

View award acceptance speeches:

Salt & Light

Mesh++

SNOOZ

Stephanie Larson & Carly McCrory

Cindy Somers – Spherion Staffing

Busey

Dr. Donna Cox – Advanced Visualization Lab at National Center for Supercomputing Applications

Mark McCarthy – Access Illinois

Adam Porter – Perimeter Road Sound Recordings

2018 Innovation Celebration Finalists Announced

CHAMPAIGN, IL, February 23, 2018 – The Champaign County Economic Development Corporation is pleased to announce finalists for the 13th Annual Innovation Celebration in recognition of those individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions, taken risks, and provided leadership to ensure the continuing economic success of Champaign County, the ongoing success of the University’s economic development mission, and the growth of entrepreneurial talent and energy in our community.

Innovation Celebration is not merely an award for accomplishment, but a benchmark of success for those outstanding individuals, organizations and corporations who are nominated and selected to receive this prestigious award. Additionally, Innovation Celebration serves as a tangible collaboration between the Champaign County EDC, University of Illinois, Parkland College, and the community.

The winner of each award category will be announced at Innovation Celebration 2018, held at Parkland College on Thursday, March 29, 2018 from 5:30 – 8:30 pm. To RSVP and learn more about the event, visit www.innovationcelebration.com.

Award Finalists

Entrepreneurial Excellence: Social Venture Award
Serve as change agents by creating and implementing sustainable solutions to reshape society, benefit humanity, and address social concerns.

Entrepreneurial Excellence: Student Startup Award
Formed by students in the last three years and demonstrates a commitment to continuing success through entrepreneurial talent, creativity and energy.

Entrepreneurial Excellence: New Venture Award
Formed in the last three years, and demonstrates a commitment to continuing success through entrepreneurial talent, creativity and energy.

Entrepreneurial Excellence: Advocacy Award
Actively engage, encourage, coach and mentor entrepreneurs in the community, and provide extensive support to help them achieve success.

  • Ken Taylor
  • Stephanie Larson
  • Kathie Cravens

Entrepreneurial Excellence: Management Award
Demonstrates expertise in assembling resources, creating an organization, and working to build and implement effective action plans.

Innovation: Economic Development Impact Award
Has made a significant economic development impact in the community and continues to demonstrate their commitment to Champaign County.

2018 Innovation Transfer Award—University of Illinois
Recognizes an individual or group from the University of Illinois whose research has resulted in either a discovery or a work with the potential for significant societal impact.

 2018 Alexis Wernsing Innovation Award—University of Illinois
Recognizes an individual or team from the University of Illinois that has channeled their experience living with a disability into positive change through the creation of new products, environments, or protocols that enhance quality of life.

2018 Innovation in Engagement Award—Parkland College
Recognizes an individual or group at Parkland College who has shown support of the college’s community engagement mission.

The EDC is pleased to work with the following sponsors of our 13th Annual Innovation Celebration: the University of Illinois’ Technology Entrepreneur Center, Research Park, Office of Corporate Relations, and Office of Technology Management, along with Parkland College, Lodgic, Carle, Serra Ventures, Surface 51, Singleton Law Firm, City of Champaign, Ramshaw Real Estate, Litania Sports Group, Pixo, Hatch Ag Group, IllinoisVENTURES, Huawei R&D USA, Aqueous Solutions LLC, Personify, AARP, Hanson Financial, Community Solutions Incubator at the Community Foundation of East Central Illinois, II-VI EpiWorks, Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC, and Busey.

 

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Press:

2018 Innovation Celebration Award finalists announced, Smile Politely

 

13th Annual Innovation Celebration: Save the Date + Nominations Open

We are pleased to announce the 13th Annual Innovation Celebration in recognition of those individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions, taken risks, and provided leadership to ensure the continuing economic success of Champaign County, the ongoing success of the University’s economic development mission, and the growth of entrepreneurial talent and energy in our community.

Thursday, March 29, 2018
5:30 – 8:30 pm

Parkland College – Student Union
2400 West Bradley Avenue
Champaign, IL 61821

#INNCEL

The awards have been established to recognize the various ways in which individuals and organizations have utilized innovation, creativity, and leadership for entrepreneurial endeavors and economic development in the community. Please nominate as many people/organizations as you would like.

Nominations are open to the public and will be accepted through 5 PM on January 24, 2018. Submit your nomination(s) here

Nominations will be viewed and judged by a panel of past winners, sponsors and community & university leaders. Finalists will be announced in early February 2018.

Innovation Celebration is hosted by the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation in partnership with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Parkland College, and community sponsors.

For sponsorship information, please contact Carly McCrory via email or 217-359-6261.

To learn more about the event, view past award winners, watch our videos, and RSVP, visit our event website.


Awards & Descriptions

Innovation Transfer Award-University of Illinois
Recognizes an individual or group from the University of Illinois whose research has resulted in either a discovery or a work with the potential for significant societal impact.

Alexis Wernsing Innovation Award-University of Illinois
Recognizes an individual or team from the University of Illinois that has channeled their experience living with a disability into positive change through the creation of new products, environments, or protocols that enhance quality of life.

Entrepreneurial Excellence: Social Venture Award
Serve as change agents by creating and implementing sustainable solutions to reshape society, benefit humanity, and address social concerns.

Entrepreneurial Excellence: Student Startup Award
Formed by students in the last three years and demonstrates a commitment to continuing success through entrepreneurial talent, creativity and energy.

Entrepreneurial Excellence: New Venture Award
Formed in the last three years, and demonstrates a commitment to continuing success through entrepreneurial talent, creativity and energy.

Entrepreneurial Excellence: Advocacy Award
Actively engage, encourage, coach and mentor entrepreneurs in the community, and provide extensive support to help them achieve success.

Entrepreneurial Excellence: Management Award
Demonstrates expertise in assembling resources, creating an organization, and working to build and implement effective action plans.

Innovation: Economic Development Impact Award
Has made a significant economic development impact in the community and continues to demonstrate their commitment to Champaign County.

Lodgic Everyday Community: Campfire & Cocktails

We had a great time celebrating the Lodgic Everyday Community on Saturday, October 21st! Opening in summer 2018, Lodgic will be located at 1807 S. Neil Street in Champaign.

A new nonprofit initiative of Moose International, Lodgic is dedicated to creating access to opportunity for working families, facilitating thriving business, and fostering shared community. Locally, proceeds support Lodgic access grants and sponsorships. Nationally, proceeds support kids in crisis through Mooseheart Child City and School and the Tommy Moose First Responder program.

Under one roof, Lodgic Everyday Community will seamlessly blend three services:

– Lodgic workplace — Full-service, hospitality-forward coworking to serve independent workers, small-business owners, and other location-independent professionals, the fastest-growing segment of today’s workforce.
– Flexible, drop-in childcare — Play-based, early childhood learning curriculum with Mooseheart values of empathy, caring, respect, kindness, responsibility, and service embedded within the experience.
– Healthy, delicious, affordable meals — Healthy, fast-casual, convenience-driven cafe with take-home meals and a full-service spitfire kitchen and bar.

To learn more, visit https://lodgic.org/.

View event photos here.

Why did Moose International chose Champaign-Urbana as their first location for Lodgic Everyday Community? Watch this video to learn more.

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