Networking event for technology, engineering, and other entrepreneurs to be held Sept. 25 at 5:30 p.m.

by Susan Sullivan
August 12, 2014

The Center for Business and Economic Development (CBED) at Indiana University-Purdue University is partnering with the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce to host its second SPARK Columbus networking event.

“SPARK Columbus targets entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs, inventors, small business owners, young professionals, students, educators, and others who are interested in start-up and new business ventures,” said Cindy Frey, chamber president.

The free event will be held in Columbus on Thursday, September 25 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Data Cave located at 2425 Technology Boulevard. A cash bar will be available.

According to Greg Knudson, CBED director, the event will feature keynote speaker and serial entrepreneur Angela May, CEO of Data Cave and Analytical Engineering.

“What makes Angela an interesting speaker is that she has a professional background in both mechanical engineering and information technology, which are fields often populated by men,” Knudson said. “She has more than 20 years of business experience and is extremely knowledgeable about start-up businesses, including spin-offs.”

Knudson said those who attend the event will have an opportunity to learn about entrepreneurial success in the IT and engineering fields from one of the region’s top business leaders.

May founded Analytical Engineering, Inc., also known as AEI, in 1994. AEI focuses on engine and vehicle development, test equipment, and R&D engineering.

Data Cave is a fully redundant, state-of-the-art data center that provides high-level data security for clients that include hospitals, banks, and municipalities.

Attendees will tour Data Cave’s impressive facility, the construction of which is designed to withstand the hit of an EF-5 tornado or winds in excess of 200 miles per hour. It is a physically secure facility that utilizes biometric scanning technology and video surveillance with gated access.

One of the region’s most involved business executives, Mays is a member of several educational, charitable, and civic boards. She has served as a director for Salin Bank & Trust Company since 2009.

Attendance is free but registration in advance of the event is encouraged. Register online at columbusarea.chambermaster.com/events or call 812.379.4457. Contact Kami Adams at kadams@columbusareachamber.com for registration questions.

For information about the Sept. 25 and future SPARK Columbus networking events, contact Greg Knudson (812.348.7301 | gknudson@iupuc.edu) or Cindy Frey (812.379.4457 | cfrey@columbusareachamber.com).