YTA News

The YTA is pleased to announce that ING Direct has signed on as the association's first ever Platinum Sponsor, demonstrating the company's commitment to the tech sector and the local tech cluster.

"We are pleased to support the York Technology Alliance and the important work they do to help local businesses succeed.  The YTA is an ideal community for businesses to come together, network, grow and thrive in the fast-paced world of technology," said Brenda Rideout, SVP of Marketing and Chief Information officer for ING.

In addition to their role as Platinum Sponsor, ING Direct has also become the first corporate supporter of the YTA Scholarship Fund.  The YTA Scholarship provides funding to a student pursuing a post-secondary education in science, technology, engineering or math at both Seneca College and York University. 

See the www.yorktech.ca/scholarships for more information.

YTA recognizes Start-Up, Scale-Up and Tech Company of the Year

Markham, Ontario, June 21, 2010 -- The York Technology Association (YTA) recognized three member companies for their leadership and innovation in the tech sector at the inaugural YTA Technology Leadership Awards sponsored by Myers Norris Penny.

Over 150 YTA members and guests, including Deputy Mayor of Markham Jack Heath, attended the luncheon to honour gShift Labs (Start-Up of the Year); Solidifi Inc. (Scale-Up of the Year); and Compugen Inc. (Company of the Year).  

"It is an honour to present these awards to such outstanding technology leaders and YTA members," said Kevin Tribe, Past Chair of the YTA, "they truly demonstrate the drive and innovation that is required to take a company from start-up to scale-up and long-term business success."

After accepting the awards on behalf of their organizations, Krista LaRiviera, CEO and Co-Founder of gShift Labs; Ryan Smith, Chief Technology Officer at Solidifi Inc.; and Harry Zarek, CEO of Compugen Inc.,  participated in a panel discussion and shared their 'shortcuts to success'; lessons learned in starting and growing their businesses.

"The York Technology Alliance aims to bring together established players and start-ups of all sizes to shorten the time to market of quality technology solutions and it is one organization I am delighted to support," shared Mr. Zarek.  He continued, "The critical mass of intellectual capital, investors, and experience within the Region and the GTA make this corridor the most exciting place in Canada to mine for ideas, feedback and opportunities for growth.  It's the place to be to turn good ideas into great investments and lasting solutions."

All three award recipients are YTA members and each spoke highly of the importance of the location and resources available to them for being in or accessible to York Region.

"When I'm in business development meetings in the U.S., I like to reinforce the fact that we’re located in Canada’s premier high-tech sector," said Ryan Smith, Chief Technology Officer at Solidifi Inc.  "We made a strategic decision to locate in Markham because it gave us access to the great technical community that has developed within York Region and it’s played a significant role in our success."   Similarly, Ms. LaRiviere noted her team’s connection to YTA, “gShift Labs is our third start-up and each time we’ve turned to the experience and collaborative nature of fellow YTA members to help us work through issues that they have encountered before but that were brand new to us.”

Marie Wiese, incoming Chair of the YTA, recognized the importance of sharing lessons and successes in the tech cluster, "the YTA is about building community and an ecosystem in which tech companies can thrive.  Recognizing and celebrating success is as important as harvesting the experience of those that have been down this road before so that you can take the shortcut to success."

- 30 -

Three area tech companies to be recognized at YTA Technology Leadership Awards

Markham, Ontario, June 1, 2010 -- On June 17, 2010 the York Technology Association will recognize three tech companies and their leaders; selected as Most Promising Start-up, Scale-up Company of the year, and the overall Company of the Year from amongst the thousands of technology companies within the reach of the YTA throughout York Region and the Greater Toronto Area.

Kevin Tribe, 2010 Chair of the YTA, will present the YTA Technology Leadership Awards at the June 17 Awards and Member Recognition luncheon, on the occasion of the 27th anniversary of the start of the YTA. “Many tech companies have excelled in the tough economic climate of recent,” Mr. Tribe, an experienced technology company executive and now Managing Director of Tequity Inc. observed, “the recipients of these inaugural YTA Technology Leadership Awards are three that demonstrate outstanding innovation and leadership in their field, and they have each grown in their own contribution toward developing and leading the technology community within the York and greater Toronto regions.  Through their own initiatives and through their participation in the Canadian tech community, they have raised awareness of their own achievement and that of the Toronto-centered cluster which the YTA is pleased to serve.”

Leaders of the three companies will participate in a panel discussion on the factors that contributed to their success and share their insights on things to watch out for as others seek to replicate and surpass these achievements. Hear CEO, CTO, and Founder discuss their efforts and their angst in the establishment, growth and challenges of being a tech company leader today.
Platinum sponsor of the YTA Technology Leadership Awards, Meyers Norris Penny LLP’s Senior Regional Managing Partner for Ontario, Paul Dunnett noted, “The technology community represents one of the most enterprising and dynamic industries in Canada and we are proud to help recognize your members’ achievements.”

Incoming chair Ms. Marie Wiese invites technology companies from throughout the York and greater Toronto regions to join in the celebration and collaboration at the June 17 luncheon, “This YTA event has become a must-do networking event within the technology community as it marks the end of one programming year and the launch of another within the tech cluster. Over 100 companies have joined the YTA in the last 18 months and each enjoys the opportunity to collaborate, connect, and grow with the support and insight of each other. The YTA is in welcoming economic development hub for the tech community and we invite you to come out and share in the success of our award recipients."

2010 YTA Technology Leadership Award Recipients

YTA 2010 Company of the Year: Compugen Inc.   CEO Mr. Harry Zarek
This award recognizes an organization that has demonstrated business leadership and excellence in innovation and a commitment to the knowledge-based sector in the York and Greater Toronto Regions and possibly throughout Canada. Consideration in this category requires increasing profitability, community involvement and thought leadership, and demonstration of sound business fundamentals. A minimum of 8 years in business is required for judges to investigate the organization’s growth and track record. A confidential process is used to validate key performance data.

YTA Scale-up Company of the Year: Solidifi Inc.  CTO Ryan Smith
This award recognizes an organization that has demonstrated excellence in innovation and a commitment to the knowledge-based sector in the York and Greater Toronto Regions while consistently reaching new customers or delivering new services within an existing customer, increasing revenues, adding employees, encouraging community involvement and embracing sound business fundamentals. A minimum of three and maximum of ten years in operation is required for judges to investigate positive growth and a proven track record. A confidential process is used to validate key performance data.

YTA Most Promising Start-up: gShift Labs  Co-Founder and CEO Krista LaRiviere
This award is presented to a York and Greater Toronto Region organization that has the greatest potential to demonstrate excellence in their business. While embracing a commitment to the knowledge-based sector the organization has steadily increased revenue, added employees, and embraced sound business fundamentals including the addition of an advisory board or board of directors. This category is reserved for operations that have been established for three years or less. A confidential process is used to validate key performance data.

The York Technology Association
The YTA is a member directed economic development hub, offering opportunities for peer collaboration, networking and knowledge sharing essential to the growth of tech businesses and their people. Participation in the YTA uniquely places members at the centre-point of Canada's leading technology corridor, with a connection to more than 10,000 leaders and influencers of the technology cluster in the York and Greater Toronto regions. The YTA offers 11 unique peer to peer monthly meetings, monthly topical issues luncheons, and workshops specifically targeted to provide the growth-oriented tech company with essential  ‘shortcuts to success’.



Click here for event details and to register.
 

Most Promising Tech Start-Up, Scale-Up and Company of the Year to be recognized on June 17 at YTA Technology Leadership Awards

MARKHAM, ON, May 28 /CNW/ - On June 17, 2010 the York Technology Association will recognize the tech companies selected as Most Promising Start-up, Scale-up Company and Company of the Year as selected from the thousands of technology companies within the Region of York and throughout the Greater Toronto Area.

Kevin Tribe, Chair of the YTA, will present the 2010 YTA Technology Leadership Awards to three companies that have demonstrated innovation and leadership in their field and in their contribution toward developing the technology community at the First Annual YTA Technology Leadership Awards.

At the event, the YTA will also be celebrating 27 years of fostering technology growth in York Region and adjoining areas, recognizing the dedication of members that have helped establish and sustain the economic hub that the YTA is today.

    Date:     June 17, 2010
    Time:     11:30 am - 2:30 pm
    Location: Le Parc Banquet and Convention Centre
              8432 Leslie Street
              Markham, ON

Register: www.yorktech.ca/calendar

For more information on the event contact Pat Shaw at 905-415-4558 or patshaw@yorktech.ca.

York Technology Association launches YTA Tech Talent Job Board
The tech people you need may be closer than you think – YTA works to bring you together...
Markham, ON – March 22, 2010 – York Technology Association today launched the YTA Tech Talent job board supporting the connection of member companies and potential employees in the Greater Toronto Area.

The YTA Tech Talent job board brings together local technology job seekers with companies in the Greater Toronto Area that are growing their businesses and seeking skilled, local knowledge workers to help deliver on their growth plans.

"As many as 50% of the 200 member companies of the YTA are currently hiring. That is a substantial pool of opportunity for job-seekers throughout the GTA. The job board is an important tool designed to assist technology companies in recruiting the talent they need to further grow their businesses," commented Patrick Shaw, Executive Director of the York Technology Association.

Knowledge workers in the technology sector have very specific community and workplace expectations, and YTA corporate members are in the space and communities where these highly talented workers are most comfortable, creative and productive.

Developed through the support and sponsorship of Toronto-based Vicinity Jobs Inc., the YTA Tech Talent job board is a highly targeted geographic service to support the growth of tech companies in the Greater Toronto Area and economic development throughout the tech corridor. YTA member company Robert Half Technologies is one of the initial participants in the program, supporting the launch of the YTA Tech Talent job board through both job postings and placement of advertising.

"The YTA provides numerous opportunities for businesses in the tech cluster to connect and collaborate – most notably through the many unique monthly streams of the Peer to Peer programs focused on best practice exchange. The job board is a natural extension of the collaborative benefit member companies look to the YTA to facilitate through our Shortcuts to Success approach” added Mr. Shaw.

During this introductory period, members and non-members, as well as job seekers, can immediately start using the YTA Tech Talent job board at no charge. There will be a nominal fee to companies posting positions in the future. http://yta.vicinityjobs.com/

Interested in more details; please call the YTA office 905.415.4558 or email  for more information.

YTA Panel to Reveal Financing Sources in Today’s Markets

Adventures in Venture Capital - Where's the Money?  Find out from these experts in finance and tech.

Markham, Ontario, February 2010 -- It's been a tough economy but you are ready to grow; and now you need cash to take your business to the next level.  The problem is that financing seems to have dried up over the last 12 months.  What do you do?

Join the YTA panel of experts on February 18, 2010 as they discuss sources of financing available in today's economy and how to secure it for your business growth.  The panel features two venture capitalists and a tech CEO who has recently navigated these turbulent waters.  Our panel moderator is Mark Usher, Partner at Wellington Financial and long-time YTA Board member.

Date:        Time:         Location:     Register:

February 18, 2010 11:30 am - 2:00 pm  Sheraton Parkway North 600 Hwy. 7 East Richmond Hill, ON www.yorktech.ca/calendar

                              www.yorktech.ca 

---

Moderator: Speakers:

Mark Usher Partner, Wellington Financial David Nyland CEO, Blueprint Systems Howard Gwinn Venture Partner, Bridgescale Partners Peter Carrescia Vengrowth Capital Partners

Networking starts at 11:30, Lunch and presentation set for 12:15. For more information on the event contact Sangeetha Karalamoorthy at 905-415-4558 or sangeethak@yorktech.ca.

- 30 -

Contact information Sangeetha Karalamoorthy Events & Membership Coordinator p. 905-415-4588 sangeethak@yorktech.ca.

The York Technology Association

The YTA is a dynamic member driven community offering opportunities for peer collaboration, networking and knowledge sharing essential to the development of tech businesses and their people. Participation in the YTA uniquely places members at the centre-point of Canada's leading technology corridor, with a connection to more than 10,000 leaders and influencers of the technology cluster in the Greater Toronto Region. The YTA offers 10 unique peer to peer meetings, monthly topical issues luncheons, and workshops specifically targeted to provide the tech company with valuable ‘shortcuts to success’. www.yorktech.ca.

YTA presents the Deloitte 2010 TMT Predictions

Duncan Stewart to discuss the top Technology, Media and Telecommunications trends for 2010 at York Technology Association luncheon.

Markham, Ontario, January 2010 -- What will be the number one technology, media and telecommunications trend in 2010?

Find out on January 28 at the Deloitte 2010 TMT Predictions Luncheon presented by the York Technology Association, as Duncan Stewart, Director of Deloitte Research Canada and co-author of the TMT Predictions explores emerging trends that will impact Canadian businesses in 2010.

Date:           January 28, 2010
Time:           11:30 am - 2:00 pm
Location:     Le Parc Conference and Banquet Centre
                    8432 Leslie Street
                    Richmond Hill, ON
Register:     www.yorktech.ca/calendar
    
For more information on the event or to explore the opportunity to display your technology product/innovation contact Sangeetha Karalamoorthy at 905-415-4558 or sangeethak@yorktech.ca.


Contact information
Sangeetha Karalamoothy
Events & Membership Coordinator
p. 905-415-4588
sangeethak@yorktech.ca

The York Technology Association

The YTA is a dynamic member driven community offering opportunities for peer collaboration, networking and knowledge sharing essential to the development of tech businesses and their people. Participation in the YTA uniquely places members at the centre-point of Canada's leading technology corridor, with a connection to more than 10,000 leaders and influencers of the technology cluster in the Greater Toronto Region. The YTA offers 10 unique peer to peer meetings, monthly topical issues luncheons, and workshops specifically targeted to provide the tech company with valuable ‘shortcuts to success’.
 

YTA continues to build momentum in the Greater Toronto Region Tech Cluster

 

Markham, Ontario, September 16, 2009 --  The York Technology Association (YTA) today welcomed 15 new member companies to the association as it continues to build momentum in the Greater Toronto Region Tech Cluster.

 

"I am proud to say that this is among the most new members we have announced in a single month at the YTA," said Kevin Tribe, Chair of the YTA.  "This shows that the YTA is continuing to build momentum in the Greater Toronto Region Tech Cluster, and we are continuing to develop programs and services to help our members leverage that momentum."

 

The 15 new members reflect the range of technology and service provider companies that make up the YTA.  They are:

 

CRM Fusion	iPLAN Corp.	Maxxian
Ed Lachowicz	Clean Tech Advisor Professional Corporation	Dolgin Professional Corporation
Kirchner and Company	RDP Associates Inc	The U.S. Tax Group Inc.
The Branham Group	Universal Freight Management Systems	HR Strategy Solutions Inc.
Gowlings	TGO Consulting Inc.	Insite Computer Group Inc.

The new members were presented with their membership certificates at the YTA's September Luncheon, which profiled some of the Greater Toronto Region's most innovative Green Tech companies.  In order to help members involved in Green Tech to learn, network, collaborate and grow, the YTA is starting a Clean Tech Peer Group for executives of companies involved in that sector.

 

Participation in the YTA uniquely places members at the centre-point of Canada's leading technology corridor, with a connection to more than 5,000 leaders and influencers of the technology cluster in the Greater Toronto Region.

 

- 30 -

 

Contact Information

Patrick Shaw        Executive Director, YTA d. 905-415-4558 patshaw@yorktech.ca

Kevin Tribe Managing Director, Tequity Inc. Chair, YTA d. 905-479-9400 ktribe@tequity.com

Toronto, ON. (July 22, 2009) Chair of the York Technology Association (YTA), Mr. Kevin Tribe is inviting YTA members to submit an application to be named one of Canada's top innovation companies in the Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation (OCRI) “Canadian Top Ten Competition”.

 

Started by OCRI in 1999, the annual competition encourages and nurtures the development of life science, cleantech and technology companies incorporated in Canada. The competition has enabled science and technology companies to tackle challenges and advance key business development needs with the support of over $500m in venture capital distributed to winners since the inception of this competition.

 

Mr. Tribe joined in raising awareness of this event for the recognition it generates and the support it provides for a vibrant technology ecosystem in Canada, “YTA member companies are leaders within each of these increasingly competitive fields, and we are pleased to support OCRI in reaching throughout Canada to advance this initiative as a showcase of our Country’s tremendous technology innovation and business talent.”

 

“OCRI is pleased to play an active role in the growth of so many exceptional Canadian companies. This is a successful program as evidenced by the investment in past winners. Through our ongoing outreach to the rest of Canada, the best companies from three key innovation sectors continue to benefit from exposure to VC’s, other investors and potential strategic partners” noted Michelle Scarborough, Vice President, Investment and Commercialization, OCRI.

 

Information on applying for the competition can be found at http://www.topcanadiancompanies.ca/company/apply.html

 

The deadline for submissions is July 31, 2009.

 

 

 

-30-

 

Contact Information

Patrick Shaw                                                                                      Janna Glenn

Executive Director, York Technology Association                               Manager, Marketing and Communications

d. 905-415-4558                                                                                p. (613) 828-6274 ext. 301patshaw@yorktech.ca                                                               jglenn@ocri.ca

 

 

About the Canadian Top Ten Competition

First held in 1999, Canada’s Top 10™ Competition was designed to promote the 10 most promising life science companies from across Canada (5 Early stage and 5 Emerging/Late stage) to Canadian and international investors and partners. The Competition has now expanded to showcase Canada's cleantech sector and the information and communications technology sector. 

Winners are chosen by an independent expert panel of Canadian and US venture capitalists. Winners receive greater exposure to international investors and industry insiders that are important to their continued growth and success. Since their selection, current Winners and Alumni have secured more than $522M in venture capital financing. 

View a complete list of Canada's Top 10™ Alumni.

The competition is a program of OCRI, administered by the OCRI Investment & Commercialization Group.

 

About OCRI

The Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation (OCRI) is Ottawa's leading member-based economic development corporation for fostering the advancement of the region's globally competitive knowledge-based institutions and industries. OCRI delivers its economic development services through a unique partnership with the City of Ottawa, where the City and OCRI, through its members set the strategy and manage the programs that move Ottawa’s economy forward.

Source: http://www.ocri.ca/about/

 

About the YTA

Headquartered in York Region, the YTA is a dynamic member driven community offering opportunities for peer collaboration, networking and knowledge sharing essential to the development of tech businesses and their people. Participation in the YTA uniquely places members at the centre-point of Canada's leading technology corridor, with a connection to more than 5,000 leaders and influencers of the technology cluster in the Greater Toronto Region. The YTA offers 10 unique peer to peer meetings each month, regular topical issues luncheons, and workshops specifically targeted to practical learning for the tech company.  For more information visit www.yorktech.ca.