Bronze Valley seeks to be 'catalyst for change,' promoting innovation, diversity, growth

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Feb. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Generating transformative, sustainable growth. Expanding the breadth and depth of economic opportunity.

That is the dual mission of Bronze Valley Corp.

A new organization, Bronze Valley will launch on Wednesday, February 14 with an inaugural conference in Birmingham. The initiative will work to create an education-to-opportunity-to-outcome pipeline for those currently underrepresented in technology careers in the South and across the nation. 

"We will be a catalyst for change," declares Bronze Valley Executive Director Neill Wright. "We're building an ecosystem for innovation, diversity and growth."  

Attracting capital for startups — and providing active mentorship for entrepreneurs — is a component of the platform, he adds. Bronze Valley will bring "innovation, ideas and concentrated thought" to technology-based business development in general, becoming "a force for improving lives in the community as a whole."

"There is a need," says Wright, a 25-year veteran in banking and finance. "And there is an opportunity to meet that need. As business leaders, we have an obligation to enhance and improve our ecosystem for growth. We can fulfill that obligation by creating an entrepreneurial environment that is more nurturing, more supportive and more inclusive. Bronze Valley is the perfect vehicle for that."

The Bronze Valley conference will bring together top corporate executives, elected officials, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, policymakers and thought leaders from across the country.

Conference moderators, speakers and panelists are scheduled to include:

• Kwame Anku, Co-Founder and Principal of Black Angel Tech
• Michael Madison, Founding Partner and Director-General at Orogenesis
• Shegun Otulana, Founder and CEO of TheraNest
• Mazi Rasulnia, Co-Founder and President of Pack Health
• Sterling Smith, Founding Partner at Keystoke Inc. and Sandbox Commerce
• Hank Torbert, President of Alta Max LLC
• Jared Weinstein, General Partner at Thrive Capital

Incorporating the commitment to inclusion into an overall economic development strategy is part of what Bronze Valley founders and supporters view as a comprehensive approach to building a robust startup and innovation culture. The success of Bronze Valley will be tracked in real terms: jobs created; companies started, attracted and expanded; and improved educational attainment. But the ultimate indicator of success will be a shift in the way communities think about themselves and their economic prospects, and in how they go about securing a more prosperous future.

"It's about creating and perpetuating a culture and reputation of innovation for communities that face barriers to the tech economy," says John O. Hudson III, a founder of Bronze Valley and member of its board. Hudson is also senior vice president for marketing and business development for Alabama Power. "Not just in Birmingham and Alabama, but throughout the Southeast, we have the momentum and we have the ingredients. With Bronze Valley, we're putting the collaborative infrastructure in place to support transformational growth and progress."

Cities, states and regions that capitalize on opportunities in technology-based businesses and promote innovation will be well-positioned to take advantage of the changes shaping the economy of the 21^st century, Bronze Valley founders and supporters say.

"We have to act now," says Hudson. "This is a critical moment for us. The time is ripe for this idea and the role it can play in creating opportunity, realizing potential and nurturing places where economic development and cultural progress go hand-in-hand to strengthen entire communities."

Contact: JaQuisha Hudson
Email: [email protected]
Phone Number: 205-440-1755

SOURCE Bronze Valley