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NEW FUNDING, OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE TO AREA MANUFACTURERS

By Amy Riggin/OF THE COMMERCIAL STAFF
Tuesday, July 21, 2009 11:20 PM CDT

Funding from the Arkansas Science & Technology Authority’s (ASTA) technology transfer assistance grant (TTAG) program, which became available Monday, is just one of the ways the organization can support area business, according to a local economic development official.

ASTA announced Monday that a total of $356,975 is available, now through June 2010, to Arkansas-based businesses needing to improve technology infrastructure. Beginning this month, businesses can apply for individual grants of up to $3,750. The money would help cover costs associated with the transfer of technology from an approved provider to an Arkansas company.

“Manufacturers in this state must be as technologically sound as possible to remain competitive in today’s business climate,” said Dan Curtis, director of Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions. “TTAGs help manufacturers cover costs associated with technology needs such as software and consultancy, helping small and mid-sized manufacturers receive the critical updates they need.”

Funding is provided by Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions ($200,000) and state appropriations ($156,975).

Lou Ann Nisbett, president and chief executive officer of The Economic Development Alliance of Jefferson County, said Tuesday that local businesses can benefit from this and other programs offered through ASTA. The problem: Not everyone knows the help is out there.

“There are all kinds of benefits but it’s getting that information to the manufacturer and putting it in a way they can understand — how they can actually get it — that’s important,” Nisbett said.

That’s why she is working with ASTA to bring Dr. Steve Stanley, the organization’s vice president of commercialization, to Pine Bluff as a guest speaker of the Jefferson County Manufacturing Council. Nisbett said she doesn’t have a date confirmed yet — it could be in the fall — but hopes to get him here soon in order for area manufacturers to learn more about ASTA and its programs and be able to ask questions face-to-face.

“I’m working with the technology transfer group to come and speak to our manufacturing council and explain it in a way where they can see how they can actually utilize these programs,” she said. “So this way I’m hoping that we get it straight from the source, from the organization offering these things, and can educate our industries about it.

“If it could be something that could help them and save them thousands of dollars then it would be worth their energy to participate.”

Topics would include tax credits, seed capital, technology transfer, as well as energy efficiency — an area that many manufacturers are struggling with as utility costs rise. ASTA also has a research component that offers grant-writing assistance and information about becoming certified through the International Organization for Standardization.

Nisbett also noted that she had been working with Chuck Meyers, ASTA executive vice president, to try and determine how many Jefferson County industries and small businesses already have benefited from the Authority’s services.

“At this point, we don’t know,” Nisbett said. “But it would be interesting to find out.”

She added that she is hopeful more companies will join the council, which was formed in May 2007 to provide a forum for industry reps to address common problems and issues. Membership consists of senior executives of manufacturing organizations with 10 or more employees.

The current president is Chris Hart, manager of human resources and industrial engineering for Central Moloney Inc., which makes electrical transformers and components.

“That’s what we’re here to do is to try to help our industries succeed,” Nisbett said. “In this economy we need everything we can get to help our industries.”

ASTA was created by statute in 1983 to promote scientific research, technology development, business innovation and math, science and engineering education. Details: Visit www.asta.ar.gov or call 501-683-4400.

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