internet : Innovation + Job News

GiveCorps is changing the way the non profits in Baltimore raise funds by offering charitable donors in the Baltimore area a sweet deal: give to something good, get something good.
 
“Our tag line is ‘Give Local. Get Local.’ The local aspect of GiveCorps is unlike other online giving platforms. For donors, GiveCorps provides an easy method to both support and learn about local nonprofits and get great discounts for merchants in return. We provide both on line and off line ways to engage in the community as well as great weekly newsletter GiveCorps Plugged In. GiveCorps offers non-profits a new vehicle for targeting younger donors, a new marketing platform and a vehicle to raise funds,” says GiveCorps founder and president Beth Falcone.
 
By soliciting small gifts from potential donors instead of looking for money from the same small pool of donors, non-profit organizations are able to connect more easily with the people who support them but can only offer up a small donation. Their supporters donate money through the GiveCorps site, and in return they score deals at Baltimore merchants, restaurants and attractions.
 
“GiveCorps is built around the notion that small gifts matter and everyone can be a philanthropist. The idea was to create a broad network of $10- $25 dollar young philanthropists who regularly visit the site, the GiveCorps Facebook page or receive and respond to the daily e-mail,” continues Falcone
 
Response to the site has been strong. GiveCorps has raised over $36,000 for Baltimore's non-profits, with an average gift of $36. The company hopes to expand the concept into another city in 2012.
 
Writer: Amy McNeal
Source: Beth Falcone, GiveCorps

https://givecorps.com/

If you're trying to beat the sniffles and sneezes of cold season, Sickweather is looking for you.
The new illness mapping social networking site offers users the opportunity to see maps of
local illness “hot spots” based on data collected from users, Facebook status updates and
Twitter streams.

“With Sickweather, we hope to offer a new and useful resource to help people stay healthy. It
really is baffling to me that people check the weather report every day before they leave the
house or before they go on a trip, but health related symptoms go ignored. If people prepare
for the weather by bringing their umbrella with them, why don't they do a similar thing by
drinking an extra glass of orange juice in the morning to boost their immune system?” asks
Sickweather COO James Sajor.

The Baltimore based start-up behind Sickweather is preparing to launch the social networking
site , which is currently in its final Beta testing phase. The brainchild of entrepreneur
Graham Dodge, formerly involved with Crime Map, and marketing expert James Sajor,
Sickweather aims to not only help healthy people avoid virulent spots, but also allow people
with compromised immune systems and their families a resource to help them avoid exposure
to a potentially life threatening germ.

“I had recently moved back to Baltimore to take care of my mother, who was diagnosed
with an advanced stage of cancer. She was going through a variety of treatments, and her
immune system was severely compromised. That meant that I could not get sick. It would
actually have been a life-and-death situation if I caught a common cold. I was extra careful
when I left the house. So when Graham approached me, I immediately saw the value in the
idea,” says Sajor.

In addition to the final beta testing of the site, Sickweather is also developing a mobile app
version for Android and iPhone.

Writer: Amy McNeal
Source: James Sajor, Sickweather

http://sickweather.com/

The Governor's office updated Marylanders on the progress of the One Maryland Broadband Network this week. The initiative is designed to provide a unified means of communication through all levels of government and improve broadband internet access for undeserved and rural portions of the state. The new broadband lines will increase access to high speed internet for more than 1,000 of what the state calls "anchor agencies" -- government agencies, community support centers,  hospitals, libraries, educational institutions, and police departments.

Initial funding for the One Maryland Broadband Network was established in late 2010. The project received more than $115 million in competitive federal grant funds through the U.S. Department of Commerce's Broadband Technology Opportunities Program through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, one of the largest broadband grants awarded in 2010. Additional funds were raised through state local and private contributions bringing the project total to $158 million.

To date, $16 million of this money has been spent on the initial field and design engineering phase of the project, which has created 241 jobs. Engineering is underway in every county in Maryland, with an estimated 63% of the engineering completed. Construction of the One Maryland Broadband network's new broadband lines has begun in Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Howard, Baltimore, Carroll, Charles, and Prince Georges Counties. The remaining Maryland counties are expected to begin construction by the end of 2011.


Writer: Amy McNeal
Source: Office of the Governor of Maryland

Baltimore-based website SpotCrime has become the web's most visited online crime mapping site, with over 300,000 subscribers. The company estimates that over 6 million people interact with SpotCrime every month, including media partners and other websites.

The SpotCrime site aggregates nationwide crime data, and allows users to search by zip code to view a map with icons for crimes in that area. The site tracks local crimes from vandalism to shootings, and displays icons and addresses of the locations of crimes reported in that area. Data can be generated for most US areas. The data displayed is pulled from police reports and verified news sources.

Subscribers to SpotCrime can sign up to receive SMS text alerts when a crime is added in their area, or download the app for iPhone to receive and share crime information. SpotCrime also maintains a blog explaining crime data trends and updating subscribers on current mapping projects.

The website has partnered with real estate site Trulia to report crime data to potential home buyers in 50 metropolitan areas nationwide. SpotCrime is also available to Direct TV users. It is the second most popular app available through that service. 

The company estimates that continued growth at this pace will enable them to break the 500,000 subscriber mark by mid 2012.


Writer: Amy McNeal
Source: http://spotcrime.blogspot.com/, http://www.spotcrime.com

Nik Mody and his partners, Vinit Mody and Roshan Patel, are using their experience in the hospitality industry to launch a new online travel savings club. Based in Columbia, MD, Members Hotel Network aims to create an online travel booking site that benefits both guests and hoteliers.

Typically, bookings that come to hoteliers through an online travel agency cost the hotelier about 22% in commissions paid to the agency. Travelers booking through online travel brokers are often unaware that hotel franchisees are obligated to enforce a rate parity concept by their corporate parents that ensures that online brokers and the hotel's online site are providing the same rate. Booking travel through a broker also usually means that a traveler is unable to collect loyalty points for the booking.

"Our purpose is to serve the two most important entities in the process, the guest and the hotelier," says MHN founder Nik Mody.

The company launched the club's booking site in June. At the Members Hotel Network site, club members can book hotels and rental cars at a club discount around the country. Bookings through the site qualify for hotel and rental car company reward programs, as well as discounts from AARP and AAA. Club members also earn reward points from Members Hotel Network that can be redeemed through the site for cash back rewards.

"We continue to have good traction since our June launch with significant increases in membership registrations and reservations. The public is gaining a better understanding of what it means to have all of their perks back at no cost," says Mody

Members Hotel Network recently added staff at its Columbia office, and is looking at expanding further in the near future. The club is offering free membership through the end of September.


Writer: Amy McNeal
Source: Nik Mody, Members Hotel Network

Go Long Wireless, part of a consortium of MVDDS spectrum holders and investors who partner with broadband service providers, has chosen Baltimore as the launchpad for its new MVDDS pilot. The program is designed to demonstrate that the wireless FTTH option can increase connectivity and options for business customers.

MVDDS, fixed wireless broadband technology, uses 500 MHz of licensed spectrum in the 12.2 -12.7 GHz band. MVDDS frequencies in this spectrum are the same as the frequencies used to provide satellite TV signals by companies like  DirecTV and Dish Network. However, while those companies use satellites to distribute their signal, Go Long Wireless's signal transmission and transfer stations are all on the ground. The signal for the Go Long Wireless MVDDS pilot in Baltimore uses a transmission antenna at the World Trade Center in the Inner Harbor. The receiving antenna for the signal is located at the Emerging Technology Center in Canton. The system is currently capable of delivering up to 50 Mbps in downstream broadband, 3+ Mbps in upstream broadband, multichannel 1080p HD video, and voice services.

One concern with the technology is that in order to receive a signal, an outdoor antenna is required. This may prevent some consumers from being able to access the service. Go Long Wireless is not entering the market as a service provider. The company plans to lease the technology and spectrum to existing wireless service companies.


Writer: Amy McNeal
Source: Bruce Fox, Go Long Wireless

The National Healthcare Career Network has added several new partners to its job board alliance. The Hunt Valley-based company specializes in making connections between job seekers in the healthcare industry and recruiters looking for healthcare workers with specialized skills.

"By having intrinsic knowledge of the industry, we're able to develop solutions that address specific talent acquisition needs. We continuously gather feedback from employers to understand their challenges in order to create practical, cost-effective products and services," says Carol Barber, Managing Director at the National Healthcare Career Network.

First established in 2008, NHCN is an alliance of 267 healthcare professional association and trade group job boards. One of NHCN's founding partners was the American Hospital Association. The company recently announced that it has entered into new partnerships with three organizations. The Interamerican College of Physicians & Surgeons, the National Society of Genetic Counselors, and The American Academy of Ophthalmologists joining the NHCN means that the company now has connections to 60 physician-based organizations with over half a million members.

"Healthcare is the only industry that has continually added jobs in this recession. That said, the openings tend to be very specialized and not at the entry-level. Like all industries, healthcare has felt the effects of the economy and must be very targeted and efficient in recruiting," Barber says.

The National Healthcare Career Network is also working to improve it's connections to healthcare workers with a new mobile app offering job seekers access to other things at NHCN besides just the jobs boards, including candidate screening tools and strategic counsel.


Writer: Amy McNeal
Source: Carol Barber, National Healthcare Career Network

As emerging consumer markets in Asia continue to heat up, US manufacturers are seeking new ways to get their goods into the hands of overseas consumers. Companies like 20 North are establishing a niche that facilitates the process. 

"Let's face it; there is a shrinking market for many consumer products in the US due to the economic downturn. We all need to look overseas for new customers and many of them find the products and brands we enjoy highly attractive," says 20 North Managing Director Richard Palarea.

20 North aims to provide a pipeline to the emerging consumer market in India by providing manufacturers of US consumer goods with a marketing, distribution, and supply chain that allows them to sell their products to the Indian market without having to establish their own sales and distribution presence.

The company allows consumers in India to shop for consumer goods at their website, with the item's price, including shipping and duties, listed in rupees. 20 North then processes the order for the manufacturer, who receives payment for their goods in US dollars and ships the order to a US warehouse for reshipment to India.

"There is a huge demand in India for specialty products that we take for granted here, such as iPhone accessories, home improvement products, gadgets and household items, watches, and niche apparel. We are solving the problem of 'where can we find more sales' for these types of manufacturers by connecting them to our already-built pipeline directly into India," Palarea says.


Writer: Amy McNeal
Source: Richard Palarea, 20 North

SoloParenting.com launched recently to provide advice, resources, and a supportive community for single, separated, and divorced parents. Founder Tanzi Craig was inspired to launch the website and create an online community for solo parents when looking for online support following her own separation.

"I remembered being awake at 3 a.m. during the initial months of separation, scared and lonely, with no one to talk to about everything I was freaking out about. Then I thought, there's got to be a website that has info about all the things that keep you up at night. When I searched I really didn't find what I was looking for. So I decided to create [it]," Craig says.

The website is designed to be a portal for single parents to access resources that will make them feel less isolated. Peer-to-peer advice and articles on finances, dating, travel, activities, and relationships offer perspectives to single parents that encourage them to be connected to the community. SoloParenting.com also offers anonymous message boards for solo parents to connect with one another.

"There were an awful lot of blogs out there by single parents but those are awfully narrow and you really have to look around for someone with whom you feel connected. Plus their advice might be right on but they aren't psychotherapists, physicians, attorneys, experts about different topics. I allow readers to submit questions for these types of experts and get real answers back," Craig continues.

The growing website will be looking to expand its offerings in the area soon, with webinars and workshops designed to help single parents deal with their unique challenges. The site is also looking to add more contributors and experts to its roster.


Writer: Amy McNeal
Source: Tanzi Craig, SoloParenting.com

Inspired by stories he sees when filming in troubled parts of the world, Baltimore documentary filmmaker Richard Lakin is looking to use his company, 18 rabbits digital media, to inspire change and draw attention to the problems faced by people in some of the world's most challenged places.

"Most of our pop media is obsessed with the trivial; the scandals of political figures, what Kim Kardashian is up to, or yet another vampire story. When I'm on these travels, I meet a lot of people who are serious about making a real change in the world. Telling their stories is my way of clearing out some of the clutter and focusing on real issues," Lakin says.

The company has partnered with foundations, NGOs, and non-profits from the US and around the globe to create social media strategies that draw attention to the work being done in countries like Honduras and Kenya. 18 rabbits also works with organizations to promote corporate responsibility, sustainability initiatives, and education.

"I believe that social media has the ability to change perceptions and influence policy, and that is my approach to web campaigns. Some people still think that promoting their cause on outlets like Facebook and Twitter is not something to be taken seriously, and use traditional media outlets for their branding, marketing, and public image. They are being left out of the global conversation," Lakin notes.

18 rabbits digital media recently entered into a partnership with an organization that promotes sustainable business practices and corporate social responsibility initiatives in the Middle East/ North Africa region, and will be providing content production and web strategies.


Writer: Amy McNeal
Source: Richard Lakin, 18 rabbits digital media

The International Dyslexia Association has launched an initiative to help parents of dyslexic and learning disabled children connect with one another and get the information that they're looking for to help their children. The initiative includes a lower membership price for parent members, a new bi-monthly news letter, and other tools for parent members.

The centerpiece of the new program is a website that allows parents of dyslexic and learning disabled children to connect with other parents dealing with the same issues. The private, secure forum allows parent members to post questions, have conversations, post photos and videos, and make connections within the dyslexia and learning disability community. The connection site is currently being tested in 12 markets.

The Timonium based International Dyslexia Association has up to this point been a resource that was tailored to the needs of clinicians, researchers, educators and other professionals in fields that contribute to dyslexia research and education. The initiative to make the IDA accessible to parents was spurred by large numbers of parent calls and emails to the IDA.

"We get phone calls and emails from parents all over the country. Our goal is to support our parents in any way that we can. One of the things that we see the most is that parents want to connect with other parents," says Kristi Bowman, Director of Development for the International Dyslexia Association.

The IDA will be continuing the parent outreach program with new informational materials designed for parents. The new parent focused informational brochures and other learning materials will be available later this year.


Writer: Amy McNeal
Source: Kristi Bowman, International Dyslexia Association

AVF Consulting is growing. The Towson-based company offers ERP business management software and IT consulting to clients in retail, education, and the nonprofit sector. AVF recently added four new clients to its roster. Unity Healthcare, Community Options, Inc. and The Albert B. Sabin Vaccine Institute, Inc. have signed on with AVF to implement new management and accounting software. Pet supply retailer Care-A-Lot is also working with AVF on IT solutions as it moves from an online operation to brick and mortar retail.

"We're an organization that focuses on helping nonprofits deploy newer accounting systems to help them become more efficient. We bring 25 years worth of experience to the table working with similar organizations, understanding how non-profits operate. We have the professionals on staff that help them get the most out of it," says Jeremy Fass, Executive Vice President of AVF Consulting.

The company is also looking to expand staff as it develops these new projects. AVF has just added new staff to focus on its newest division - - outsourced accounting services. They're also looking for nonprofit and retail implementation consultants.

"We're hiring and growing, very selectively," Fass says. "We're focused on hiring and retaining professionals who understand how to create solutions to people's problems."

The company recently started work on a solutions study with the American Psychiatric Association to explore possibly implementing new software. The project is in the early planning phases, as the two organizations explore the feasibility of the budget and requirements.


Writer: Amy McNeal
Source: Jeremy Fass, AVF Consulting, Inc.

Venture Funding Network is searching for national affiliate marketing partners to promote its business connections website. The company began searching for partners in June through outreach efforts at business networking events and on the web.

The Columbia based startup launched the site in 2010. The platform is designed to facilitate connections between entrepreneurs, business finance professionals, and service providers in a variety of industries.  

"We're growing and looking at ways to involve more entrepreneurs, service providers, and financiers in our online community. Our platform provides a way for businesses to connect and foster growth," says Phillip Bradford, CEO of Venture Funding Network, LLC.

Strong early positive response to the site has given Venture Funding Network the impetus to roll out its national affiliate marketing program earlier than expected. The company is seeking experienced regional partners in all US and Canadian markets.

"We're looking for national affiliates to promote VFN as we expand. We want to work with businesses with strong local connections to provide greater growth opportunities in the economic recovery," Bradford says.

Venture Funding Network plans to begin announcing new partnerships as early as this fall.  


Writer: Amy McNeal
Source: Venture Funding Network, LLC

Oculis Labs in Hunt Valley, developers of information security technologies, has been recognized by two major organizations as a leader in innovation. The company was listed in April by fundedIDEAS as one of its "Top 300 Startups". The company was also honored in May at the TEDCO ICE Awards with the Innovation award.

Oculis Labs offers two information security products. Privateeye, designed for general use in offices where information may need to be kept confidential, uses facial recognition screen lock technology to keep documents secure to a machine's registered user. It can be used on laptops and desktops, and uses the computer's camera to establish the identity of acceptable readers for a protected document. When an unauthorized person comes into the camera's view, the screen blurs to protect the information. Privateeye can be used to protect confidential information by health clinics, financial institutions, or in other industries where confidentiality is a concern.

"This takes the user out of the security equation. It's very effective with proprietary and personal data," says Oculis Labs CEO Bill Anderson.

Chameleon, Oculis' most advanced security tool, is designed for use by people working with highly sensitive documents, especially in the intelligence and military sectors. The technology works similarly to the Privateeye program, but provides a few additional safety features. Using a special plug-in box for each machine, Chameleon tracks the gaze of the person reading the document, and scrambles the information ahead and behind the reader's view, allowing only what the registered user is looking at currently to be readable. Nonsense words appear in place of the protected data.

"We protect the last 2 feet of the internet," Anderson says. "There's security available for the rest of it, but this protects your data once it hits your screen."


Writer: Amy McNeal
Source: Bill Anderson, Oculis Labs

Baltimore-based Moodlerooms, Inc., an open-source e-Learning solutions developer, has released its joule Mobile application for Android and Blackberry devices.

Available to any joule user, joule Mobile harnesses the capabilities of smart phones to deliver a feature set that satisfies the evolving e-Learning needs of students and faculty while enabling campus leaders to carry out administrative necessities.

"Moodlerooms' release of joule Mobile for Android and Blackberry provides faculty, administrators, and students convenient, 24/7 mobile access on and off campus through multi-platform mobile technology applications," says Lou Pugliese, president.

joule Mobile engages students by delivering access to courses, interactive maps, and campus-wide news, alerts and notifications, while educators are provided with a mechanism for delivering course related information and materials through the Moodle-based, enterprise e-Learning platform, joule. Administrators are also enabled to keep their respective campus informed with timely notifications and alerts. The application can also be configured to display themes, color schemes and logos specific to a particular institution. joule Mobile is the portal to your campus.

joule Mobile is also supported on the Apple iPhone mobile platform.

Source: Moodlerooms
Writer: Walaika Haskins