* Reprinted with Permission *
Did you know there are close to a dozen high-tech, IT companies in Newport?
Not many people do. That included many of those same company owners, who were brought together by Newport Main Street Coordinator Robert Yoder for lunch at Newport York St. Café about a month ago.
"I had realized around Newport, tucked into little corners and
second floors of buildings, were a growing amount of high-tech, IT
companies. They tend to be a quiet group," Yoder said.
About 14 people came to that little lunch meeting, including folks from Purple Trout, Can do, Red Hawk Technologies and Fan Mail Marketing .
The group, called Newport Lunch 2.0, plans to meet monthly, for
lunch, drinks or at each other's offices. It gives members a chance to
network, talk about best practices and even team up on projects.
"It’s one thing to work with someone in California or India, but
if you can work with someone down the street, the logistics are a lot
easier," Yoder said.
The Lunch 2.0 concept is familiar in west coast tech communities
with 2.0 groups in Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Portland.
Since forming the group, Yoder has been able to guide companies
looking for new or bigger spots in Newport. He's also able to more
easily get out information on funding and grant opportunities. Any
Newport-based tech company owner interested in the group can contact
Yoder at byoder@newportky.gov or (859) 292-3651.
Writer: Feoshia Henderson
Source: Bob Yoder, Newport Main Street Coordinator
