Jon Obermeyer named President of Piedmont Triad Entrepreneurial Network
Greensboro, N.C. — Jon Obermeyer has been named president of Piedmont Triad Entrepreneurial Network (PTEN), effective immediately.
Obermeyer, 48, joined PTEN in December 2004 as Vice President of Programs and was named interim CEO in February 2006.
In addition to assisting early-stage and growth-minded entrepreneurs find resources to grow their companies successfully, Obermeyer serves as an advisor on entrepreneurship to area business providers, business incubators and the Piedmont Triad Partnership’s WIRED initiative. He collaborates with allied entrepreneurial networks such as the Council for Entrepreneurial Development and Blue Ridge Entrepreneurial Council as well as statewide organizations including the North Carolina Technology Association, the North Carolina Entrepreneurial Association and the North Carolina Rural Center.
Supporting PTEN’s mission of serving high-growth, high-impact ventures in the Piedmont Triad, Obermeyer is responsible for the Growth Accelerator Program (annual business plan competition), the Capital Connects! investor-entrepreneur networking forum and roundtables for Life Science CEOs and middle market Chief Financial Officers.
Additionally, he has been responsible for planning and management of PTEN’s annual NEXUS Supply Chain Executive Summit (www.nexusnc.com) and NC Nanotech Conference (www.ncnano.com).
A former general manager and owner of a regional convention services company, Obermeyer has 15 years experience in banking, economic development and entrepreneurial support. With experience ranging from small business generation to industrial recruiting, his economic development experience includes leading the Greensboro Area Chamber of Commerce’s successful efforts to land RF Micro Devices’ $70 million wafer fabrication facility in 1996.
“Jon has demonstrated his ability to lead the board, staff and volunteers who are so vital to the success of PTEN, “said Allen Joines, mayor of Winston-Salem and PTEN co-chair. “In addition, his leadership is evident in the manner in which he gives sound advice to the entrepreneurs who are the lifeblood of economic growth in the Triad. We applaud his collaborative efforts to serve the business community.”
Obermeyer has assisted hundreds of small business start-ups since 1989, and has served on the board of directors of the Greensboro Venture Capital Fund and the Nussbaum Center for Entrepreneurship, and the advisory board for the GTCC Small Business Center. In 1992, he was named Small Business Advocate of the Year by the Greensboro Area Chamber of Commerce.
One company that Obermeyer has helped nurture is Cleantechnics International Inc. of Greensboro, a manufacturer of bypass oil filtration systems that extend maintenance intervals for trucks, buses and construction vehicles. “Jon has been tremendously helpful in steering us to resources to help grow our business,” said Bruce Thomas, chief executive officer. “He has a wealth of useful information that entrepreneurs need to make it to the next level of success, particularly in the venture community.”
A native of Santa Barbara, CA, Obermeyer holds a BA in English from Westmont College, a Master of Fine Arts from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a certificate of completion from the Basic Economic Development Course at UNC Chapel Hill.
Formed in July 2004, Piedmont Triad Entrepreneurial Network provides comprehensive entrepreneurial support to the Triad. A collaboration of leadership in Greensboro, High Point and Winston-Salem, PTEN is funded primarily by Action Greensboro, Winston-Salem Alliance and High Point Partners and corporate sponsors. It offers programs, resources and services in five major areas: education and mentoring, networking, business plan competitions, capital access and communications. www.pten.org
Original Article from carolinanewswire.com
