Makers of an aquarium pump, a mobile phone language translator and fresh-sliced apple products are among the Northeast Pennsylvania innovators to be honored next month at the annual i exchange awards, sponsored by Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
The six 2012 winners, says Ben Franklin's Laura Eppler, exemplify innovation, achievement and a commitment to regional economic growth.
They are:
Entrepreneurial Achievement
Patrick Clasen, Justin Lawyer and Timothy Marks for EcoTech Marine, Bethlehem
Founded by the trio of principals as undergrads, this maker of aquarium equipment is today a multi-million dollar enterprise, with 30 employees and plans to grow its workforce and its space.
Incubator Graduate
Net Driven, Scranton
A graduate of the Scranton Enterprise Center, Net Driven is a leading provider of websites and Internet marketing solutions to independent automotive dealers. In just three years, Net Driven has increased revenue 800% and added 25 new employees.
Product Innovation
RantNetwork, Inc., Bloomsburg
RantNetwork makes an advanced mobile phone language translation application. The company recently launched its iPhone/iPad, Android, and Blackberry app versions.
Innovative Application of Technology
AMETEK Specialty Metal Products – Reading Alloys, Robesonia
This company recently opened a new manufacturing facility to support growth in the metal powder market, used in the aerospace and medical industries. It employs 140, up 12% from last year.
Manufacturing Achievement
Appeeling Fruit, Inc., Reading, PA
A producer of fresh-sliced apple products for food service and retail clients, Appeeling has grown from a staff of 10 to 100, tripling revenue in the process.
Partnership
Compass Point Consulting, Bethlehem
This consultant to middle-market family and closely held businesses has a simple mission: to build high-performance companies that can run without the owner.
Source: Laura Eppler, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania
Writer: Elise Vider