Black Dog Promotions Bets on the “Next Silicon Valley” and Acquires GrowAZ.org, Offering Platform for Arizona’s Tech Entrepreneurs and Investors to Connect

Black Dog Promotions, a Tempe based firm that specializes in the merging of viral marketing, public relations and social media has acquired GrowAZ.org

Phoenix/Tempe, AZ, October 29, 2012 - Black Dog Promotions, a Tempe based firm that specializes in the merging of viral marketing, public relations and social media has acquired GrowAZ.org, a popular online platform that creates synergistic relationships among Arizona’s entrepreneurs.

The firm will shift GrowAZ.org’s focus toward tech start-ups, offering entrepreneurs and investors a platform through which to connect, explore hot products and services, and pursue opportunities to grow.

According to Black Dog Promotions CEO Scott Kelly, “Arizona launched more start-ups last year than anywhere else in the nation according to a CNN Money report that cites the Kauffman Index of Entrepreneurial Activity. We’re fertile breeding ground because of our close proximity to a skilled labor force, combined with our state’s business-friendly labor and tax policies. Some say Arizona is the next Silicon Valley – and we’re betting on it.”

According to Kelly, who describes himself as a “serial entrepreneur,” Black Dog Promotions offers the expertise and experience to leverage the site, which is free to members to encourage robust participation. According to Executive Director, Jill Howard Allen, the site draws revenue via ad sponsorships.

“What we’re doing is inspiring an incubator for both innovation and enterprise to merge. Our members list their products and/or services, and also collaborate and share information, tips, and advice with other entrepreneurs,” said Allen.

Visit http://GrowAZ.org to learn more or sign on as a member. Contact Scott Kelly to explore advertising opportunities at: scott@blackdogpromotions.com

“Buzz.” It’s what we generate at Black Dog Promotions. Tapping into our broad network of media contacts, we maximize the potential of viral marketing, publicity and social media. Best, we garner results – driving your audience to visit your website, buy your product or support your cause. Our passion is to make your message resonate! Check out our website for details at: http://www.blackdogpromotions.com

Contact:
Scott Kelly
Black Dog Promotions
9920 S. Rural Rd., Ste 108
Tempe, AZ 85284
480-206-3435
scott@blackdogpromotions.com
http://www.blackdogpromotions.com

Gaming and Tech Entrepreneurs Sought for "Pitch Bootcamp" at Harrisburg University

Coming up with an idea for a cool new tech company is one thing. Getting investors to believe in your idea enough to give you money toward it is another thing entirely.

Harrisburg, PA, August 16, 2011 - Coming up with an idea for a cool new tech company is one thing. Getting investors to believe in your idea enough to give you money toward it is another thing entirely. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology and The Founder Institute will partner to host a "Pitch Bootcamp" to help potential entrepreneurs articulate startup business ideas from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, September 10, 2011.

The free educational and networking event will take place at Harrisburg University, which is located at 326 Market Street in Harrisburg, PA.

"This event is an ideal opportunity for those with an entrepreneurial spirit to get together with experienced founders to share their ideas and develop their pitch as well as to find potential cofounders," says Dr. Edgar Harrell, entrepreneur in residence at Harrisburg University and managing partner of Harrell Capital Partners, LLC. "In just four hours we'll help you refine your idea, improve your pitch, meet mentors and other entrepreneurs and find a co-founder."

This hands-on, intensive workshop will feature presentations on startup ideation, public pitch practice, and speed pitching to peers. A networking lunch and refreshments will be provided, too. During the Sept. 10 event, eight technology-venture founders will be invited to share their ideas and get feedback on their pitches to investors. Since one of the University's goals is to develop a regional gaming cluster, event organizers are making a special effort to invite people with ideas focused on virtual gaming.

Space is extremely limited so register today at http://www.harrisburgu.edu/news/event-registration.php or via email to CONNECT@HarrisburgU.edu

The Founder Institute is a San Francisco start-up accelerator and entrepreneur training program focused on grooming entrepreneurs into CEOs. It is a global network of startups and mentors that helps entrepreneurs launch meaningful and enduring technology companies.

As the only STEM-focused university between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, HU offers graduate and undergraduate courses in entrepreneurship. Talented students come from Mid-Atlantic region and beyond to learn from professors steeped in real-world experience and from high-level technology entrepreneurs who share their expertise as mentors, advisors, and guest lecturers.

The University's location in downtown Harrisburg is near Interstates 83 and 81 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike, making it an easy drive to the University. The Amtrak Passenger Train Station and Greyhound Bus Station are one block from our location. And the Harrisburg International Airport is only nine miles from the University. http://www.harrisburgu.edu/campuslife/directions.php

Parking is free along the streets on weekends and is available in the Harrisburg Parking Authority operated garage accessible via Fourth Street. Cost for parking in the garage is $5.00 for 0-2 hours. Kiosk for parking accepts cash only. More information on parking rates and directions to the University are found online at http://www.harrisburgu.net/campuslife/directions.php#parking

Founded in 2001 to address Central Pennsylvania's need for increased opportunities for study leading to careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, Harrisburg University is an innovative and ambitious private institution that produces graduates who provide increased competence and capacity in science and technology disciplines to Pennsylvania and the nation. Harrisburg University ensures institutional access for underrepresented students and links learning and research to practical outcomes. As a private University serving the public good, Harrisburg University remains the only STEM-focused comprehensive university located between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

For more information on the University's demand-driven undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs in applied science and technology fields, call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu.

Contact:

Steve Infanti

AVP Communications

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology

326 Market Street

Harrisburg, PA 17101

717.901.5146

sinfanti@harrisburgu.edu

http://www.harrisburgu.edu/