HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-022 Denton Technology CouncilDate: April 21, 2017
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
Update on the proposed Denton Technology Council
Report No. 2017-022
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Councilmembers requested an update on the Denton Technology Council proposed by the 2016
Leadership Denton class. At this time, staff does not recommend official City involvement in the
establishment of a Technology Council. However, as Denton's technology community has continued to
grow, there are ample opportunities to achieve the desired objectives through alternative means. This
report will explain the history of various technology initiatives and plans for future growth.
BACKGROUND:
Denton's technology scene has developed organically over time, driven in large part by the young talent
inherent to a university town along with the city's creative, entrepreneurial, and individualistic culture.
Many Denton entrepreneurs ha�e dedicated themselves to starting up and growing in this environment —
bootstrapping their businesses through hard work and help from others in the tech community and without
outside investor funding.
Beginning in the early 2010s, elected leaders and City staff began to contemplate Denton's grassroots
tech scene as the foundation for a new strategic focus in building the community's economic future by
intentionally fostering a sustainable environment for tech and tech-enabled businesses. In the FY 2014-15
budget, Council invested in this concept with the funding of an initiative to help support and grow
Denton's tech sector through more programming and events, the creation of a coworking space, and
increased connectivity in the downtown core. The initiative was collectively known as CoDenton, and
local leaders from tech, business, government, education, and nonprofits began working together to bring
those ideas into reality.
The 2015/2016 Leadership Denton class project involved assessing the state ofthe city's technology
community and suggesting ways to grow it. The class reviewed existing tech efforts and assets and
interviewed stakeholders such as tech and non-tech business owners, representatives of the education
field, and governmental entities. Class members drew two major conclusions from its research: 1)
stakeholders ha�e different definitions of and perspectives on tech and the tech community, 2) Denton has
a wealth of tech initiatives already in place along with a deep pool of tech talent at its universities.
At the conclusion of its class year in April 2016, the class recommended the creation of a Denton
Technology Council that would work to increase access to technology-based education, create a plan to
provide economic incentives for both current and new tech businesses, devise a technology branding plan,
increase capital for tech businesses, and advocate for improved technology infrastructure. While the class
recommended the creation of the Denton Technology Council, it acknowledged that it did not have the
answers as to structure, funding, membership, or administration of the Council and urged stakeholders to
band together to determine the details.
DISCUSSION:
On August 1, 2016, Stoke Denton, a City-supported entrepreneur center focused on fostering and growing
tech and tech-enabled businesses, opened its doors. Built around the concepts of community, education,
and mentorship, Stoke is naturally growing into Denton's hub for the tech community. It serves as a
Date: April 21, 2017
Report No. 2017-022
connection point not only for its members, but for mentors, service providers, and citizens who attend
open education and community events. Some of the stakeholders actively involved in Stoke Denton:
• TechMill, a nonprofit designed to support and grow the tech community via education and
networking
• UNT via the Office of Research and Innovation
• TWU via the Center for Women in Business
• OpenDenton, a community-driven open data initiative to help increase access and encourage the
use of public data in the city
• Tech companies in the startup, growth and establishment, and expansion phases
• Mentors with experience in venture capital and funding, business formation and planning,
marketing, and other skills needed by entrepreneurs
• City of Denton via Economic Development and Tech Services
• Denton Chamber of Commerce via collaboration between Stoke and Chamber staff on education
and membership opportunities
City Economic Development staff is creating a new departmental strategic plan, in which tech will remain
a key focus. Some recent tech-focused activities include:
• Benchmarking surveys of Stoke members in March 2017 and Denton's larger tech sector in April
2017
• Recruitment of a new tech startup to relocate to Denton from another North Texas city; startup is
considering Denton due to its desirable tech workforce, culture, and the option of locating in The
Railyard next door to Stoke
CONCLUSION:
The timing of Leadership Denton's class proposal for a Denton Technology Council came shortly before
the opening of Stoke Denton, which over the past nine months has brought together many stakeholders in
the tech community and provided organic opportunities for collaboration and growth, including: increased
access to tech education through Stoke's programming with TechMill, Women Who Code, and others;
and increased access to capital through mentors with connections to venture capital, funders, lenders, and
grant makers.
Given that Stoke Denton has naturally developed into a place where Denton's tech stakeholders come
together to collaborate, learn, and grow, staff does not recommend official City involvement in the
establishment of a Technology Council at this time. Staff will continue conversations with members of
the 2016 Leadership Denton class, and as the tech sector evolves in Denton, will evaluate options and
adjust accordingly.
STAFF CONTACT:
Caroline Booth
940-349-7751
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EXHIBITS:
Exhibit 1: Denton Technology Council Report
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Th� aentc�n T�chnolag� Ccau�cil: the stary
�ofi haw we (th� Cl�t� �f Centon) can make
�entan "�h� Ma�t Con�r��ct�d Caty� in �orth
T�xa�`".
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A group of 1� le�d�rs r,�ith ciive�rse
backgro�nds frc�m w�thin th� dentan
ccammur�it� cc�me ta��ether an� k�ec��n tQ
c�ssess the state of t�ch within a�ntor�.
Based up�o� t��e r�s�arch and meanin�ful
c�nv�rs�tiQns wit'� v�ric�us s�c�V�ehold�r�
th� L�c���r�l�u� [��n���r� �I��� realiz�� ihat
ther� was not c�ne simpGe sc�lutian.
Wf�en loc�king at t�e �ther c�orr�munities
that are daing t��� w�ll and tl�rivar�� th�r� was c�n� sig�nificant
thinc� in comr��n: they c�ll have a iechnology caun�il.
The sQlut�c�n tc� cr��ting a pl�n ��o buiEd ��� ie�h cor�mur�a�y in
��ntar� can be ��compAishecY k��y cre�ting the Dentc�n T�chn�lo�y
Cauncil. This will re�uire all stak�holde�� camong tac�e�'�er tc� wark
tc�war�s ca�-nrr�on initiativ�s, startin� wi�'� the �uick wuns.
\Ne are all a�n different tr���Cs facusbr�g c�n dhff�e�en� ir�itir�tiv�s in
the tech s�ctor. The Qent�r� Techn�lcagy Council wil� k�e a steppling
stc�n� t� �lign and c�e� c�rr one vn�fied trac4� as a city.
Establishin� tl�e D�n��n TechnQl�g� Co�n�il will farmaliz�; Der�t�n'�
inv�s�rnent i� c�tt�actin� tech �nd it's a beac�n to ih� grea�er iech
com�nunit� that dentan is ser�c�us about b�ir�g innovc�tive ar�d
f�rwar�l thir�king.
Mor� inf�rmatic�� c�n il�e cc�ur�cil, initiativ�s �s�nd the �uick wfns can
be r�viewed ir� �#�� se�tic�n� f�rllQwi�g
��,� � ��.� r ��m�. � �;�:���
We (the �it� of C7entc�n) have sic�r�ific�nt ar�d exci�ing tech
ina�iatives c�lready happenir�� in C��a�tc�r�. C�ne af th� challenges the
Le�ders9�ip Denton class af 2Q16 �ncov�red is t�at w,r�'r� a11 on
c�ifferent tracks - c� "switch��rd."
This rnfc�rrrti�A whit�pc��er will �val� you thrc�ugh I�ow v,�e can get
out of the s�k�ch�arc� and as a ciiy align QntQ one unified tr�ack.
�lee� the Leadership De�ton Class c�f 2a16 c��nd cE�eck aut th� in�ro
videa h���. Y�u can alsa visit �I�r�tc�n,t��hnc�lc��� ta �g�t invalv�d
ar�d plugin wvi�h th� Y��nt�r� Technol�gy Council.
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The Prc� r�ssiv� i��rVi� Ir��tit��� ider�tif6ed ��nt�r� as #6 in t�e %
.�� Qea�ir� Ic��atic�n� far h�gh�-tech jobs in the US. This alre�d�
begins to tell the s#ory cai haw Dent�r� is a fo�ce to b� r�ckaned
with when it cames to our ��ta��ish��l comm�unity; simultaneaus�y,
it highlights t6�at w� have ro�rn far imp�`c�uem�n�t.
�,s a t�am„ Leadership� D�ntan k�egan to assess the s�ate of the
tec� camrn�nit� ir� Qenton.
The Leadership L entc¢� praject asked �he group to dete�mine haw
we can attract and retain tal�nt, build infrastructure an� c�r�w
up�r� whc�t L�;ntar� �8r�ady has� �J�tirnat�ly a�nswerir�g th�
qu�si�on: "How da w� bu�ilc� the iech corr�r�ur�ity in Dentc�r�?}'
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Wh�n Leadersh�� Qentc�n stc�rted talkin� c�bc�u� w�at i��h means it
b��ame a�aparent that eacB� individual had a vastly differ�nt
�n�erst�anding af "tech." Ir�itial carrv�rsa�tl�r�s w�re narrc�w in
sc�pe and �ocused on "int�rnet and cc�nnectivity" k��� c��ickl�
determi�e� that t�ch ac�d tech c�mr�unity ar� much bigger.
T�h� Leadersf�i� a�ntan class defi�rmin�d thc�t th� b�st way ta
�gather tl�is inf�rmc�tion was tca ge� aut inta the c�rramu�nity c�nd
have rnear�ang�ul c�r�versa�ians with v�ric�us stc�kehc�lder�. The�y
t�pk�� tQ tl�e City of Den�an, Ni�gher Ed, k�usine�s awr�ers - both in
and �utsn�� the tec� s�ctr�r. �c�nvers�tuc�r�s were had w�tYn �ellow
r�s#d�nts, ass�ciatiar�s anr� organizatians. They tc�lke�l to �ec��ona
Ieaders wh� ch�rnpian tee� in their comm�nities c�r�d indivAduals
�nc�� wark in and are truly vested in th� success af the tech
i'ndustry. They� talked tc� startups r�nc� reached Qut �o �IC�s �f
rr�ajor �c�m�ani�s.
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1. First, L�entan is a g�al�l mic�e for the t�cl� savv�. W� have
amazin� ��ch initiaiives aVready Qccurrir�g wdthin the city and
v,re hav� a p�al cf �al�nt at each Qf our 3 universiiies.
2. Second, similar t� cur graup cc�r�versati�ans, we reale�ed thai
te�� and tech comrb-iunity hav� a d�ffe��r�t d�finition tc� �ver�
stake�apder w�thin the city -�n� we're �II �an different �r�cks.
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These are excrrr�ples �af "th� gvldmine" tf�at alr�c�dc.� exists whera ft
cQr�es ta te�hraalragy rn D�ntQn.
• Progrc�mmi�c� cl�sses �t Tf�� �ar�
•����I� is the new mixed use devedc�prr�ent ac�rass the street
but the secr�t �auc� �s �he tech entr�prer,eurial filair.
F�a1l�ard r�presen�s the �rav,�er c�f a partn�rsh�p b��we�n the
�it� r�f ��r�tan, �evelc����~s, �us�nes� Own�rs ar�d
c�rpa�a��c�ns.
If �ou rem�mber nQthing else about it remember this:
c�llabflrati�n space, jc�b cr�a�e�n a�nd it I�c�s reall� f�ast
in�ern�t!
• Stc�l�� CawQrkirac� �pace
* T�chMiNl T�ch Ed�catic�n Training
• Blc�c�rnberg recca�gnized aentc�n ta be �ne of the f�� citG�s to
participat� in their "'�n/'I�c�t `vv'�rl�s �iti�s Initi�a�iv�". G��nton wil
receAve s�p�ort fr�ar�n th� org�anizatwans acras� the� cauntry
tha$ have been endowed with over $�2 mlillic�n �dollars
ava�lil�k�le frc�m this prcagram.
This ind�oa�ive will rrtiake public dat� more useable fc�r the cit�
and u�s resdc��nts.
These are ca few examples af �hat makes Denton great -
partnerships t�c�t are cQnsis�er�tly workir�c� to b�ilc� and gr�w aur
�ity
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Here ar� a few highlights as to wh� tech anr� technalag� k��s�r�
cc�mra�unit� �nd bu�iness�s c�r� key ta the future af [��ntc�n's
growt� and auerall ecan�o�nic dev�lo�m�nt.
• All �raf�ssion� require �e�hnicall� cc�m��;t�nt workers.
• Mechanic�, nurses, educr�tQrs �nd all fu�ure jab se�l�ers �r�ll
c�eed a stror�c� tech f��ur�datic�n i� arder t� compete.
+� Tech pays mare. Iru �acfi, lifetirri� e�rning� fcar tech �Qk�s c�re
prover� to exce�d all oth�r prr�fessions including lec�a� �n�
medical.
• Tech j�bs a�e green��. They require srr�all building foatprin�s
and Pittle environmer�tal demands.
•��;ch is ec�uca�ic�n-bas�d. F��alusticalAy, tech req�ires
�;�ucs�tion and I'i�tl� else.
[�entan has ane flf tl�e l�dghcst ��nsities �f edu�ated citizens
cc�m�ared to an� c��nmunat� in �Gex�s. In fc�ct, there are over
50„OQa stu�de¢�ts being �du�ated tc�c�c�� in ��ntan accordi�g tca
K��rutc�r� E�aa���nic f��v�lc� �-n��t Partr����hl�� fc��t�.
But most i�npc�rtaniGy, ��ci� is hiring �aw! B� 2��4 th�re will be c�r��
mtlllion te�ch ja�s tha� will r�c�t h�c�v� c�uc�lifi�d� applicants; j�k�s �P��at
lack a p�op�rly trc�ined and �d�catec� wcarkfcrc� �c� iull.
I� we car� capt��e �ven a hal� �f c� p�rcer�t of these one million �obs
it w� cavld net an additional S,OC�f3 new jabs tc� d�ntan.
The sch�c�ls can't accara�plish ihis �c�a�, alon�e . Th� connmunity h�s
tca h�lp, which leads us tc�: Why Den��c�?
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Pe�ple use� �Q �ncaue ta wh�re �r�e jobs were I�cated. Naw,
campani�s w�an� tQ Ic��a�e whe�e th�: tal�nt is and a tc�l�nted
workf�rce w�nts ta live wher� tf�e� car� rr�ingle �rith �ath�r creative
types. Ther�'s n� d�nyanc� that �entdr� is a hub fr�r the mu�ic an�J
entertair�ment culture. This cu9tur� fasters a cr�aiiv� life�tyl�
whil� �til� �njo�inc� � lawer cr�st c�f livinr�. We h�ve � vik�ra�t
��rr��m�ni�u� c�;nter�d araund c�ur downtc�wn �rrec�, we we�e vQt�d
t�e h��st �i��k�9� Cu��a in �Texas the p�a�t twa years an�d Q�e c�f th�
�c�p �5 ��s����t ����rur�� Arnerican� Ci�Y�s.
Our vik�rar�t city os attrc�ctiv� tc� t�e tech se�tar!
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The tas�t �assogned ta �eadershi� aentan �lass caf 2Q1� for
d�velc�ping c� plan tc� bu�il�' the tech cammunity rna� sc�und simpl�,
but it truly is on� of the most camplex and c�mplic�ied �,u�stfons
�eing pose�l within the cs�y taday.
If you're Ic�aking for a simple solutian you're not c�c�in� to �walk
awa� with that. 9r�stead, w� �L��c��rshu� Dentfln �Ql�a) want to
cl�all�nc�e �ou.
Think �bo�t where yau'll b� abl� t� serv� and haw �ou can g�t �n
�o�rd tc� be an advoca�e for the t�c� cc�mmunitt� ir� Dentan.
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B�ow many he��r t�e ware� `�tech" �nc� ir�mediatel� get a Eittl�
uncQmfortable b�caus� you dc�n't car�sider �ourself the mast �ech
savv�`� You're in c��s�d c�rr�pan� k��cause �or tk�e majority of the
Leaders�ip L�enton group fclt the sarne wa� wher� thes� questians
were �os�c�.
Sa, in orc�er t�a simplif� ��ings, tf�e Lead�rship Gentcn group carne
up with the analogy �af � trai� and train track.
Imagine walking ir�to a�ustling �rc��n stati�n. P�ople traveling
plac� ic� pl�ce. Trains camin� ca�d g�aing. Tr�cks crossing� ar�d
i�t�rsectir�g i� ��Mzz�ing arr�a�. But in the chaos there is order,
�I�e trc�ir�s travel a pc�th to �get places fiurther, fias�er �an�` u�ith
c�reater e�se.
Th�at's the visi��n for �en��n t�c�, - we want t� gc� f�rth�r and
faster with ec�s�.
TQday we (City af Dentan) sit in �a suvit�h��rd w�th all these tracks
g�ing diff�rent d�rectic�ns. '�rv`hile mc�v���nt daes accur, it's
chaotic. What eou7d hap��n if we c�et c�ut af the switch��rd and
mov� cn�o a�ingle ur�ufi�d track il�ai hekps �ove the ciiy mave
�lor�g with e�s�, allc�wing the D�nton cQmmunity �o s�axir�ize
resr�urces.
The task asse�gned �c� L�a�ers�rfp d�ntar� was �a k�uild a pl�an t�
�rflw the t�ch cc�r~�mu�it� in aent�n.
The s�lutuc�n: � technol�gu� c�unciil.
A unified trc�ck,
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TQd�ay, �Y�� �e��lershi�p Dentc�n �Ic�ss a� ��1E� i� advocatir�g for the
crea�ic�n caf a part�ershi� bet�,re�a� k�y stc�N�ehr�lders ir� the
connmu�rit� ta create the D�nton Techr��alagy Cc�uncil. This cour�ci
ca�n b� the mea¢�s fiar c�rivinc� this traPn fr�rwar�.
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Leac�ership dentan has loflked �at k�y �la��rs irr the �ech
camrnur�ity - cities �who, like aent�n, unr�'erstand tha� the tech
sect�r is grawin� and vatal t� �}�eir community"s fut�ar� and
ecrnQr�ic dev�lc�pment.
Th� �ities that are lea�ers ir� buipding �ech c�a�-nrr�unity - the c��ties
tl�at csr� doing this right- ChattanQaga, �ustin, Sc�� Antonia,
�al�im�r�, Bc�ulder, even ac�ll�s - aIN adv�cate for anc! maintain
sirc�ng �ech allic�nces which ar� strategic p�rtners ur� enhancin�
tech a�� tec% cc�mr-nur���ty.
fJa j�urr��y wc��1d be c�mp�et� v�ith a clear path. This is th�
unified track t��t the cc�un�il, it's lead�rs c�nd rr�eml�ers of th�
cQm�n�n�ity will �e� a� - ultirr»tely making D�ntrn "The f�c�s�
Canr�ect�c� City nn N�rth Tex�s."
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�n/e ar� ge�ting on c�ne track with ane final d�stinatian and here is
how th� cit� of D�nt�n is going to do it. `�'� have several sto�s
aGor�g the +�ra� ar inituc���ves that the i��nton Technalagy Cau�ci)
wil� w�rk tc� accampl�sh:
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Pr�uiou�s sectians a�ave mentian�� th�t tech is �d�c�tion based.
The �i�� flf a�n�can must increa�� access tca tec}�nc�lagy based
e�ucation. T�� city of ��ntoc� has a variety o� educ�ti�nal
program�ing �Ir�a�y beang a�fiered at th�e Fc�rc�e, UNT, T�v''U, G��TC,
�enton ISL and �rga�iz�tio�s such as TechMiWl. But as a city we
need to u�nd�rstand th� cQmr�onali�ies in �h� curriGu�urn. `+�✓� n��d
tc� w�ark �a ir�c�ease the nuc�nb�r of tech �d hc�ua�s, diversify our
prog�arr�mi�ng ancl r��ot dup�ica�e eff�rts.
H�re°s how we can i�npr�ve �r�d ic�crease acce�s to tech
��'�ca�ion:
• The Qer�t�n Techrral��� Cou�cil r�nd �c��catican s�c�kehold�rs
will have a iech educc�tor m�et u� ta stc�r� a conversc�tican
�b�ut hc�w they can leverage each Qth�r°s resaurc�s.
• T�� a�ntan T�ch CQuncil wi01 �✓ork to douk�le th� hours af
av�il'able tech e��catior� by the �nd af �017. Tl�e first step:
ider�tif�ing new cc�mmu�i�y locc�ti�ns ta h�st ��c�grams.
� Think a�out �his: TechMill c�nnually prcavides �r�
estirn�ted 24d hc�urs Q� apen education. If the Denton
T�chnc�lac�y Cc��ncil were ak�le tc� partn�r wit� Tec�Omill
and �oubl� th�ir amavnt ofi education�l c�f��rings this
ane o�ganizaaic�n� ea�ld provid� 1C7 full �irr�e warl� w�;�k�s
worth af open educatian in @��n�on.
• Lo you rem�mb�r the mildion computer science jobs that
w�an't hav� qualified applica�ts in :�024? The�e tech
�d�ca���n pr�agrams are a pBatfic�rm tca help captur� thc�se
unfilled jQbs and brinc� �C�em ta Denton.
• Finally, The �ente�r� Tec4� Cr�unciG wull w�r� wu�h these
insti�+��uons and I�cal busi�ess�s tQ �r�cr�ase �h� nurnb�r o�
��ch ir�iernships availa�l� by 1flx ir� the next f�v� years.
Educatic�n I�ac�s t� jc�k�s! FQc�sir�g or� the t�ch ec�uca�ic�n secior ds
�ne way tQ a$tract new t�;ch baz. We (City of D�n�on� �c�ve gc�t
�he t�lent!
Q i� u � ���.� � � �� � ���� a �� �;��,�
It isr,'t enc�u�h ta �ust build our human capital, sra the n�x$ stcap is
c�ba�t ir�centives.
The Der�tan Tech Council will m�et wi�h th� Ecc�nor�ic
ID�velc�pment Part��rship i� �he next six r��ntl�s �a str�u�i�r�
�conomic �n�ec�tiv�s fcr t�chnolflgy compa�ies..
T�e [���tc�n Tech �ouncil can cr��t� a plan tca prc�uide incentiv�s
for k�c��h current and n�w k�usiu��sses.
H��✓ val�c�k�l� wouAd it be t� hau�; a plc�n �hat r�v✓�rc�s Denton
businesses that hir� �rad�at�s from U�I�, T�'�J', and NCTC?
Th� TecN� Cr�ur�cil w�ll b� I�ockling far ways ta r�ward innc�vative
bu�sir�esse�.
� ��� ��d ���ov �� �� �a� II ��`a� a � ��� �;�� � �� u � ��� Q o � �� � � 6� �.� ����k
When Leader���Ap C�n�on was nac�king �t tec�nolog� coun�cil�
aroun�' the �c��ntry w� ndiiced th�� each ar�e told the story Q�
what r-�nad� their ciity ur��que. Thc�t's our n�xt st�p on the tracl�.
Qentc�n ne��ls to br�r�d ourselves in �I�e tec� sectar. Let's
ur�d�rstand what C�entc�n is great at �nd build upan that.
A gc�c�d brandi�g plar� �akes � loal� at �,°b��t y�u're alr�ady I�nawn
��r c�nd fill� th� gaps ia g�t you �rh�re yau want tc� ga.
Ner� are five areas Der-�to� alread� has ��e pQt�nti�al tQ ka�ilc� �ts
k�r�and u�c�r�: �c�otstr�ppi�r�, Events, aatc� ��nt�rs, T�chi�nfo Jokas
an�d Edu Teck�.
• Our b�a�t�trap�ing startu�p sc�n�: Ger�t�n is kr�own for this
me�tality and has the resource� frrm our dacal universities
and arganozaiiQns.
o S�a, wh� c�r� startups im�artc�r�t� EcanQmist� have
�stirr�at�d tf�c�t ever� high-tech jo� creates c�n additional
fiv� s�:�in��� ,u�b�.
� In c�dditi�n, st�dres hav� fQund that 9C3% �f startups st�y
in the city ir� w�✓hic� the� wer� f��rne�l, This f�cus typ� ofi
facus grcaw t�ch busi�esses in DentQn.
•�entan is already kn�wn f�r events. Let'� add tech se�ment�
to �v�ry �enton �ver�t. Hu�ghlighting ta uisitors th�t Qentc�n i�
synor�yrrraus with and unde�stands tech c�lt�r�. We are
already knowr� a� an event hu�. Let'� b� �nawr� �s a��ch
ev�r�t hub.
• dentQn was ranked ir� the top 1� b�si �iti�s far data c�nters.
Datc� cen��rs are ��� �oundatican of �I�e intern�t. Let's r�acP�
aut ta businesses ir� this s�ct�r.
• Le�'� f�cus on �he �yp� of tech �ak�s we'�� alr�a�y kn�wn for.
We were name� th� �� �u�� when i� �omes t� t�chlinfc� jc��s.
L�;�'s build an �hes� type �af j��s thr�ugh aur partnerships and
�du�ation.
* �d�e �f�t� of Q�nton�
E��.�-���h�, Let'� find
improve �ducatic�n!
i� �n��,rn fcar �ducatian. Let's b� known for
way�s tca use technalogy in ord�r t�
�he Genton Technalc�g� Cau�cil will fc�cus or� b�siness r nd
�ducation pragrams arovn� the City of Qen�ar�°s defir�ed �ech
b�and.
n� d � � , ,x�. � , �� �� � �, � � � I�';°� i� °� ��� Il
We (Cit� af Dent�r��) n�eds tQ expound upor� traditir�nal �cc�nc�rnic
dev�0aprroerrt i�ea� an� Ic�ok toward� nontraditirr�c�l fundi�ng.
W�c�� is w��l�ing in other are�s af the cauntry - in those citi€�s
researcheci - ta f�el t�e trc��n ane� �rc�vicl� ihe �apital t�eeded �c�
get t�a each s�atio�? H'aw can w� incr�c�se C�pitc�l`?
•��t's cr�ate an acc�l��r��c�r. We ne�a mature Ce�ton b�siness
leader� to coach r�nd suppQrt k�o�tstra��ing startup tech
firms.
• Let's utilize the tech segrn�nts injected iratc� our �v�nts io
gener�at� n�w funds. .S��tw' with it's tech �ased segm�nt
��S`�,�v` Snterac�kv�, c�enerated �ver $317.2 milli�n int� th�
�,�sti� �coruomy Ic�t y��r.
�r'v'hat irr�p�act wrauld th� the extr�a ecc�namic b��si fr�� �n
event Yil�e this h�ve �r� C�enton�
• Let'� develcap new tech even$s �I�at bring tech d'elegates dntQ
aur cQmmunity sa that we co�ld access the Hc�t Fun�''� - th�
h�te� �ccupancy tax��.
�"�''e nee�d tc� I��ak to func�ing �vailab�e from nati��al
�usinesses �nd orgc�c�izatic�n�. ��r exc�mple du�i�g r�sea�rch
�eaclership �7en�tc��n d�t�rrr�ined tf�at the T�chn�lagy Banking
�ro�� a� We�ls �argc� has cr�e�t��k' �'�v`ells Farga Star��p
accelera�c�r.
H�w rnar�� c�tf��r busir�es�es th�t c�perat� in� aent�n have
s�rr�il�� resourc�s c�ut th�er� ���t are r�at k�eing taken
a�van�age of?
• 9��T� rec�ntly received a$4.� rnilliQn RITA, Grar�t. A partio�
r�f this gran�t mQr��y enc�bles NCTC tc� provide iecl� tr�lning
fc�r b�sinesses ar�d th�ir em�lc�ye�s.
• L�st bu� n�t lea�t, t�e D�nt�n Technalagy C�unci� will w�r6�
�crn�ar�! F�avi'r�g a g�al c�f being self fur�d�d �F��ough� �a
member�hip �latfi�rm.
� u � � � � ���� ��� � � �,� � i� K � i�� � ��.�
�Iflw any technology chat wc�uldn't b� �c�m�alete witk�out d�scuss�r�g
infrc�structur� Qr int�rn�t conr��ctivi�y. We (�it� �f L�;nton) ne�d
to help address �he digital �uvid� ��at exwsts i� DentQn fiadc���
Ler���ar� ISD h�s �stablish�d an �mazi�ng fikaer anfrast��ac�ure, b�t
the digi�al �liv�c�'e still exisis.
While �hes� s�ud�n�ts have acc�ss t� �igh sp�ed int�rn�t at sch�al
many don'i �t home. In fac�, c signif�car�t pc�riion of C���tc�n
s�u�l�r��s get '��me �and d�r�'t hr�ve reli�able ��ce�s ta the tools the�
���d m�st kik� high sp�eed internet.
�ailycu�d r�p�esents a prime exam�g�l� of the p�wer of the City
pr�rtnering wi�h service provic�ers, �uch c�s Ch�rter and' Frar�t��r, ta
�uild out c��d enhrnce h�c�h sp�ed off�rings in Dentan.
�c� wh�t's our next sto�`?'
Th� Dentan T��h Cc�un�iC will have th� abilit� tc h�lp continue �h�e
grea� work thc�t �he city has already accamplished by taking the
intern�� packac��; th�� was cr�a�ed for th�; R�ilyard c�nd �;xpand' it
to other busin�ss and resider�ts t� help bridge that digital davide.
� �� � � w� ��'��� �� ,�� �.��. . � � � �...:� C � �..��»� �������
NQw, �ust I�k�; any rail I�n�, r��at everyane wull c�et ca�f �t every stap.
Y�u were challenged earlier tQ think a�Q�r� where �Q� can s�rve
and hQw yau can get au� bc�ard beGng an adv�cate fa� tech
cc�rr�munit� ir� C7�c�tc�n. Sa wf�ich stop are �au the mast �xc�ted
abaut tc�d��� 'v�/here are yau gc�ing ta hap an?
T'�es� stc�p�s wil� allaw D�e�ton t� attract a�r� r�t�ir� t�alent, b�ia�l
infrastr�cture and c�row the ��ch cc�mrr�ur�ity in order tc� m�ke
Ce�ton the mcas� cor�nected City i� P�orth T�xas.
`���/ �� c�� �� ' �:� i ��� � �� i r� c� � c.� �� c�� I� r� "�'
"v�/� r�eed' �ur s�c�keholders t�a uni��, be advacates and take actia�.
Sa, UNT, TWU, N�CT�, DISD. Whic}� stap ar� y�u gair�g tr� get off
r�t?
• Jrga�izatian� in the c�mmuni�y
• Chambe�r Qf Comm�rce
� Ecanamic Gev�lopmen�
• City C�unci
r Community L�a�l�rs
+� �i��zer�s
• The aent�an �usiness Cc�m�nu�u��
• Tech Bu�sir�esse�
Which stap ar� �au� ��ssionate abca�t`�
� ,� �.� C �:; ,� � � i � �~-�
��;...
The L�adershnp Denton �lass has identifi�d the quic� wins, !nr'i�at
c�c� we b�gin tca accorrup�ish by tk�e en�l �f ;����a`? What c�an we
(City Qf D�ntan� can dc� in the next 6 mon��s�
• I��ntif� ke� lea�c��rs an� ambassadars ta �e a�art of �e�rming
the tech counci9. And let's b�gin tQ farr� ��e t�ch cauncili
• Educatc�rs-IJNT/�WU/DI�D etc fc�rmalize � m�e$�ng t� talk
�ecP� curricul�m and �igur� �ut h�w ta scale ut1
• Let's hc�ve the �entan Te�hnr�lagy Cc�uncil and Eco�or�ic
pevelopm�ent partnership k����in t� cre�t� � pV�an for tech
econamic inc�r�a�v�sp
• Let's create a strategic �lan tc� create a tech b�and!
• Develc�p � plan fc�r r�aki�c� p�ntan the tech �vent �ub
I�.l�w th�se c�r� c�rt�air�l� �Qt th� only initic�tives ear s�aps alar�c� the
tracl�, but it`s c�ur (The Cit�� startir�c� pc�int. It's where we CThe
Cc�mrr�unit�) unitc ar�d cc�nv�rg� c�nta 1 tracl�.
Fo�ming th� ��rotan Te�hn�l�gy Council will fc�rrr�al�ize C�entan'�
inve�tment in attracti�g �ecE� an�d it"s a be�cQn �a the great�r t�ch
cannmunity sa�ir�� De�tan is seruous �kaaut being i�n�vative an�l
farwar�' tl�ir�kir��.
IIi�' � �°° °� ��.�� �� ���� � �� � � m
�
�.� c�
� . �.�
,�� „�~
����.
��'"' �w,
� p,�w��
�� �
. � �I �.�
QENTC)k�
�EC� �I�LC�YCC�U f��l �
• A ded�cated t€�am available tc� help court potential busir�esses
in the tech sector
• A source to identif� ��e right tech ccm�a�r�ies ta brir�g t�
D�nton bas�� upc�n our t�ch k�rand
• A�a�l �fia� stcakeP�al�lers� far the chamber, city council, ED,
higher e�' ta ut�lize ir� a�d�r ta s�re�amline everything relat�d
t� te�Y� and c�rawing fhe �ech cQmmunity
• Ymagine: All the ke� pla���s i� D�ntan tech scer�e corring
tageth�;r and getti�g ar� Qne sc�lic� t�ack- that's �he Denton
�echnQlQgy Council.
� � �,�� �;'�� �.�� ��,.� ���� II u �� �� m�� � � �w�� it'°� 7h �;,,� uW'� U� w ��u,i� �� � � �� ��, � �°� q�, �� d�,..�� �;�� !�µ �. �.� o�,� � R` �� � ��� .
� B� a competitiv� Yeader in the Tech Endus�ry
+ Retain Tech Ta�ent
• Gra�w Tec'tl� �Qmpanies N�re Tc�c�c��
• pttract P��w f`��ans af Capital
Then t�geth�r w� ( the Der�tan c�r�r~�unit�� ca� M�ak� Dentor� �he
MQ�t �ann�ctec� Ci�ty in i�T�C.
We will graw the tech comrr�unity in L en�on b� cr�c�tin� tl�e
Ler�tan T�chn�l�agy ��ur�cil and �aniting ta accamplish �t�es�
ini�ia�ives.
�Q whc�'s read� tr jum� abaar��
� a � n
� � ;v, � a n� � ��� � � � ��� � ���' ���"„ ?'
The re�arr�m��d�iion is a techn�QlQgy ca�,ncil but we (L�ader�hip
Qent�n class� don't hav� all ih� �nswers.
`�� I��► ��.� �� ' � e�r� �m�,k � ��: ��'
CQ tc� d��i�n.t�cl��c�l� prQvide f�ec�back anc� h�w �ou w�nt �c�
plugin t�a the Der�toro Technc�IQgy Council.
Tr watc�O � recc�rdir�g c�f the �cad�rship L�ntor� pres�n��tior� go
ta: ��tfr��:1/�c�u�u.b�/T�c.���7��sk�E
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