Lunch and learn outlines elements of forming product design
and prototyping co-op
(Cary, N.C.) The recently launched RTP Product Development
Guild - a local group of engineers and designers working together to improve
the regional economy - held its first organizational meeting January 29 to
discuss the creation of a product design and prototyping co-op.
Eighteen technology-oriented industry professionals gathered
for the 90 minute lunch-and-learn presentation and discussion which led to
setting co-op organizational goals, objectives, and timelines, in addition to
the first membership commitments from local companies.
"Clients sometimes have a hard time identifying local
product design resources. On top of that they don't know exactly who to trust.
We want to promote local design talent who have worked together to build
economic momentum in conceptualizing RTP as a product design and development
hub," said Montie Roland, president of the RTP Product Development Guild.
In providing a framework for product developers and startups
to work together on products in a collaborative environment, Roland said the
Guild, through the product design and development co-op, is intended to focus
local resources on creating products with regional, national, and international
applications instead of having local companies look elsewhere for assistance.
Al Ely of ADR Hydro-Cut, Inc. is a member of the product
development community attending the January 29 luncheon who decided to join the
co-op. "It is my hope that we can convince customers that we have the talent
and facilities here to handle the entire product design and development process
from idea to prototype then we can keep as much business as we can here in the
Triangle," he said, adding, "If we can pull it together, we can all keep each
other busy with a lot of quality work."
According to Roland, part of the driving force behind
forming the co-op as a group within the RTP Product Development Guild comes
from peer professionals like Ely.
"This is shaping up to be a difficult year within the design
industry. Working together allows us to reach a broader market space than we
could individually," Roland said, adding, "A parallel to what we're trying to
do is a volunteer fire department, which is contracted with the community to
protect the public interest. We are in essence contracting with the RTP
business community to improve the regional economy through launching
product-driven companies and helping existing companies launch new products."
The co-op - a part of the Guild - is currently accepting
queries from prospective new members and is holding a series of get-to-know
each other meetings at area businesses over the next six weeks. For more information contact Montie Roland
at (919) 481-1845 or montie@montie.com.
About the RTP Product
Development Guild
The RTP Product Development Guild seeks to improve the
regional economy in Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill, N.C. by providing a framework
for product developers and startups to work together on products in a
collaborative environment. This helps entrepreneurs move products to market
that might otherwise languish due to a lack of funding and professional
guidance. The Guild accepts applications for products, services or concepts
from entrepreneurs, early stage start-ups and corporate spin-offs. More
information is available online at www.rtpproductguild.com.
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