Silicon Halton is a grass roots networking group dedicated to connecting and creating strong local relationships and business partnerships for hi tech entrepreneurs and leaders in Halton.
The short term goal is to build a strong and engaged network to help us all realize how large, important and vibrant the hi tech community is in our neighbourhood.
The ambitious long term goal is to build a hi tech cluster in Halton, an enabler for attracting new hi tech firms and academia to the area, an enabler to increase the size and profile of existing hi tech businesses and academia.
“For Halton Region to become a hi tech cluster, we can either cross our fingers and hope, or actively engage in shaping the future” says Co-founder Rick Stomphorst, adding “Chris and I chose the latter.”
How it started
In October 2009, Chris Herbert and Rick Stomphorst were talking over coffee about their immersion in technology, the power of community and the need for hi tech growth in the area. While listing off hi tech companies in the area, it quickly became evident that there was a significant number here. They spoke of how our area needed a grassroots organization to connect these technology firms, entrepreneurs and IT professionals. If connected, they could generate awareness for the technology hub that certainly exists in the area, resulting in both member and business professional growth, ultimately producing greater economic wealth. Thinking big, they wanted the “area” to become the Silicon Valley North.
Chris and Rick came up with the concept to start a hi tech group for the area. The name Silicon Halton surfaced after collaborating on-line with seed words. The words Silicon and Halton stood out from the rest as when combined, embodied what they hoped to create. Silicon, referring to the unique culture of Silicon Valley, and Halton establishing our area.
Growing up fast
Six months and six events later, the group has established itself as unique, cool, and grass roots. Silicon Halton is using the abundant expertise that exists within its membership to reach early wins and produce value. For example, it was through member workshops that the tenets of the Silicon Halton was established: Technology, Community, Growth.
Member Jelly Bean Solutions then donated their time and expertise to design the Silicon Halton logo and web site.
Other volunteer members are providing expertise in planning events, presenting their subject matter expertise and helping with the business plan, to name a few. Rick and Chris are witnessing members “uber engaging” and creating value for themselves.
Get involved
Silicon Halton meets monthly at several venues in Oakville, Burlington and Milton. The meetings are a combination of short updates and presentations followed by informal networking – an even a few beers.
If you live or work in Halton and you’re a hi tech entrepreneur or professional, check them out at http://www.SiliconHalton.com
About the author: Richard Douglas
Richard contributes articles, photos and video about news and events happening in the Town of Oakville, Ontario.
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Richard. Thank you for covering Silicon Halton and being a member. We are now working with our members to complete a business plan for the next 12 months as we plan for the next stage of Silicon Halton’s evolution.