BUSINESS TRACK
Michael H. McHale
Chief Executive Officer
Production Systems Automation (PSA)
People, Process, and Equipment
How Automation and AI are changing the equation of how businesses operate. Whether you are a manufacturing company, insurance broker, sales organization or restaurant, adoption of Automation and AI will propel your business or you will quickly fall behind your competitors. Examples of actual business cases will show how adoption is speeding up and how text AI is changing business.
Mike has been an entrepreneur for the last 13 years of his career. He is a business executive delivering unparalleled operating results in the design, development, construction, manufacturing of complex technologies for domestic start-up’s and private equity companies. Mike is recognized for propelling businesses through organizational transition, construction, financial and performance turnarounds utilizing change management skills and process improvement expertise necessary to drive profitability and productivity gains in a collaborative way. He has demonstrated leadership in conceptualization, team assemblage, product rationalization and delivery of complex projects. Currently, Mike operates a private company, Production Systems Automation (PSA), which he purchased in 2016 with a small group of investors. PSA is a system integrator of robotic solutions, drive systems, controls and custom machine building. He serves as both Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer. Mike is a graduate of Drexel University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering with over 25 years in the development, construction and operations of commercial and industrial projects. Mike is experienced in the development, design, installation and start-up of small to large scale commercial and industrial projects. His experience includes over $4 billion of construction and operational management including large-scale (+$2 billion) construction of commercial and industrial projects. Mike possesses the ability to manage projects from the conceptual phases through project implementation and completion. Mike’s strong understanding of both financial and business assets and limitations help him to find ways to innovate utilizing a company’s current strengths to produce company success.
Ted Brunelle
SciSwift, LLC
Revolutionizing the Custom Software Paradigm through A.I.
This talk will explore a substantially improved method of software development and project management, capitalizing on recent advances in technology and artificial intelligence (A.I). Based on an initiatives explored on behalf of the United States Special Operations Command (U.S. SOCOM) under a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract, exploring how to provide a better method of rapidly and securely developing outsourced software solutions.
The project has given rise to potentially disruptive software analysis and management analytic methods that use artificial intelligence techniques to rate in real time software developers work products, monitor their performance, fingerprint their suitability for a project, and make recommendations to management. This talk will focus on the future of software development, and the use of Artificial Intelligence in project management.
SciSwift LLC takes a scientific approach to solving problems through using advanced technology to integrate ideas and concepts into real world products, inventions, and innovative devices. The company solves the complex problems of big data, project management, defense industry related problems, and similar endeavours, through the use of smart machines, machine learning, advanced computer aided design algorithms, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and augmented reality.
Rob Bresnahan
CEO
Kuharchik Construction
Adaptive Traffic Signals and Their Impact on Intelligent Transportation Systems
Kuharchik Construction has been on the leading edge of Intelligent Transportation Systems for over fifteen years. Join us to learn more about how traffic signals are connecting to your Bluetooth phones, tracking EZ Pass usage, and transmitting information to various data centers to implement more effective route planning.
Our presentation will explore how traffic signals operate from presence detection, timing, and behind the scenes technologies. Attendees will learn about Red Light Cameras, Variable Message Signs, and various other forms of Intelligent Transportation Systems. We will discuss how these technologies are being prepared to contend with autonomous vehicles and review recent legislation shaping how these systems will be implemented going forward.
Rob is the Chief Executive Officer of Kuharchik Construction Inc. headquartered in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. Kuharchik is a third-generation family business specializing in highway electrical construction including Traffic Signals, Intelligent Transportation Systems, Decorative Streetscape Restoration, and Highway Lighting. Incorporated in 1972, Kuharchik Construction Inc. is a union contractor that employs over 100 people throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with satellite locations in Philadelphia, State College, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Bellefonte, and Allentown. Rob is honored to continue to carry on his family’s legacy and is constantly looking to broaden the company’s capabilities. Their mission includes serving their clients with the utmost level of expertise while continuing the company’s philanthropic mission of serving the local organizations within the community. Rob is an active member of his community and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Wyoming Valley Catholic Youth Center, Forty Fort Cemetery Association, National Electrical Contractors Association, IBEW 163 Joint Apprentice Training Committee Trustee, IBEW 163 Health Wellness & Annuity Trustee, Exeter Proud, Luzerne County Industrial Development Authority, Junior Achievement of NEPA, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bridge Advisory Board where served as the 2016 and 2017 Bowl for Kids’ Sake corporate chairperson. In 2020 Rob will serve as the co-chair of tecBRIDGE’s Business Plan Competition supporting local entrepreneurs and startup companies hailing from Northeastern PA. Rob is a 2016 Graduate of Leadership Wilkes-Barre and is active in many local charitable endeavors such as the SPCA of Luzerne County where he also serves on the board of directors and Jr. Leadership Wilkes- Barre Advisory Council. In 2018 Rob was recognized by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Business Journal in its 20 Under 40 series identifying emerging leaders in business.
Jared Smigelski
Application Developer
Benco Dental
Don Savner
Application Developer
Benco Dental
Low Code Solutions for Rapid Prototyping, API Creation, and Mobile App Development
With over 330 field technicians providing field repairs and service for over 20,000 customers nation-wide Benco is leveraging low-code solutions to rapidly prototype cloud based applications for customers that enable them to better manage their equipment repair spending and to help prepare the Dental Industry for the impact of Internet-of-Things on the equipment repairs industry.
Leveraging a low-code solution we will show how you to expedite delivery of an API, create a maintenance tool to modify database records and ship a mobile application.
Jeff Pyros
President
2CGs Technology LLC
Better That it Never Even Happens
SERVPRO, one of the leading water cleanup and restoration services in the U.S., uses the tagline “Like it never even happened” to advertise its services. A broken water pipe or major leak on an upper floor of a multistory building can result in damage to every floor all the way down to the basement. So wouldn’t it be better if “It never even happens?” 2CGs Technology’s custom leak detection system is reliable, scalable, and cost effective. It utilizes water-sensing cables to detect a leak and communicate with a controller that sends a text or phone message to building personnel pinpointing the leak location. It can also shut valves to immediately stop the flow of water
Jeff Pyros has been Managing Partner of the PYROS Financial Group since 1991. PYROS Financial is an umbrella company for small business venture capital investments, general business consulting and business plan development, as well as advising on state and federal tax credit strategies. The company has made a number of varied investments to date, ranging from IndependentWrestling.tv (on-demand and live-streaming of independent pro wrestling) to 2CGs Technology (developer of a building leak-detection system) to art galleries to sewage treatment facilities. Jeff has also been the general manager of 65 Public Square Associates since 1992, in charge of all aspects of building operations from tenant acquisition to lease negotiation to supervising the recent $3MM renovation of the 14-story landmark. As part of the renovation, he spearheaded the conversion of 18,000SF of office space into 17 luxury apartments, the first such conversion in Wilkes-Barre. Jeff has a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Princeton University and an M.B.A. from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.
Kevin Jones
CEO, Creative Director, Entrepreneur & Educator
Transmedia Storytelling… “AR” You Ready?
The future of augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) is upon us and the next several years look to be full of engaging immersive experiences; changing the way we consume digital information and interact with the world around us. With Increasing device penetration and advancements in internet connectivity, emerging technologies in the areas of AR, VR and MR are driving innovation especially in interactive marketing, data visualization, augmented tourism and interactive learning. Transmedia storytelling synthesizes these innovations with your custom data and content; creating a powerful story experience.
So, what’s your transmedia story and how will you share it?
Kevin has over 26+ years of experience in Broadcast, Digital Design/Media, Social Media, Advertising, Marketing, UI, UX, IAR, VR, MR, IR, Interactive Media and Educational Media. Kevin started his digital media career as a Paintbox Artist for Creative Services at the NBC O&O WCAU NBC 10 in Philadelphia. He gained valuable knowledge in design, form and function while working on station looks, news looks, program packages, digital content for on-air and on-line for both national and international productions. Soon after Kevin co-founded, Anarchy Digital LLC a digital content creation company that specialized in creating pilot reality series, marketing materials and production sizzle reels for broadcast networks. In 2001, he began teaching multimedia at Luzerne County Community College in the Communication Arts Department and later became the department coordinator. He continued to expand his experience by working with several advertising and digital media firms. During this time he partnered with Rhino Media and produced the documentaries “The Battle of Wyoming” and “A Century of Excellence – The Pennsylvania State Police” along with many interactive projects. Kevin quickly made a name for himself in the industry as an expert in new and emerging technologies moving up the corporate ladder as an award winning Creative Director, Executive Production Director, Editor, Animator and Interactive Content Producer creating engaging digital content, positioning companies, products and services for maximum ROI and building consumer engagement with every project he completed. He returned to Broadcast Media as Director of On-Air Promotions then promoted to Creative Director working on a wide range of documentaries, series programming and national projects. He was an integral part of the team working with large media clients and international companies producing a wide range of engaging and interactive experiences, sizzle reels, television pilots, reality series development/pitch packages, web series, custom graphics and animation(s), graphic design, online development. Through his years of working in network/broadcast and private media industries Kevin honed his creative skills and developed a love for the craft of immersive digital content and educational interactive experiences. Throughout his career Kevin has had the unique opportunity to work with and learn from the best artists and multi-media content producers in the industry expanding his knowledge in creating captivating and compelling content across all mediums and platforms. Kevin has developed a keen eye for creating multifaceted immersive experiences and producing award winning engaging digital content. He founded Oglii Interactive in 2010 to create interactive experiences for a variety of organizations and companies. In 2017, he decided to pivot Oglii Interactive with a mission, to create extremely rich interactive content that raises awareness, fuels engagement and enhances education. He founded VizVibe LLC a transmedia storytelling company that specializes in the technique of telling a multi faceted story across multiple platforms and formats using AR, VR and IR. VizVibe LLC creates content to enhance the overall visitor experience for museums, tourism, education and events. Let’s create something amazing!
Mandy Heard
Administrator
Verde Mantis, LLC
Squashing The Learning Curve
“3D Printing” has become a leading buzz word for all things manufacturing. However, if 3D printing is the next big thing, why does adoption by industry and consumers remain low?
The truth is, the 3D printing learning curve is time consuming and costly.
But how do we change that? Is it possible to make 3D printing easier than using a microwave?
Mandy Heard is an Administrator at Verde Mantis, LLC. Her role as administrator ranges from day to day operations, vendor and inventory management, to promoting the Mantis at schools and events. Her expertise originates from over sixteen years of experience as an educator. Beginning her career as a traditional brick and mortar teacher Mandy leapt into cyber school education and was a pioneer in virtual cyber school education for over a decade. In pursuit of a new creative adventure Mandy has begun her next career in the area of 3D printer manufacturing. Her goal aligns with Verde Mantis’s mission, “to help professionals and students embrace their creativity through manufacturing.” A strong believer that you must have a combination of courage and creativity to pursue your happiness and success, Mandy applies that philosophy to her professional and personal life. Mandy uses her professional and personal experiences and knowledge in helping to develop, promote, and bring to life the Mantis 3D printer. A native of Berks County, Mandy attended and graduated from East Stroudsburg University with Bachelors degrees in Early and Elementary Education. She currently resides in Northampton County. When she isn’t tinkering with the Mantis she can be found traveling, running, or spending time with her husband and two teenaged daughters.
Michael Atchie
Managing Director of Project Outreach
Williams Companies, Inc
Investing in Pennsylvania’s Smart Energy Future
Williams Companies will discuss recent and future investments in “smart energy infrastructure” in the Commonwealth, including expansion projects which allow Pennsylvania-produced natural gas to reach markets in regions with growing demand for energy. Williams will discuss the benefits realized from a recent major project placed in service and discuss upcoming projects slated to expand the Transco system in years to come.
Mike Atchie is the Managing Director of Project Outreach for The Williams Companies. Inc., where he works to ensure communication and engagement between the company and the communities in which Williams builds and operates natural gas infrastructure. Mike is involved in efforts to inform public officials, landowners, business leaders and other stakeholders, across Williams’ domestic footprint, regarding the transmission of natural gas to meet domestic energy needs. Prior to joining Williams, Mike worked as a Public Affairs Specialist for Chesapeake Energy. Mike also served as the Director of Planning, Housing and Community Development for the City of Binghamton, New York. He earned a Master of Public Administration degree from Binghamton University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from LeMoyne College. Mike lives in Binghamton, New York with his wife and two children. He serves on multiple local boards and committees and actively coaches youth sports.
Jim Barrett
President & CEO
Road Scholar Transport
Trucks are Smart Machines Too
Did you know that a new tractor trailer purchased in the last 5 years has 1000 times the computing power of the last space shuttle? Trucks are smart machines with more artificial intelligence than most know. Onboard computers are constantly making decisions such as moderating RPMs to help with fuel consumption and automatically applying breaking to avoid collisions. There are benefits as a manufacturer to be aware of smart truck technology. Telematics, real-time environmental data, and geofencing can help plan production, ensure cargo security, and validate temperature controlled shipments Awareness of regulations that often drives technology and auditing capabilities can help protect a shipper in vicarious labiality litigation and understand capacity restrictions due to hours of service. Join Jim Barrett of Road Scholar Transport and his 30 years of experience as CEO of Road Scholar Transport in an interactive presentation around these topics.
Road Scholar Transport was founded in 1988 by Jim and Debra Barrett and has grown into a large asset based carrier serving the Truckload, LTL, and specialty service needs of businesses in the northeast and mid-Atlantic US. Over the last 20+ years, the business has grown from one owner operator to a fleet of over 125 tractors, 450 trailers and 100 refrigerated units. The company has a mission to service the risk adverse customer in the next day market while making it brand synonymous with security, safety, and technology as it is with on time transportation.
Scott Williams
Converting Engineer Business Leader
The Procter & Gamble Company
Jose de los Rios
Public Relations Manager
The Procter & Gamble Company
Leveraging Technology in Manufacturing
The Procter & Gamble Company is the largest consumer products company in the world and its largest manufacturing plant is located in Mehoopany, PA,. This invited talk will present an overview of the operations and local impact of the P & G Company Mehoopany Plant including how the facility and team leverage technology to achieve breakthrough results.
The Procter & Gamble community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide and serves approximately 4.6 billion people around the world with its brands. P&G serves consumers around the world with one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Always®, Ambi Pur®, Ariel®, Bounty®, Charmin®, Crest®, Dawn®, Downy®, Fairy®, Febreze®, Gain®, Gillette®, Head & Shoulders®, Lenor®, Olay®, Oral-B®, Pampers®, Pantene®, SK-II®, Tide®, Vicks®, and Whisper®. P&G’s Mehoopany plant is located in Wyoming County; Pampers, Luvs, Charmin and Bounty brands are manufactured there.