About the Don Ryan CenterThe Don Ryan Center for Innovation is designed to support new innovative/technology company formation and development in Bluffton and the surrounding region. The program blends the attributes of hands-on consulting support, resource identification and availability, and long distance learning to help increase the probability entrepreneurs, who we call innovators, will be successful.The Don Ryan Center for Innovation (DRCI) was established in mid 2012 as a 501(c)(3). The corporation's mission was to function as a business incubator to grow Bluffton's and the surrounding regions economic base by helping innovative start-up or early stage companies. The organization incubated 29 companies and expanded into partnerships with Beaufort County Schools, USCB, TCL, SCAD and the City of Beaufort to promote and support innovation and entrepreneurship for the purposes of economic development.The Bluffton Public Development Corporation (BPDC) was the Town's 501(c)(3) established in late 2012 by town leaders to pursue economic development within the Town. The corporation's mission was to accept, buy, sell, develop, mortgage, and transfer real and personal property including development rights. Its two other objectives were to assist in the town's economic development and undertake activities designed to promote and support the May River and other watershed cleanup efforts of the town. The corporation was an arm of the Town and was formed because by law, a municipality cannot execute specific financial transactions.Both organizations matured and evolved to reflect the needs of the Town and the region.Since both worked in the realm of economic development Town Council authorized the merger of these entities by adoption of a resolution on December 13, 2016 into a single entity known as the Don Ryan center for Innovation, Inc.This new entity fosters and promote economic development in six general areas [documented as goals in this StratML rendition]Don Ryan Center for InnovationDRCI_c9dbc302-8b28-11e9-a78e-a780201ca46fThis 501(c)(3) community driven organization reports to an experienced nine member board appointed by the Town Council that works to create, accelerate, expand and incubate jobs in our region.Don RyanWHO WAS DON RYAN? Don Ryan, co-founded CareCore National (now eviCore healthcare) in 1994, and under his leadership it became one of the leading specialty benefits management companies. After bringing the company to Bluffton, Ryan became involved in the efforts to recruit similar companies to the area. Don donated the existing space to the Center which is now named in his honor.Trent WilliamsonChief Executive Officer -- Trent Williamson is Chief Executive Officer for the Don Ryan Center for Innovation (DRCI) after serving as the organization's Vice President for Economic Development. He previously worked for the Cobb Chamber of Commerce and Metro Atlanta Chamber. He created partnerships with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Georgia Tech, Georgia’s University system, and Georgia’s utility providers. He was responsible for managing projects and building strategic partnerships with twenty-nine neighboring counties. Trent is passionate about the Lowcountry and helping businesses thrive. In his role with the Don Ryan Center for Innovation, his focus is threefold: attracting the right businesses to Bluffton, aiding new businesses get started and supporting current Bluffton Businesses. During off hours, Trent enjoys spending time with his wife, McCauley and their hound dog, Hank. He can usually be found on the water or watching an Auburn game. War Eagle!Charles WohlCHARLES WOHLVice President of Innovation -- Prior joining the Don Ryan Center for Innovation Charles was the Executive Director of Texas Capital Network Inc. Previously he launched HTC North, a technology-focused entrepreneurial ecosystem and incubator in The Woodlands and surrounding area local community that included developing new clients for the Houston Technology Center (HTC), supporting the mission of HTC’s partner, HARC. Included in his work was the design of a unique series of regularly scheduled events named Innovators in the Woods which attracted entrepreneurs, investors, civic leaders and service providers. The program further added faculty and students from Sam Houston State University and a cadre of bright high school students interested in learning about the business of technology as a way to encourage STEM education. The HTC North clean-tech incubator built on Charles' record of achievement in technology driven industries and leveraged his experience in domestic and world markets building and leading successful product and business development initiatives. As an intrapreneur within major corporations, a small business consultant and serial entrepreneur, Mr. Wohl is skilled in product development, market entry, sales, licensing, and operations management. Charles complete his undergraduate degree at California State University, Long Beach and post graduate and graduate degrees at the University of Southern California. He is a named inventor on numerous patents and a member of the Institute of Navigation (ION) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). Charles is active in the Texas start-up community serving as a mentor and judge for numerous programs at the University of Texas, Texas A&M University and Rice University along with the Regional Clean Tech Open program.Jessica SferlazzoCommunity & Operations Manager -- Jessica Sferlazzo joined the Don Ryan Center in May 2019. She brings over 10 years of experience in developing, launching and leading retail sales operations. This included management of multiple units at both the regional and national level. Jessica’s strengths include event planning, marketing and branding. At Spartina 449, a Bluffton headquartered company, she was responsible for opening the 1st retail store location and subsequently opened and managed an additional 7 retail stores throughout the Lowcountry and Southeast.Originally from New Jersey but always wanting to head South, Jessica followed the advice of her high school tennis coach and attended East Carolina University where she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Merchandising with a double concentration in Apparel and Interior Design. After graduation she decided to make Bluffton her home and has resided here for over 10 years. In her spare time she enjoys spending every weekend she can on the May River with her husband Anthony and their Boston Terrier, Maverick.David NelemsChief Executive Officer - Economic Development -- David Nelems is the CEO of the Don Ryan Center for Innovation. The most successful incubator in the Clemson program, the DRCI has formally helped 30 companies through the program in 5 years. These companies employ 88 people in the region and contribute an additional $4.9MM in local payroll. The DRCI has also consulted with another 102 companies in a more informal process. In addition, the DRCI is engaged with local middle schools and high schools as well as the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), the University of South Carolina Beaufort(USCB) and the Technical College of the LowCountry (TCL). These partnerships allow the DRCI to encourage the idea of entrepreneurship and innovation to multiple demographics in the region. David’s job is to help these companies identify and overcome their weaknesses so they can succeed. David is specifically qualified to do this as his background has exposed him to every aspect of the start up process. From idea, to prototype to launch, iterative design to funding and hiring/firing staff, marketing and finally a successful exit. One of David’s most developed skills is that he can “speak geek” and “speak customer”. Many times it is difficult to find someone who can translate complex technical talk into everyday language that is necessary for customers, marketing and executive personnel. David can communicate effectively with both groups. He is a great liaison to keep vital elements from getting “lost in translation”. Technology & Entrepreneurship An Atlanta based serial entrepreneur, in 1999 David founded his third and most successful company: ActiveGroup. The privately-held company provided video-streaming services to the marketing research industry beginning in 1998. This company was the first to use video streaming for marketing research and it created a new segment of the industry that is thriving to this day. Recognized as a visionary technologist in the marketing research industry David won numerous awards and accolades for his advance of technology in the field of qualitative research. He envisioned, developed and was first to market with virtually every feature and technology that is used in the space to this day. His company worked with over 80% of Fortune 500 companies eliminating the need for their marketing employees to travel. He grew the organization into a multi-million dollar business, which he sold in 2007. After selling ActiveGroup David reorganized a small, regional retail company and added a layer of technology and control. He researched, installed and managed the stores first POS system with 400 SKU’s, handled all accounting and financial functions, created all artwork and promotional material, rewrote the web site and added and e-commerce functionality through two iterations. He also reorganized raw material ordering inventory and management systems and created multiple SOP’s for employees while creating and managing social media pages for company. Experience: His diverse background also includes stints as a CTO, a pilot for Delta Private Jets and a touring rock musician.DRCI Board of DirectorsMatt GreenCHAIRMAN -- Matt Green's board and professional positions share parallel missions of attracting knowledge-based jobs to Bluffton that stimulate, strengthen and diversify the local and regional economy.Green often focuses on recruiting businesses to Bluffton that serve clients out of the region and the state to optimize Bluffton’s economic strength.“Bringing in new money from businesses that derive their revenues from out of the area is true economic growth. We saw what CareCore has accomplished as a Bluffton-based headquarters of a national company. We want to attract more similar companies whether they are big or small. Within time, smaller companies in abundance have just as much impact as the larger companies,” Green said.Green is also the co-founder of Live Oak Group, LLC and Live Oak Property Group, LLC, real estate development firms which focus on economically-sustainable projects which offer a variety of uses.Based in Bluffton, Green is involved with identifying investment opportunities, acquisitions, project management, development (including supervising construction activities), financial management, sales and marketing for his companies.The Shadyside, Ohio native is now extremely active in the greater Bluffton community and holds various civic positions. Green is on the board of directors and executive committee for the national award-winning Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce. He also chairs the Bluffton Regional Business Council and is on the board of May River Montessori, National Bank of South Carolina (NBSC), Young Life and is an active member of the Creative Coast and the Urban Land Institute (ULI).Berl DavisVICE CHAIR -- Berl Davis is the chairman of the Bluffton Public Development Corporation board of directors and president & chief executive officer of Palmetto Electric Cooperative, Inc.Davis offers the Bluffton Public Development board expertise with community infrastructure and guides the Board with how local utilities can work together with economic development projects.Davis has spent his entire career within the utility industry. He joined Palmetto Electric in 1988 and in July of 2014, Palmetto Electric named Davis to his current position. He is a member of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Transmission and Distribution Committee, the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers and is also active with the Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina Engineering and Managers Associations.He is also very involved in civic and community projects. His many affiliations include: a member of the Beaufort County Economic Development Board, a former director of the United Way of Beaufort County, former past president of the Coastal Discovery Museum, a former Rotarian and a recipient of Paul Harris Fellow.Davis graduated from Clemson University with a degree in electrical engineering. He is also a graduate of the NRECA Management Internship Program at the University of Nebraska. Davis has lived in Bluffton since 1992.Michael MathewsSECRETARY -- Michael P. Mathews joins the Don Ryan Center for Innovation as a member of the board of directors.The Palmetto Bluff resident was recently the Savannah/Beaufort regional manager for the Blood Alliance after a 35-year career of executive leadership with the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.The Chicago-native worked with the merged Baxter Healthcare and American Hospital Supply Corporations, Boston-based Haemonetics Corporation and Toronto-based Hemosol. Mathews is a member of the Beaufort County Rural and Critical Land Preservation Board. He is also active with the Beaufort County School District as a science fair judge via the Sea Island Regional Science Fair Organization.Mathews has lived in Bluffton since 2006.Larry HughesBluffton resident Larry Hughes joins the Don Ryan Center for Innovation as a member of the board of directors.As a 2001 graduate of the Clemson-sponsored Bluffton Leadership program, Hughes was responsible for originally pitching Bluffton to Clemson University representatives as a pilot location for a Clemson Technology Village, now known as the Don Ryan Center for Innovation.As a result of Hughes’ presentation, Bluffton was the first non-metropolitan town in South Carolina to partner with Clemson University to form a business/technology incubator. The New Jersey native spent his 40-year career in the fields of marketing, public relations and political consulting.He has been a Bluffton resident for more than 16 years; serving as the past president of the Bluffton Historical Preservation Society and a Bluffton representative/board member for the former Lowcountry Economic Alliance.Walter NesterWalter Nester is the Managing Shareholder of the Beaufort County Unit of the McNair Law Firm, which is comprised of offices in Hilton Head and Bluffton. Walter's practice involves commercial business and real estate development and financing, including municipal, zoning, and condominium law, representing owners and developers before municipal boards, commissions and councils, and commercial leasing. Walter has extensive experience managing complex zoning and development issues with government boards, agencies and municipalities. In connection with this work, Walter's practice also involves formation of business ownership entities, as well as representation of lenders and borrowers for commercial and development loans, loan workouts and loan acquisition. Walter serves as general counsel to various large planned and club community owners' associations and has considerable experience in the drafting, interpretation and enforcement of covenants and restrictions and applicable governing documents. A Connecticut native, Walter is a graduate civil engineer and former Captain in the United States Marine Corps.Kevin RyanRyan personifies the entrepreneurial spirit and is an example for fellow innovators at the Don Ryan Center. Ryan is currently the chief executive officer at Service Brewing Company, a micro-brewery in Savannah. He followed his passion and began making beer after an accomplished and prestigious military and corporate career.His road to his new venture was paved with his experience with the United States Army and several executive positions at CareCore, the nation’s largest specialty benefits management company. CareCore is the first national company to base its headquarters in Bluffton.Ryan primarily designed, sold and launched new company products for CareCore as executive vice president. Throughout his eight years at CareCore, Ryan also served as interim president, chief operating officer and the executive vice president of operations.Before his corporate career, Ryan served as an infantry officer in Alaska and Colorado and commanded two infantry companies in Iraq. He earned an engineering management degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point.Ryan's new business, Service Brewing Company, is a veteran-owned and operated brewery. His company's mission is to donate a portion of its proceeds to charities that support military service members. Ryan also strives to experiment with innovative craft beers as he uses locally-grown ingredients to connect the region’s farmers with its consumers.Lisa SulkaMayor Lisa Sulka has called the Bluffton - Hilton Head Island area home for 36 years. Born and raised in Prosperity, South Carolina, a small southern town just outside of Columbia, she finished her higher education at Clemson University. After college, Lisa moved to Hilton Head Island and started her own business which she owned for 15 years. This business venture led to her relationship with Hampton Hall, where she was part of the original sales team. Lisa is currently working with Carson Realty, a full service real estate firm in Bluffton SC.A Bluffton resident for 25 years, she and her husband, John, enjoy spending time with their three children: Brannon and Haley are graduates of Clemson University; and Michael from Auburn University. Favorite family outings include water sports, crabbing and shrimping or just sitting on the sandbar on the beautiful, pristine May River.Lisa is involved with many boards and commissions, and is an Honorary Trustee of the Board of Trustees of the Heritage Classic Foundation. Lisa is a graduate of the Riley Institute's Diversity Leadership program and is actively involved with Bluffton High School Athletics and Academic clubs, Iptay's County Chairman (Clemson University's Booster Club) and is on the Boys and Girls Club of Bluffton's Advisory Board.Bernie TraywickBernie Traywick's entrepreneurial spirit led to the establishment of May River Dermatology, LLC in Bluffton, SC back in 2009. At that time, he evaluated a number of markets in South Carolina and Georgia and found Bluffton to be the location with the most potential. The vision for the Don Ryan Center is, therefore, something he understands clearly and values greatly for those individuals considering the Lowcountry for their business. Mr. Traywick was born in Mexico and moved to Lexington, SC in 1988. He graduated from Georgia Tech with a BS in Electrical Engineering in 2000. After graduation, he took a sales engineer position with Rockwell Automation. As a sales engineer, he worked with clients in a diverse range of manufacturing industries in Georgia. In 2006, he was named a Consortium Fellow and attended Goizueta Business School at Emory University in order to make a transition from manufacturing into healthcare administration. After receiving his MBA, he became Business Manager for Perioperative Services at Emory Healthcare in Atlanta. In this role, he helped launch the new Emory University Orthopeadic & Spine Hospital, which in part provided the experience necessary for his startup in Bluffton. Mr. Traywick currently serves as Chief Executive Officer for May River Dermatology, LLC and Lux, LLC. In this role, he oversees all financial and operational aspects for both businesses. His volunteer activities include serving on the board of the Boys and Girls Club of Bluffton, youth soccer coaching, and he is active in his children's school and church.Edward TaylorEdward Taylor, CIMA, is the Director of Wealth Management at Blackwell Boyd & Associates. He earned degrees from Clemson University in Business Management for Agricultural and Applied Economics (BS, 2006) and Entrepreneurship and Innovation Development (MBA, 2011). A lowcountry native, Edward was raised in a family of entrepreneurs and worked as an integral part of the family business, Seaside Farm, prior to launching his career in finance and portfolio management. A successful career has led to his expertise in skills such as financial modeling, financial analysis and investments. He eagerly joined the Don Ryan Center for Innovation Board of Directors in 2018 and looks forward to utilizing his industry knowledge and unique skillset and experience to furthering the mission of the organization.Matt RaehnBorn and raised in Hilton Head Island, Matt Raehn's love & passion to see the Lowcountry thrive is unparalleled. He graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2009, where he double majored in Corporate Finance & Entrepreneurial Management. Entering the professional workforce at the height of the recession was obviously less than ideal timing. Matt worked for New York Life in Columbia for a little over a year before joining Aerotek, the nation’s largest privately held staffing & recruiting firm with capabilities to serve every major industry. Now Division Director for Aerotek, Raehn brings 7+ years’ experience in human capital management & workforce solutions in the Lowcountry having supported many different customers in the Aviation, Government, Construction, Environmental & Engineering Services industries. He also sits on the board for the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) in Savannah as their STEM Director. As a proud Bluffton resident with his wife Kara and their son Cohen, Matt enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf and being on the May River.William Weston BrayWes Bray is a highly experienced marketer, multiple-time entrepreneur and former CEO. He is currently a partner in e2Advisors, a company that helps academic institutions establish entrepreneurial programs on campus. Depending upon what is needed, e2Advisors works with the institution to establish the resources to stimulate student/faculty new venture creation, new venture incubation and eventual venture acceleration on campus. If appropriate, they can include developing a full entrepreneurial curriculum, whether for an entrepreneurship degree, a major/minor in entrepreneurship, or a concentration as part of a BS in Business Administration. A strong entrepreneurship program stimulates a culture of innovation, critical thinking and experiential learning on campus by engaging current entrepreneurially-minded students, faculty and alumni. Increasingly, a focused entrepreneurship program is a competitive differentiator for colleges and universities to attract entrepreneurially-oriented applicants. e2Advisors: Fostering Entrepreneurial Excellence in Academic Institutions.DRCI Ex-Officio BoardLarry ToomerTown Councilman and Mayor pro tem. Owner, Bluffton Oyster Factory and Bluffton Oyster Company.Ariana PerniceBluffton Hilton Head Chamber of Commerce, VP Visitor & Convention BureauRyan ClarkBFG, Account SupervisorMark PolitesCFO, Palmetto Bluff CompanyNatalie MajorkiewiczTown of Bluffton, Treasury ManagerTrent WilliamsonDon Ryan Center for Innovation, Chief Executive OfficerLouise HodgesCEO, Greenbug All Natural | Don Ryan Center for Innovation AlumniEntrepreneursInnovatorsBluffton Public Development CorporationThe Bluffton Public Development Corporation (BPDC) proactive marketing and recruitment efforts are focused on specific target industries, which include Healthcare/Biomedical, Corporate Headquarters, and Back Office & Information Technology. These target industries were selected as a result of the Target Cluster Strategy for the Lowcountry prepared for our Beaufort County region. Target Industry Study -- The Lowcountry Targeted Economic Development Strategy was initiated mid-2011 to guide future efforts to boost job creation in the region. Based upon an examination of the region's strengths, Bluffton has identified several emerging Target Industries:Health Care/Biomedical IndustryCorporate HeadquartersBack Office & Information Technology IndustryBeaufort County, South CarolinaBuckwalter PlaceBUCKWALTER PLACE MCIP -- Buckwalter Place, a 94-acre knowledge-based, technologically advanced mixed-use development, is the focus and nexus of economic, institutional, commercial, governmental, educational, entertainment, residential, social and cultural activity in southern Beaufort County. The goal of Buckwalter Place, a Multi-County Business/Industrial Park (MCIP), is to expand the economic base of the Town of Bluffton and region by attracting knowledge-based industries and providing a vibrant quality of life. A streamlined development strategy with customized economic development incentives, advanced technology, urban lifestyle, quality private investment, community leadership, access and connection to a trained workforce, and a concentration of knowledge based-employees, differentiates Buckwalter Place from other regional sites.Buckwalter Place Property OwnersTown of BlufftonBluffton Public Development Corporation (15.61 Acres)BC Buckwalter, LLC(Southeastern Development Associates f/k/a Blanchard & Calhoun Commercial - 52.17 Acres)Parcel 6, LLC(6.77 Acres)eviCore healthcare(f/k/a CareCore National – 3.13 Acres)CareCore Properties, LLC(eviCore healthcare - 6.44 Acres)Buckwalter Bluffton, LLC(Regency Centers/Publix - 13.1 Acres)Bluffton Family Entertainment Center, LLC(Station 300 – 4.26 Acres)EZAN, LLC(Bluewater/Exxon and McDonald's – 1.85 Acres)GEA Statesboro, LLC(St. Joseph’s/Candler Immediate Care Center - 0.709 Acres)Heuser Enterprises, Inc.(Ace Hardware - 0.512 Acres)Buckwalter Dental Development, LLC(Buckwalter Dental Clinic/State Farm Insurance 0.08 Acre)Bluff Road Properties, Inc.(Southern Barrel Brewing Company - 0.502 Acres)Buckwalter Place-Southwest Tract Association, Inc.(1.995 Acres)Buckwalter Place Association, Inc.(3.38 Acres)Buckwalter Place Leadership Group & Strategic PartnersBuckwalter Place development is led by the Buckwalter Place Leadership Group, a collaboration of public and private strategic partners from the region who are focused on the success of the project and the advancement of regional economic development initiatives.Town of BlufftonBluffton Public Development CorporationBeaufort CountyBeaufort County School District Board of EducationeviCore healthcareDon Ryan Center for InnovationTechnology VillagesSouth Carolina Department of CommerceThe Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of CommerceSantee CooperPalmetto Electric CooperativeSouth Carolina Power TeamHargray CommunicationsDRCI Strategic PartnersSeveral organizations and initiatives contribute to Bluffton's unique innovation community and help enhance the area's thriving business climate:The Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of CommerceBluffton Chamber of CommerceBeaufort Regional Chamber of CommerceBeaufort Black ChamberBeaufort Digital CorridorCreate a vibrant entrepreneurial business climate within the region through economic development emphasizing organic, sustainable growth. Enhance the economic vitality, diversity, and dynamism of the region._c9dbc442-8b28-11e9-a78e-a780201ca46fTo support new innovative/technology company formation and development in Bluffton and the surrounding region. _c9dbc622-8b28-11e9-a78e-a780201ca46fBusiness IncubationIncubate businesses_c9dbc6d6-8b28-11e9-a78e-a780201ca46f1_c9dbc7b2-8b28-11e9-a78e-a780201ca46fThe HUBProvide co-working offerings_c9dbc85c-8b28-11e9-a78e-a780201ca46f2_c9dbc906-8b28-11e9-a78e-a780201ca46fEducation & OutreachEngage in education and outreach_c9dbc9c4-8b28-11e9-a78e-a780201ca46f3_c9dbca64-8b28-11e9-a78e-a780201ca46fBusinessesAttract, expansion and retain businesses_410edab2-8b2f-11e9-a715-176c221ca46f4_410edd0a-8b2f-11e9-a715-176c221ca46fWorkforceSupport workforce development_410ede5e-8b2f-11e9-a715-176c221ca46f5_410ee12e-8b2f-11e9-a715-176c221ca46fStartupsOffer business startup/concierge services_410ee296-8b2f-11e9-a715-176c221ca46f6_410ee3ea-8b2f-11e9-a715-176c221ca46f2019-06-09https://www.donryancenter.com/aboutOwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net