Jessica Hersey Takes on Business Development SVP Role at Red River’s Government Technologies

Jessica Hersey has joined Red River as senior vice president of business development for government technology services. She confirmed her new role in a post on LinkedIn Saturday.
Hersey brings to Red River over 25 years of experience in the government contracting industry. She most recently served as vice president of business development for the Americas at Janes. In this role, she was in charge of developing and implementing strategies to expand the Janes Group’s presence within the U.S. and Canadian federal markets. 
Hersey also spent seven years at Leidos, where she oversaw business development and capture operations as VP. 
The executive began her career at Lockheed Martin, joining the defense contractor as an electrical engineer and software developer in 1997. Throughout her over 19 years at the Bethesda, Maryland-headquartered company, she was appointed to various positions of increasing responsibilities, becoming senior program manager for key government contracts and projects from 2008 up to 2016. 
Hersey holds a master’s degree in electrical and electronics engineering from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree from the Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

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Jessica Hersey Takes on Business Development SVP Role at Red River’s Government Technologies

Jessica Hersey has joined Red River as senior vice president of business development for government technology services. She confirmed her new role in a post on LinkedIn Saturday.
Hersey brings to Red River over 25 years of experience in the government contracting industry. She most recently served as vice president of business development for the Americas at Janes. In this role, she was in charge of developing and implementing strategies to expand the Janes Group’s presence within the U.S. and Canadian federal markets. 
Hersey also spent seven years at Leidos, where she oversaw business development and capture operations as VP. 
The executive began her career at Lockheed Martin, joining the defense contractor as an electrical engineer and software developer in 1997. Throughout her over 19 years at the Bethesda, Maryland-headquartered company, she was appointed to various positions of increasing responsibilities, becoming senior program manager for key government contracts and projects from 2008 up to 2016. 
Hersey holds a master’s degree in electrical and electronics engineering from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree from the Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

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Space probe’s journey to Jupiter’s moon underway with help from U-M science team

A pair of University of Michigan scientists were involved in the development of the recent launch of NASA’s Europa Clipper, which will study Jupiter’s moon, Europa.Research professor of climate and space sciences, Dr. Margaret Kivelson, says her previous work on the Galileo probe, which confirmed the existence of water on Europa, inspired her to lead a team in developing the Europa Clipper’s magnetometer to return to Europa and learn more about its ocean.

“When you discover something interesting like that, you want to learn more. And we’ve had a limited number of encounters with Europa.”

Fellow U-M research professor, Dr. Xianzhe Jia, who helped engineer the magnetometer, says the device will use Europa’s magnetic field to study its ocean hidden beneath 100 kilometers of ice.

“We would like to understand how deep this ocean is, how thick this ocean might be, and how salty this water might be.”

The Europa Clipper is expected to arrive near Europa in seven years.Non-commercial, fact based reporting is made possible by your financial support.  Make your donation to WEMU today to keep your community NPR station thriving.Like 89.1 WEMU on Facebook and follow us on TwitterContact WEMU News at 734.487.3363 or email us at [email protected]

CEMS-Global USA to Host the 23rd Bangladesh Edition of the Prestigious Textile Series of Exhibitions from Nov 6 – 9, 2024

As Bangladesh’s Textile and Garment sector continues to flourish, CEMS-Global USA proudly announces the highly anticipated 23rd edition of the Bangladesh edition of its globally renowned Textile Series of Exhibitions, which is held annually in Bangladesh, Brazil, Morocco, Sri Lanka, and Thailand; comprising 3 major international expos that serve as a vital platform for the textile and garment industry. This leading event, which is the oldest of its kind in the region for the past 23 years, promises to be a landmark for the South-Asian textile and garment industry, highlighting the latest in technology, materials, chemicals, and innovations that will define the future of the sector.

These 3 comprehensive exhibitions focused on the Textile and Garment Industry of Bangladesh will be held from November 6 – 9, 2024 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center, near Kanchan Bridge, Purbachal, Dhaka from 10 am to 7 pm, daily; bringing together key manufacturers from across the globe to highlight the latest advancements, innovations, and trends in the textile supply chain sector.

The Bangladesh edition of CEMS-Global’s Textile Series of Exhibitions will feature:

23rd Textech Bangladesh 2024 Expo – While remaining one of the premier platforms for the Textile and Garment Industry for Bangladesh and South Asia and showcasing cutting-edge Textile Garment Technology and Machinery, this expo will offer a unique opportunity for manufacturers, suppliers, and industry experts to explore the latest innovations in textile production, garment machinery, and related technologies.

22nd Dhaka International Yarn and Fabric Show 2024 – A dedicated platform to exhibit the most up-to-date collections of Yarn, Fabric, Trims, and Accessories, this show will cater to the rapidly evolving needs of the textile and apparel industry, connecting visitors with top suppliers and manufacturers from around the world.

45th Dye+Chem Bangladesh 2024 International Expo – Focused on Dyestuff, Fine & Specialty Chemicals, this expo will bring to the forefront the latest dyestuff and chemical solutions for the textile industry, with an emphasis on sustainability and innovation in dyes and chemical processes.

This series of exhibitions is poised to be a key driver for the Bangladeshi textile and apparel industry, providing an unparalleled platform for networking, business development, investments, and cross-border collaborations. Over its 23 years, this Series has solidified its position as a crucial event for manufacturers, technology providers, and industry leaders. With participation from leading international manufacturing companies, the exhibitions will also contribute to Bangladesh’s status as a global hub for textile and garment manufacturing and maintain its position as the world’s 2nd largest garment exporter. These exhibitions are bringing together exhibitors and visitors from all over the world, providing unique platform for business development. One of the key benefits of these exhibitions is that buyers and visitors do not have to go through the hassle of visa processing as the event makes it easier to conduct business under one roof. These exhibitions eliminate the need for buyers and visitors to travel to different countries, saving them time and effort bring everything just at the door-step. Additionally, these exhibitions are helping to bring a lot of foreign currency into Bangladesh. It is expected to be a great B2B meeting platform.

CEMS-Global USA, based in New York, is a Multinational Exhibition & Convention Organizer, having its operations across 4 continents. Established in 1992, CEMS-Global, in this span of over 32 years has been committed to organizing Professional B2B Trade Shows for important Business sectors of the trade and economy. CEMS-Global also assists Trade Associations, Governments, and businesses as an International Trade & Export Development Agency in international markets, including market research, export strategy development, partner identification, and trade promotion.

CEMS-Global’s one of its notable Textile Series of Exhibitions focuses on the Textile and Garment sector. This series of exhibitions serves as a vital platform for Global Manufacturers of the textile and apparel sector to come together, tap highly potential markets, and showcase the latest trends, products, and technologies.

This Series brings together manufacturers and suppliers from around the world to showcase their latest products, network, explore new business partnerships and opportunities, access potential Global markets, and stay updated on the advancements shaping the Global Textile and Apparel landscape.

Through CEMS Global USA’s Bangladesh edition of the Textile Series of Exhibitions, visitors from the industry can see a diverse range of textile products and solutions including Textile Apparel Machinery, Yarn, Fabric, Apparel, Trims, Accessories, Dyestuff & Chemicals. These exhibitions cover the entire textile value chain, from raw materials to finished products, enabling visitors to network with Worldwide Manufacturers under one roof and clinch profitable deals.

Bangladesh has long been recognized as a key player in the global textile and garment industry. As one of the largest apparel exporters in the world, the country’s continued investment in innovation and sustainable practices is essential for maintaining its competitive edge. The 2024 edition of the Textile Series of Exhibitions by CEMS-Global USA is a testament to Bangladesh’s growing prominence as a hub for textile & garment innovation and manufacturing.

By hosting this trio of internationally acclaimed expos, CEMS-Global USA aims to foster collaboration between industry stakeholders, promote knowledge-sharing, and drive the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices within the sector. The exhibitions will also serve as a gateway for foreign companies looking to expand into Bangladesh’s vibrant textile and garment manufacturing market, helping to strengthen the country’s position as a global leader in the textile supply chain.

These Exhibitions will not only be a platform for showcasing products and technologies but also a forum for fostering meaningful connections between industry players. With a special emphasis on innovation and sustainability, the event aims to equip businesses with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the modern textile landscape.

In addition to the wide array of exhibitors, the event will feature panel discussions led by industry thought leaders, offering visitors valuable insights into market trends, technological advancements, and sustainable practices. Networking opportunities will abound, making it an ideal space for Bangladeshi Textile and Garment industry professionals to establish new partnerships, explore business opportunities, and stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving market.

As the textile industry continues to innovate, adapt, and grow, these 3 comprehensive exhibitions will once again serve as a vital platform for industry leaders to showcase their latest innovations, exchange ideas, and chart the future course of the Bangladeshi as well as the global textile and garment sector.

The exhibitions will be open to the Business visitors upon registration every day from 10:00 am to 7 pm. For more information, please visit www.textech-bangladesh.com, www.bd.cems-yarnandfabric.com, www.bd.cems-dyechem.com

Why tech and startups flourish in the Washington DMV region

The DMV region boasts a robust tech ecosystem with significant venture capital investment and robust job availability. Within the broader area, the three regions have different strengths.
In the District of Columbia, there’s a focus on cybersecurity, policy-related technologies, and software development. The US government’s large presence makes for a strong B2B and B2G environment.
Maryland excels in biotech, aerospace and quantum computing, and is supported by major federal research centers and state-level organizations that provide funding and business assistance to startups.
Virginia is a center for defense technology, data infrastructure, and software development, attracting multinational tech giants and becoming a hub for the US data center boom.
TThere’s a strong sense of community across all three, through regular events and conferences that promote networking and collaboration among entrepreneurs and tech professionals.

The DMV region is a bustling hub of innovation and technology. Home to more than 6 million people, it extends across three jurisdictions: the District of Columbia, the Maryland suburbs and Northern Virginia. Each brings unique anchors that define a robust tech ecosystem. How robust? Tech job postings in the Washington DC area outpaced even New York City in early 2024, according to industry trackers. Across many small firms and a sizable number of global companies, the region counted more than 270,000 tech industry jobs in 2023. That’s more than triple the similarly sized Philadelphia metro area, and nearly double the Atlanta region’s count. On the funding side, venture capital investment saw a much less dramatic post-pandemic drop in the DMV than the national average, per PitchBook data, with close to $5 billion invested in 2023.   Several factors contribute to this innovation economy strength, but the most obvious is proximity to the center of the United States government and the action on Capitol Hill. Dozens of big-budget federal agencies, from the Pentagon to the Department of Energy, regularly contract with tech firms in the private sector. In part because of this dynamic, the majority of the region’s successful startups are B2B (business to business) or B2G (business to government), though there are plenty of founders with consumer-facing ideas, too.The catalyzing power of government funding in the region is amplified by its wealth of major academic institutions. Public and private universities across the geographies conduct key research, spin out companies and generally prime people for the innovation workforce. Community is another strength. Recurring events like DC Tech Meetup and Unstuck Tuesdays foster connection and collaboration, as does the annual DC Startup Week. This multi-day convening not only connects DMV entrepreneurs, it also draws attendees from around the country for tech and business-related workshops and discussions.With an economy that lets both startups and tech giants thrive, the DMV has been called the “Silicon Valley of the East.” And each geographic zone shines in its own way. Pre-order Innovate Washington DMV Edition by Oct. 25District of Columbia: The nation’s center for power and policyIf someone from outside the region asks a founder or funder where they’re based, they’ll almost always answer “DC” even if they’re really in Maryland or Virginia. But a lot of tech and entrepreneurship activity does happen within the city limits of the US capital. Startups in DC include firms focusing on cybersecurity, SaaS, policy-related products and more. Software development jobs in the district have grown in the past decade, increasing by 53% between 2014 and 2023, according to Lightcast data. Those workers are paid more than double the global average, per Startup Genome’s 2024 report. That study ranked DC the 12th best startup ecosystem globally, surpassing all of the US besides Silicon Valley, New York City and Boston. District government has its own council dedicated to technology and innovation under the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development. The council has published work like the 2023 Pathways to Inclusion report, which broke down the city’s tech assets, accomplishments and quantitative benchmarks to make recommendations on moving toward a more equitable and robust sector. This is the place where national tech policy gets developed.Plus, this is the place where national tech policy gets developed — setting standards or implementing programs that determine how employers and employees and creators and consumers interact with emerging technologies. For example, the Biden administration in 2023 put out an executive order calling for AI safety standards to be established throughout public and private sectors, and that same year the Economic Development Administration launched its Regional Tech Hubs program to pump millions of dollars into developing ecosystems throughout the country.That policymaking power brings lobbying activity. Tech companies spent more than $300 million on those efforts in 2023, with $74 million of it coming from giants Amazon, Alphabet, Meta, Apple and Microsoft. These big tech companies aren’t just sending envoys to persuade lawmakers — they’re establishing roots, taking up a combined 791,000 square feet of city office space in 2023. Lobbyists are also moving into the venture capital world, which has been growing in DC. Silicon Valley powerhouse Andreessen Horowitz in 2024 announced plans to set up an office in the district, and lobbying firm J.A. Green & Co. announced a partnership with local investment firm Anzu Partners to create a new $100 million fund for defense technology. Local universities also bolster the DC innovation scene. Georgetown has an Entrepreneurs In Residence program where students can get one-on-one mentorship from business leaders. American University offers a graduate certificate in entrepreneurship, as well as an incubator and other programming via its Veloric Center for Entrepreneurship and Kogol School of Business. Howard University collaborated with PNC to launch the PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship. There are also several accelerators housed in the district, including the social impact-oriented Halcyon Incubator, the disabled founder-focused 2Gether-International and a local edition of Techstars, the nationally active early-seed funding firm. NIST’s Gaithersburg, Maryland campus (Courtesy NIST/J. Stoughton)Maryland: A major player in biotech and aerospaceWhat section of Maryland is considered the DMV? Most typically, Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, which directly border the district. Some definitions also incorporate the counties of Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s that stretch along the waterway south of the capital. Sectors that flourish here include aerospace, biotechnology and quantum computing. The area is home to both NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center — considered the nation’s largest organization of space-focused technologists — and the headquarters of Lockheed Martin, a global aeronautics company that does most of its business with the Department of Defense and other federal agencies. The section of Interstate 270 that runs from Bethesda to Gaithersburg has long been called “DNA Alley,” ever since the Human Genome Project launched there inside the headquarters for the National Institutes of Health. The Food and Drug Administration is also located nearby, as are the offices of the National Institute of Standards and Technology.  State-level organizations play a big role in boosting the Southern Maryland innovation ecosystem.State-level organizations also play a big role in boosting the Southern Maryland innovation ecosystem. The Maryland Tech Council, a major trade association, hosts an industry awards ceremony, an annual conference and other events throughout the year. TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation, regularly provides early-stage funding and business assistance to startups in the region.Private sector giants like Adobe, Raytheon and Capital One all have a presence at the University of Maryland Discovery District, which also houses university startup spinouts like the quantum computing firm IonQ and federal offices including the NOAA Center for Weather and Climate Prediction. Software development jobs in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties grew over the past decade, increasing in number between 2014 and 2023 by more than 25%, according to Lightcast workforce data. 

Virginia: A locus for defense tech, data and developersA collection of jurisdictions make up the “V” in the DMV. It’s typically considered to include Arlington County, Fairfax County, the City of Falls Church, the City of Alexandria, Prince William County, the City of Manassas Park and Loudoun County Defense, aerospace and cybersecurity make up a great deal of the area’s tech and startup activity.The Pentagon, perhaps Northern Virginia’s most visible federal agency, announces millions of dollars in contracts on a daily basis. Northrop Grumman is headquartered there, designing and developing missile defense and intelligence tech.Arlington skyline as viewed from Georgetown, DC (Ajay Suresh/Wikimedia Commons)In the private sector, multinational tech giants have established a presence in Virginia. In 2018, Capital One relocated its headquarters to McLean and remains a top employer in the region. Amazon, another major employer, opened its second headquarters in Arlington in 2023. That same year, Arlington was dubbed the nation’s smartest city by Forbes (DC came in third), with 76% of adults over 25 holding a bachelor’s degree. The same report, however, noted a major racial attainment gap; less than 1 in 7 of degree-holders were people of color.The Northern Virginia Tech Council, similar to the Maryland Tech Council, is a trade association connecting startup founders, Fortune 100 executives, students, nonprofit heads and many others in between. Software development jobs in Northern Virginia have skyrocketed.Software development jobs in the region skyrocketed between 2014 and 2023, with Arlington and Loudoun counties’ numbers increasing more than 90%. And while Fairfax County didn’t grow quite as fast, it was already big — its 30,000 developers in 2023 outpace other areas in the DMV by far.Fairfax is home to George Mason University, which operates a Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and is known for both business and technology education. Though delayed by supply chain issues, the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus is slated to open in Alexandria, in the same complex as a branch of Amazon’s HQ2.Northern Virginia has also become a hub of the US data center boom. More than 300 such facilities were active in the region 2024, handling around 70% of the world’s internet traffic. Amazon Web Services operates more than 50 of them, and with generative AI processing increasing demands, Google announced it was investing $1 billion in building more.

International Workshop on Modern Technologies in Survey-Resurvey for Urban Land Records Inaugurated

Union Minister of Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan (Photo Source: @OfficeofSSC/X)

Union Minister of Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, today inaugurated a two-day International Workshop on “Modern Technologies in Survey-Resurvey for Urban Land Records” at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre (DAIC). The event, organized by the Department of Land Resources, marks a key step in modernizing urban land records in India.

This initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to streamline land records through the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme (DILRMP), which has been operational since 2016. While the program has already made significant strides in rural land record modernization, the focus is now shifting to urban areas. Urban land records, which often suffer from fragmentation, outdated information, and complex maintenance, present a challenge to effective land management and urban planning.
The workshop follows the announcement of the 2024-25 Budget, which highlighted the need for an IT-based system to manage property records. This system aims to update urban land records through digitization and GIS mapping, ultimately improving urban planning, tax administration, and the financial standing of urban local bodies. By leveraging modern technology, this initiative seeks to increase transparency, reduce disputes, and support sustainable development in urban areas.
The workshop aims to unite key stakeholders, including government officials, international experts, and technology providers, to showcase global best practices in urban land record modernization. It will address challenges like standardization, data security, and capacity building, while promoting collaboration to develop actionable policy recommendations and plan pilot projects for selected urban areas.

The event gathers experts from around the world, including representatives from Singapore, South Korea, the UK, USA, and other countries, who will showcase best practices in urban land record modernization. Indian and international technology providers will also exhibit cutting-edge solutions such as drones, aircraft, and GIS software to support these efforts.
The workshop will feature case studies and discussions on emerging technologies, including aerial photography and satellite imagery, to enhance property taxation and urban planning. The event will conclude with a valedictory address by Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications.

This workshop represents a crucial step in India’s efforts to implement more efficient, transparent, and modern land management systems, focusing on enhancing urban development nationwide.

First published on: 21 Oct 2024, 07:26 IST

The Rise Of Entrepreneurship: Why Business Ownership Is Booming

In recent years, a significant shift has occurred in the world of work. More people than ever before are turning to entrepreneurship, moving away from traditional employment in favor of building something of their own.

This surge in business ownership isn’t confined to a specific demographic – it’s widespread, with individuals from diverse backgrounds, industries, and experience levels stepping into the world of entrepreneurship. In Canada, this trend is especially prominent, with entrepreneurship gaining momentum at an unprecedented rate.

But what’s fueling this surge? Why are so many people choosing to pursue entrepreneurship?

The Changing Landscape of Work

The traditional job market, once seen as the pinnacle of stability, has become less appealing in recent years. Economic disruptions, mass layoffs, and the rise of the gig economy have made many people reconsider the security of conventional employment. With remote work and technology reducing barriers to entry, more people are embracing entrepreneurship to build their financial futures and pursue their passions.

In Canada, this trend is even more visible. Recent data, such as from the 2024 RBC Small Business Poll, presented by Don Ludlow, Vice-President of Small Business, Partnerships & Strategy, RBC, shows that more Canadians are choosing to start their own businesses, driven by a combination of factors including flexibility, financial independence, and the ability to control their career paths.

As Ludlow highlighted, “The entrepreneurial spirit in Canada is stronger than ever, and we’re seeing a surge in people who want to forge their own paths, from all walks of life.” This isn’t just a movement among a select few; it’s a broad, country-wide trend.

Why More People Are Becoming Entrepreneurs
The 2024 RBC Small Business Poll highlights a significant shift in motivations driving entrepreneurship in Canada. A notable 93 percent of current and aspiring business owners cited meaningful work as their primary reason for starting a business, surpassing the 87 percent who are motivated by making more money. This reflects a broader trend toward purpose-driven entrepreneurship, where personal fulfillment and impact are valued above financial gain.

Moreover, flexibility plays a major role in the decision to launch a business as 46 percent of small business owners are motivated by the desire to spend more time at home with their children, while 40 percent are driven by the need to care for aging parents.
These insights underscore how entrepreneurship is becoming a vehicle for Canadians to achieve both personal and professional balance, allowing them to align their work with their family responsibilities and personal values.
How Cross-Border Collaboration Can Boost Economic Growth and Innovation
Canada and the U.S. share one of the world’s largest trade relationships, with billions of dollars in goods and services exchanged annually. As Canadian businesses grow, they open new markets for U.S. companies to invest in, partner with, or compete against. This increase in entrepreneurial activity can also lead to the development of new industries and markets that benefit both nations.
The bottom line is that entrepreneurship is no longer reserved for a select few; it has become an accessible path for people from all walks of life. The Canadian government’s support, combined with technology’s ability to level the playing field, has made starting a business more attainable than ever before.