She is credited as one of the early pioneers initiating special programs for the technology community in Pennsylvania, and is now effective in advocating for New Jersey’s technology community in both Trenton and Washington. But as the founder and president of the New Jersey Technology Council (NJTC), Maxine Ballen defines her most pressing role as that of mentor.
“I get no greater joy than when I am able to provide support by way of direction, networking or education to our members,” she says.
That joy was born from a vision in 1996, when Ballen founded the NJTC. “Back then, nothing served the New Jersey technology sector, and I knew it was important to have a solid infrastructure of support to keep and grow that industry,” she said.
The NJTC is now considered one of the top trade organizations in the nation, Ballen says. Maintaining that reputation requires exceptional organization and time management skills; the NJTC has over 1,000 members and delivers over 120 programs each year. With the help of 15 staff members, Ballen delivers networking and educational events, produces print and electronic communications, is highly involved in governmental affairs in both Trenton and Washington, and works tirelessly on grassroots efforts to grow the state’s technology industry.
One of the goals of the organization is to connect NJ technology companies with capital. “We are the only trade association with an $80 million venture fund, which has invested in 37 companies,” she says. Early-stage funding is delivered to technology-based enterprises like EKR Therapeutics and Petra Solar, both of which were honored at the organization’s recent Awards Gala. Another of those early-stage investments was Dendrite International, a software technology company that was purchased in 2007 by Cegedim SA for $751 million.
The New Jersey Technology Council (NJTC) has launched Jumpstart NJ, an angel investor network. Comprised of a collaborating group of high net worth individuals, that network has invested over $11 million in promising New Jersey entities.
“Our goal has always been to make sure New Jersey maintains its presence as a top destination for the technology sector,” she says. “But capital is only one of the tools necessary to do that. Education is also imperative.” To that end, the NJTC Educational Foundation brings business and academia together to attract and retain a highly-educated technology workforce.
Ballen is also a member of the National Association of Seed and Venture Funds. “The SVF is a huge advantage to our members, offering critical support and networking across the nation,” she says. “It’s one more advantage I get to recommend to our members.”
For more information about the NJTC, go to http://www.njtc.org/join/join.asp
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