By Lil Nickelson
On Thursday, August 10th, 2017 Harlem Week held its “Urban Technology Meet-Up” as the final event of its annual NYC Economic Development Day at Columbia University Alfred Lerner Hall. The theme of the panel discussion was “Technology As A 21st Century Economic Growth Engine.”
Geoffrey E. Eaton welcomed attendees on behalf of the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce and introduced the opening speaker Clayton Banks, Co-founder Silicon Harlem. From an urban technology perspective, there are ten points of concern:
- Computational Thinking
- Accessibility
- Data Informed Decisions
- Information & Content
- Target Markets & Personalization
- Security
- Global Connections
- Wearables
- Robots
- Video & Livestreaming
What’s coming next and how do we leap frog technology? Link NYC kiosks; Harlem has more than any other part of NYC! Why? Because GHCC and Silicon Harlem worked with the various stakeholders to make sure they realized the need was greater here.
Clayton introduced the panel moderator Michael Clay, Dormitory Authority of State of New York and turned the mike of over to him. Michael introduced the panel members – Carolyn M. Ortega, MTA, Scott Chalmers, First Data and Michael Gershfeld, LDI Color Toolbox (“LDI”).
Ms. Ortega manages 900 applicat9for the MTA which is the largest transportation network with 8 million people daily using the rails, trains, buses, bridges and tunnels. MTA is looking for IT professionals – developers and entrepreneurs to provide your services through contracting or for full-time employment opportunities go to out website under doing business with MTA.
Scott Chalmers stepped to the podium next letting us know that First Data is in the business of payment process on charge cards. As VP, Technology Architecture his team is promoting innovation for business growth which has two layers. Integration is the s3amless combination of technical components into a service or application providing value. The bottom layer is allowing software and devices to work together no matter the function or channel. The top layer is software engineers relying on integration to deliver solutions faster and run on any devices.
This will allow small businesses to do what they do best be it payment processing, cost management, supply management, promoting your business, analytics and strate9 or managing employees.
Michael Gershfeld of LDI was the last panel members to speak to the audience. LDI is a leader in the supply, sale and service of digital office technology because it understands the importance of copy, scan, send, print digital technology for your business. LDI carefully selects industry manufacturers that they partner with as one of the main reasons for their strength in integration and support services. LDI provides support to non-profit organizations with direct philanthropy and pro bono services, including direct placement of copiers/printers at no charge.
Clayton Banks thanked the speakers and closed out by informing the audience that on October 27th, 2017 The Next Generation Tech Conference will be held in Harlem where over 250 technology and media professionals from both the private and public sector will join to envision the technological future of urban markets. It’s all day conference that will explore the future of media and the impact technology is having across all industries. It’s designed to provide you with the information and tools needed to prepare for 21st century opportunities.
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