Brown to learn about emerging flexible electronics industry in Northeast Ohio; renew call for strengthening economic competitiveness through innovation
Who: U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Rebecca O. Bagley, President and CEO of NorTech, Dr. Albert Green, CEO of Kent Displays, and other organizations in Northeast Ohio's flexible electronics cluster. Dr. Green is Chair of the FlexMattersSM Cluster Steering Committee.
What: U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) will meet tomorrow with NorTech and members of Northeast Ohio's flexible electronics industry cluster at Kent Displays, a company based in Kent, Ohio which produces flexible LCD displays. During a roundtable meeting attendees will discuss the flexible electronics cluster in Northeast Ohio, capabilities, strengths, opportunities and provide feedback on how the federal government can assist in the growth of flexible electronics.
When: Friday, March 18, 2011
Due to the Senator's schedule the meeting will begin promptly at 3:15 pm, so please arrive at 3 pm. The roundtable will conclude at 4:20 p.m.
Where: Kent Displays, Inc., 343 Portage Blvd, Kent, Ohio 44240
Background: Flexible electronics is a new science and manufacturing opportunity for printing electronic devices on flexible plastic materials. The flexible electronics industry is driven by the global demand for electronic products to get smaller, lighter and consume less power. Because these devices can bend and flex, cost less to manufacture, and are more shock resistant than traditional electronics, they can be integrated into items such as clothing, packaging and portable devices as never before. Experts predict the global flexible electronics market to grow to $250B by 2025.
The FlexMatters Cluster is rooted in the region's expertise in liquid crystal technology and polymer science, in addition to a growing supply chain of small, medium and large companies. Last month, the FlexMatters Cluster received national visibility when President Obama mentioned NorTech's efforts to grow the Cluster during the White House "Winning the Future" Forum on Small Business in Cleveland. The President mentioned Kent Displays and Kent State University as an integral part of the FlexMatters cluster, which is working to make Northeast Ohio the global epicenter for the development and manufacturing of flexible electronics.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Kelly South
NorTech
216-241-8458
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Kevin Oswald
Kent Displays
330-673-8784 X161
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Allison Preiss
Office of Senator Sherrod Brown
(202) 224-3978
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