:Roc NORML – Mary Kruger

Recognizing the co-existence of a healthy creative class with a vibrant entrepreneurial environment, this is the launch of a series that will feature Innovation in the Arts!  This will include the visual, culinary, theatrical, musical and performing arts.   Here are some of our area's most significant contributors to the visual arts.  The esteemed director of the Memorial Art Gallery (MAG), Jonathan Binstock, will moderate a panel that includes Bleu Cease, director of the internationally recognized Rochester Contemporary Art Center (RoCo), K.C. Sullivan, co-founder and director of UUU Art Collective and noted and distinctive artist, Sarah Rutherford.   This discussion celebrates the relationship between art and entrepreneurship and demonstrates that Rochester continues to be very much at the forefront of artistic innovation.

Aaron Newman is a dynamic serial entrepreneur who, prior to founding CloudCheckr, already had several successful startups to his credit.

Founded just seven years ago, CloudCheckr already employs more than 100 people in Rochester’s Village Gate. Aaron’s innovative approach to technology and community leadership falls right in line with RocGrowth’s vision of New Rochester.

If you too are interested in helping to shape the future of our community, this is an event you don’t want to miss!

RocGrowth Candids

Mikael Totterman, serial entrepreneur and CEO of Clerio Vision talks about innovation, creating new companies and why he chooses to do it in Rochester.

We are pleased to feature Mikael Totterman, serial entrepreneur and CEO of Clerio Vision, Inc. Clerio is a UR Medical Center spin-out that has raised $12 million in angel and venture financing and has the potential to disrupt the field of vision correction.

Previously, a co-founder and CEO of several Rochester-based medical-related startups with connections to UR. Those include Virtualscopics, Qmetrics, and iCardiac. Mike has spent considerable time in Silicon Valley. We will hear firsthand from this highly accomplished entrepreneur about how he approaches innovation, creates new companies…and why he chooses to do it in Rochester.

RocGrowth Candids

Our esteemed guests are Rick Plympton and Mike Mandina, CEO and President of Optimax Systems. This optics company is no traditional success story. The website states it well: “We leverage our optics manufacturing technology for programs that benefit mankind and projects that defend our freedom.” Rick and Mike have fostered a corporate culture that empowers and dignifies the 280 people who work there. It’s nothing short of cutting edge…and fun. Rick Plympton, CEO, Optimax Systems Mike Mandina, President, Optimax Systems

Our next guest speaker is one of the more notable local success stories, Arunas Chesonis.  Currently, Arunas and his colleagues operate an investment firm, Cranberry Capital, which provides hands-on support and funding to a portfolio of start-up companies.  Arunas moved to Rochester upon graduating MIT to work for Rochester Telephone.  He then became president of ACC until it was sold to AT&T.   His next step was PAETEC, founding and building it into a publicly-traded and nationally recognized telecom company.  Arunas will discuss his connection to Rochester and how it has played a role in his life and entrepreneurial endeavors.  Additionally, he will provide insights into his current activities, particularly regarding Cranberry Capital and its innovative approaches to supporting entrepreneurs.

RocGrowth Candids