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SMART (Strengthening the Mid-Atlantic Region for Tomorrow) Congressional Initiative Mission

SMART supports and facilitates Mid-Atlantic leadership of both public and private research and development, technology-based opportunities and the related workforce development for economic growth based upon priority National and International requirements.

SMART’s Unique Range and Depth

Our uniqueness is collaboration among the full range & depth of the grass-roots tech community of R&D Academia, Businesses, Government Labs/Field Agencies and Professional Associations; supported by and in collaboration with Federal, State and International Allied Governments (within legal bounds).

Products and Metrics

SMART’s three product categories are addressing tech-based issues, conducting events and conducting  projects/programs. Since 1999 we have addressed multiple issues, conducted 346 major events and conducted $625M in projects/programs.

Leadership and Strategic Planning

These efforts are led by the Mid-Atlantic Government and Tech Community leadership and their National and International partners. Capitol Hill Forums are conducted in the Winter and Summer among the SMART leadership to address current priorities (thus “planning” — not a stagnant plan). The SMART NFP membership company staffs the Initiative. See the “About” menu tab for current details.

Current Top Priorities; Event & Program

Our current focus for events are a return to our roots, the 1999 to 2004 TechTrends series of annual R&D focused conventions in the Spring and rotated among the Mid-Atlantic States. Since 2004 we have conducted the successful SMART PROC GOVCON Procurement series held in Frederick (to leverage DC proximity) during the Fall. We are currently planning a TechTrends return to Atlantic City NJ in Spring 2024. This R&D focused event in the Spring will then compliment the Procurement focused event in the Fall. See: www.smartprocgovcon.com for the successful SMART PROC GOVCON series.

Our top priority program is the Drive for Data Across America. This Virginia Tech Alumni founded program will gather and national, grass-roots data on workforce shortage among the related automotive, motorsports and aviation communities (communities meaning both public and private workforce). The data will be presented on Capitol Hill each Fall to Congress, Federal Executive Branch and Private Businesses as source data for their public and private actions. Further, the DDAA has a charity component of funding local Veteran’s Unfunded Healthcare projects at each major stop; also presenting that compiled information.

Joining SMART

Click on the “Membership” menu tab and please feel free to contact SMART Executive Director, Robert Carullo at [email protected]  or 609-304-2904 to further address collaboration. We look forward to your participation.

News

SMART is currently working on the return of the founding TechTrends series (1999-2004) that will be conducted in the Mid-Atlantic States (rotating each year) in the Spring to compliment the SMART PROC GOV CON held in the Fall in Frederick MD (2004 to present). We will re-start TechTrends in 2025 hosted by NJ in Atlantic City. See the Events menu tab for further info.

The Drive for Data Across America program remain our top program priority. We are planning a February event in SE PA to kickoff our 2024 activity.

Contact SMART Executive Director Robert Carullo at 609-304-2904 as needed.

About

SMART Initiative at a Glance

Since the spring of 1999, SMART and its predecessors have succeeded in attracting federal R&D funding for the regional technical community. Through its comprehensive and expert panel of Technology Cluster Groups, SMART can assist YOUR organization in developing opportunities to partner or collaborate with the technical community.

Integration of regional S & T initiatives including events projects and meetings involving:

  • Bi-Partisan Congressional Delegation of DE, MD, NJ & PA; 8 Senators & 39 Representatives
  • Federal Agencies; 20 + DC HQs
  • States’ Executive and Legislative Branches
  • Collective regional technology community facilitated by SMART, a 501(C)3 organization – Academia, Industry, Government Field Agencies/Labs and Profession Associations

2023 SMART Board List

Executive Committee Affiliation Title
Phillip Jaurigue, Chair PA Sabre Systems Chairman & CEO
Samuel Waltz DE SamWaltz.com CEO & President
Deborah Burrell MD Burrell International Group CEO & President
Dr. John Lacontora NJ Mid-Atlantic Institute for Modeling & Analysis CEO
Robert Carullo Sabre Systems Executive Director
Board Members (Includes Exec) Affiliation Title
Samuel Waltz DE SamWaltz.com CEO & President
Nicolas Callazzo DE New Castle County CoC VP Economic Development
Carla Sydney-Stone DE World Trade Center Delaware President
Deborah Burrell MD Burrell International Group CEO & President
Constantine “Jack” Pappas MD Pappas Associates International CEO
Francis Pierce MD Design Systems and Analysis CEO & President
Dr. John Lacontora NJ Mid-Atlantic Institute for Modeling & Analysis CEO
Dr. Donald Sebastian NJ New Jersey Institute of Technology VP for R&D
Phillip Jaurigue PA Sabre Systems CEO & President
George Kearns PA MMC Worldwide Chairman & CEO
Eugene DelCoco PA The Blackfield Group President
William McLaughlin PA Irish-American Business Chamber & Network Founder & Chair Emeritus
Board Staff Affiliation Title
Robert Carullo NJ Sabre Systems Executive Director
Pamela Fillion NJ SMART Treasurer
Mark Oddo NJ SMART Counsel

Bio’s with POC’s are being compiled. Contact Robert Carullo as needed at [email protected] or 609-304-2904.

Group Chairs

See the Groups menu tab.