AU’S ATAC & INDUSTRIAL DESIGN HOST STATE’S ‘ATN INNOVATION DAY’
     AUBURN – More than 30 representatives of the Alabama Technology Network (ATN) gathered with their host affiliate, the Auburn Technical Assistance Center (ATAC) at Auburn University on May 4 to see first-hand how the state’s universities can play an important and central role in promoting and supporting innovation among Alabama’s business and industry.
     ATAC, partnering with AU’s Industrial Design program – the only university Industrial Design program in the state – organized the first “ATN Innovation Day.”
    The event showcased some of Industrial Design’s cutting-edge product designs, capabilities and concepts. It also provided attendees with an overview of other AU resources and expertise in the areas of technology transfer, invention commercialization, the College of Business supply chain management program and other specialties that can support the ATN’s work with the state’s manufacturing industry.
    “Without a focus on innovation, all products eventually gravitate toward commodities,” said ATAC’s David Mixson, who coordinated the event.
    “ATAC and all ATN centers are part of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP),” Mixson added, “Innovation is an area that is receiving national attention among the MEP. ATAC, by virtue of it being a University Center, by being a part of the only university in Alabama with an Industrial Design program, and also part of a university with strong technology transfer and business outreach programs is in a unique position to host an event of this type and to take a leading role in supporting innovation among our clients.”
    The ATN links the state’s two-year colleges, Auburn University, the University of Alabama System, and the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama into a cooperative network to offer business solutions and cost-effective strategies to Alabama industry. Center services are tailored to meet local needs to enable Alabama's existing industry to be globally competitive.
    “The ATN is a flagship example of the state’s four- and two-year colleges working cooperatively with the private sector to benefit the state’s manufacturing industry and economic development,” said ATAC Director Henry Burdg. “I am excited that we could host our sister centers for an event of this type and I hope this first one is not the last.”
    Auburn Technical Assistance Center was established in 1976 and is an affiliate of the Alabama Technology Network and an Economic Development Administration University Center. As an arm of the Auburn University College of Business Outreach program, ATAC provides business and technical assistance, customized training, and consultation in implementing value-added strategies to manufacturers and other businesses, not-for-profit organizations and government agencies in Alabama and the Southeast. 

CONTACT: Mitch Emmons, (334) 844-3881, emmonmb@auburn.edu.