xTuple enjoyed a shout-out by Norfolk, Virginia, Mayor Paul Fraim at the Annual State of the City address on Friday, February 8, 2013. The specific excerpt of the mayor's speech follows and can be viewed in the video below (at 26-28 minutes):
"One area with potential to help reposition the city’s economy is technology. With our location midway between the Washington metro area and the Research Triangle, with Norfolk State University’s RISE Center and Old Dominion University’s Innovation Research Park and Modeling and Simulation Center, along with the medical school’s expanded research facilities, our improved transportation system, a dynamic and diverse downtown and a solid core of high tech businesses to build on, all the right assets are in place."
"Anchored by Dominion Enterprise’s headquarters, the Granby Street corridor has become a magnet for technology companies like xTuple — an open source software company used by businesses worldwide."
"Founded in 2007 by Norfolk native Ned Lilly, xTuple grew by 35% in 2011. It grew by nearly the same amount last year, increased its staff by 40% and is adding 3,500 square feet of additional space."
"Other digital technology firms on Granby Street include Grow Interactive, Ciniva Web Agency, Artsmith Media and Sway Creative Labs."
"Last June, Hatch – a mentor-based accelerator program for technology and design entrepreneurs — accepted five new start-ups to its inaugural class. The winter class of 5 additional start-ups got underway last month."
"Our improving climate for entrepreneurship was highlighted by the naming of four local companies - including ArcDNA and Zack Miller of Hatch by Virginia’s Center for Innovative Technology to the Top 50 List of Next Generation Entrepreneurs."
The Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce presents the State of the City Series and provides an archive of the full text of the speech.
Missy Schmidt
Since early 2012, Missy has directed marketing for xTuple business management software, including the global user conference, inbound and outbound content marketing, lead generation, sales campaigns, website design and digital strategies. She has ties to the business and economic development, startup and entrepreneurial communities in Virginia and nationally. Prior to joining xTuple, Missy was VP of strategic communication and marketing for Hampton Roads Partnership, a public-private corporation that worked to improve the region's economy within the international marketplace. Before that, Missy spent 25+ in sales, including product development, within the industries of telecommunications, retail, industrial food service, government contracting, contract packaging and manufacturing. Missy holds a B.S. from James Madison University. She and her husband, Bert, who is president and CEO of WHRO Public Media, reside in the "innovation corridor" of downtown Norfolk.