Pitt's Bytes 9.03.07 - Labor Day Edition

The launch party for HelpStartups.com, sponsored by HELP -- Helping Entrepreneurs Learn from Peers -- is slated for Tuesday, September 18 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at McFadden's, in the new Equitable Building on the North Shore, between PNC Park and Heinz Field. Register at http://www.helpstartups.com. The event is free and open to the public. . . . The next Project Olympus show-and-tell, originally scheduled for that same day, has been re-set for Tuesday, September 25 at 3:30 p.m. . . . Like him or hate him, the Steelers' new mascot, "Steely McBeam," is on its way to becoming a case study in how 20th century marketing tactics are doomed in a 21st century environment. New economy companies take note! More soon in a separate post. . . . Also coming to Pittsblog: A follow-up to this critique of the latest Pittsburgh Vision Thing. Is Pittsburgh's traditional leadership elite ready to open source regional renewal? What does that mean to area technology companies? The answers may surprise you . . . .

Nuggets from the most recent HELP Newsletter: The Pittsburgh Venture Capital Association is taking applications for presentations by seed and early-stage companies at its monthly lunches. Apply here . . . TiEPgh presents an "Entrepreneurs' Base Camp" titled "Scaling Peaks" on the CMU Campus on Saturday, Sept. 22. Register here. . . . The Duquesne University SBDC (Small Business Development Center) has assembled an impressive series of programs for new and current small business owners. Check out the list here. . . .

Pop City Media is hosting a live event with Grant Oliphant of the Heinz Endowments: "The First, the Best and the Only." September 10, 2007 at 6:30 pm @ the New Hazlett Theatre. It's free. Rsvp to rsvp@popcitymedia.com. The pitch: "Our moderator, Grant Oliphant, and panel of experts on cities and the talent that drives them, will engage in a lively discussion, with audience participation, on how Pittsburgh might build on our unique assets to propel Pittsburgh to become a 'hot' city." Unique? Best? Hot? The rah-rah boosterism is a little over-the-top. I'm skeptical, but I'm willing to listen, since Grant Oliphant has good things to say. See you there.