Ben Franklin Announces Trend Forecaster / Economy Expert as i xchange Keynoter

BETHLEHEM, PA, March 13, 2013 (Press-News.org) The Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania has announced that trend forecaster and economy expert Todd Buchholz will be the keynote presenter at the Ben Franklin ixchange 2013. The i xchange will be held beginning at 5:30 pm on the evening of Tuesday, May 7, 2013, at the Zoellner Arts Center, Lehigh University, Bethlehem.

The i xchange is the premier business networking opportunity in northeastern Pennsylvania. Last year, more than 500 technology entrepreneurs, business people, economic developers, venture capitalists, political leaders, educators, students, bankers, lawyers, and accountants from Ben Franklin's 21-county service area attended.

The i xchange will combine executive networking sessions, the keynote address by Mr. Buchholz, and the presentation of Ben Franklin's annual Innovation Awards. These six awards recognize and salute outstanding individual and company accomplishment in business and technology.

In his presentation "Why You Need and Love Competition," keynote speaker Todd Buchholz will reveal why we need competition to keep us going and going strong. Weaving in everything from neuroeconomics to evolutionary biology, to renaissance art to General Motors, Buchholz will convince the audience that the race to compete has not only made us stronger and smarter, it's what we love and need.

In his provocative speech, Buchholz will explain why laid-back firms get entangled in their own red tape and why contented CEOs end up driving their employees to bankruptcy court. While Buchholz argues that businesses need internal competition, he will show how to inspire creative competition, rather than a shark-infested culture. This will be a cutting-edge presentation that defies and shreds conventional wisdom.

Todd Buchholz is an international economist, former White House senior economic advisor, Tiger Hedge Fund manager, former Harvard lecturer, and frequent TV and radio commentator. He has written several best-selling books on the economy, including New Ideas from Dead Economists, New Ideas from Dead CEOs, and Market Shock.

Buchholz is a widely sought speaker who "lights up economics with a wickedly sparkling wit," says the Associated Press. His lively and informative speaking engagements have earned him a place in Successful Meetings Magazine's "21 Top Speakers for the 21st Century," and his books have been widely translated and taught in universities worldwide.

Admission to the Ben Franklin i xchange is $65 in advance and $75 the day of the event. Hot hors d'oeuvres and dessert will be served; a cash bar will be available. Register on-line at http://ennect.com/e2092, or contact the Ben Franklin Technology Partners at 610-758-5200 or ixchange@nep.benfranklin.org.

About the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania:
The Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania links companies with experts, universities, funding, and other resources to help them prosper through innovation. The Center strategy encompasses three key areas: developing early-stage, technology-oriented companies; helping established manufacturers creatively apply new technologies and business practices; and promoting an innovative community-wide infrastructure that fosters a favorable business environment for high-growth companies. The northeastern center is part of a four-center, state-funded economic development initiative.

Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern PA promotes, sustains and invests in the transformation of our regional economy through innovation and partnering. For further information, please contact us at 610-758-5200.