Nov. 2009
A gazillion +1 thanks for a wonderful presentation. You deserve a heartfelt expression of thanks and gratitude. Your talk and the advice you provided about invention development was one of the highpoints of my students’ semester. As future intellectual property lawyers who aspire to work with and serve the inventor community, the students found your remarks about the needs and perspectives of inventors to be of enormous practical value. As a result of your talk, they felt they had a deeper understanding of how best to communicate and work with inventors, as well as a deeper respect for the inventive process. We all hope you will agree to make your visit an annual event.
I hope you will be willing to explore ways for us to work together and that you will not hesitate to turn to us if you feel the IP Law Clinic can be of assistance to the Minnesota Inventors Congress. You perform an extremely valuable service, and we would feel honored and privileged to help contribute to your continued success.
Thanks again for a great presentation.
Best regards,
Jay Erstling
Professor of Law
William Mitchell College of Law
875 Summit Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55105
June 16, 2009
"Unbelievable!!! What can I possibly say about Deb's performance that isn't already public knowledge. If there is anyone who hasn't been to the MIC's show, you "must" go. Again, I have been blessed with the opportunity to be involved with one of the world's finest productions.
The Minnesota Inventors Congress was a creation second to none, hosting an extremely diverse group of people with an unbelievable array of new products and inventions that are guaranteed to change the world and touch thousands (if not millions) of peoples lives in the very near future. Thanks for a great time and the opportunity to meet so many, and make so many connections in just a couple of days.
Thanks from all of us at Midwest App Tech.........Bob Heitkamp"
April 21, 2009
MIC Board of Directors,
The Minnesota Inventors Congress has been a very important part of my invention process.
For years I had come up with different ideas but never really persuade them because I wasn't quite sure how. In February of 2008, I had another product idea and decided to call MIC. I was a little hesitant because I had never talked to anyone about my ideas except close family members. Making that first call was probably the most important thing I did. I talked to Deb Hess. She was very open to listen, and had an abundance of knowledge and information on how to proceed with the next steps. Deb suggested books that I should read and many online tools that would help me get started. We talked many times in the process. She would always have more information and numerous people to contact to get me to the next step.
I have now started a company, produced my product and now I am test marketing it. I feel this would have never been possible without the help of Deb Hess and the Minnesota Inventors Congress. It was that first call to MIC that made all this possible.
Thank you to Deb Hess and The Minnesota Inventors Congress!
Sincerely,
Philip Zweber
Zweber's Edge
April 10, 2009
My name is Stephen Key. I have been licensing my ideas and have been in the inventing community for the past 30 years. I cannot say enough about the information that the Minnesota Inventors Congress and in particular Deb Hess provide.
Our country was built on innovation. It's important to keep innovation going in these tough economic times. Statistics have shown that some of the greatest ideas have been developed during a downturn in the economy. When the economy turns and things get better we need to be ready with new and innovative products to help stimulate the economy.
The journey to bring a product to market is a long and winding one full of pitfalls. It's very important to get the right information at the right time in order to be successful. The information that MIC provides is invaluable and important to anyone that wants to be successful.
It does not matter if someone is licensing their ideas or bringing them to market themselves it creates jobs. Small businesses are the backbone of this country and as such MIC supports and helps them grow through the great information and help that they provide.
MIC and Deb Hess are leaders in the inventing industry. The services and information that they provide are invaluable and now is not the time to cut back.
Sincerely,
Stephen M Key
President
Stephen Key Design, LLC
April 10, 2009
My name is Walt Johnson and I’m a librarian for the Hennepin County Library system. I work at the Central Library in downtown Minneapolis.
Minneapolis Central is a part of the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s network called the Patent and Trademark Depository Library Program (PTDLP). There are about 85 such-designated libraries throughout the U.S. and we’re the only one in the state of Minnesota. It is part of our mission to disseminate patent and trademark information and support diverse intellectual property needs of the public.
As a librarian I am trained to answer general questions about patents and teach classes on how patent searching for independent inventors, small business owners and entrepreneurs. In addition to my own responsibilities and duties, it’s important to be able to refer patrons to other resources outside of the public library. I am glad my patrons have the Minnesota Inventors Congress (MIC) at their disposal.
Not surprisingly, inventors often seek advice on how to sell or market their products, what to do once they are granted a patent, whether or not to get a patent attorney involved, etc. While my colleagues and I retrieve information and assist our patrons in any way we can, we cannot give legal and business advice or tell people how to run their business. That’s why it’s good to have MIC as an additional resource. Through MIC’s staff and events inventors can learn from other inventors; from people who have been through the patenting/marketing process and can speak from personal experience. Having attended some MIC events myself I have seen firsthand how beneficial and valuable their services can be.
Likewise, it’s great to have MIC refer people to our PTDL at the Central Library. It’s been great working with them over the years, and I hope that will continue in the future.
Walt Johnson
Hennepin County Library-Central
Business/Science/Government Documents
April 9, 2009
Dear Deb,
After my product launch for Synapse, the game I invented, the Minnesota Inventor's Congress was my first public show to gain exposure and generate sales for the game. It was the perfect start for someone who had done everything without any business training or mentoring. That included the creative process, working with professionals for the design, and then manufacturing the product. Having stepped into the business world, I now had to market Synapse. MIC was the right first step. It was large enough to get my product out there, but small enough so that it didn't overwhelm me.
We had an outstanding time talking to people, meeting inventors and making contacts. This was the first year that exhibitors could sell things for which I was happy because I sold 13 of my games. One man liked the game so much that he bought a box of 6 games. Another interesting customer I had was a teacher who works with gifted students and liked how Synapse stretched the brain!
There were a number of product scouts who stopped to talk to me. Three told me that they thought Synapse was the best product there...of course, they may say that to a number of exhibitors! The representative from the US Patent Office visited with me for quite a while and gave me some good contact information. He said Synapse would be a good "team-building" game--for a group of employees to learn to work together. One of the graphic designers who was there complimented the fine work of the Synapse graphics. One of the keynote speakers also visited with me for quite a while and offered helpful advice. I was happy to receive a silver medal at the awards banquet.
I actually bought two other products (both were gold medal winners). It was very interesting talking to the other inventors and hearing their "stories." I think there were only about 5 or 6 women inventors and I was very proud to be one of them. I still keep my eyes and ears attuned to what some of the other inventors are doing. Just this week I saw one of them featured by a photographer who is telling the stories of inventors. At the MN State Fair last August, we sought out another MIC inventor who was exhibiting there.
Whenever I hear of someone who is interested in the invention process, I encourage them to go to the MIC in June. Last January I was invited to speak to two 6th grade classrooms at the beginning of their unit on inventing. Again, I shared my experience at the MIC which was very interesting to all of them. I definitely plan to attend this year's event. Who knows...maybe I will have another invention to be an exhibitor!
Thank you for supporting inventors!!
Carol Laitinen
New Ulm MN
April 8, 2009
To whom it may concern,
Don't mess with Deb Hess and the MIC. This is without a doubt the most useful organization I have ever dealt with in my entire life. I'm Fifty.
My name is Dr. John S. Allen. My daughter Kelly was born with a rare condition, Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency(PFFD). That basically means she was born without a thigh bone in her left leg. She now wears a prosthetic leg and is really doing very well. She is sixteen.
A few years ago she had to have minor surgeries on her big toe that fits into her prosthetic. The infections were caused by her not cleaning her prosthetic out good enough every night. At the end of each day anyone who wears any type of prosthetic device must clean it with soap and water, and then wipe it down with alcohol. At the end of the day, most individuals don't do a diligent job. Infections are a big problem in the world of the limb deficient.
Kelly's mother told her, that for a science fair project, she had to come up with a better way of disinfecting her leg. And she did. She got an A on the project and the people who build her leg said she had a very good idea, and we should patent it. This is where the value of the Minnesota Inventors Congress comes in.
My first thought of attaining a patent were thoughts of dealing with attorneys and the Federal government. Uff Da! I found the MIC on the web, and gave them a call. Deb Hess took me under her wing and guided me through the process. As I look back realize that she was incredibly patient and professional. She was straight forward with answers and encouraging. Deb also was very conscientious, of being realistic and making sure I was not getting over optimistic.
Today (April 8, 2009) I set up a meeting with individuals that are going to start a business based on Kelly's invention. WE WOULD NOT BE AT THIS SITUATION IF THE MIC DID NOT EXIST!!!
Because of the MIC, jobs are being created, and people are benefiting from new inventions. They will benefit from my daughters invention. I cannot think of a more American institution. It took someone as clueless as myself and made me a confident inventor.
At the 2007 convention I met individuals who are still helping us today. The Great State of Minnesota should take great pride in this little jewel, that is efficient, helpful and does a great deal for this Great country we live in.
Thank you for your consideration,
Dr. John S. Allen
March 24, 2009
Governor Tim Pawlenty,
Office of the Governor, 130 State Capitol, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55155
Re: Minnesota Inventors Congress Funding
Dear Governor Pawlenty,
I am writing this letter in regard to the possible elimination of funding for the MN Inventors Congress that apparently is being considered at this time. I’ve been member of the MN Inventors Congress and attended the show for two years. I’m thoroughly impressed with the ability and contribution of this organization. Let’s look at the role of the inventors play in the state of Minnesota. Everything started with an inventor with an idea. Take 3M for example; we certainly value their presence in the state and know what their idea has lead to. Not to mention others – look at Medtronics and the value they place in our communities – not only with their products and services, but the number of people they employ.
I understand that you’ve been invited to the congress every year but have not been able to attend. I would urge you to attend this year’s congress in June and bring your children. They have a young inventors program that you and your children would thoroughly be impressed with.
Our state spends hundreds of dollars trying to attract new business to come to this state sometimes the best ideas are to take ideas that are home grown and nurture them. The cost of the state funding this program is $85,000 a year which covers most of the expenses of this operation, which has a staff of one and a half people. That’s got to be the best bang for the buck going. When you consider the millions of dollars we spend on other endeavors some with little or no success , it would seem that this $85,000 investment would be a bargain. Without the funding we will loose this program I don’t know if you are aware that people from all over the country come to this event looking for new ideas that they can bring to market. The inventors congress has been on the Jay Leno show more than once. This is national publicity that you can’t buy. The Inventors Congress is celebrating its 52nd year and I feel it’s absolutely mandatory that we find a way to come up with the $85,000 that’s required. I know dollars are tight and I know that you have to make cuts nearly everywhere, but surely we can find a way leave 85,000 in the budget for the continuation of this great program. We need to continue to invent and support these entrepreneurs.
I hope that you will consider including this in your budget and also possibly schedule a time to attend the conference which is on a Friday and Saturday, June 12 & 13, 2009. If you could be there on a Friday night, I think that the hundreds of people that attend the banquet would certainly love to hear a few inspirational words from you. And remember your children will love the show as well.
Respectfully,
Lance G. Reasor
3.31.09
To whom it may concern:
My name is Grant Hanson. I’m 60 years old. I’m from and have lived in Glenwood MN all my life, except for the time I spent as a Seabee while in the service.
My parents told me that I was inventing things as a child. It’s something that I seem to have in me. Many in my area have come to me looking for advice on what to do with their new idea. One very sad comment that I heard, more than once, is that they have sent money to a business that has promised to do things, but the things have never happened.
I find it more than interesting that this firm uses a logo much the same as the Minnesota Inventors Congress (MIC). Even their phone number is almost the same. One thing, though, is very different. The information that I’ve gotten from the MIC has always been good. They have never taken my money promising me anything. Why would any private firm try to imitate a well known and respected organization like the MIC? I think it is clear. A counterfeit has value only because there is value in the real. Please help the MIC survive this trying time. It’s as important as any education program in the state.
Grant Hanson
Glenwood MN