Editor’s note: Michael Goodmon, who has spearheaded creation of three shared office space projects to help spur startup growth in the Triangle, calls on entrepreneurs at the close of the CED’s annual Tech Venture Conference on Wednesday to take a “hard look” at how they can be “part of the progress.” Goodmon is vice president of Corporate Real Estate for Capitol Broadcasting, the parent firm of WRALTechWire. He also served as one of the co-chairs for the CED event. His remarks:

Hello, I’m Michael Goodmon, and on behalf of Capitol Broadcasting Company and the American Underground, I want to thank you for being a part of this exciting event over the last two days.

Along with Mike Elliott of Noro-Moseley Partners, my brother Jimmy of Capitol Broadcasting Company, and Steve Wiehe of SciQuest, I have enjoyed serving as a co-chair of the 2013 CED Tech Venture Conference.

It is always a great thing when we can come together as a region and have the opportunity contemplate our collective successes… and failures… to check our mindset and coordinate for the future.

The American Underground is a hub for startup companies and innovators with three locations across the Triangle: the @ATC on the American Tobacco Campus, @ Main in the heart of downtown Durham and soon, @Raleigh in downtown Raleigh. We count more than 100 startups that are physically in our regional network and many, many more interacting on a daily basis with the various programs, events and companies that populate the American Underground community.

And throughout that network, our mindset is progress.

  • How do we turn good ideas into successful companies and runaway products?
  • How do we partner with our universities to make the most of their research and graduates?
  • How do we work with mature companies and community leaders to boost our entrepreneurial economy?

And very specific to today: How do we make sure we are doing what is right and what is needed for the entrepreneurs in the community? They are, after all, why we are here… the reason for the season, if you will.

Progress requires not just thought, but action. Please take a hard look around the room today and consider the many ways you can be a part of the progress. There is lots of room and unlimited opportunity. Please let the American Underground and many other available resources be of help.

And please pay attention on September 25th, when the American Underground will make a major announcement that will bolster our entire region.