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USC/Columbia Technology Incubator to Recognize Recent Graduates

COLUMBIA, SC - November 29, 2010 - A press conference will be held on Monday, November 29, 2010 at the Office of Economic Development, 1201 Main Street, Suite 250 at 10:30am in recognition of the recent graduates of the USC/Columbia Technology Incubator.  Four companies will be honored, including EasyHRWeb, Accelerations Educational Software, Quintesocial, and Hermosa Jewelry.

Joe Stone, CEO of EasyHRWeb, created a company that is a leading application service provider (ASP) with award winning software and innovative products that alleviate the everyday burdens of Human Resource departments for intermediate to large-sized companies.

Accelerations Educational Software, under the direction of CEO Karl Smith, makes software that is especially effective for individuals with autism and other learning disabilities. The company incorporates behavioral methods that allow even very low functioning individuals to usually become independent learners. Its software was initially designed for autistic children but even most typical young children also love the program.

Quintesocial, created by CEO Barb Iaquinto, is a social media platform optimized for member affinity groups, such as trade associations.

Hermosa Jewelry, a student company led by CEO Haley Keisler, is an exquisite beaded jewelry line with each specially handcrafted piece remaining unique with beautiful one-of-a-kind designs.  Hermosa has an extensive selection of jewelry of all styles ranging from classy and conservative to the funky and adventurous to suit the likes of any woman striving for a distinctive yet beautiful style.

The SC Department of Commerce began using the USC/Columbia Technology Incubator as a model for other cities, counties and municipalities that want to start an incubator program in 2007.  The mission of the USC/Columbia Technology Incubator is to increase the vitality of the regional economy by recruiting and nurturing start-up companies that advance technological development, employ highly skilled workers and contribute to the economic development of the area.