The 2006 Entrepreneurial Advocate Award was presented to John A. Chaya, Co-founder and Senior Partner, Alignment Consulting International, LLC, Allentown. The Entrepreneurial Advocate Award is presented to an individual from the community who has contributed his or her leadership, time, and expertise to helping entrepreneurs and the Ben Franklin Technology Partners accomplish their goals. This person demonstrates a sincere and selfless desire to see the region thrive, and backs up his or her commitment with appropriate action.

John Chaya has been a key resource in the Ben Franklin Solutions Network for several years, both as a volunteer business plan reviewer and as an astute company advisor. He has served 13 clients in the Ben Franklin portfolio through various efforts, from helping companies identify ways to increase productivity and capacity through innovation, to creating a process to monitor key sales indicators. Chaya has developed several business plans and marketing plans for clients, and has catalyzed beneficial partnerships among clients. His excellent interpersonal skills allow him to interact effectively with both management teams and hourly workforces. John Chaya's conviction and commitment to help Ben Franklin clients is outstanding. He consistently searches for ways to support clients, and is therefore developing and growing the region's technology economy as a whole.

For more information about the award Click here.

Relevant Achievements for Ben Franklin Technology Partnership Companies:

In 2002, ACI was invited by Ben Franklin Technology Partners (BFTP) to become one of their business plan review consultants. ACI provides in-depth reviews of business plans submitted by companies that have requested consideration for Early Stage funding from BFTP. These reviews become part of the decision making process for funding. ACI has participated in over a dozen comprehensive business plan reviews.

On a number of occasions ACI was asked to participate in "Tiger Sessions" at which a BFTP client presented a business situation or challenge, briefed the assembly of "Tigers", then accepted analysis and recommendations from the group.

Additionally, ACI is called upon to work with companies who are considered to have good potential for funding, but require assistance to develop a business plan in order to make the formal request.

An FDA approved pharmaceutical company that performs contract manufacturing services for small and large pharmaceutical companies. Currently in the second year of funding.

A developer of computerized platform to use internet and phone access to record teacher absences and schedule substitutes to fill those absences. Currently in the first year of funding.

A developer of a non-prescription, homeopathic remedy to address allergic reactions.

A producer of compression garments for patients in post-surgical convalescence from Plastic Surgery (Cosmetic & Reconstructive), Cardiac Surgery or Bariatric Surgery.

A pharmaceutical and over-the-counter contract manufacturing company:

Developed the business plan to successfully secure BFTP funding

Defined company strategies for expansion and development

Provided content and approach for marketing materials

Created the mechanisms for corporate dashboard reporting

Assisted to secure the second year of BFTP funding

Company sales exceeded forecast each year

Application for year 3 of funding in process

A developer of a computerized platform to utilize internet and phone technologies to record teacher absences and schedule substitutes to fill the absences.

Developed the business plan to successfully secure BFTP funding

Defined strategy for the school market

Developed the strategy and approach to expand the technology into the medical staffing market

Assisted in the sale of the first medical staffing system

Developed sales tools and resources such as PowerPoint sales presentations

Supported partners in major sales and development negotiations

Defined a strategy that successfully secured additional outside investment

A producer of compression garments for patients in post-surgical convalescence from plastic surgery (cosmetic and reconstruction), cardiac or bariatric surgery.

Developed the business plan to apply for BFTP funding (currently in process)

Researched the market dynamics to define integrated marketing and sales strategies

Negotiated a favorable contract to develop a website with e-commerce capability for both outbound and inbound marketing.

Defined production processes and equipment requirements>Provided sales coaching to the company President

Background in the medical industry includes strategic assessment of markets, divisional business plans and tactical product introductions for highly technical medical instrumentation and test kits, customer value assessment, integration of acquisitions, and development of strategic alliances, competitive analysis, and evaluation of channels of distribution. Major business unit strategies supported the successful introduction of a laser blood cell counter, fully computerized ambulatory arrhythmia monitoring system, and a monoclonal antibody test for the early detection of HCG (pregnancy) and its successful launch into the physician's office market. Planned the spin-off strategic product lines to form a new company focusing upon cardiovascular, neurosurgery and optomology, identification, development and introduction of new products enabling the growth of new surgical and dental procedures.

In 1985, designed an Entrepreneurial Development Program to assist employees affected by corporate downsizing (from blue collar to executive) to evaluate business ideas, write business plans, and execute the launch. Contracts included Chrysler, Exxon, BC/BS, General Motors, Bethlehem Steel, U.S. Steel and numerous hospitals. By 1988, in excess of 160 businesses were launched.

In 1989, at the request of Bethlehem Steel Corporation and the United Steel Workers of America, a program was designed to assist "soon to be laid off workers" to learn the essentials of how to start a business. It included how to write a business plan, how to sell products and services, Leadership and how to measure success. This program was one of the core elements of the Career Development Program, a joint effort of Bethlehem Steel and the USWA. During the period 1989 to 1999, over of 600 workers utilized the program to prepare for life after Bethlehem Steel.