LI, Quebec execs nearing tech deal
Executives from Quebec-based INO visit the Morrelly Homeland Security Center. They are, from left, Hubert Jerominek, Clay Stanek and Simon Labbe. (March 15, 2011) Credit: Howard Schnapp
The Morrelly Center for Homeland Security in Bethpage and Quebec business leaders have been talking and visiting for months. Now an agreement between them is on the horizon that is expected to create Long Island jobs.
The nature of the agreement is secret, both sides said at the center Tuesday. But it will involve some center tech companies and a nonprofit Quebec optics company called INO. The deal may come about this fall.
"The technology" that results "could be on the market in 12 to 18 months," said Simon Labbe, INO's vice president for business development. Center director Ray Donnelly said the technology will be in the area of transportation, quite possibly using sensors to detect security violations.
At least two companies at the center, Vicor Solutions Inc. and Retliff Testing Laboratories, were represented at meetings with Quebec officials Tuesday.
While the number of jobs that may result is not expected to be large, Donnelly said it will be a start to part of what the facility is all about: building a tech industry on the Island. The center has so far created about 35 jobs.
"There's some stuff we can't talk about today," Donnelly said. "But we do have specific targets" of technologies, agreements and dates for when it's all supposed to happen. Donnelly asked all to stay tuned.
Funeral for slain CVS worker ... Nurse strike looming ... Town hikes summer fees ... Activist network eyes ICE
