News Release 99-16

For Release: March 16, 1999

Kathleen A. Zona
(Bus: 216/433-2920)

Lori J. Rachul
(Bus: 216/433-8806)

NASA Glenn To Announce New Commercialization Initiative

NASA Glenn Research Center and the Great Lakes Industrial Technology Center will join together on Friday, March 19, 1999, from 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., to announce a new cooperative agreement, the Garrett Morgan Commercialization Initiative.

The Garrett Morgan Commercialization Initiative provides small, small disadvantaged, minority-owned and women-owned businesses access to NASA programs, technology and expertise to help increase their company's competitiveness. In addition, the Initiative is designed to provide resources and services to successfully leverage technology in new products and processes as well as to increase successful commercialization of NASA Small Business Innovation Research technologies. The initiative will provide resources and services to companies in the six-state area of Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

The initiative was named in honor of the African-American inventor and entrepreneur, Garrett Morgan. Morgan founded a sewing equipment repair shop and invented a line of popular hair care products. His most well-known inventions, the automatic traffic signal and the gas mask, have saved countless lives.

Sandra Morgan, Garrett Morgan's granddaughter, will be attending the ceremony. She will receive a plaque in honor of Garrett Morgan's legacy of technological innovation and inspiring entrepreneurial spirit. Also, a pre-recorded message from former U.S. Congressman Louis Stokes will be played at the event.

News media are invited to attend the ceremonial signing of the cooperative agreement, which will be preceded by a luncheon, in Glenn's Administration Building auditorium. Following the signing there will be an opportunity to ask questions.

Media representatives planning to attend this event should call ahead to be cleared through security.

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