Sponsor Networking Night 2014

It takes more than a snowstorm to derail Nemesis. Despite the inclement weather, Robbinsville High School’s Technology Lab opened her doors to corporate America, leaving the visitors quite impressed with FIRST Robotics Team 2590.

This past Thursday, Team Nemesis took a break from their hectic Build Season to host their second annual Sponsor Networking Night, an event planned as an opportunity to give back to the sponsors who are so vital to the team’s continued success. Financing the construction of a competition robot is no small task, and it is essential to maintain steady revenue. A seven year establishment now, Nemesis was initially founded with a start-up grant from NASA. In order to sustain the team, students rely upon donations from local businesses and corporate sponsors.

“As a team, we prioritize our sponsors. We make sure they know how much we truly appreciate their continued support throughout the seasons,” expressed Karla Dimatulac, the Director of Marketing.

The event had an impressive turn-out, with Robbinsville Superintendent Dr. Steven Mayer,  Robbinsville Mayor David Fried, Assemblyman Daniel Benson, Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo, and New Jersey Senator Linda Greenstein in attendance, along with Nemesis’ returning and newfound sponsors alike.

Sponsor Networking Night is one way to guarantee sponsors are kept up-to-date on all things Nemesis. The team is run as a technical company, with the business-savvy students in the Marketing and Finance sectors acting as a contact point between the team and their sponsors. Members of the Finance Team contact potential sponsors through cold calls, while the Marketing Team ensures all donors are kept apprised of Nemesis’ progress throughout the season.

“What impresses me is the way everyone on this team has a role. As I say, the Robbinsville students are definitely at the top of their game,” says Senator Greenstein on Team Nemesis.

Team members Julia Borowski, Baljot Ranu, and Parth Mandrekar started the evening with a presentation detailing the accomplishments of the 2013 season, including the team’s two regional victories, their trip to the World Championships, and the win of the coveted Chairman’s Award. In recognition of their outstanding generosity, each sponsor was awarded a personalized certificate created by the Design Team. To conclude the presentation, the team gave a preview of the 2014 FIRST Challenge, Aerial Assist, and the robot currently under construction.

Afterwards, Build Team offered a tour of the Technology Lab and demonstrated Athena, the 2013 Frisbee-shooting robot. Athena was a hit with the visitors, and sponsors even tried their hand at driving the agile, sharp-shooting robot. Most importantly, the companies were presented the opportunity to network alongside each other.

“Team Nemesis and dedicated mentors went all out to make their sponsors and dignified guests feel welcomed and appreciated during the Sponsor Networking Night.  It was an enjoyable evening and it was a pleasure to network with other prominent businessmen and elected officials,” said Ms. Marie Thadal, a representative from the New York Society of Cosmetic Chemists and Coptis, two of Nemesis’ generous sponsors.