The Edison Inventors Association is a nonprofit “dedicated to reinvigorate and advance the inventive and entrepreneurial spirit of Thomas Alva Edison.” It’s based in Fort Myers, Fla., where Edison owned his winter home.
Yeah, the legend was a snowbird.
The group’s Web site contains this bit of Edisonian trivia: “Edison is credited with holding 1,093 patents and is the only person in our country ever to have a patent granted every year for 65 consecutive years, 1868 to 1933.”
But the group does far more than celebrate the father of the light bulb. It is among seven United Inventors Association-affiliated groups in Florida – home to more UIA-related groups than any state in the nation. As such, the Edison Inventors Association offers information, invention critiques, business pointers, speakers and networking opportunities. It also serves as a haven from scam artists.
Secrets to Success:
We help members learn to be comfortable speaking about their invention and getting the key information across within 30 to 60 seconds. This helps to make people think clearly with media interviews and in presenting products in various settings.
We encourage members to share experiences – both successes and failures. This allows everyone to learn and be better prepared … and save money.
We generate a safe environment for learning but are cautious about the basics of intellectual property protection and confidentiality agreements. And we offer guidance but acknowledge it is up to individuals to do their own work or expect to pay a reasonable fee for the service of others.
Pearls of Wisdom:
Guard against individuals who are more interested in taking advantage of members for personal gain.
Encourage networking and education on the invention-to-market process. Encourage honesty, integrity and trustworthiness.
Meetings need to promote all aspects of the invention process. Even if the main focus is on a specific area, always provide the opportunity to have basic questions answered in a way that doesn’t waste time of seasoned inventors. If time is a factor, refer basic questions to knowledgeable members during the networking portion of the meeting. Respect others’ time!
Be as well-prepared as you can and grateful for opportunities that develop. Luck happens, after all, when preparation meets opportunity.
Claim to Fame:
One of the founding members was Bernard Cousino, inventor of the 8-track tape.
Edison Inventors Association
Founded: 1992
Web site: www.edisoninventors.org
Membership: 162
Annual dues: $35 for new members; $25 for renewals
Meets: Every third Wednesday of the month, 7-9 p.m.
Where: Edison Museum at the Edison-Ford Winter Estates, Fort Myers, Fla.
Who shows up: We’re a nonprofit, educational organization that promotes creativity and entrepreneurial success in our schools and community. We are a diversified group of people sharing time, information, experiences and resources.
