Founder of EyeVerify to speak at KCKCC Innovation Summit

by Kelly Rogge

Toby Rush, CEO and founder of EyeVerify, will be the keynote speaker at the 3rd annual Kansas City Kansas Community College Innovation Summit. The summit features entrepreneurial innovations in the region.

Rush’s EyeVerify created a technology of biometric authentication that applies pattern-recognition techniques to video images of the veins in a user’s eyes. Smartphones and tablets already have cameras that are sufficient to capture the eye image. This means that the Eyeprint Verification software can be used on hundreds of millions of devices that are already deployed.

The Innovation Summit is 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, April 4, in the Upper Jewell Center on the main KCKCC campus, 7250 State Ave. in Kansas City, Kan.

The summit includes a State Street Perfect Pitch Contest with 12 emerging entrepreneurs in the high school and general divisions. These participants will offer innovations in areas including information technology, apparel, medical devices, culinary arts and others. A total of $10,000 in cash prizes will be awarded by State Street Bank. Registration is $10 per person and includes a continental breakfast and lunch.

In addition, the summit will feature a panel of entrepreneurs including Joyce Williams, founder of Joyce Williams Salon and developer of Joyce Williams Hair Care Products.  Kansas City, Kan. Mayor and CEO, Mark Holland, will provide a lunch address, where competition participants will also be awarded prizes. The lunch is a partnership between KCKCC and the KC Chamber First Friday Focus.

Innovation Summit sponsors include State Street Bank (platinum sponsor); KCKCC (host sponsor); University of Missouri (breakfast sponsor); Youth Entrepreneurs, Unified Government of Wyandotte County, Wyandotte Economic Development Council, Kansas Small Business Development Center, KCSourceLink KCK Chamber, KCK Women’s Chamber and Emporia State University-KC (friend sponsors).

To register for the Innovation Summit, visit www.kckcc.edu/academics/academicDivisions/business/workforceDevelopment/innovationsummit.aspx. Then select “Registration Form” and follow the instructions.

For more information, contact Marisa Gray at [email protected] or call 913-288-7659.

Lawrence doctor convicted on tax evasion

A federal jury today convicted a Lawrence physician and author of tax evasion, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Mary C. Vernon, 61, Lawrence, Kan., was convicted on five counts of tax evasion. Vernon, who practiced in Lawrence and Shawnee, specialized in treating obesity. She wrote a book with the late Dr. Robert Atkins titled, “Atkins Diabetes Revolution.” She also provided medical services and served as medical director for a number of nursing homes.

During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that she earned approximately $588,686 for services she provided in 2003 and 2004 to Atkins Nutritionals Inc., a company that sold weight loss programs and products.

From 2005 to 2008 she earned an additional $190,000 to promote Dr. Atkins’ nutritional theories, according to the IRS. From 1999 to 2007, the Internal Revenue Service attempted to collect taxes, interest and penalties that Vernon owed and failed to pay from 1991 through 2005. The IRS collected approximately $2 million in taxes, interest and penalties through levies and seizures.

In 2003, Vernon hired an attorney to create a corporation called Rockledge Medical Services. During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Rockledge Medical Services was a sham corporation that Vernon used to avoid paying taxes. She evaded paying incomes taxes for 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, according to the IRS.

Sentencing will be set for a later date. She faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.

Grissom commended the Internal Revenue Service, Matthew J. Kluge, Trial Attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice, Tax Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley for their work on the case.

K-State, KU women rowers duel in Sunflower Showdown Saturday in KCK

Will the K-State women’s rowing team repeat as the winner of the Sunflower Showdown against the University of Kansas on Saturday at Wyandotte County Lake?

K-State has won the three past Sunflower Showdowns, while KU has been improving in the past few years and hopes to be better this year.

The interstate rivalry competition starts at 11 a.m. at the lake, 91st and Leavenworth Road, Kansas City, Kan.

Before the two Kansas teams begin, Southern Methodist University and Drake varsity four will begin the day at 10 a.m.

After the KU-K-State first varsity eight rowing event at 12:15 p.m., the Sunflower Showdown trophy will be presented.

At 2 p.m., Southern Methodist University and Drake will join the competition for an afternoon exhibition.

The schedule (subject to change):

10 a.m., varsity four, SMU vs. Drake

10:15 a.m., novice four, KU vs. SMU

10:30 a.m., first varsity eighth, SMU vs. Drake

10:45 a.m., second varsity eight, Drake vs. SMU

11 a.m., fourth varsity eight, KU vs. KSU

11:15 a.m., third varsity eight, KSU vs. KU

11:30 a.m., second varsity four, KU vs. KSU

11:45 a.m., first varsity four, KSU vs. KU

noon, second varsity eight, KU vs. KSU

12:15 p.m., first varsity eight, KSU vs. KU

Trophy presentation

2 p.m., novice four, SMU

2:12 p.m., first-second varsity four, Drake/KSU/KU

2:24 p.m., first-second varsity four, SMU/KU/KSU

2:36 p.m., third-fourth varsity eight, KU/KU/KSU/KSU

2:48 p.m., second varsity eight, SMU/competitors determined by finishes in the morning

3 p.m., second varsity eight, Drake/competitors determined by finishes in the morning

3:12 p.m., first varsity eight, SMU/competitors determined by finishes in the morning

3:26 p.m., first varsity eight, Drake/competitors determined by finishes in the morning