Carroll County Times Articles
Carroll Technology Council's Tabula Rasa 2006
by Lynn Karr – January 1, 2006
The gift of the New Year 2006 is the feeling of rich possibilities presented by the inherent “tabula rasa” that comes at midnight December 31st. Webster defines tabula rasa as “something existing in its original pristine state”. I think of it as a clean slate, much like when a Word program pops up a blank screen, waiting for us to fill it with words and pictures, conveying our ideas and emotions, thoughts and possibilities.
Carroll Technology Council in 2005
2005 for Carroll Tech Council was truly a signature year. It brought definition in the form of becoming a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in August. Our member company base grew significantly, resulting in 50 paid member companies. We had success with our first Ask the Expert seminar series, partnered with Carroll County Economic Development and Carroll County Community College. Not one, or even two, but three television shows either produced by the Tech Council, or made from Tech Council events, were running concurrently on local television stations. Additionally, I was hired to be the Director for the Tech Council.
2005 brought other significant accomplishments and events. The Government Relations Committee of the Carroll Tech Council provided a Technology Brief on the Westminster Technology Park and Route 97 Corridor. Specific recommendations were made for improving telecommunications infrastructure with the goal of realizing the type of development targeted for the Westminster Technology Park.
Delegate Susan Krebs was our keynote speaker for our annual event in October, discussing technology in Maryland legislation and its potential impact on Carroll County, as well as what role Carroll County may play in the future. At our September meeting, Commissioner Dean Minnich spoke about using changes in technology for better communication and economic growth. We had the Mobile Command Center with Sgt. Dave Valentine and Barb Schmidt at our meeting in October. The Tech Council supported the Robotics program at the Carroll County Career & Technology Center with funding, and we held our first annual golf event.
Changes in 2006
Looking forward to 2006, we have much to anticipate. One of the first significant changes will be office space provided by the new non-profit building being presented to Carroll County. This building will house non-profit organizations that serve Carroll County. The Tech Council, along with the other tenants moving into this building, are looking forward to working together to increase our capabilities to serve Carroll County. Carroll Tech Council is hosting a meeting to discuss pooling our resources for improved telecommunications at the building.
- CompuKids Program
- CompuKids is a Tech Council program that provides computers to qualified families in Carroll County with school-age children. We gave away 18 computers in 2005. Having put together partnerships with Phoenix Project, Carroll County Community College, Carroll County Library and Human Services Programs, we anticipate greatly increasing that number. Providing our children with these resources today is critical to assist in their ability to compete in tomorrow's workplace.
- Annual Golf Event
- Our annual golf event will be held on Friday, May 12th, at beautiful Wakefield Valley Golf Course. Sponsorships are currently being lined up to make this an even bigger success than last year.
- Technically Correct
- Our Technically Correct television program is planning the next production to be shown at Carroll Community Media Center. Watch for it in Spring 2006.
- Speaker Series
- Our speaker series has scheduled individuals with knowledge and expertise to provide information that can assist technology companies with growth and development. See our website at www.carrolltechcouncil.org for details about specific topics for each of our member meetings.
Technology takes many forms, not just computers and networks. Technology happens when people put their ideas, thoughts, imaginations and creativity to practical use. Technology definitely makes our businesses more productive, our lives more interesting and our community a better place to live. Check out the Carroll Tech Council to see how you can become a part of this process.
About the Author
Lynn Karr is the Director of Carroll Technology Council, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating businesses, government and residents about technology issues. Questions are welcomed and may be addressed in future articles. Email advisors@carrolltechcouncil.org or go to www.carrolltechcouncil.org for a list of Advisor categories.
