Monthly Minutes – 2007 Archive
Meeting: 8th of March 2007
Present
- Ron Harrington; President
- Alissa Harrington; Secretary
- Lynn Karr; Director
- Tom Canon
- Douglas Heck
- Martin Parlette
- Paul Dowling
- Isabel DeFeo
- Hank Wybolt
- Michele Johnson
- Linda Gray-Niznick
- Paul Dowling
Richard Coyne
Bruce Hall
Scott Andelman
Richard Lord
Bobby Keller
Josh Mackley
- Mike Shelah
- Andy Dalton
- Mark Pallack
- Karen Delahanty
- Denise Beaver
- Jeff Selby
- David Shaffer
- David Anderson
- Mark Kaidy
Jana Kaidy
Mark Ripper
Wally Brown
Jason Ross
Ken Harris
Steve Williams
Christine Plater
Robert Dorr
General Announcements
- Introductions
- Lynn opened the meeting with introductions of everyone in attendance.
- Speaker
- Ron introduced this month's speaker, John Dillman, President of the Maryland Broadband Cooperative.
- The mission of the MD Broadband Cooperative is to drive economic development through universal, open access to broadband services via a fiber optic network that serves rural Maryland.
- Benefits of Broadband include:
- Meeting the increasing need for healthcare opportunities through telemedicine
- It encourages new research/development opportunities with Government facilities, colleges, etc..
- It supports the development of local workforce skills
- The US is ranked 20th in Broadband penetration
- Strategy: Sell Wholesale bandwidth at a cheap price to private ISP's to take fiber to the last mile
- New fiber across the Bay Bridge allowed major companies to join in the effort of broadband expansion.
- Plans
- o FY '08-Complete Southern MD
- o FY '09-Join Western MD
- Wallops Island will join the Mid Atlantic Broadband Coop (linking Virginia) to connect Southern Routes; this will allow a fiber optic link to provide redundancy and prevent loss of broadband in an event of a disaster.
- Tech Note
- The Tech Note now features a Tech Council Member Profile. The goal is to feature 2 members each month. Members must submit a paragraph and digital photograph to be included in this new feature. This is another valuable benefit to Tech Council members, as the TechNote goes out to many organizations as an advertising tool for CTC.
- Robotics Team
- Linda Gray Niznik encouraged members to attend the Chesapeake FIRST Robotics Regional Competition at the US Naval Academy on March 15-17. Linda also presented a certificate of appreciation to President Ron Harrington to recognize the Tech Council's support of the Carroll FIRST Robotics team.
Committee Reports
- Ambassador
- Mark Pallack introduced 5 new members to the Council: Mark Ripper, Acting IT Administrator for Carroll County Government; Mark Kaidy, US Power International; Josh Mackley, Community Media Center; Will Ferguson, Visions Marketing; Paul Dowling, Believe Wireless, LLC;
- Compukids
- Bobby Keller announced there were no recent giveaways due to lack of modems. However, Bobby was able to obtain 180 modems, purchased for about $2/each. Workday to install modems will be announced. The Council is investigating expanding Compukids to aid the MD Adult Education Program. NOTE: WorkDay now set for Saturday, April 21st at Carroll Non-Profit Center, starting 9:00 a.m. If you can help, please let Bobby Keller know: bobbykeller@keltechcomputerservice.com
- Golf
- Save the date for Thursday May 17th at Wakefield Valley for our Annual Tech Council Fundraiser! Foursomes are needed--please continue to solicit!
- Events
- The Tech Council has planned a networking opportunity in partnership with the Business Networking International (BNI). The date of this event is Thursday March 29, from 5-7pm at the Timeout Sports Bar and Grille, Westminster Town Mall. All CTC members are encouraged to attend and bring business cards for exchanging!
- Technically Correct
- Taping in is in progress. Volunteers are still needed, contact Rich Waganer if you can help!
- Technology Advisory Committee
- Ron Harrington shared feedback from the TAC presentation to the COG in February and the Municipality survey. Communications and Disaster Recovery were the top rated items of concern. TAC will now begin to put together an informative presentation to address both topics.
- Website
- Isabel DeFeo reminded members to keep the news section of the site current, by submitting your company announcements. Additionally, LOCATE provides another opportunity for businesses to post specials, logos and announcements. Both are valuable benefits of membership!
- Westminster City Advisory Board
- Tom Canon reported that the city is currently transitioning its financial software. Additionally, opportunities remain available for assisting with Channel 23 - the Municipality Channel, contact Tom if you are interested.
- CC Times Articles
- News Articles are still needed for the CTC's Carroll County Times Article Series.
Member Announcements
- Mike Shelah: Teltek will host another fun-filled after hours event on April 25th at 4pm. Register for the event through the Chamber of Commerce (you do not need to be a Chamber member to attend).
- The South Carroll Business Association will be holding the second South Carroll Business Expo on Saturday, March 24, 2006, at Liberty High School. The event will feature business booths with local businesses presenting their products and services, entertainment, food, speakers, and more! Visit http://www.southcarroll.org/upcomingevents.php for more information.
- Christine Plater reassured members that although faces have changed at Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED), technology still remains an important focus. David Edgerley, Maryland Secretary for Business and Economic Development has named Clarence T. Bishop as Deputy Secretary, who will serve as the new technology leader for the state.
- Jeff Selby of DP Solutions invited members to attend an upcoming seminar: Disaster Recovery: What is it and How can I Protect My Business? The seminar will take place on Wed, April 25 from 9am-1pm at the Hilton, BWI Airport. There is no charge for the event. Complimentary breakfast and lunch will be provided. To register visit: www.clicktoattend.com and use event code 116275 or send an email to marketing@dpsolutions.com
- Tom Canon: The Westminster Fallfest presents it's 5th Annual Gala, Saturday April 14th, 2007 at Martin's Westminster, MD 6:30 pm to 11:30 pm. Includes champagne reception, seated dinner, open bar, dancing to "The Mood Swings" Band, silent auction, and surprises! Order your tickets online now: Click here!
- Denise Beaver announced the following:
- Economic Development is developing an ad that will direct the public to LOCATE. Members are encourage to get listed, upload logos and keep the content current.
- The premier issue of Economic Development's E-newsletter was sent out this month. If you did not receive a copy, send an email to Denise at dbeaver@carrollbiz.org
- The Four Partners for One Purpose Program allows business owners in Carroll County comprehensive training, consulting and assistance free of charge. Current classes can be viewed on line at: http://www.carrollcc.edu/courses/noncredit/schedule/default.asp Select "Business and Small Business" category and go to page 2
- Lynn Karr announced a job opportunity at the University of Maryland's Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute (MTECH) for a Manager of Maryland Industrial Partnerships. See Lynn for the detailed job description and application information.
- Lynn also informed members that a DVD of the Annual Tech Event is available for purchase for $25.00 each.
- Ron also assured members that there will be a smooth transition upon Lynn's departure. Interviews are currently underway for new Director candidates.
Next Month’s Speaker:
Rich Glenn
Effective Problem Solving and Troubleshooting
