Monthly Minutes – 2006 Archive
Meeting: 11th of May 2006
Present
- Ron Harrington; President
- Judy Stem; Vice President
- Lynn Karr; Director
- Alissa Harrington; Secretary
- Douglas Heck
- Mark Pallack
- Josh Kohn
- Tom Sullivan
- Jim Sproat
- Isabel DeFeo
- Thomas Bethune
- Brian Yingling
- Dan Chilcoat
- David Shaffer
- Bob Cage
- Randi Soskil
- Barb Schmidt
- Barb Biller
- Tom Canon
- Marge Kelbel
- Bruce Hall
- Mike Bell
- Gary Ditto
- Stephen Williams
- Ken Harris
- David Hodgdon
- Mike Shelah
- Barbara Beverungen
- Brian Snyder
- Christine Plater
- Denise Beaver
- Larry Twele
- Dave Baxter
- Stan Prouser
Lynn Karr opened the meeting with member introductions. Lynn urged members to assist with advertising the Tech Council by submitting an article to the Technically Correct Column of the Carroll County Times. Articles should be a maximum of 500 words. Topics do not need to be limited to computers! Contact Lynn if you are able to submit an article.
Speaker – Larry Twele,
Director of Carroll County Department
of Economic Development
Larry began with an overview of the state of the economy
- Low unemployment rate.
- Low vacancy rate, driving construction activity.
- Fastest growing county in financial services,
business & professional services. - Largest net gain in manufacturing facilities in the state.
Larry reviewed the New County Projects
- Bypass in Hampstead
- Warfield Complex in Southern Carroll County
- Westminster Technology Park
- 60 acres w/focus on manufacturing business
- Visual appeal important, potential “Hallmark of County”
Enterprise Carroll
Larry introduced a unique opportunity available through Economic Development: Enterprise Carroll
- Business retention tool; direct investment to grow technology
in the County through matching contribution - Help existing Carroll County Companies extend their reach,
help build prototype or build a new market - One program with three roles,
- Workforce training
- Manufacturing, info services, and high technology
- Agriculture
- Targeting smaller companies
- Criteria,
- 3 years old
- 50 and under employees
- Sales of $4 million
Chris Platter added that this program can also compliment the DBED Strategic Assistance Consulting Fund, which provides up to $5,000 for consulting assistance for a company showing growth opportunity.
Ron Harrington noted that Economic Development made the Tech Council what it is today, by providing initial support. He thanked Economic Development for their continued support and involvement with the Council.
Tech Council Accomplishments
Ron Harrington announced the following Tech Council accomplishments to members,
- Increase in membership
- 40 computer donations through CompuKids
- Increased Visibility: Non-Profit Center
- Active Committees
- Rewritten Bylaws
- LOCATE
- Increase partnerships (DBED, GBTC)
Dave Baxter updated members on the developments of the upcoming Golf Tournament, including the recent addition of the Buick Hole in One Giveaway. Lynn acknowledged Economic Development for their Gift Basket contribution to the Golf Event.
Committee Reports
- Ambassador
- Mark Pallack is working to encourage new member involvement. Alissa Harrington needs mission statements from the following committees: Events, Website, "Frontier", Nominating, and Government Relations.
- Events
-
Judy Stem announced that three events are in the planning process:
- Upscale dinner program-Richard Lord is currently chairing; Roops Mill as possible location.
- Computer Chucking-Doug Heck leading efforts; planned for early Fall
- Mid-Summer Social Event-Judy seeking volunteers for this event.
- Membership
- Lynn introduced Mike Shelah of Distributed Computing, Inc. to the Council.
- NonProfit Center
- Thom Bethune is planning a session to resolve existing network bugs and plan education classes. Please contact Thom if you are interested in teaching and providing assistance to the tenants in the Non-Profit Center. You can make a difference!
- CompuKids
- Volunteers needed! Next workday: Thursday, May 18th, 5:30-7:30. Help keep this valuable community project going-all skill sets are needed, from cleaning mice, to installing modems. Contact Lynn Karr or Bobby Keller if you are interested in helping.
- Technically Correct
- Tom Sullivan is the new committee chair. Tom announced that next show is scheduled to air June 1st, on channel 19. Technically Correct is a member benefit, giving members an opportunity to highlight their business. Contact Tom Sullivan if you are interested in contributing to a feature.
- Website
- Due to the rapid member growth, Isabel Defeo is planning on indexing the member page and adding search components. This will eliminate the need to scroll down to view the members.
- Technology Frontiers
- Barb Schmidt is chairing this new committee. Currently the group is working to create a name and mission. The next meeting is planned for May 23rd, 6pm, Non-profit Center. All interested members are invited to attend. Doug Heck is working to create an education series opportunity in conjunction with local municipalities. Ron noted that this series could replace the "Ask the Expert" series.
New Committees
Ron Harrington noted that 2 new committees are forming.
- Nominating Committee
- Bob Cage appointed as Chairman. This committee will work to fill vacant spots on the Board and Executive Committee.
- Strategic Planning
- Ron will be formulating a strategic plan to give more focus to the CTC mission. Catherine MacDonald has had experience in this area and will assist Ron with the process.
Member Announcements
- Chris Nicoli
- Chris Nicoli is seeking technically inclined people for a Sales / Project Management position. Email Chris for more information at cnicoli@telteksystem.com
- David Shaffer
- David Shaffer invited members to join his IT Focus Consulting Group in Hunt Valley. Contact Dave at davids@tieroneit.com if you are interested in joining.
- Tom Sullivan
- Tom Sullivan has spots for video/commercial opportunities to support the Westminster Ballet Theater's Summer Event. His email is toms@qis.net
- Doug Heck
- Doug Heck invited members to the Taneytown History Museum for the Grand Opening of Wildlife Photographer/artist Michael Smith on Saturday May 13th, 10-4 pm. Mr. Smith's work will be on display May 13-August 27, 2006. For specific information visit: www.TaneytownMuseum.org
- Jim Sproat
- Jim Sproat of A2 Technologies is hosting Lunch and Learn sessions focused on Data Disaster Prevention and Recovery, June 5 and June 12th. Each session is held at the Westminster Public Library and costs only $10.00.
- Mike Shelah
- Mike Shelah of DCI, Distributed Computing Inc., introduced himself to the Tech Council. He is interested in developing connectivity and helping businesses grow.
- Barb Biller
- Barb Biller announced that the Center of Productivity and Quality is seeking examiners. The Center will provide training to help prepare you to evaluate candidates. By participating, it's a good opportunity to achieve operational excellence for your own company!
- Gina Valentine
- The Business Employment Resource Center is hosting a Summer Jobs Open House on May 23rd, from 3-7pm. Call Gina Valentine for more information, 410-386-2820.
June Meeting Details
- Paul Ritchey
- Security Analyst with Jacob and Sundstrom, Inc.
- Date
- June 8, Non-Profit Center
Meeting Adjourned
