Greetings

Feature Stories

Global Connect

Executive Connect

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Member Only Events

Member Spotlight

Growth Matters

Member Resources

Join TechAmerica!

Orange County Team Contact Information

Greetings from the desk of Don Hicks...

With the signing of the America Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the President placed a high priority on technology and innovation as essential drivers of jobs creation, economic growth and renewed prosperity. TechAmerica led the charge on making technology a major focus of the stimulus bill and we are committed to positioning America’s technology community as an indispensable partner in the nationwide effort to rebuild the U.S. economy.

Connecting TechAmerica members to each other: With 1,500 members and 18 regional councils around the country, TechAmerica is uniquely able to bring small, medium, and large companies together to better compete for stimulus procurement contracts. Our local Growth Matters Initiative will soon announce a series of forums where prime contractors will discuss their current and prospective government contracts and the profile of their preferred partner vendors.

Connecting TechAmerica members to state & local opportunities: As the only technology association with a nationwide presence and an advocacy network reaching all 50 states, TechAmerica is uniquely able to provide intelligence on what states are doing to disburse federal stimulus funds and connect our members with state & local decision makers.

“Economic Stimulus for State & Local Technology Spending” is a free-to-members webinar hosted by TechAmerica, in partnership with INPUT. This webinar will provide an overview of the allowable technology expenditures under each funding stream. This totals approximately $204 billion in federal stimulus discretionary funding with significant technology spending potential. The webinar is scheduled for Thursday, March 5 at 11:00 AM PST. TechAmerica members may register for this webinar here. FREE!!

“Beyond the Beltway 2009” is an all-day conference hosted by TechAmerica, in partnership with Government Technology Magazine. TechAmerica members receive a significant discount to this conference on the state of the IT market in state & local governments. You will learn about upcoming opportunities and emerging trends in the nation’s largest public sector market. The conference is on Monday, March 9 at The Ritz Carlton - Tysons Corner in McLean, Virginia. You may register for this important conference here.

Championing technology in Washington DC: TechAmerica will continue to lead the way on positioning technology at the center of the national recovery effort.

“Impact of the Economic Stimulus Legislation on Federal Technology Spending” is a free-to-members webinar on the impact the stimulus legislation will have on federal spending on IT. The webinar is scheduled for Friday, March 6 at 11:00 AM PST. TechAmerica members may register here.

TechAmerica members also receive affinity discounts from Onvia, business intelligence on government procurement projects at the federal, state and local governments. Through Onvia, TechAmerica members receive daily reports delivered directly to their inbox with targeted opportunities, bid notices, requests for proposals, planholders and bidders list, and awards. A new special feature at Onvia is the “Nationwide Economic Stimulus Project Watch List.” Members may receive more information on this important benefit by contacting Alan Wald (Alan.Wald@TechAmerica.org).

This is only the beginning. TechAmerica is on a mission to leverage the power of technology to make government at all levels smarter, sharpen America’s competitive edge and create a new, more productive and more prosperous U.S. economy. With your help, America’s technology community will lead the way to a brighter future for all Americans.

Warmest regards,

Don Hicks
Executive Director
Serving the Technology Industry in Orange, Riverside
& San Bernardino Counties

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Feature Stories

New TechAmerica Promo Video Released!
As part of our branding efforts, we have produced a Web video to show who we are and what we represent.

Most of you are familiar with this project as we asked for you to send us your logos for inclusion.  Now is the time for the reveal!  But we need your help once more!

As we spread the news about our newly joined association TechAmerica, we invite you to join us during this grass roots campaign by passing along the link below to three people you know--and ask them to pass it along to three people they know:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5twu9c1xjFM

The future begins here...It's not just an advertising tagline or slogan, it is the theme of TechAmerica and YOU, our members!

TechAmerica High-Tech Innovation Awards Nominations Open
Nominations for the 16th Annual TechAmerica OC/IE High-Tech Innovations Awards are open. Nomination categories include Harvey Mudd College Green Engineering Award, Innovative Product/Technology In 2008, Outstanding CEO In Technology, Outstanding Company in Medical Technologies, Outstanding Technology Company, and Outstanding Woman In Technology. All forms are due by March 19th. The 16^th Annual TechAmerica High-Tech Innovation Awards is underwritten and produced by financial and in-kind sponsors including premier sponsors Deloitte, Silicon Valley Bank, Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth; and associate sponsors California Manufacturing Technology Consultants, EPIC, Greenwalla, and United Healthcare.  In addition, Emulex returned as the Project Tomorrow Sponsor; and WunderMarx|PR returned as the public relations and marketing sponsor.  For questions, please contact Yalanda.Oglesby@TechAmerica.org or 949-450-1500 x101. Access forms here.

TechAmerica Encourage Youth Innovation During Astounding Inventions

(L-R) Joey Benadretti (SYSPRO), Don Hicks (TechAmerica OC),
Craig Jebel (SRS), James Tracey (SRS), and
Kevin McDonald (Alvaka Networks)
 

TechAmerica Orange County Executive Director Don Hicks, and member colleagues Joey Benadretti (SYSPRO), Craig Jebel (SRS), James Tracey (SRS), and Kevin McDonald (Alvaka Networks) took a moment to serve as judges for the 22nd Annual Astounding Inventions recently held at Irvine Valley College's Hart Gym.

From classroom seat belts that only unlock when assignments are complete, to hovering bumper cars that get it's lift from opposing magnets, the program revealed that when young minds are free to explore, the sky is the limit when it comes to functional ideas that enhance quality of life experience.

Featuring ingenious gadgets made by kindergarten through eighth grade students from both Tustin Unified and Irvine Unified School Districts, around 350 enthusiastic finalists vied for over $8,000 in cash prizes, which will be awarded to them by the IVC Foundation through their schools.

Title sponsor and TechAmerica member Greenberg Traurig has also selected two students' inventions from the event (one from IUSD and one from TUSD), and, based on the invention's perceived patentability, will conduct a pro bono prior art search and write a provisional patent application on each invention.

The Astounding Inventions Competition was conceived by Irvine Valley College in 1987 to promote creativity and interest in mathematics and science education among area students. Some of the award winners may go on to compete at different levels of state and national math and science invention competitions. And, as in the past, several of this year's winners will be featured guests on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno."

The Irvine Valley College Foundation has passionate supporters and sponsors who believe that the gift of education is one of the greatest investments we can make in the community, especially in these grim economic times. If you are interested in finding out more or want to become a supporter or sponsor, please call Al Tello at 949.451.5290 or go to www.ivc.edu/foundation.
 

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Executive Connect

3.10.09 - HR Roundtable - Workforce Management in a Distressed Economy: Guidance for the Pro-Active Employer
Please join us March 10, 2009 for the next TechAmerica HR Roundtable Workforce Management in a Distressed Economy: Guidance for the Pro-Active Employer at EADS North America Test & Services Irvine CA.  As most Americans are well aware, the economy is faltering, and it is unclear when it will recover. These difficult financial times are affecting employers in particular given that labor costs make up a significant portion of total expenses, and workforce management in a distressed economy presents particularly difficult challenges for employers. Nixon Peabody’s Labor and Employment attorneys will present creative strategies and tips aimed at helping employers both manage and thrive during the current economic downturn.  Register Today!

Global Connect

03.19.09 NEW DATE!
Global Connect: Focus On The Americas - Navigating the maze of export resources
Are you a small to medium sized company looking to expand the market for your products or services to our neighbors in Canada, Mexico, Central or South America? If your company is considering exporting to the Americas, you should attend the premier event of our TechAmerica Orange County Global Connect Program Series - Focus on The Americas: Navigating the Maze of Export Resources. The program will feature key speakers from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Commercial Service and the Bureau of Industry and Security, and the U.S. Small Business Administration (with an emphasis on International Trade Finance Programs).

The program will also highlight a case study by Mr. Imad Boukai, President of General Procurement, Inc., who will speak on his experience in expanding his company’s computer business into several countries in the Americas. The program will be followed by a Q&A panel discussion.

Please click here to learn more regarding agenda, content, and speakers.

Global Connect Program Sponsor
 

Upcoming Events

3.3.09 - Best Practices for Saving Energy and Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Click here to see agenda, times, and location. If you would like more information on our upcoming events, please contact Ellen McKewen at 310-263-3018 or emckewen@cmtc.com.

3.5.09 - TechAmerica Webinar: Federal Economic Stimulus for State & Local Technology Spending

TechAmerica, INPUT, and PTI are pleased to host a free one-hour webinar that will deliver the most current analysis of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and its likely impact on State and Local Government technology budgets. Featuring presenter
Chris Dixon, INPUT, Manager, State & Local Government, the webinar will take place March 5, 2009 – 2:00 - 3:00 pm ET.  The webinar is free to TechAmerica members and non-members, INPUT clients, and PTI members.   Who should attend: Corporate strategic planners, business development, marketing, and sales executives, state and local government technology directors. RSVP: Reserve your seat today by registering here.  Please contact TechAmerica's Michael Kerr or call 703.284.5324 with questions on the program or registration.

3.10.09 - HR Roundtable - Workforce Management in a Distressed Economy: Guidance for the Pro-Active Employer
Please join us March 10, 2009 for the next TechAmerica HR Roundtable Workforce Management in a Distressed Economy: Guidance for the Pro-Active Employer at EADS North America Test & Services Irvine CA.  As most Americans are well aware, the economy is faltering, and it is unclear when it will recover. These difficult financial times are affecting employers in particular given that labor costs make up a significant portion of total expenses, and workforce management in a distressed economy presents particularly difficult challenges for employers. Nixon Peabody’s Labor and Employment attorneys will present creative strategies and tips aimed at helping employers both manage and thrive during the current economic downturn.  Register Today!

3.16.09 - The Bureau of Industry and Security Presents the Fourth Annual Export Control Forum
The Export Control Forum is a full-day program designed to cover recent developments in export control regulations and policies. The one-day format provides a cost-effective way for the export control professional to hear about the latest in the export control field and to interact with key BIS management, licensing, and policy people. The Export Control Forum will conclude with a gala reception, offering you the opportunity to mingle and discuss issues of concern with the presenters and other participants. Register Today!

03.19.09 NEW DATE!
Global Connect: Focus On The Americas - Navigating the maze of export resources
Are you a small to medium sized company looking to expand the market for your products or services to our neighbors in Canada, Mexico, Central America or South America? If your company is considering exporting to the Americas, you should attend Focus on The Americas: Navigating the Maze of Export Resources...Register Today!

4.6 - 4.7.09 - Asia/Pacific Business Outlook
Expand you Asia/Pacific business knowledge, contacts, and profits.  If you are doing business in Asia/Pacific, this is the one conference you do not want to miss.  To register, please click here.
 

Local Council Events - AeA Events Calendar

Member Spotlight:

 

Compushare Compass: Virtualization Takes Center Stage – How Your Financial Institution Can Benefit From This Cost Saving Technology
Virtualization. It’s a recent buzz word in most every IT steering committee gathering at banks and credit unions across the country. Why, in a time when cost cutting is the mantra within the financial services sector, is this emerging technology taking center stage for forward thinking industry leaders?

Growth Matters

150+ Attend TechAmerica Orange County
Technology Business Showcase & Mixer!
Over 150 Orange County & Inland Empire technology professionals and service providers mixed it up and showcased their products and services during TechAmerica's Growth Matters Technology Business Showcase & Mixer hosted by title sponsor Haskell & White and Associate Sponsor Renaissance ClubSport Aliso Viejo.  Among the fun, food, and networking, the mixer feature AeA member companies including Alvaka Networks, BitShield, CMS Products, FDB Network, Jayco, Macrolink, MEMEO, NetGuru, Raptor Networks, Saisoft, Staco Systems and SYSPRO.  Relationships were strengthened, partnerships were made, and introductions were facilitated.  Mission accomplished! Stay tuned for photos to come...

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Member Resources

 

 

TechAmerica Offers FREE Information Technology Training
Thanks to a second round of funding in the amount of $603,664 by the California Employment Training Panel (ETP), TechAmerica, the nation’s largest high-tech trade association representing all segments of the high-tech industry, will once again partner with Saisoft, Inc. to deliver fully subsidized, state-funded IT training for qualified technology employees in California. The funds from the first round of funding approved in March 2008 for $604,800 will be exhausted by the end of November. To date, 426 California employees representing 201 companies have received free IT training under this program...read more

with

TechAmerica

Through an agreement with PartnerShip LLC, a freight management provider, TechAmerica member companies receive significant discounts on small parcel and large freight shipments sent via FedEx®, Yellow Transportation and UPS Freight^SM. Click here to enroll or learn more.

 

TechAmerica's Salary Survey provides you with the information you need to ensure you are compensating your valuable employees at the current market value. Unlike other products on the market, with AeA's online subscription, you are able to access fresh data anytime, day or night. We are your resource for:

• Current Data within 15 months - Updated daily, and year-round to ensure you have the most up-to-date market data available.

• Custom Reports at no extra cost - The database is searchable using parameters you choose. You may sort based on region, industry, company type, etc.

• High-Tech Industry Specific for data accuracy - High-tech companies participate nationwide, providing comprehensive data for your geographically dispersed staff.

• Free Access - AeA Members receive a complimentary annual subscription, just for participating.

To participate or subscribe, go to our secure Surveys site at: http://survey.aeanet.org

 

 

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Join TechAmerica Today!

 

In addition to exclusive product and program discounts, dynamic networking events, access to investors, executive education and development programs, opportunities to influence government policies, and brand exposure through membership participation, new members will also receive BounceBack Professional 8.0 software, courtesy of TechAmerica member CMS Products, while supplies lasts. Software features include unlimited vault size, allows you to create as many Vaults as your available space allows, and supports Windows Vista, XP, 2000 and Server 2000/2003. Contact Alan Wald today at 949-450-1500 x104 or Alan.Wald@TechAmerica.org for details!

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Orange County Team

TechAmerica Orange County

Don Hicks, Executive Director

Alan Wald, Director, Membership Development

Yalanda Oglesby, Program Marketing & Event Manager, Editor 

 

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