Archive -- 2010 Meeting Minutes | Tri-County Technology Consortium

Tri-County Technology Consortium
Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Attending: Steve Higgins (Sassafras Forge), Lori Harris (Family Life TV), Carol Fry (Indiana County Technology Center), Mary Salony (Tri-County Workforce Investment Board), Lori Harvey (Penn State Electro-Optics Center), Michele Cogley (Davis Consulting), David English (Armstrong Educational Trust), Carl Bromley (Local4 All), Marie Dillon-Griffith (PA CareerLink Armstrong County), Jim Kuemmerle (Armstrong-Indiana Mental Health Mental Retardation)

Chair Steve Higgins opened the meeting at 9:30 AM and welcomed everyone. He did receive several auto-replies to e-mail as well as several messages indicating that people cannot attend with the holiday weekend.

Steve asked Mary about the potential for filling the coordinator’s position now that Ken Raybuck has resigned. With the possible passage of the state budget, funds for industry partnership consortia may be in place soon. It may be awhile before the position will be posted. Mary will do what she can in the meantime to keep the process moving along. Several people asked about the position. As soon as more is known, Mary will share details which can be posted on our website.

Training
Ken did get all the classes running. Some of the classes were smaller in size, but all the classes are being offered. Mary expressed a concern about the number of participants from outside the three counties; for future programs, we may want to focus on a single organization’s needs being opened up to other organizations. We also might want to consider charging more for non-members versus members or those outside the three counties. We also need to look at those who are attending if the primary participants are not from technology companies. Mary suggested that the cash match funds would come back to the consortium eventually.

Mary reported that we did not spend all our industry partnership funds before the end of the fiscal year. Primarily, the ABEL group did not spend their allotment for the Educator in the Workplace program.
We did not quite spend the total funding available for training.

Mary asked for the same amount of industry partnership training funds as this year for the coming year. She asked for $10,000 less in training funds than we received this year.

Recruitment Event
The event is on Thursday, July 15 at 5:30 PM at the Grand Ballroom in Butler. Registrations are being sent into Lori Harris. She is looking for registrations from prospects as well as members. Right now, Lori Harris, Michele Cogley, and Carl Bromley are planning to attend. Michele offered to help with calls to promote the event. Lori Harris reported receiving lots of questions about the group and our purpose as well as the potential benefits or expectations as a member.

Lori Harris asked if we have set a date for two more events. We have money set aside for an event in Indiana County and another event in Butler County in Cranberry. The group agreed to work on both of these events by setting up potential dates for both locations. With summer issues and ARMTech, the group suggested looking into the fall for possible dates. Mary will call and get some possible dates in September and October for these two events. There are still some funds available for advertising which was set aside in advance. Michele asked what we will include in the advertising about what the session includes: the presentation on Facebook, food, networking, etc.

For the events, we have a donated collapsible cooler from Penn State New Kensington. The group recommended purchasing several items to place in the cooler for a give-away. A recommendation for $100-150 for this purpose was made by the group for the future events; we will scrounge items for this upcoming event in Butler.

Steve reported that he has not been able to meet with or speak to Michael Burkett, but he did send him an e-mail message telling him that the consortium has voted to change the Treasurer position and asking him to send us the information required to make changes. Lori Harris reported that we have $1265 in the current bank account at First Commonwealth. She is looking to move the account over to a bank closer to her. The group will need to make decisions on who can sign the checks once the new account is set up. Lori reported that she has received five checks for membership fees to date.

ARMTech Showcase of Industry and Technology
We will discuss the plans for the showcase during our August meeting. The showcase will be held at the Belmont Complex on August 18-19-20, 2010. The Tri-County Technology Consortium has reserved a booth for the event.

Lori Harris asked about the open officer positions, Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer. Steve said they are open for nominations or volunteers. The group agreed that we should make this an agenda item at the August meeting with intentions to fill the two openings.

The next meeting of the consortium will be held on Tuesday, August 3 at 9:30 AM at the Armstrong Educational Trust. Lori Harris has set up a speaker for the meeting, Paul Price, to discuss electricity.

Tri-County Technology Consortium
Tuesday, June 01, 2010

Attending: Steve Higgins (Sassafras Forge), Lori Harris (Family Life TV), Eric Edder (Oberg Industries), Ken Raybuck (Tri-County Workforce Investment Board), David English (Armstrong Educational Trust), Jared Kuchta (Allegheny Graphics), Joel Warren (FLIR Government Systems Pittsburgh - OmniTech Partners), Gino Pochapsky (FLIR Government Systems Pittsburgh - OmniTech Partners), Nancy Miller (Penn State New Kensington), Carl Bromley (Local4All), Bryan Wingard (Local4All)

Chair Steve Higgins opened the meeting at 9:33 AM and welcomed everyone. Steve introduced himself and stated his willingness to give up his position and title with the consortium. Everyone else introduced themselves since there were some new faces at the meeting.

Training Update
Ken referred to flyers available for the upcoming training sessions. In particular, he mentioned the program on Microsoft Office 2007 to begin next week at the Armstrong Educational Trust (June 8, 15, and 22.) Dr. Wayne Smouse is the instructor.
Disaster Recovery through Reclamere will begin later in the month as well at the Armstrong Educational Trust.
Programs at Riverhead for Network Security and Windows 7 will be held at their site in Pittsburgh. The goal for these classes is 15 participants for each. Jared asked if the session on Windows 7 included a copy of the operating system. Ken said he did not think so, but he will check on this with Riverhead.
Strategic Business Communication through Slippery Rock University will be held at the Armstrong Educational Trust beginning at the end of June.
Ken has prepared ads to get the word out about these programs.
Gino mentioned the intention to send out postcard mailings for these classes. Due to the final decisions on the providers, we did not send out postcards, but electronic mail messages were sent to members and prospects.
Ken also mentioned that the possibility still exists to conduct a session on Moodle. He had hoped to finalize this with Carol Fry, but she was not able to participate in today's meeting. Ken will check with Carol on possibilities for other dates for this training session.
Ken and Steve reminded everyone that the more participants we have for each session, the lower the cost for the program.

Presentation
Dave Kleber of Salsgiver, Inc. made a presentation on the company and a proposal for communications. Salsgiver started as an ISP with dial-up connections 15 years ago. With the advent of DSL, the company has had to change. The company applied for telecom status and became a provider with telecom capabilities. They now are building infrastructure for fiber-optics cables using their own personnel to deliver the latest technology. As a small telecom, they cannot just move everywhere. They are using big business to start the process and build from there for smaller customers including residential. They focus on reliability and customer service to set themselves apart.
The company's strategy going forward is to tie into economic development. They have worked with local communities such as Springdale and Cheswick.
They would like to connect with businesses in the region, with an eye to connecting with larger organizations in areas such as Kittanning and Ford City.

Industry Partnership Funding
Ken reported on the commitments already made for funds to initiatives such as Educator in the Workplace, STEM conference, etc.
In addition, he proposed spending:
• $3000 for ads for the classes plus several ads in the Kittanning Paper ($75 each)
• $2940 for Butler Business Matters to get the consortium's name out there - this could include an entire year's advertising. Gino asked if one of their writers could put together an article on the consortium which could run in the paper as well. Gino made a motion, seconded by Lori, to commit these funds. The motion was passed by voice vote.
• Approximately $3000 for other recruitment and marketing opportunities - Horse Trader, Google Ads, Table Tents through Local4All, etc. Gino recommended holding the marketing sub-committee meeting today following the consortium meeting so we can move on these opportunities as soon as possible. Jared suggested sponsoring template banners similar to the Pepsi and Coke approaches for events and activities we sponsor. Other discussion centered on doing advertising through Chambers of Commerce or Tourist Bureaus. Ken asked for volunteers for the committee. Jared, Gino, and Lori volunteered.

We need to set dates for recruitment events. There are two venues already reserved in Butler County. The Grand Ballroom is mostly available in July; only a few dates are already committed. Wednesday, July 14 or Thursday, July 15 were suggested as possibilities. The group agreed to Thursday, July 15 at 5:30-7:30 PM at the Grand Ballroom in Butler.
For the second event, the group discussed doing the session in mid-August. Ken will check to see what dates are available in Cranberry for this event the weeks of August 2 or August 9. The group also suggested seeing if Michele Cogley is available to make a presentation at the event in Butler.

Lori asked if the group would be willing to sponsor the basic computer skills for senior learners program that Davis Consulting is offering.

A vote was taken to relieve Mike Burkett of his responsibilities as Treasurer – unanimous

Lori Harris volunteered and was voted into the Treasurer position.

With no other business, Steve adjourned the meeting at 10:30 AM.

The next meeting of the consortium will be held on Tuesday, July 6 at 9:30 AM at the Armstrong Educational Trust.

Tri-County Technology Consortium
Tuesday, May 04, 2010

Attending: Steve Higgins (Sassafras Forge), Lori Harris (Family Life TV), Bret Morey (Penn State Electro-Optics Center), Gino Pochapsky (FLIR Government Systems Pittsburgh/OmniTech Partners), Ken Raybuck (Tri-County Workforce Investment Board), Michele Cogley (Davis Consulting), Nancy Miller (Penn State New Kensington), Jim Kuemmerle (Armstrong-Indiana Mental Health/Mental Rehabilitation), Joel Warren (FLIR Government Systems Pittsburgh/OmniTech Partners), Marie Dillon-Griffith (PA CareerLink Armstrong County), David English (Armstrong Educational Trust), Carl Bromley (Local4All), Carol Fry (Indiana County Technology Center), Eric Edder (Oberg Industries)

Chair Steve Higgins opened the meeting at 9:35 AM and welcomed everyone. He thanked everyone involved in the marketing event at Penn State Electro-Optics Center on April 22 and the center for hosting the event.

Business Items
Shared Training
Ken reported on an update for the shared training programs. He passed around a copy of the decisions made by the review committee for the five programs:

· Strategic Business Communication Training for Technical Support Personnel - Slippery Rock University (16 hours)
· Disaster Recovery & Forensic Techniques Training - Reclamere (40 hours)
· Upgrading to Windows 7: Simplifying the Way to Use Your PC - Penn State/Lenape (? hours)
· Advanced Skills to More Effectively Utilize Microsoft Office 2007 - Penn State/Lenape (? Hours)
· Network Security Training - Riverhead Training (extensive hours?)

Each program will require a 25% cash match from participants to run the program. So far, we have committed $41,587.50 of the total of $53,438 available for shared training (leaving uncommitted $11,850.50). Other types of shared training can be considered for using this funding - two or more companies can go to Ken to say they have training they wish to conduct. An example of that is Moodle as a course management system at ICTC; they are considering conducting classes on-line and would like to consider this tool to conduct the programs. Carol is exploring training on Moodle with partners in Indiana County. The Intermediate Unit is bringing in a trainer tomorrow (Wednesday and Thursday) to present an introductory course. For proficiency, another training session may be needed. There is interest from several other member companies (Family Life TV, Davis Consulting, and Local4All.)

All classes must start before June 30, but we can complete the classes after that date.

Lori asked if we could consider offering Act 48 hours for participation in these programs for teachers in the future.

Carl asked if the group has a recommendation for use of Open Office as a software application package. Steve suggested that the group does not have a stance on use of specific software packages.

Nancy asked if non-members can participate in the shared training programs. Ken answered that non-members can participate, but members will have first chance at registering. She also asked if one member company wants to send multiple participants, will the program be limited. The group discussed the possibility of opening a second class session if demand is very high.

Michele asked if we know where the sessions will be held. Ken said the decisions are not yet finalized on locations, but he believes the Windows 7 and Office 2007 class sessions may be held at the Armstrong Educational Trust.

Employer-Specific/Tuition Reimbursement
Ken reported that there is still about $2000 available for employer-specific training. Any member interested should contact Ken.

Industry Partnership or Marketing/Outreach Funding
Ken also reported on the funds available for programs and activities in support for careers in technology and the membership in the consortium.
He passed out a list of the items for which funds have already been committed. Of the total of $23,700 available, $17,300 has been committed for:
· Educator in the Workplace/Indiana - $4000
· Educator in the Workplace/Butler - $4000
· Educator in the Workplace/Armstrong - $4000
· Armstrong Student Forum - $2000
· Female Alliance STEM Excellence (FASE) - $1000
· Summer Camp in Electro-Optics - $1000
· ARMTech Showcase - $300

Ken asked if the group would want to spend some of the remaining uncommitted funds ($6400) for the upcoming STEM conference on June 15 at BC3. The consortium will pay for a table and bring along several employees from members to participate in the program. Ken suggested spending funds for the table and up to five members to attend the conference. The group discussed expectations for bringing back information to the consortium. Gino made a motion, seconded by Lori, to provide funds for the consortium table and up to five participants. The motion passed by voice vote.

Gino asked if we can boost the promotion of the upcoming classes using some of the funds since these programs will most likely bring in new members.
Carl suggested having a contest to name some of the programs, but Ken told the group the funds cannot be used to pay for prizes.
One possibility might be a paid advertisement under the header of the Consortium. Lori recommended a marketing task force put together a campaign or plan to share this information with other companies or organizations. Michele reminded everyone that we have to make it clear that the training is available to incumbent workers.
Lori made a motion to allot $1000 per county for advertising, to be determined by a marketing task force made up of members. Gino seconded the motion, and the motion was passed by voice vote.

Michele suggested sponsoring the basic computer skills class for senior learners if funds are still available.

With no other business, Steve adjourned the meeting at 10:37 AM.

The next meeting of the Consortium will be held on Tuesday, June 1 at 9:30 AM at the Armstrong Educational Trust.

Tri-County Technology Consortium
Tuesday, April 06, 2010

Attending: Jared Kuchta (Allegheny Graphics), Lori Harris (Family Life TV), Gino Pochapsky (FLIR Government Systems Pittsburgh - OmniTech Partners), Michele Cogley (Davis Consulting), Marie Dillon-Griffith (PA CareerLink Armstrong County), Carl Bromley (Local4All), Bret Morey (Penn State Electro-Optics Center), Lori Harvey (Penn State Electro-Optics Center), Ken Raybuck (Tri-County Workforce Investment Board), David English (Armstrong Educational Trust)

Acting Treasurer Lori Harris called the meeting to order at 9:30 AM since Chair Steve Higgins was not available to attend the meeting. Introductions were made since there was a new prospective member at the meeting. The group discussed the benefits of membership to enlighten the prospective member attending.

Shared Training
Ken reported that we have $53,000 in funding for shared training for this year. Requests for proposals were sent out for networking, Windows 7, Microsoft Office 2007, disaster recovery, and strategic business communication. At least three vendors submitted proposals for each topic. The committee will meet this week to select the providers for each topic. Once the provider is selected, the program will be scheduled. Participants will be responsible for 25% of the total training fee of each program, while 75% of the cost will be covered by the grant. Both members and resource partners are eligible to participate in the programs. Reporting requirements include giving a social security number for each participant. Michele asked about the timing of the funding from the state, and the answer given was that while the requests are made in the summer, we receive the funding anywhere from December through March.

The group asked if we can request extending the dates of the training beyond June 30, 2010 since we received the funding so late in the year. Ken reported that the state does not currently support that possibility, but after the providers are selected, we will revisit that question if it is difficult for them to complete the programs by June 30, 2010, when the fiscal year ends.

Employer-Specific (Tuition Reimbursement) Training
Ken reported that we have $17,000 for employer-specific or tuition reimbursement training. This funding is also available as a 75% funding program (25% must be paid by the employer.) To date, $7000 has been committed, so $10,000 is still available. Several members mentioned that this program is welcome since it is targeted to the needs of the employees for a specific employer. Ken also mentioned that this program is under consideration at the state level, and it may be discontinued in the future.

Industry Partnership (Outreach) Funding
Ken reported that Mary Salony sent out a note to the county coordinators about funding for Educator in the Workplace program in each of the three counties.
Ken also reported on the request from the Armstrong County Forum for Workforce Excellence for funding support. This request is for a total of $8000 including the Educator in the Workplace program, the Student Forum program, FASE (Female Alliance STEM Excellence), and Robotics Camp. Lori Harvey shared details on these programs and initiatives so the group had information to vote on the request.
In response to a question about getting younger students involved, Lori Harvey reported on a program at Lenape Technical School on pop can robots for 3rd through 6th graders.
Ken suggested that the TC2 website should have a link to the Workforce Forum website. Michele asked if the Workforce Forum has a Facebook page, and Lori Harvey answered that it does not yet have one.
Ken asked for members to make a motion on these amounts. Jared reported that his company is fully supportive of this initiative. The total request is for $12,000 for Armstrong, Butler, and Indiana Counties. Gino made a motion to approve this one, seconded by Lori Harris.
For the Student Forum, Lori Harris made a motion to provide $2000 in support, seconded by Michele Cogley.
The request for support for the $1000 in funding for FASE - Female Alliance STEM Excellence was made through a motion by Lori Harris and seconded by Gino Pochapsky.
For the summer camp, the request for $1000 in funding was made by Jared and seconded by Lori Harris.

Bret recommended that we consider a true marketing plan for the consortium since the membership is limited right now. We need to make certain the parents and educators are getting the information that is most helpful to help these students make informed career decisions. The group discussed using an approach where we spread our message to a very broad audience by making certain the TC2 logo is front-and-center on all print materials for programs and initiatives.
The group will discuss specific marketing opportunities at the next meeting.

Other Programs
Ken reminded the group of the upcoming NW PA and SW PA STEM Initiatives conference scheduled for June 15 at Butler County Community College. Participants will be coming from the entire western Pennsylvania region from Erie down to south of Pittsburgh.
At next month's meeting, the group will discuss how to participate in this event. Possibilities may include funding support, delivering a presentation, staffing a table/booth at the event, or some other option.

Marie reported that there are job fairs coming up in Butler and Indiana in the next several weeks.

Recruitment Event
Don't forget to attend the recruitment event on Thursday, April 22 at 6:30 PM at the Penn State Electro-Optics Center at Northpointe. Photo IDs are required to enter the facility, and no camera phones are permitted in the building.

Ken reminded everyone to complete in-kind report forms and return them to him as soon as possible. This reporting helps us continue to receive state funding, as each grant has an in-kind support requirement.

Keeping to the schedule, Lori Harris made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:32 AM. Gino seconded the motion.

The next meeting of the consortium will be held on Tuesday, May 4 at 9:30 AM at the Armstrong Educational Trust.

Tri-County Technology Consortium
Tuesday, March 02, 2010

Attending: Steve Higgins (Sassafras Forge), Ken Raybuck (Tri-County Workforce Investment Board), Michele Cogley (Davis Consulting Inc.), Lori Harris (Family Life TV), Michael Beck (PA CareerLink Butler County), Lori Harvey (Penn State Electro-Optics Center), Nancy Miller (Penn State New Kensington), David English (Armstrong Educational Trust), Eric Edder (Oberg), Jared Kuchta (Allegheny Graphics), Kevin Lazor (PA CareerLink Indiana County), Lisa Campbell (Butler County Community College), Frank Kelly (iTame), Gino Pochapsky (FLIR Government Systems Pittsburgh - OmniTech Partners), Bret Morey (Penn State Electro-Optics Center), Joel Warren (FLIR Government Systems Pittsburgh - OmniTech Partners)

Chair Steve Higgins opened the meeting at 9:34 AM and welcomed everyone. He asked for introductions since there were some attendees who had not been at the most recent meetings.

Steve mentioned that Joel is handling social media for the consortium (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) and Gino and Bret are working with the consortium website. He thanked them for updating our information on these sites.

Speaker
Steve introduced our speaker, Tim Hudec from Justifacts Credential Verification, Inc.

Justifacts started in 1982 as a professional verification firm conducting background screening, providing outstanding customer service, a dedicated account management team, 48-72 hour turnaround times, the latest technology, real time report availability, and color coded reports. They are now based in Murrysville.
Services offered:
• Criminal records
• Verification services (education, employment, etc.)
• Additional services (credit, driver's information, etc.)

Criminal record searches include:
• state criminal records
• unified county court searches
• county criminal records
• national criminal database
• federal district courts

Verification service:
• Employment verification (including interview with previous supervisor)
• Confirmation of degree
• Professional license verification (RN, CPA, etc.)
• Professional reference checks

Additional services:
• Address/Name search
• Motor vehicle records
• Credit checks
• Drug screenings

Work flow process is that client submits the request (there are several options), order entry on faxed orders, client and address searches, and then criminal record requests. Finally verifications are assigned to specific staff members. They will place calls or make written requests. Collected data is entered into Justiweb. Reports are proofed, and there will be due date notification for the client. There are several report viewer options (on the Justifacts system for example).

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), employers using the service must sign the waiver, protecting the consumer, using a signed authorization waiver, allows for dispute. The adverse action process uses either a pre-adverse action letter or an adverse action letter to let the candidate know that employment will not be offered based on the information discovered during the screening.

Administrative reports provided include:
• Date range
• Detailed turn times
• Statistical data
• Invoice Information
• User Statistics

Justifacts is able to integrate with HRIS software at employers at no additional charge. They have their own applicant tracking service available for free.
A typical request for employment search is $25 for five years back or up to three employers, including reasons for leaving, etc.

Steve thanked Tim for his presentation.

Upcoming Marketing Events
Steve asked that everyone save the date for the first marketing event and plan to attend the evening of April 22, 2010 at the Penn State Electro-Optics Center. The date saver was sent out by e-mail to members last week. RSVPs are to be made to Lori Harris or Ken.

Training Plans
Employer-based training (tuition reimbursement) funding (75% reimbursement) is available in the amount of $17,812 for programs conducted between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010. Steve asked that we resolve these requests by the April meeting.

Shared training requests for proposals were sent out on five topics: network security training, upgrading to Windows 7, Disaster Recovery training, Office 2007, and strategic business communication. Steve asked for a couple of volunteers to review these proposals along with him to make decisions on the providers/programs. Ken will send these to Gino, Joel, Lori Harris, and Frank for review and comment. Steve asked for comments back within the week.

Industry Partnership Funds
Ken reported on a request for funds to support a robotics camp sponsored by the Penn State Electro-Optics Center with IUP Northpointe. In 2010, the program will be offered for the second year as two offerings of the one week camp for middle school students. In answer to the question of how much is needed, Lori Harvey said the group is appreciative of any and all support. Ken stated that there is funding available for this purpose, and he believes this is a worthy expense. Lori Harvey will check on the amount requested for budgeting purposes by the coordinators and report back to the consortium so the decision can be voted on next month.

Other
Kevin reported that they are looking for a vendor that will provide management of an event including credit card services. If any member is aware of a company that fits that bill, please contact him.
Kevin also reported that PA CareerLink Indiana County is exploring setting up a Facebook page.

Lori Harris is looking into a presentation from an individual from Utz Potato Chip Company. She thinks this would be best for an all-consortia presentation. Ken has a contact who might be a good presenter for the next meeting.

With no other business, Steve adjourned the meeting at 10:39 AM.

The recruitment committee planned to meet again immediately following the full consortium meeting.

The next meeting of the consortium is planned for Tuesday, April 6 at 9:30 AM at the Armstrong Educational Trust.

Attending: Kevin Lazor (PA CareerLink Indiana County), Lori Harris (Family Life TV), Gino Pochapsky (FLIR Government Systems Pittsburgh - OmniTech Partners), Nancy Miller (Penn State New Kensington), Ken Raybuck (Tri-County Workforce Investment Board), Steve Higgins (Sassafras Forge), Joyce Holzhauser (Butler County Area Vocational Technical School), Lori Harvey (Penn State Electro-Optics Center), David English (Armstrong Educational Trust), Michele Cogley (Davis Consulting Inc.), Marie Dillon-Griffith (PA CareerLink Armstrong County), Lisa Campbell (Butler County Community College), Eric Edder (Oberg Industries), Bret Morey (Penn State Electro-Optics Center), Frank Kelly (iTame), Megan Rummel (Congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper's office), Ed Wagner (Catalyst Connection), Joel Warren (FLIR Government Systems Pittsburgh - OmniTech Partners)

Chair Steve Higgins opened the meeting at 9:33 AM and welcomed everyone. He asked for introductions since there were several meeting participants who had not attended TC2 meetings previously.

Speaker
Michele Cogley presented about social networking, specifically Facebook. She reported that there are 300 million active users of Facebook. Fifty percent of users log on during any given day. There are more than 65 million active users accessing Facebook using mobile devices. Average users have 130 people on their site. More than 10 million users join a fan page each day.

Privacy issues are a concern for individuals. She suggested that everyone review 10 privacy settings users should know. An article is available to recommend how to set your pages to maintain privacy at www.allfacebook.com/2009/02/facebook-privacy/. She also referred to an article about privacy, Privacy is Dead on Facebook. Get Over It, http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34825225/.

She recommended that organizations use Facebook because it provides free exposure to potentially millions of users. It can be a means to drive traffic to your website. Privacy issues for businesses are more minimal than for individuals.

Group Pages:
• Limited membership (may be private)
• Messages sent directly to members
• Create a sense of community
• Events posted with RSVP options for members
The settings are somewhat standard; you have to use what the program gives you.

Fan Pages:
• Open to the public
• May be linked to firm's Twitter page
• Provides analytical data
• Permits customizable content - HTML, Flash, and applications
• Fan pages are indexed in search engines like Google and Yahoo
• The URL of your fan page is customizable

You can buy advertising on Facebook. You can pay by click or pay by view. The ad can be targeted to specific groups or locations.

Twitter is the other social networking service to consider. You are limited to 140 characters per message, based on the answer to the question, "What are you doing now?"
Privacy issues are not as big a concern on Twitter.

Tweets can be sent via web, cell phone, or Facebook. Twitter can also be used to drive traffic to your website. Dell Outlet announces coupon deals on Twitter; they attribute $3 million is sales directly to Twitter tweets.

Steve thanked Michele for her presentation.

Updates on Training and Industry Partnership
Marketing and recruitment events are in the planning stages now for county-based events in Armstrong, Butler, and Indiana Counties for the purpose of meeting with others who may have an interest in the consortium. The first event will be held at the Penn State Electro-Optics Center in the Northpointe Industrial Park in Freeport. Catering was pre-paid through Bonello's. Ken reported that he has a couple of lists to use in promoting the event. The committee (Bret, Lori Harris, Nancy, and Ken) will meet immediately following this meeting to plan the event. There will be three more events, two in Butler County and one in Indiana County.

Ken provided details on the industry partnership funding. We have a total of $45,000 for 2009-2010. Of this amount, $23,700 is available for marketing/outreach activities. $5000 is earmarked for STEM, $12,000 for Educator in the Workplace, $5000 for career and job fairs, $1700 for recruitment events and speakers. Also in this amount is $1500 for promotional brochures and other materials.
The total amount must be matched in in-kind support from members. The in-kind contribution documentation form is available at the meeting or on-line (Ken can send this out electronically) and should be sent to Ken as soon as possible to maintain our funding.

Lori Harvey asked for assistance in hosting teachers and counselors at employer's places of work for the Educator in the Workplace program.

Training funds can be spent on employer-specific programs (tuition reimbursement) now. We have a total of $17,812 available between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010. This program requires a 25% match, but that means that companies can receive 75% reimbursement for training done for specific, advanced needs at their organization. Ken has forms and can help any company needing assistance.

If the training to be conducted is more basic, there are other funding sources available such as WEDnetPA. This assistance can be coordinated through sources such as the community college. Ken or Lisa can assist those who request help.

Ken also suggested that the website is now being updated through the assistance of a couple of the members. We may wish to add links to company websites on the consortium website.

Officer Situation
The consortium treasurer has not been able to attend meetings regularly. We need to have someone who can attend meetings to carry out these duties. Lori Harris volunteered to take on these responsibilities. Steve reported that he will speak with Michael about adjusting signatures on the account. Dave reported that the bank statements are sent to the Trust's address since it is used as the consortium address.
Member dues statements should be sent out for the 2010 year soon.

With no other business, Steve announced adjournment of the meeting at 10:40 AM.

The next meeting of the Tri-County Technology Consortium will be held on Tuesday, March 2 at 9:30 AM at the Armstrong Educational Trust.

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Tri-County Technology Consortium
Tuesday, January 05, 2010

Attending: Lori Harris (Family Life Television), Marie Dillon-Griffith (PA CareerLink Armstrong County), Dave English (Armstrong Educational Trust), Ken Raybuck (Tri-County Workforce Investment Board), Michele Cogley (Davis Consulting), Steve Higgins (Sassafras Forge), Gino Pochapsky (FLIR Government Systems Pittsburgh), Nancy Miller (Penn State New Kensington), Joel Warren (FLIR Government Systems Pittsburgh), Bret Morey (Penn State Electro-Optics Center), Lori Harvey (Penn State Electro-Optics Center)

Chair Steve Higgins opened the meeting at 9:31 AM and welcomed everyone. He wished everyone a prosperous 2010.

Meeting Cancellation
Steve raised the question of how we would cancel these meetings if the weather is an issue. He suggested using the ARIN Intermediate Unit #28 website's school cast function as a guide. If schools in Armstrong County are closed, we will assume that the meeting is canceled since that probably means the roads are not passable. The website is http://www.iu28.org/. Look to the left on the menu for the first choice, SchoolCast. Hopefully this will only be an issue for two or three months during the winter.

Sharing of Business Cards
Steve asked members to share business cards with each other. Those who brought cards passed them out to other members.

Training Budget
We need to follow procedure and send out request for quote (RFQ) to vendors. This year, we have a total of $71,250 available for training: $53,438 for shared/consortium-based training classes and $17,812 for employer-based/tuition reimbursement. Ideas for shared training classes which had been previously recommended were:
1. Additional network security training
2. TCP/IP or Cisco (specific training)
3. Stress management
4. Increasing business opportunities through communication
5. Technical Talent Management
6. Decision support system using GIS technology
7. Disaster recovery and forensic techniques
8. Process improvement

This year, those participating in shared training must support the program with 25% of the total cost. The funds/the cash match would be sent to the vendor/training provider to help pay for the training. To qualify as shared training, at least two organizations must be represented among the attendees/participants.

The group discussed the possibility of a hybrid schedule - using on-line or self-paced as well as in-person/classroom instruction. This non-traditional approach would have to be built into the RFQ. Another option is to use Adobe Connect to view video or PowerPoint slides.

Another suggestion was for follow up on the consortium meeting session for task optimization using Microsoft Outlook. This might be of interest to many more workers than just Information Technology employees or Communication Services employees. Another option might be to do something like this using one face-to-face session at a central location followed by sessions at various locations as more or less a train-the-trainer type approach.

Among the listed topics, additional network security is one that would be helpful. Disaster recovery and forensic techniques also seems to be of interest. Although customer service may be a topic that would be helpful for IT professionals, it would be difficult to get people to participate. Perhaps if it were termed differently - communication strategies for IT professionals or another title along that line, it might be of more interest for the career staff.

The manufacturing consortia prepared an RFQ for Internet marketing, social networking, etc., and TC2 members can participate in that class when it is offered.

Other topics for the general audience not necessarily the IT staff might include Microsoft Windows 2007 and Office 2007. There is a beta for Office 2010 out now.

Partnership Funds Budget
We have a request for funding a robotics camp and a request from the other industry partnerships to support STEM activity. Last year TC2 supported the robotics camp offered by IUP Northpointe and Penn State Electro-Optics Center. The program is to be expanded this year, and the group requested additional support for 2010.

The STEM support request will come through as a letter from Mary Salony to the consortium. The Northwest PA STEM Initiative has asked for support for programs and activities related to STEM in the region.

The group discussed spending time at the next meeting going over the industry partnership funding.

Recruiting Events
We need to discuss which county to start with. We decided to go alphabetically, so Armstrong County will be first for an event. The food is pre-paid. The site will be the Penn State Electro-Optics Center.

Ken is looking for volunteers to assist, and Bret, Nancy, and Lori Harris agreed to help. This group will meet following the February monthly meeting of the consortium.

Website Update
The working website is set up; the site is http://new.tricountytechnology.org. Bret and Gino are all set to place content on the site. The group discussed setting up social networking sites for the consortium. These sites could be connected with the social networking sites of the other industry partnership consortia.

Speaker
We previously discussed a recommendation to see if Tim Hudec from http://justifacts.com/index.php to speak at the next meeting regarding credential verification. Ken will contact Tim about future meetings.

Michele Cogley will speak at the next meeting about social networking, Facebook, Twitter, etc.

Ken reminded everyone to complete an in-kind contribution report form and turn it in to him.

The next meeting of the consortium will be held on Tuesday, February 2 at 9:30 AM at the Armstrong Educational Trust.