Members Attending-
Ken Naas-Chico State, Kenny Spade-Microsoft, Sam Roach-Improvements Direct, Martha Wescoat-Andes-City of Chico, Tim Calhoon-CCC Tech Center, Lindsay Fee-Improvements Direct, Tom Urbanowich-Auctiva, Moaty Fayek-Computer Science Department-Chico State, Mike Ward-Dean, College of Engineering, Computer Science and CM, Ken Meier-Butte College, James Bennett-SunGard Public Sector, Craig Buda-OpSource, Robert Strazzarino-College Scheduler; Jon Gregory-Golden Capital Network, Annie Rafferty-Butte College, Bob Linscheid-CEPCO, and Stephanie Couch-California Virtual Campus (by phone)
I. Call to Order Bob Linscheid
Bob L provided a welcome and a summary of the background of how the Tech Group got its start. The main topic was raising the Critical Mass of Talent in the region particularly in Chico. Natural attraction is graduates from Chico State. The focus has been on graduates and interns with an additional effort on encouraging talent to “Come Home to Chico.”
II. Progress Report on Delivery of asp.net course Bill Finley
The original date for the class was July 7th but there was lacking interest by local companies to have employees participate. Robert Strazzarino suggested that local companies needs staff that already have 2.0 and perhaps we need to focus on students that need the course and receive credit. Moaty Fayek thanked Bill for helping fund the one unit course and explained that the new course was going to be a 3 unit course. Consensus was the course was still needed, need to promote with current students and provide an avenue for credit. Perhaps continuing education would work as well.
III. STEM Initiative Bill Finley
Bill reported that PIC submitted a concept paper for a STEM initiative to the Department of Labor in March emphasizing alternative energy and emerged technology in practical application. Working with Chico State and Butte on an open learning lab. This would include Green products for construction. PIC has submitted a final project proposal to the DOL and is the only one from California. If we are successful, the will be a need to assist with the implementation.
IV. Job Fair Program Schedule for Fall Ken Naas
Ken reported that he is working closely with the Career Center at Chico State. He reported that September 18th is the job fair for Tech Companies and the following week (date not specified) is the general job fair. November 5th is the internship fair.
Ken also briefed the group on the trip to the Bay Area to expand possible internships from Bay Area during the semester and the needs for a remote technology center to expand internship possibilities.
Bob mentioned that it might be a good idea for the Group to consider Bay Area visits to campuses that have job fairs and internship fairs and attract those graduates to Chico.
IV. Tech Company Issues Bob Linscheid
A. Wage and Benefit Survey- while we have a representative response, not all companies hire the same job classifications. We nee two more firms to respond before we can summarize the data. Bob will provide once he receives two more responses.
B. Overtime Policies- Jay Dunlap- Deferred to next meeting.
C. Tech Companies Reports
a. Auctiva- reports that they are establishing a Bay Area location. Tom Urbanovich reports that recruiting has been more difficult. 2 full time folks in Bay Area and 71 locally with 30 in development
b. Bi-Tech Public Sector- 250 locally and company recently went through a realignment.
c. Improvements Direct- Lindsay Fee reports that company has 14 programmers and expanding as well.
d. Kenny Spade from Microsoft reported that the event held locally had great results.
V. Higher Education Reports
A. Chico State College of Engineering, Computer Science
Moaty mentioned that his department of Computer Science will be hosting a 40 year reunion. This will be a great time to bring department alumni back to campus. Bob mentioned that he would be interested in helping with the event.
B. Butte College- Ken Meyer introduced Anne Rafferty who replaced Barbara Maxey as
Director of Training. Anne comes to Butte College with considerable credentials.
V. Come Home to Chico
A. City of Chico Economic Development Committee- Martha Wescoat-Andes
i. October 9th- 4:00 p.m.
Martha reported that the Tech Group will be invited to make a presentation to the City Economic Development Committee on October 9th. The presentations will be the products produced, profile of people the hire and plans for the future, and the pluses and minus for doing business in Chico.
B. Come Home to Chico campaign discussion
Program continues with the Tech Group, web site, expanding our efforts with job and internship fairs.
C. Networking Social
In addition to social networking sites like Linked In, Face book etc. the group is looking at an event with a Linked In live type program.
D. Uptime Center-Golden Capital Network
Jon Greogry mentioned a new program that has been created at First and Salem Streets. A more detailed effort will be presented in September. The concept is basically a co-working concept similar to programs around the country where a remote technology center can be established for individuals who work in the Bay Area but live in Chico.
VI. Other Issues
A. Statewide Initiatives
Stephanie Couch, Director of Statewide Initiatives for CENIC joined by conference call to discuss some issues related to on-line learning. She reported that SB 1437 passed the Aseembly floor and was on the Governors desk for signature. This bill is a pilot program for public higher Education to compete with online programs of Chapman and National. The group discussed having Bill Finley’s group work with Stephanie and Butte College on this initiative.
B. Others at the Table
i. UVacide
ii. Travidia
iii. Ultivation
iv. K-12
v. M&I Technology
vi. Technical Recruiter
vii. Open invite
VII. Meeting Schedule:
A. September 5th, 7:30 a.m. Location-City Conference Room 1
VIII. Adjournment
Friday, August 8, 2008
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