Six companies participated in the MESA Job Fair that was designed to attract Engineering, Computer Science and Construction Management students who are considering graduation on the spring of 2009. The Tech Group sponsored a PASSPORT process that accumulated over 60 entries to the prize raffle. Robert Strazzarino from College Scheduler and Jay Dunlap and Jamie Beauchane from Landacorp provided the coordination of the Passport program.
Thanks to Kenny Spade for providing Microsoft products for the raffle.It is estimated at over three hundred students attended the job fair.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Friday, February 6, 2009
Tech Group Meeting-Friday February 6, 2009
Friday February 6, 2009
Meeting Notes
Attending- Boyd Trolinger and Annie Rafferty-Butte College, Moaty Fayek-Chico State, Bill Finley-PIC, Stewart Konx-WIRED, Larry Gable-Patholase, Randy Hutchinson-Travidia, Pepper Knox-Improvement Direct, Brad Ledford-Landacorp, Jay Dunlap-Landacorp, Bob Clark-Travidia, Kevin Kinell- Auctiva, Bob Linscheid-CEPCO, Jim Mikles-Golden Capital Network, Robert Strazzarino-College Scheduler
I. Call to Order Bob Linscheid
Meeting called to order with self introductions
II. Progress Reports:
A. Chico State All Majors Career and Internship Fair Ken Naas
1. Spring Schedule-Feb. 17 (MESA)
The group discussed the logistics of the upcoming career fair at Chico State. Thanks to Robert Strazzarino from College Scheduler and Jay Dunlap of Landacorp for the assistance in promoting the event. Kenny Spade will be providing some prizes and CEPCO will support with gift certificates from the student bookstore at Chico State.
Travidia was added to the list of companies participating. A Passport was created so that all students that visit all Chico based company booths will be entered into a drawing for the prizes.
Robert will create a Facebook event page with advertising and Bob will get his expenses reimbursed.
III. Network Lunch James Bennett
A number of company leaders participated in a lunch on January 29th to brainstorm ideas including outsourcing and overtime policy. The session was free flowing but productive. James Bennett is coordinating the meeting which will be held on the last Thursday of the month.
Training and Curriculum Needs
Bill Finley encouraged the group to provide assistance in developing skill sets training and curriculum. The issue is how the courses can remain relevant to the needs of the companies. The group agreed to use the next lunch meeting (February 26th) to help guide the skill sets development and class content. It was suggested that the University and Butte College broaden the curriculum to be market based. PhP and AJAX were discussed as well as Cold Fusion.
IV. Evening Presentation to Computer Science Graduates Bob Linscheid
A. Tuesday February 24-O’Connell 254- 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
The room has been reserved for the evening of February 24th for tech companies to present a company profile to the graduating class of the spring of 2009. Moaty Fayek suggested that the presentations focus on brief presentations, unique elements of the job, and skill sets needed.
Robert suggested that we develop a Chico Tech Companies Facebook page. Bob Linscheid would assist with that effort.
V. Tech Company Issues Bob Linscheid
A. Company Reports on Talent Needs
Summary of company hiring needs-
Landacorp- 10 total including 2 developers, 2 designer, 2 business analysts plus three summer interns.
Improvement Direct- will hire 5 interns, three programmers. The total number of employees is 200 up from the summer numbers of 165. Of those numbers 65-75 are in sales.
Travidia- need systems engineers and sales along with web design. Have hired as many as 10 interns. Accounting interns.
Auctiva- will be participating in internships once again. Need some designers.
Patholase- Need a marketing professional and designer. Numbers up to 15 from 2 last year.
IV. Education Issues/Events Chico State/ Butte College
A. Computer Science Alumni Reunion- Moaty Fayek
April 17 and 18th the alumni will be invited back to campus. He is encouraging tech group participation. The department is working on the agenda now.
B. Computer Science Faculty Reception-Thursday March 12th
i. 555 Main Street, Suite 400- 6-8 p.m.
Bob mentioned that CEPCO will be sponsoring a reception with the Computer Science Faculty and Tech Group along with University administration on the evening of March 12.
Invitations will go out soon.
V. Other Issues
A. Open Discussion
Jay Dunlap suggested that companies consider sponsoring faculty wit the opportunity to attend conferences sponsored by local companies. We’ll discuss that further at the Thursday February 26th lunch
VI. Meeting Schedule:
A. Friday March 6, 2009- 8:00 a.m. location TBD. May look for a larger facility.
VII. Adjournment
Meeting Notes
Attending- Boyd Trolinger and Annie Rafferty-Butte College, Moaty Fayek-Chico State, Bill Finley-PIC, Stewart Konx-WIRED, Larry Gable-Patholase, Randy Hutchinson-Travidia, Pepper Knox-Improvement Direct, Brad Ledford-Landacorp, Jay Dunlap-Landacorp, Bob Clark-Travidia, Kevin Kinell- Auctiva, Bob Linscheid-CEPCO, Jim Mikles-Golden Capital Network, Robert Strazzarino-College Scheduler
I. Call to Order Bob Linscheid
Meeting called to order with self introductions
II. Progress Reports:
A. Chico State All Majors Career and Internship Fair Ken Naas
1. Spring Schedule-Feb. 17 (MESA)
The group discussed the logistics of the upcoming career fair at Chico State. Thanks to Robert Strazzarino from College Scheduler and Jay Dunlap of Landacorp for the assistance in promoting the event. Kenny Spade will be providing some prizes and CEPCO will support with gift certificates from the student bookstore at Chico State.
Travidia was added to the list of companies participating. A Passport was created so that all students that visit all Chico based company booths will be entered into a drawing for the prizes.
Robert will create a Facebook event page with advertising and Bob will get his expenses reimbursed.
III. Network Lunch James Bennett
A number of company leaders participated in a lunch on January 29th to brainstorm ideas including outsourcing and overtime policy. The session was free flowing but productive. James Bennett is coordinating the meeting which will be held on the last Thursday of the month.
Training and Curriculum Needs
Bill Finley encouraged the group to provide assistance in developing skill sets training and curriculum. The issue is how the courses can remain relevant to the needs of the companies. The group agreed to use the next lunch meeting (February 26th) to help guide the skill sets development and class content. It was suggested that the University and Butte College broaden the curriculum to be market based. PhP and AJAX were discussed as well as Cold Fusion.
IV. Evening Presentation to Computer Science Graduates Bob Linscheid
A. Tuesday February 24-O’Connell 254- 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
The room has been reserved for the evening of February 24th for tech companies to present a company profile to the graduating class of the spring of 2009. Moaty Fayek suggested that the presentations focus on brief presentations, unique elements of the job, and skill sets needed.
Robert suggested that we develop a Chico Tech Companies Facebook page. Bob Linscheid would assist with that effort.
V. Tech Company Issues Bob Linscheid
A. Company Reports on Talent Needs
Summary of company hiring needs-
Landacorp- 10 total including 2 developers, 2 designer, 2 business analysts plus three summer interns.
Improvement Direct- will hire 5 interns, three programmers. The total number of employees is 200 up from the summer numbers of 165. Of those numbers 65-75 are in sales.
Travidia- need systems engineers and sales along with web design. Have hired as many as 10 interns. Accounting interns.
Auctiva- will be participating in internships once again. Need some designers.
Patholase- Need a marketing professional and designer. Numbers up to 15 from 2 last year.
IV. Education Issues/Events Chico State/ Butte College
A. Computer Science Alumni Reunion- Moaty Fayek
April 17 and 18th the alumni will be invited back to campus. He is encouraging tech group participation. The department is working on the agenda now.
B. Computer Science Faculty Reception-Thursday March 12th
i. 555 Main Street, Suite 400- 6-8 p.m.
Bob mentioned that CEPCO will be sponsoring a reception with the Computer Science Faculty and Tech Group along with University administration on the evening of March 12.
Invitations will go out soon.
V. Other Issues
A. Open Discussion
Jay Dunlap suggested that companies consider sponsoring faculty wit the opportunity to attend conferences sponsored by local companies. We’ll discuss that further at the Thursday February 26th lunch
VI. Meeting Schedule:
A. Friday March 6, 2009- 8:00 a.m. location TBD. May look for a larger facility.
VII. Adjournment
Friday, January 16, 2009
Tech Group Meeting-Friday January 16, 2009
Wishing you all a happy and productive 2009.
The CEPCO Tech Group will hold its January meeting on Friday the 16th, 8:00 a.m. at the Uptime Co-Working Studio (First and Salem Streets) in Downtown Chico. Please feel free to suggest agenda items at bob@wemanage.org.
Planning is underway for the February session at Chico State for tech companies to meet directly with Students graduating in Computer Science in the Spring of 2009. In addition we will be working with Professor Fayek for the Alumni Reunion in April.
AGENDA
I. Call to Order Bob Linscheid
A. Self Introductions
B. Sign In Sheet
II. Progress Reports:
A. Butte College-One Stop Job Fair-November 19 Stewart Knox
1. Recap of Job Fair
2. Career Pathways-Grant
3. Offer from Robert Strazzarino to Chico High Schools
B. Chico State All Majors Career and Internship Fair Ken Naas
1. Spring Schedule-Feb. 17 (MESA) and Feb. 25 (Business)
III. Students to Business (S2B) Program Kenny Spade
A. Microsoft
IV. Tech Company Issues Bob Linscheid
A. Company Reports on Talent Needs
B. Schedule Event in February/March to recruit graduates
C. Overtime Policy-Jay Dunlap
IV. Education Issues Chico State/ Butte College
A. Computer Science Alumni Reunion- Moaty Fayek
B. College of Engineering Report- Mike Ward/Jerry Hight
i. Computer Science Faculty Reception-pending
ii. Faculty Internship with Local Firms
V. First Quarter session with Tech Companies and Spring graduates Bob Linscheid
VI. City of Chico Martha Wescoat-Andes
VII. Other Issues
A. Town and Gown Task Force
B. Results and distribution of Wage Survey
VIII. Meeting Schedule:
A. Friday February 6, 2009- 8:00 a.m.
The CEPCO Tech Group will hold its January meeting on Friday the 16th, 8:00 a.m. at the Uptime Co-Working Studio (First and Salem Streets) in Downtown Chico. Please feel free to suggest agenda items at bob@wemanage.org.
Planning is underway for the February session at Chico State for tech companies to meet directly with Students graduating in Computer Science in the Spring of 2009. In addition we will be working with Professor Fayek for the Alumni Reunion in April.
AGENDA
I. Call to Order Bob Linscheid
A. Self Introductions
B. Sign In Sheet
II. Progress Reports:
A. Butte College-One Stop Job Fair-November 19 Stewart Knox
1. Recap of Job Fair
2. Career Pathways-Grant
3. Offer from Robert Strazzarino to Chico High Schools
B. Chico State All Majors Career and Internship Fair Ken Naas
1. Spring Schedule-Feb. 17 (MESA) and Feb. 25 (Business)
III. Students to Business (S2B) Program Kenny Spade
A. Microsoft
IV. Tech Company Issues Bob Linscheid
A. Company Reports on Talent Needs
B. Schedule Event in February/March to recruit graduates
C. Overtime Policy-Jay Dunlap
IV. Education Issues Chico State/ Butte College
A. Computer Science Alumni Reunion- Moaty Fayek
B. College of Engineering Report- Mike Ward/Jerry Hight
i. Computer Science Faculty Reception-pending
ii. Faculty Internship with Local Firms
V. First Quarter session with Tech Companies and Spring graduates Bob Linscheid
VI. City of Chico Martha Wescoat-Andes
VII. Other Issues
A. Town and Gown Task Force
B. Results and distribution of Wage Survey
VIII. Meeting Schedule:
A. Friday February 6, 2009- 8:00 a.m.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Challenging Economy to be discussed TODAY- December 18th- 1:30 pm to 7 pm
The December meeting for the CEPCO Tech Group will be scheduled in conjunction with the Golden Capital Network Strategy Event. This session FORGING YOUR BUSINESS FORWARD INTO 2009 will be held at the Uptime Co-Working Studio at 101 Salem Street, Suite 240.
Please save the time on your schedule to attend. Please note that there is NO CHARGE for this event.
Overview of the Event:
In a Challenging economy forecasted for 2009, businesses need relevant, mission-critical information from their peers and other industry leaders in order to succeed. Using a real-world case-study format, the extensive time for audience interaction, successful CEOs and entrepreneurs and investors share their insights to North State businesses about how to survive and thrive in today's challenging economy.
Topics to the Covered:
1. Strategies for Growing and Retaining Customers
2. Strategies for Finding and Managing Talent
3. Fundraising Strategies in today's economy
4. Also scheduled will be a Speedpitch Fest in which 5 companies will be picked to pitch a panel of successful entrepreneurs and executives and receive comments and suggestions
5. the evening will conclude with the Golden Capital Network Holiday Social and Networking event.
A complete agenda will be forthcoming.
Please save the time on your schedule to attend. Please note that there is NO CHARGE for this event.
Overview of the Event:
In a Challenging economy forecasted for 2009, businesses need relevant, mission-critical information from their peers and other industry leaders in order to succeed. Using a real-world case-study format, the extensive time for audience interaction, successful CEOs and entrepreneurs and investors share their insights to North State businesses about how to survive and thrive in today's challenging economy.
Topics to the Covered:
1. Strategies for Growing and Retaining Customers
2. Strategies for Finding and Managing Talent
3. Fundraising Strategies in today's economy
4. Also scheduled will be a Speedpitch Fest in which 5 companies will be picked to pitch a panel of successful entrepreneurs and executives and receive comments and suggestions
5. the evening will conclude with the Golden Capital Network Holiday Social and Networking event.
A complete agenda will be forthcoming.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Butte College ASP.NET Job Fair- Friday November 21st
Butte College in association with the Butte Community Employment Center is coordinating a Job Fair for graduates of the Butte College asp.net web application class. Chico Technology Companies will be provided with opportunities to meet each student and discuss employment and internship opportunities.
The session begins at 10:30 a.m. and will conclude at approximately 12:30 p.m. Any questions can be directed to CEPCO at 895-1202 or email bob@wemanage.org
The session begins at 10:30 a.m. and will conclude at approximately 12:30 p.m. Any questions can be directed to CEPCO at 895-1202 or email bob@wemanage.org
Monday, November 10, 2008
Friday, November 7, 2008
Minutes from Tech Group Meeting November 7th
I. Attendance: Martha Wescoat-Andes- City of Chico; Pam Montana-Intel Corporation; Tom Urbanowicz- Auctiva; Ken Naas-Career Center Chico State; Lindsay Fee-Improvement Direct; Sam Roach-Improvement Direct; Stewart Knox-WIRED program; Daryl Turner-Butte Community Employment Center; Annie Rafferty-Butte College; Bob Linscheid-CEPCO
II. Call to Order---- Bob Linscheid
III. Progress Reports:
A. Delivery of asp.net course---- Stewart Knox
Stewart Knox, Daryl Turner and Annie Rafferty provided information about the class that taught at Butte College in asp.net. A meeting is scheduled for Friday November 21st, 10:30 am at the Butte Community Employment Center on 2445 Carmichael to provide an introduction to the students completing the course. Local companies interested in meeting the students should contact Daryl Turner at dturner@ncen.org. Information on the students will be provided to the companies participating in advance.
The group also discussed the availability of lists of companies in the area that were considered to by tech related. Stewart agreed to help locate the list.
B. Offer from Robert Strazzarino to Chico High Schools
Robert Strazzarino, founder of College Scheduler LLC is offering to teach an introduction to asp.net course to the high schools in Chico. The design of the program is a 4 week course once a week at each high school. This will provide a student with a basic understanding of the web application program. Bob Linscheid agreed to meet with Chico School Superintendent Kelly Staley to see if this program could begin in the spring of this year.
IV. Chico State All Majors Career and Internship Fair---- Ken Naas
On November 5, 2008 the Chico State Career Center held at Fall Internship and Career Fair. About 15 local companies participated including two local tech companies. CEPCO was represented as well. About 654 students visited the fair as well.
Members felt it was very important to coordinate the number of job fairs. Sam Roach reminded the group that Abdel Remani from the Java Users Group agreed to provide some dates to meet with the group.
V. Innovation/Tech Showcase
Bob Linscheid met with Mike Ward to discuss implementation of several issues recommended by the Tech Group. Key action steps included interest in developing an Innovation/Tech Showcase the design of which would be to have a facility on campus (BMU preferred) to feature programs at the University that were related to Innovation and Technology. For example, Institute on Sustainability, the Bio-Diesel program, Ag Tech programs etc and also give the opportunity for local companies to participate as well. The mission of this effort would be to introduce University and Community College students, Local Faculty, high school students and the community to what is available locally.
Ken Naas thought it was very important for the University to schedule its job and internship fairs so that the local companies knew which were the most important events to participate with. Bob agreed to meet with Jaime Starmer and discuss.
VI. Tech Company Issues
A. Company Reports on Talent Needs
Tom Urbanowicz represented Auctiva and reported out the Auctiva was experiencing a slowdown in business activity. The company was still hiring but mostly from out of the area. Still looking to hire more people in the San Jose office.
Sam Roach and Lindsay Fee from Improvement Direct reported that they were still looking for people and that senior level folks were hard to find.
B. Schedule Event in February to recruit graduates
Bob reported that during his conversation with Mike Ward that the February/March event was still in the planning stages and Computer Science will assist with the scheduling.
IV. Education Issues Chico State/ Butte College
A. Computer Science Faculty Reception
Early next semester, Bob Linscheid has agreed to schedule a reception for the Computer Science Faculty and the CEPCO Tech Group. The purpose of this event is so that Faculty members can meet with local firms and possibly have a greater understanding of what is available locally.
B. Faculty Internship with Local Firms
During a meeting with Dean Mike Ward, Bob suggested that Faculty members might want to consider an internship during the summer with local tech firms. Bob will schedule a meeting with some of the local firms to see what interest there may be. Mike agreed to see what interest there will be from the Computer Science Faculty.
C. Town and Gown Task Force
Bob Linscheid informed the Group that CEPCO recently announced the formation of a TOWN AND GOWN Task Force. The mission of CEPCO’s Town and Gown Task Force is to advocate public policies that will create partnerships to foster the formation and growth to train the emerging workforce to meet the needs of existing and emerging industries in the Chico region.
The Task Force will also promote and foster a better understanding of the educational issues common to business and the education community, to identify common initiatives that will increase the supply of well-qualified workers.
One of the goals of the task force is to expand and enhance sustainable business/education collaboration to meet the current and emerging education and training needs of high wage/high skill industries in Butte County including health care, construction, environmental science, biotechnology, information technology, manufacturing, and financial services.
CEPCO desires to be an advocate for a seamless education system that ensures students transition in, through, and out of postsecondary education as their education, training, and career needs change.
It is necessary to embrace the community college as a primary resource for training, workforce preparation, and economic development, and leverage its position to bring federal workforce development and training funds to Butte County.
V. Other Issues
A. Results and distribution of Wage Survey
Bob will schedule meetings with companies that participated in the wage survey to provide results. The reason for the direct meeting is to keep the results confidential but also provide detail on how companies compare with each other.
VI. Meeting Schedule:
A. No December Meeting
B. Next Meeting scheduled for Friday January 16, 2009
VII. Adjournment
II. Call to Order---- Bob Linscheid
III. Progress Reports:
A. Delivery of asp.net course---- Stewart Knox
Stewart Knox, Daryl Turner and Annie Rafferty provided information about the class that taught at Butte College in asp.net. A meeting is scheduled for Friday November 21st, 10:30 am at the Butte Community Employment Center on 2445 Carmichael to provide an introduction to the students completing the course. Local companies interested in meeting the students should contact Daryl Turner at dturner@ncen.org. Information on the students will be provided to the companies participating in advance.
The group also discussed the availability of lists of companies in the area that were considered to by tech related. Stewart agreed to help locate the list.
B. Offer from Robert Strazzarino to Chico High Schools
Robert Strazzarino, founder of College Scheduler LLC is offering to teach an introduction to asp.net course to the high schools in Chico. The design of the program is a 4 week course once a week at each high school. This will provide a student with a basic understanding of the web application program. Bob Linscheid agreed to meet with Chico School Superintendent Kelly Staley to see if this program could begin in the spring of this year.
IV. Chico State All Majors Career and Internship Fair---- Ken Naas
On November 5, 2008 the Chico State Career Center held at Fall Internship and Career Fair. About 15 local companies participated including two local tech companies. CEPCO was represented as well. About 654 students visited the fair as well.
Members felt it was very important to coordinate the number of job fairs. Sam Roach reminded the group that Abdel Remani from the Java Users Group agreed to provide some dates to meet with the group.
V. Innovation/Tech Showcase
Bob Linscheid met with Mike Ward to discuss implementation of several issues recommended by the Tech Group. Key action steps included interest in developing an Innovation/Tech Showcase the design of which would be to have a facility on campus (BMU preferred) to feature programs at the University that were related to Innovation and Technology. For example, Institute on Sustainability, the Bio-Diesel program, Ag Tech programs etc and also give the opportunity for local companies to participate as well. The mission of this effort would be to introduce University and Community College students, Local Faculty, high school students and the community to what is available locally.
Ken Naas thought it was very important for the University to schedule its job and internship fairs so that the local companies knew which were the most important events to participate with. Bob agreed to meet with Jaime Starmer and discuss.
VI. Tech Company Issues
A. Company Reports on Talent Needs
Tom Urbanowicz represented Auctiva and reported out the Auctiva was experiencing a slowdown in business activity. The company was still hiring but mostly from out of the area. Still looking to hire more people in the San Jose office.
Sam Roach and Lindsay Fee from Improvement Direct reported that they were still looking for people and that senior level folks were hard to find.
B. Schedule Event in February to recruit graduates
Bob reported that during his conversation with Mike Ward that the February/March event was still in the planning stages and Computer Science will assist with the scheduling.
IV. Education Issues Chico State/ Butte College
A. Computer Science Faculty Reception
Early next semester, Bob Linscheid has agreed to schedule a reception for the Computer Science Faculty and the CEPCO Tech Group. The purpose of this event is so that Faculty members can meet with local firms and possibly have a greater understanding of what is available locally.
B. Faculty Internship with Local Firms
During a meeting with Dean Mike Ward, Bob suggested that Faculty members might want to consider an internship during the summer with local tech firms. Bob will schedule a meeting with some of the local firms to see what interest there may be. Mike agreed to see what interest there will be from the Computer Science Faculty.
C. Town and Gown Task Force
Bob Linscheid informed the Group that CEPCO recently announced the formation of a TOWN AND GOWN Task Force. The mission of CEPCO’s Town and Gown Task Force is to advocate public policies that will create partnerships to foster the formation and growth to train the emerging workforce to meet the needs of existing and emerging industries in the Chico region.
The Task Force will also promote and foster a better understanding of the educational issues common to business and the education community, to identify common initiatives that will increase the supply of well-qualified workers.
One of the goals of the task force is to expand and enhance sustainable business/education collaboration to meet the current and emerging education and training needs of high wage/high skill industries in Butte County including health care, construction, environmental science, biotechnology, information technology, manufacturing, and financial services.
CEPCO desires to be an advocate for a seamless education system that ensures students transition in, through, and out of postsecondary education as their education, training, and career needs change.
It is necessary to embrace the community college as a primary resource for training, workforce preparation, and economic development, and leverage its position to bring federal workforce development and training funds to Butte County.
V. Other Issues
A. Results and distribution of Wage Survey
Bob will schedule meetings with companies that participated in the wage survey to provide results. The reason for the direct meeting is to keep the results confidential but also provide detail on how companies compare with each other.
VI. Meeting Schedule:
A. No December Meeting
B. Next Meeting scheduled for Friday January 16, 2009
VII. Adjournment
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
