Looking for the details of an old meeting?
Check out these past meetings.
July 16th, 2008
Navigating the Government Marketplace
Joe Kuklis - President & CEO, GSP Consulting Corp.
Joe will discuss how government funding can provide an alternative stream of revenue for your organization.
June 18th, 2008
Driving Business Growth with Strategic Management of Software Intellectual Property
Jed Cahill - ipCapital Group
Jed will share with us strategies for growing your business while leveraging your Intellectual Property assets.
May 28th, 2008
Interesting Business Challenges
Our discussion will start during the networking luncheon where we will ask you to find the most interesting business challenge at your table.
After a period of time we will ask each table to use a table spokesperson and summarize the details surrounding the company faced with the biggest challenge to the rest of the group.
Any interested meeting attendee will then be given 60 seconds to Solve the World's Problems for that company in response to their challenge.
April 16th, 2008
Quality Hiring for The Vermont Experience
Frank Sadowski - Gallagher, Flynn & Company, LLPBrenda Bouchard - Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman RealtyFrank Sadowski and Brenda Bouchard will share with us the art of finding the right people for your organization and how to assist for relocations in the adjustment to life in Vermont.
[Meeting Details >>>]March 19th, 2008
Get the People. Keep the People. Train the People.
John Young - VT Department of LaborElizabeth Rudolph - TEK Systems Inc.Come join us for a panel discussion about Employee compensation challenges with competing markets, available training Programs to aid in retention and tax strategies to maintain growth and opportunity to your staff.
February 20th, 2008
Planting Leadership in The Workplacewith Greg JohnsonGive your Employees, Partners, Associates, and Colleagues the information and tools needed to think like owners, and lead your organization toward successful growth and opportunity.
January 16th, 2008
Jon Crystal and Don Jamison - Vermont Employee Ownership CenterDon Schramm and Katie Cultrera - Data SystemsSteve Magowan - Steiker, Fisher, Edwards and Greenapple & SES Advisors, Inc.
Employee Ownership For Smaller Companies
As a follow up to last month's discussion of ownership succession which touched on Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), this session will focus on employee ownership for smaller companies.
December 12th, 2007
Richard W. Munkelwitz - Vermont Small Business Development CenterGiles Willey - Vermont SystemsPaul Dandurand - PIEmatrix
What's Your Plan? From Start-up to Exit Strategy
Prepare your business to meet your goals. Whether you're a start-up, small growing business or a larger, rapidly growing business and looking for the perfect exit strategy, this panel discussion will guide you through the possible solutions available to get you there.
November 14th, 2007
Merrill Chapman - Author, and Managing Editor and Publisher, Softletter
Software As A Service ... From 1999 to 2001, what was then called the ASP market, collapsed, bringing an abrupt halt to the growth of what was seen as a new and vibrant segment in the software industry.
By the end of 2001, the hosted model for delivering software services was considered as dead as OS/2. But times have changed and the ASP market, now called Software as a Service (SaaS) is back with a vengeance.
October 17th, 2007
Flip Brown - Business Culture ConsultantsYou may be in a technology business, but it's people that are going to drive your success. Join Flip Brown of Business Culture Consultants, a local corporate communication and culture expert, in an interactive discussion with the following objectives:
- Share communication techniques that create strong customer relationships.
- Find out what's really important to the other person.
- Build a more effective team within your company.
- Discover how to get other people to provide the results you are looking for.
- Create a company culture that attracts and retains talented people who are energized to make your company grow.
Participants are asked to bring examples and scenarios (names changed) so that we can use some real-life situations. It will be lively and fun!
September 19th, 2007
Carolyn Paddock Moore - Functional Manager for Design Enablement, IBM
George Thompson - Integrated Supply Chain Manager, IBM
Jim Michael - Technology Development Manager, IBM
Chris Marcus - Software Development Manager, Vertek Corporation
One solution to Vermont's technical workforce challenge is leveraging a remote workforce. Come hear how your business can be successful working with virtual employees in a distributed environment. Potential challenges range from technology to personnel management.
August 15th, 2007
2nd Annual Summer Cruise - 6:30 to 9 pm, Spirit of Ethan Allen III
Set sail with vtSDA and friends aboard the Spirit of Ethan Allen III for our second annual sunset cruise. Enjoy spirits and hors d'oeuvres amid the spectacular setting of Lake Champlain. There are only 3 agenda items for this summer meeting: fun, fun, and fun. No pre-meeting work will be required. Bring your employees, friends, colleagues and clients for the fun--all are welcome.
July 18th, 2007
Todd Nenninger - Smith, Bell & Thompson, Inc. Steve Walsh - OneBeacon InsuranceThe cost of litigation to information and network technology companies has risen dramatically in recent years as a result of product and service disputes. More and more customers are willing to sue long established business partners for performance failure problems and the increases in the average size and length of contracts has risen the plaintiff's chances that a performance failure will be worth the fight and result in large jury awards.
June 20th, 2007
Michael Lane - Chief Operations Officer for Dealer.comRick Gibbs - Chief Technological Officer, Dealer.comDealer.com provides internet marketing solutions to the automotive industry. The solutions include websites, search engine marketing, search engine optimization, and sales performance analytics.
May 16th, 2007
Michael Kirick - Kirick Engineering Associates, P.C. Marge Keough - Chittenden Solid Waste DistrictWilliam Maclay - William Maclay Architects and Planners
Tom Longstreth - ReCycle North Michael Russom - Efficiency VermontRobin Ingenthron - Good Point RecyclingAndrea Asch - Ben and Jerry's Edward Shepard - Small Dog Electronics
Tiffany Ward - Chittenden County Transportation Authority
This month's meeting brings together a panel of speakers who are experts in helping businesses to: reduce energy consumption, recycle computers, properly dispose of electronic waste, leverage greener transportation options, buying greener products, and more.
April 18th, 2007
Alex Broussard - Vice President/CTO, EpikOneTed Adler - President, Union Street MediaThis month's panel will be comprised of employers who will discuss their experiences engaging and molding interns who eventually became employees within their organizations. After the panel discussion, a number of local colleges will outline their internship programs and what types of interns they offer. The end result will be a healthly conversation about the internship process and how both colleges and employers can take advantage of this invaluable workforce development tool.
March 21st, 2007
James Douglas - Governor of VermontPat Moulton - Commissioner of LaborMike Quinn - Commissioner of Economic DevelopmentGovernor James Douglas will be making remarks about the Vermont Software Development sector and its role in Vermont's economic future. We've also been informed that he has plans to make a very special announcement regarding the vtSDA. Mike Quinn and Pat Moulton will follow the Governor's remarks with a presentation and Q&A period about the Vermont business environment, specifically relating to the software industry.
February 21st, 2007
Bill Schubart - CEO, Resolution, Inc.Pat Robins - Co-Founder, SymQuestBill Schubart and Pat Robins are two of Vermont's most prominent business leaders and are also high-tech pioneers in our state.
Bill and Pat will talk about their vision of the potential of the Software Industry in Vermont, their experiences growing their companies, the state of economic development in Vermont and what businesses are (and can be) doing to help themselves.
January 17th, 2007
Michael Ancel - Career Services, University of Vermont
Craig Damon - Chair, IT & Software Engineering, Vermont Technical College
Melissa Hersh - Director, Workforce Development Center, Champlain College
Allan Rodgers - Executive Director, VT Workforce & Business Development Network
A panel discussion with representatives of Vermont colleges and universities. Learn what they're doing to prepare students for software related jobs, and what they're doing now to help employers connect with young talent.
December 13th, 2006
Markey Read - Principal, Career Networks Inc.Kathie Taft - Principal, Technical Connection Inc.Ted Castle - Founder, Rhino FoodsGerry Ghazi - President, Vermont HITECIn prior meetings we have heard numerous people describe the difficulty of finding new employees and/or contractors with the right skills and experience. This panel of experts has creative solutions and best practices to address this common problem.
November 15th, 2006
Tom Rainey - President, Vermont Center for Emerging TechnologiesJudith Van Houten - Vermont EPSCoROver the past few years UVM has made significant efforts to promote research and development of cutting edge technologies, fund it through grants and provide facilities for budding companies to do it within. This discussion explores the possibilities.
October 18th, 2006
Tom Evslin - Software developer, entrepreneur, author
Tom Evslin's remarkable career has taken him from nerd to CEO to novelist and consultant with a brief stop as Transportation Secretary for the State of Vermont. He founded and ran a successful Vermont software company for a number of years, an experience which became a springboard to even bigger and better things.
September 20th, 2006
Phil Daniels - President of TD Banknorth Vermont
Jim Keyes - President Citizens Financial Group
Cairn Cross - Fresh Tracks Capital
Don Baker - KeyBank
A panel discussion on how to position your company to get financing and capital investment.
August 16th, 2006
1st Annual Summer Cruise - 6:30 to 9 pm, Spirit of Ethan Allen III
Set sail with vtSDA and friends aboard the Spirit of Ethan Allen III for our first annual sunset cruise. Enjoy spirits and hors d'oeuvres amid the spectacular setting of Lake Champlain. There are only 3 agenda items for this summer meeting: fun, fun, and fun. No pre-meeting work will be required. Bring your employees, friends, colleagues and clients for the fun--all are welcome.
July 19th, 2006
Jeffrey Carr - Economic & Policy Resources (EPR)
Jeff Carr is the Corporate VP and Economist at EPR, www.epreconomics.com, a Williston company with a national audience. Jeff has 22 years of experience as an economist with particular expertise in macroeconomics, economic forecasting, forensic economics, economic impact analysis, and fiscal policy analysis for federal, state, and local governments.
June 21st, 2006
Mark Blanchard - Vermont Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Mark is the Technology & Commercialization Advisor for VT SBDC. This statewide position was created in 2003 to focus on technology companies. Mark has significant experience in the private sector including success with the federal SBIR Program.
May 17th, 2006
Thom Robbins - Microsoft New England
Software development is changing at light speed. Gone are the days of single person development. Team based development with faster cycle times and quality code are becoming a driving force in the industry.
April 19th, 2006
Rich Tarrant
In 1969, at age 26, Rich Tarrant and his partner co-founded Burlington Data Processing, now IDX Corporation. In 1995, IDX went public, trading on the Nasdaq, with revenues of $128 million and 1,095 employees. At the end of 2005, IDX had approximately 2,400 employees, and revenues of over $500 million. On January 4 of this year, GE acquired IDX.
March 15th, 2006
Kevin Dorn - Secretary of the Agency of Commerce & Community Development
A discussion will be held regarding Government policies and fostering a favorable business climate for the software industry.
February 15th, 2006
Jo Bradley - CEO, VT Economic Development Authority
VEDA is Vermont's economic development finance authority, a quasi-governmental agency with assets of approximately $125 million. While VEDA is similar to a bank in its ability to offer loans to businesses, it is usually able to offer below-market rates.
Jan 18th, 2006
Open Membership Discussion - How can VTSDA Move Forward and Benefit the Membership?
VTSDA has been around since late 2004. Since this time we have had many monthly meetings, but what else has VTSDA accomplished? What do we currently have in the works? What else should we be thinking about? Who would like to get more involved to help us move forward?
Come to this meeting to have a voice in the future of VTSDA.
December 14th, 2005
Don Cummings & Frank Driscoll - Decision Support, Inc.
Ensuring Success through Implementation: Frank Driscoll has developed a unique project management model designed to optimize implementation of software products. We will discuss applications of this model and compare to other project management processes.
November 16th, 2005
Gary Savard - www.champlain.edu
How is a shift in technical education impacting the marketplace? For jobs? For new business opportunities in technology? And just how will it impact new grads and their careers? along with companies looking to hire? Gary Savard, Director of the Software Engineering Program at Champlain College, will provide his insights on industry standards and trends.
October 19th, 2005
David Chioffi - www.technologytelesales.com/
We all know how hard it is to sell ourselves -- particularly on the phone. David Chioffi of Technology Telesales, Inc. will share the benefit of his expertise acquired over 25 years of selling IT services and products.
September 21th, 2005
Jeffrey McMahan - www.dinse.com
A discussion of the legal and business matters that companies should make sure they have reviewed and put in order before they invite the scrutiny of lenders, investors or acquirers. Specific topics included governance and financial control practices, intellectual property ownership and protection, employment matters, contract review and corporate record-keeping.
June 15th, 2005
Brian Monbouquette - Partner @ www.gfc.comMichael Keller - CPA, Co-Managing Partner @ www.gfc.comRevenue recognition for software developers, R & D tax credits and recognition of support revenue are some of the toughest business issues facing product developers. Recognition of service revenue in general can also a problem our businesses struggle with. Join tax experts from Gallagher, Flynn & Co. with experience in these areas to learn how to address these complex problems.
May 18th, 2005
Rocki Lee DeWitt - Ph.D., Dean of UVM School of Business Administration
Software developers frequently create business process solutions for their clients. These engagements can provide an opportunity to reflect on your own business practices. Which ones you choose to adopt and which you discard should depend upon your strategy. We'll discuss different strategies and the processes associated with making those strategies work.
April 20th, 2005
Ben Bosher - Benefit Design & Strategies Paul Toth - www.hrresolution.comA panel discussion is planned to answer your questions about providing benefits to your employees and other important issues regarding being a great employer.
March 16th, 2005
Amy Santanello - Sr. Research Analyst from Meta Group, Inc.Darcy Carter - Vermont Office Of Small Business AdministrationDo you want to know how you can break into doing business with the government? Join us at our March meeting! A panel of industry experts will be shedding light on winning business in the public sector.
Feb 16th, 2005
Business Development & Sales Discussion
At this meeting, we held a roundtable discussion on Business Development & Sales. Many great questions were posed, and we had a dynamic discussion on business development and sales issues. We heard stories of success and failure, and all learned from everyone else's experiences. By sharing our expertise in these areas, we were able to all head back to the office with a new technique to try.
Dec 15th,2004
Peter Kunin, Esq. - Intellectual Property specialist at Downs Rachlin Martin
Topic - Software Contracts and Key Legal and Business Issues That Vendors Should Address in Their Software License Agreements and Software Services Agreements
Peter Kunin, Esq., Intellectual Property specialist at Downs Rachlin Martin gave a fantastic presentation in layman's terms about what we should include and also watch out for when contracting to write software for our clients.
October 26th, 2004
Stan Eames - President and CEO of Synergy Software
Stan will give a presentation on how his rapidly growing software development firm is providing eldercare client case management systems to social service agencies nationwide.
September 29th, 2004
The Vermont Software Developers' Alliance held its first official meeting today.