North Dakota Technology Council News

2010 priorities set:
The ITCND board of directors has approved the 2010 work plan, which serves as the organization’s road map for the upcoming year.

Identified by the board as 2010 priorities were:

– Continuing implementation of the IT Career Awareness Program with the objective of informing 7-12th graders, their parents and educators, of North Dakota IT career opportunities

– Publishing the 2011 State of the IT Industry Guide, which will be used to demonstrate the importance of IT to North Dakota to government, business and education leaders

– Developing the 2011 Legislative Agenda, which will address IT issues in areas such as workforce development, capital formation, connectivity, Internet governance, tax credits and IT procurement

– Implementing a membership networking initiative, which will include co-hosting the 2010 ND IT Symposium, holding a roundtable luncheon series and a business-after-hours event, and partnering with local technology groups on events


Grab a Byte in March:
You are invited to attend one of ITCND’s March “Grab a Byte” networking luncheons. This is an excellent opportunity to discuss IT issues, provide potential IT solutions and catch up with colleagues.

The informal discussions will feature a timely topic and be facilitated by an ITCND director. Details on each are below. For more information and to register, visit the ITCND website.

Disaster Recovery – Fargo
Monday, March 1, 2010
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Grazies, Fargo, ND
2000 44th Street SW (in the Multiband Tower)
Facilitated by: Gary Inman, Senior Vice President of Technology, State Bank and Trust
Register by: Wednesday, Feb. 24

How secure is your IT infrastructure? – Minot
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Sevens, Minot, ND
2315 North Broadway
Facilitated by: Dr. Lori Willoughby, BIT Department Chair, Minot State University
Register by: Monday, March 1

Data Backup and Storage – Bismarck
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Bistro, Bismarck, ND
1103 East Front Avenue
Facilitated by: Kalvin Kingsley, Operations Director, K2 Interactive
Register by: Friday, March 5

Who Should Attend
Anyone in your organization interested in the featured topic should join us. Non-ITCND members are welcome, so spread the word and bring a friend!

Registration and Fee
The networking event is free, but registration is required, and you will be responsible for covering your lunch. Questions regarding the event can be directed to office@itcnd.org.


IT Award nominations sought:
ITCND is seeking nominations for its 2010 North Dakota IT Awards. The nomination form is available on the ITCND website. The nomination deadline is Friday, March 19.

Nominations are sought in the following categories:

– Premier IT Business Award recognizing a business that has achieved outstanding success by developing and/or providing IT business solutions. Businesses deriving the majority of revenue from the sale of information technology products or services are eligible for this award.

– Technology Innovator Award recognizing an entity that has been a leader in the use of innovative technology to serve its primary customer. Businesses from any industry, government agencies and educational institutions are eligible for this award.

– North Dakota IT Champion recognizing an individual who has championed the development of a North Dakota IT company, the promotion and/or use of technology in the academic realm or the delivery of technology to North Dakota citizens. Entrepreneurs, educators, legislators and government officials are eligible for this award.

The winners will be recognized at the IT Awards Program on May 12 during the noon luncheon at the ND IT Symposium at the Hilton Garden Inn, Fargo.

For more information, contact Alexis Brinkman, IT Awards coordinator, at 701-355-4458.


ND IT Symposium registration available:
ND IT Symposium co-hosts, ITCND and the Fargo CIO Exchange, encourage IT executives and their management teams to attend the 2nd Annual ND IT Symposium to be held May 12 at the Hilton Garden Inn, Fargo.

The goal of the Symposium is to create an environment conducive to peer networking among IT executives, their respective management teams and a select few IT vendors. This is achieved by providing peer-driven content addressing relevant issues faced by today’s IT leaders. A list of confirmed speakers to date is below.

As the premier event in the state for IT leaders, the 2009 ND IT Symposium attracted over 100 executives from more than 60 of the region’s top IT organizations. The 2010 event has an anticipated attendance of over 150 IT practitioners statewide and will feature two keynotes, a moderated CIO panel and 16 individual breakout sessions.

Registration Information
IT executives and practitioners from non-IT vendor businesses can register and find additional information at the event website. Registration will not be accepted from non-sponsoring IT vendors, but companies are welcome to visit with Dennis Robinson regarding future event sponsorships.

ITCND Discount
ITCND members receive a $50 discount by entering Promo Code: ITCND when registering online. Membership will be verified upon registration. If you are not a member and are interested in joining, visit www.itcnd.org or contact Deana Wiese, executive director, at 701-355-4458.

Confirmed Speakers
– Gary Inman, Senior Vice President of IT – State Bank & Trust
– Patrick Spilman, Senior Vice President & Chief Information Officer – Basin Electric Power Cooperative
– Peggy Monson, Director, Enterprise Technology Services – MDU Resources Group, Inc.
– Jason Neuharth, Project Manager – State Bank & Trust
– Tim Heilman, Chief Information Officer – Choice Financial Group
– Jason Yoder, IT Manager – Baker Boy Bake Shop, Inc.
– Michael Toy, Senior Vice President of IT and Corporate Operations – First International Bank & Trust


IT career pathways progress made:
More than 40 college IT educators and IT industry representatives gathered at the MDU Resources Group headquarters in Bismarck last month to discuss strategies for creating seamless IT career pathways for North Dakota students.

The retreat was effective in opening lines of communication between industry and education as well as between colleges within the North Dakota University System and our state’s private colleges. The retreat had the following results:
– Articulation agreements are being established between individual colleges.
– A meeting is being planned to discuss credit transferability within the CIS major.
– The group has committed to future meetings to ensure progress.

Industry involvement is strongly encouraged in this ongoing process. If you or someone from your organization is interested in participating in future discussions, contact Ray Hintz, North Dakota Department for Career and Technical Education IT supervisor, at 701-328-1720.


Public Policy Committee members sought:
The 2011 Legislative Session is less than a year away, and ITCND will soon begin preparing its 2011 Legislative Agenda. If you or someone from your organization is interested in serving on the Public Policy Committee, contact Deana at 701-355-4458 by Monday, Feb. 22.

The committee will meet 2-3 times in 2010 to develop the legislative agenda and as needed during the 2011 session to address issues important to ND’s IT industry. All meetings are held via conference call.

If you have questions regarding the committee or ITCND’s legislative process or have issues that should be brought to the attention of the committee, contact Deana at the information above.


Spring and summer internships wanted:
Internships provide a valuable way for students to make connections with businesses and identify career options in ND. Governor John Hoeven and the ND Legislature have recognized the importance of expanding internship and work experience opportunities, working with the Department of Commerce to facilitate the Operation Intern program.

The program is designed to expand the number of new internship, work experience and apprenticeship positions with employers. Employers in the state’s targeted industries, including technology-based businesses, can access up to $6,000 of matching funds for each new position created. Up to $5,000 in matching funds is also available for a federal internship position supporting ND’s targeted industries.

Of the participating companies who completed exit interviews, 73 percent report the experience is making it easier to find qualified/skilled workforce. Of the students completing their experience and exit interview, 69 percent report the internship has influenced their decision to work in ND and 84 percent want to work in the state.

The Department of Commerce is accepting applications for 2010 spring and summer semester internships. Tap into the energized potential of an intern this summer. Applications are available at the Operation Intern website. For more information, contact Sarah Johnson at 701-328-7264.


Member Bits & Bytes:
Dickey Rural Networks – Ellendale, ND

Dickey Rural Networks (DRN) is a high tech telecommunications company. DRN provides high speed internet, cable television, voice service with an array of calling features, phone systems, data storage, security systems, anti-virus protection, web hosting, websites, packaging and much more. DRN provides “A Greater Experience” to their customers!

Future opportunities for DRN and the IT industry in the state: The quad play – bringing a wireless solution to our customers.

Current challenges facing DRN and the IT industry in the state: The loss of network access and landlines.

Learn more about DRN here or by contacting Kari Nishek at 701-344-6060.

If you are interested in having your business featured in an upcoming "Member Bits & Bytes," email ITCND. Requests will be honored on a first-come, first-served basis.









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