GSA Technology Council

Executives from Sirius XM Radio Inc., and Mansfield Oil Company will be recognized during the fourth annual “Celebration of Clemson Alumni Entrepreneurs” on Tuesday, April 14, at the Madren Conference Center at Clemson University, with a reception beginning at 5:30 p.m. and the presentation at 6:30 p.m.

Gary Parsons, a 1972 graduate of Clemson in computer and electrical engineering, is chairman of Sirius XM Radio, Inc. Parsons founded XM Satellite Radio in the mid-1990’s and served as Chairman there until the merger of Sirius and XM Radio last year. Sirius XM Radio is the second-largest radio company in the country, based on revenue, with over 18.5 million subscribers.

Following his graduation from Clemson, Parsons began his career as an engineer with BellSouth. He was one of the principals of Telecom*USA, the nation’s fourth largest fiber optic long distance carrier, which was acquired by MCI in 1990. Parsons went on to serve as Executive Vice President of MCI Communications.

Doug Haugh, a 1994 Clemson graduate in chemical engineering, is executive vice president and chief information officer of Mansfield Oil Company, a nationwide provider of fuel supply, distribution logistics and delivery services. With more than $5 billion in sales in 2008, Mansfield was ranked by Forbes as the 66th largest private company in America.

Previously, Haugh co-founded FuelQuest Inc., a company that provides supply chain management and tax automation solutions across the downstream energy industry with over 750 clients including Walmart, Shell, UPS and ExxonMobil. Haugh and co-founder Rich Cilento won Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award for Energy Technology in 2006.

The event is free but registration is required at http://business.clemson.edu/Spiro/AlumniEnts2009regform.html.

2008 was the fifth straight year of employment gains in the tech industry’s two strongest sectors — software services, which added 86,200 net jobs, and engineering and tech services, which added 26,600 net jobs. The downside is that high-tech manufacturing shed 23,100 jobs and communications services shed 12,700 jobs. This is according to the 2009 Cyberstates Report from TechAmerica.org.

TechAmerica, formed by the merger of AeA and the Information Technology Association of America (ITAA), today released its 12th annual Cyberstates report, which includes a first-ever supplement with a 3rd and 4th quarter breakdown of 2008 tech employment. Fourth quarter data show the tech industry’s resilience compared to the U.S. economy as a whole, having sustained only a 0.6 percent drop in employment, or 38,000 jobs, in Q4 2008 when total private-sector employment declined by 1.3 percent.

The high-tech industry has added 382,900 jobs to the U.S. economy over the last four years. The industry added 77,000 net jobs in 2008, for a total of 5.9 million workers. This was on top of 79,600 added in 2007, 139,000 in 2006, and 87,400 in 2005.

The Cyberstates 2009 report — which details national and state trends in high-tech employment, wages, and other key economic factors for all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico — shows that California’s high-tech industry added 2,000 net jobs for an industry total of 942,700 in 2007, the most current year for which state data is available. This marks the third net increase in jobs since the tech bubble began to burst in 2000. Leading the way in job creation were the computer systems design and related services sector (+12,600 jobs), R&D and testing labs (+8,800), and engineering services (+2,500 jobs).

Cyberstates 2009 Highlights

• U.S. high-tech employment totaled 5.9 million in 2008.


• Tech employment was up in 2008 by 77,000 or by 1.3 percent.


• High-tech manufacturing employment fell by 1.3 percent, losing 23,100 jobs between 2007 and 2008.


• The semiconductor industry lost the most jobs of any manufacturing sector, 10,900 in 2008.


• Six of the nine tech manufacturing sectors lost jobs in 2007. Only the communications equipment, defense electronics, and electromedical equipment sectors added jobs.


• The communications services sector continued to shed jobs in 2008, albeit at a faster pace, losing 12,700 compared to a loss of 7,200 in 2007.


• The software services industry added 86,200 jobs in 2008, up for the fifth year in a row.


• The engineering and tech services industry added 26,600 jobs in 2008, also up for the fifth year in a row, putting it at an all time high.


• The unemployment rate for electrical engineers was 2.5 percent in 2008 and 2.7 percent for computer and math occupations.


• The tech industry paid an annual average wage of $83,300 in 2007, 88 percent more than the average private sector wage of $44,400.

The Full report is available for purchase at Cyberstates 2009

Where can the government invest in technology and help jumpstart the economy? The group of technology companies forming the Information Technology Industry Council have put forth their ideas on the subject. They appear below:

Maximize the benefits of high speed broadband. Provide competitive grants for rural broadband deployment in un-served areas; create tax credits and expensing provisions to upgrade existing broadband infrastructure; and enable small and medium sized businesses to expense broadband equipment and applications. The Communications Workers of America estimates the proposal would create 97,500 direct jobs with every $5 billion investment.

Bring new capital into the U.S. Allow U.S. based companies to return overseas profits at a reduced rate for a specified window of time. The return of overseas profits would be the most effective of economic stimulus proposals because it would enable immediate direct investment in the U.S. and create jobs in a wide range of industries. There is over $500 billion that could be repatriated to stimulate the U.S. economy, according to the American Council for Capital Formation.

Accelerate the growth of the health IT marketplace. Increase funding for existing, federally funded pilot projects that enable investment in interoperable health information technology; and provide tax incentives and grants to health care providers to invest in health information technology that is interoperable, promotes patient-centered care, reduces administrative costs, and incorporates data security technology to protect patient information. Incentives will immediately decrease out-of-pocket expenses for providers and lead to improved health care delivery and quality and more efficient operations. A Rand Corporation study found that America’s healthcare system could save more than $81 billion per year, while also improving the quality of care, if it were to broadly adopt computerized medical records.

Invest in research and development to create jobs. Increase funding for existing federal scientific infrastructure modernization programs that are in a position to utilize additional funds quickly at the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Standards & Technology and Department of Energy Office of Science; and provide a robust increase in the R&D tax credit, specifically the Alternative Simplified Credit to 20 percent for two years. A recent study by Ernst & Young found that a companies¹ employees¹ wages and salaries accounted for 70 percent of qualifying research expenditures, meaning an increased credit will help pay more wages. The National Science Board reports that funding for academic research infrastructure has not kept pace with rapidly changing technology and should receive additional funding to provide scientists and engineers with advanced tools, facilities, and cyber-infrastructure.

Build innovative green energy solutions. Provide direct incentives to business and consumers for the purchase and development of energy efficient IT solutions; provide funding for smart energy technologies to monitor and reduce peak energy demands in homes, businesses and the government; and fund government projects to purchase energy efficient IT solutions and upgrade government infrastructure, including buildings, data centers and equipment. These provisions will decrease energy costs for businesses, consumers and the government, and encourage creation of green jobs. According to the University of Massachusetts Political Economy Research institute, an immediate federal investment of $100 billion in energy efficiency and renewable technology could create 2 million jobs.

Strengthen the skills of the American workforce. Increase funding for workforce training programs that will improve the technical and IT skills of the American workforce, particularly in green technologies, health IT and advanced manufacturing; and expand transition assistance (TAA) and other support for workers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 12 of the 20 fastest growing occupations over the next decade will be in healthcare and computer or technician related occupations.

via: Information Technology Industry Council

Carolina Pad is taking its first steps into the eco-friendly marketplace with the release of the Sasquatch(R) Brand, a line of school and office products composed mostly of recycled materials.

Through a partnership with brand developer Don Baddour, president of High Peak Co., Inc., Carolina Pad has launched an interactive, environmentally-friendly brand and Web site that encourages users to find the Sasquatch in their own lives. Starting this spring, Sasquatch notebooks, binders, folders, and writing tools will be available at Kmart, Staples, Target, Walgreens, and Wal-Mart.

Baddour believes that the Sasquatch story is the ideal vehicle for encouraging environmental stewardship among young consumers. “Sasquatch is the ultimate environmentalist, as well as one of the most recognizable ecological characters,” says Baddour, who trademarked the brand in 1988. “Kids love fun brands that also stand for something. By taking a lead in developing these products, Carolina Pad is doing more than triggering conservational awareness with them. They’re inspiring kids to develop the lifelong habits they need to take better care of our world and ‘leave nothing but tracks’.”

The Sasquatch Brand is part of a broader effort of Carolina Pad’s Commerce with a Conscience program, an initiative that promotes environmentally responsible behavior on both organizational and individual levels. “Research has shown that most kids want to contribute to environmental efforts, but aren’t sure how to do so,” said Clay Presley, CEO of Carolina Pad. “Through the Sasquatch Brand and Web site, we can provide them with a simple, fun, and meaningful way to express their commitment to the environment. We’re excited to take this first step into environmental production that not only educates young consumers, but supports Carolina Pad values.”

via: Carolina Pad

Blackbaud, Inc., a global provider of software and services designed specifically for nonprofit organizations, and PayPal, a leading global online payment service, today announced the availability of BlackbaudNow, an affordable solution to help new and growing nonprofits reach their fundraising goals. BlackbaudNow offers nonprofits a point-and-click website builder with secure donation processing and the ability to send emails and record donors’ giving histories.

In celebration of the launch, Blackbaud and PayPal are inviting nonprofits to participate in the BlackbaudNow Donation Sweepstakes. From March 30 to June 30, 2009, nonprofits that sign up for BlackbaudNow will be automatically entered in the sweepstakes. The first place contest winner will receive a matching donation of up to $2,500 and 20 additional nonprofits will receive matching donations of up to $500.

“Built on Blackbaud’s proven technology platform with secure payment processing through PayPal, BlackbaudNow provides a simple tool to help nonprofits quickly grow their supporter bases, accept donations and payments, and communicate their missions online,” said Marc Chardon, Blackbaud’s chief executive officer. “This template-driven solution is ideal for new and growing nonprofits that need instant access to basic web tools.”

BlackbaudNow is specifically designed for nonprofits, with features such as:

• WebNow—to create online presence and enable online fundraising, with point-and-click site design, and donations securely processed with PayPal
• DonorNow—to track donor giving history and communications
• EmailNow—to support email messages, e-newsletters and appeals

With this affordable solution, nonprofits do not pay any setup or monthly fees. Instead, nonprofits only pay fees on a per-transaction basis.

“We welcome the addition of BlackbaudNow to the marketplace and applaud both Blackbaud and PayPal for their efforts to provide the nonprofit sector an easy, cost-effective and secure way to take their fundraising and communications efforts online,” said Rebecca Masisak Co-CEO of TechSoup Global, a nonprofit specializing in technology assistance for community-based organizations in 23 countries.

“More than 100,000 nonprofits already use PayPal for payment processing,” said Glenn Lim, general manager of alliances and non-retail payments for PayPal. “We know that our work with Blackbaud, a trusted partner of nonprofits, will allow us to better serve our nonprofit customers and help them achieve their fundraising goals.”

Nonprofits can visit www.blackbaudnow.com to sign up for BlackbaudNow and receive instant access to WebNow, DonorNow, EmailNow and PayPal. Nonprofits that sign up will also have access to a nonprofit community with the information, knowledge, and resources to ensure their success.

via Blackbaud

Catalyst Telecom, a sales unit of ScanSource, Inc., and value-added distributor of voice, video and data convergence solutions, has named Bruce Meyer its new vice president of merchandising. Meyer brings more than 25 years of experience to this position, having previously served as vice president of global marketing, direct accounts for KEMET Electronics.

Meyer has extensive experience in identifying customer and market needs and developing strategies to meet those needs, enhance relationships and establish global marketing initiatives to increase business. What’s more, he brings significant knowledge of the supply chain through the management and support of distribution, manufacturer and direct sales channels.

In this position, Meyer will manage the strategic direction and management of the company’s vendor relationships from a marketing, inventory and leadership perspective. He will provide guidance and oversight to the Catalyst Telecom merchandising team as they continue to enhance and grow the company’s vendor relationships and develop new opportunities.

“Bruce brings a wealth of knowledge to this position, having worked on the manufacturing side of the technology business for more than 25 years,” said John Black, president of Catalyst Telecom. “His experience with all aspects of the business – sales, marketing, business development – ensures he will be a great asset to our reseller and manufacturer partners, in addition to our employees.”

Meyer received a BA in Economics and Business Administration from Furman University.

via ScanSource

The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and the Silver Crescent Foundation are seeking nominations for the 2009 Silver Crescent Manufacturer of the Year awards, honored in three categories: small, medium and large manufacturers. The deadline for submission is June 12, 2009, and the distinguished awards luncheon, Salute to Manufacturing, will be held on September 22, 2009 at the Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMT) in Florence.

For many years, the two organizations hosted separate events and manufacturing awards to honor and recognize excellence in manufacturing. This year, they have joined forces to consolidate efforts, taking the best of both events to create one special day to recognize the important role manufactur ing still plays in South Carolina’s economy.

The Salute to Manufacturing luncheon will honor the Silver Crescent Manufacturer of the Year award winners and provide an opportunity for manufacturers and community leaders to recognize the accomplishments of South Carolina’s best and brightest companies.

More information at www.scfusa.org

Register NOW for the 2009 Palmetto Open Source Software Conference, South Carolina’s only Open Source Software Conference. The one-day event is scheduled for Saturday, April 18 and will take place at Amoco Hall in USC’s Swearingen Building in Columbia, SC.

Register online at http://www.posscon.org/

The Conference is a follow-up to last year’s extremely successful inaugural effort and will feature national and local leaders in the Open Source and Business fields speaking on topics such as The State of Open Source Today, The Open Source Development Model, Open Source Alternatives to Proprietary Software, Linux, Why the Fight to Keep Open Source Open is Important, Why IT is So Important to the State of South Carolina, Why The Consortium for Enterprise Management Systems is Good for Business, and many more. In addition, a separate Developer Track has been added to target Developers and Programmers exclusively. Open Source languages such as Haskell, Erlang, Clojure, and F# will be introduced and discussed.

STUDENTS are especially encouraged to attend as many companies will be represented. Resumes will be gathered and delivered to all companies.

In addition, numerous door prizes and swag will be given away throughout the day, including t-shirts, books, zip drives, and many other things.

POSSCON is FREE to all attendees BUT everyone MUST register. Lunch and snacks will be provided.

Register online at http://www.posscon.org/

Conference Highlights:

• Lee Congdon, Red Hat CIO live and in-person


• Keith Bergelt, CEO for Open Invention Network, to give an incredibly important presentation – The Fight to Keep Open Source Open – and Why It’s Important


• Developer/Programmer track with presentations on Haskell, Erlang, Clojure, and F#


• Business Roundtable with local IT leaders discussing Open Source experiences


• Networking opportunity for Students and public and private sector entities


• Door Prizes and IT swag given away throughout the day NO CHARGE to attend – FREE lunch

FOLLOW the conference ON TWITTER @POSSCON

Register online at http://www.posscon.org/

Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) announces that the launch window for ATSB’s RazakSAT on Falcon 1 Flight 5, is currently scheduled to open Monday, April 20th at 4:00 p.m. (PDT) / 7:00 p.m. (EDT).

SpaceX’s Falcon 1 launch site is located approximately 2500 miles southwest of Hawaii on Omelek Island, part of the Reagan Test Site (RTS) at United States Army Kwajalein Atoll (USAKA) in the Central Pacific. Due to the location of the launch site, the Kwajalein local date at the opening of the launch window will be April 21st.

RazakSAT was designed and built by Astronautic Technology (M) Sdn Bhd (ATSB), a pioneer and leader in the design and manufacture of satellites in Malaysia. The satellite will be launched aboard the Falcon 1, a two-stage, liquid oxygen/rocket-grade kerosene vehicle, designed from the ground up by SpaceX.

Falcon 1 will place RazakSAT, equipped with a high resolution Medium-Sized Aperture Camera (MAC), into a near equatorial orbit. The payload is expected to provide high resolution images of Malaysia that can be applied to land management, resource development and conservation, forestry and fish migration.

SpaceX will provide live coverage of the Falcon 1 Flight 5/RazakSAT mission via webcast at: www.SpaceX.com. The webcast will begin 20 minutes prior to launch and will include mission briefings, live feeds and launch coverage from the launch site. Post-launch, video footage and photos will be available for download on the Web site.

via: SpaceX

Egypt and Greece to Cast their Vote for Planet Earth by Switching Off Lights

At 8:30 pm on March 28th in celebration of Earth Hour, lights will go out on some of the greatest monuments of the ancient world—the Acropolis of Athens and the Sphinx and Great Pyramids of Giza, as modern-day Greeks and Egyptians join Earth Hour’s global call for action on climate change.

Approximately 5,000 years after their completion, Egypt’s Great Pyramids will go dark for Earth Hour, a potent symbol of what can be achieved through collective action on March 28th when around 2,400 cities in 82 countries turn off their lights for Earth Hour.

Egypt’s First Lady Suzanne Mubarak, supports Earth Hour’s global call for action on climate change.

“Climate Change is a growing international crisis no country can afford to overlook. Global warming negatively impacts the environment as well as the health and livelihoods of people worldwide. The interconnected challenges of our time demand immediate, cooperative action.” The First Lady said. “United together, we can and will make a difference. I am pleased to offer my support of Earth Hour and am encouraged by the World Wildlife Fund’s sustainability initiatives. Earth Hour heightens awareness and brings hope to the preservation of our shared planet’s precious environment today and for generations to come.”

The lights will also go out for Earth Hour on another of the ancient world’s great monuments, the Acropolis in Athens, a poignant icon in the birthplace of modern democracy for the world’s first global vote between Earth and climate change. Completed in 5th century BC, the Acropolis is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is the pre-eminent monument on the European Cultural Heritage list of monuments.

Many companies are participating in Earth Hour as well and sending a powerful message to the world about their support for action on climate change. Members of WWF’s Climate Savers program, which mobilizes companies to reduce CO2 emissions, have pledged their support. The Coca-Cola Company will turn off iconic signs around the world, including famous marquees in New York’s Times Square, near San Francisco’s Bay Bridge, in London’s Piccadilly Circus, Sydney’s King’s Cross and on the Las Vegas strip.

As a result of the CEO’s global call to action, the company, its bottlers and its employees will be participating in Earth Hour in more than 50 countries by darkening facilities and homes. At Tetra Pak, the CEO sent a note to all employees, customers and suppliers urging participation in Earth Hour and the company has committed to turn off non-essential lights and equipment in its offices and factories. And fellow Climate Savers members Hewlett Packard, Johnson & Johnson, and JohnsonDiversey will turn off their lights for Earth Hour. Other participating companies include Marriott Hotels, who are participating at all of their properties around the world, BDO Seidman, CB Richard Ellis, Esurance, Fairmont Hotels, Four Seasons, Ingram Companies, JPMorgan Chase, Mattel, McDonald’s, National Geographic Society, Ritz Carlton, Tishman Speyer and Wells Fargo.

About World Wildlife Fund and Earth Hour

Earth Hour (www.EarthHourUS.org) is a global initiative of WWF in which millions of people around the world will cast a vote in favor of action on climate change by turning off their lights for one hour on March 28, 2009 at 8:30 pm local time. By voting with their light switches, Earth Hour participants will send a powerful, visual message to their leaders demanding immediate action on climate change. WWF is the world’s leading conservation organization, working in 100 countries for nearly half a century. With the support of almost 5 million members worldwide, WWF is dedicated to delivering science-based solutions to preserve the diversity and abundance of life on Earth, stop the degradation of the environment and combat climate change. Visit www.worldwildlife.org to learn more.

via: www.EarthHour.org