GSA Technology Council

Northstar Creative, based in downtown Greenville, announces the launch of a website for Carolina Safety Consultants at www.csc-llc.net. Carolina Safety Consultants helps its clients provide a safer workplace and an even more competitive position in their industry. Northstar Creative developed an informative site that will help CSC in their presentations to potential clients.

“We enjoyed working with Carolina Safety Consultants,” says Laura MacPherson, president of Northstar Creative. “They are dedicated to safety and make it an enjoyable exercise for their clients—they have fun with it.”

via: Northstar Creative

Customer Effective Inc., a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner and value-added reseller of Microsoft Dynamics CRM, has been named 2009 Microsoft Dynamics Financial Services Partner of the Year, chosen from a field of nearly 2,000 entrants worldwide. The award recognizes partners who have exhibited excellence in providing innovative and unique solutions based on Microsoft Dynamics to customers in the financial services industry. Customer Effective has demonstrated industry knowledge and expertise, as well as consistent, high-quality, predictable service to Microsoft Dynamics customers.

“We are very pleased with Microsoft’s recognition of our success in delivering CRM solutions to the unique and demanding requirements of financial services companies,” said Scott Millwood, President of Customer Effective. “I’m really proud of everyone in our company for the hard work they have put into building our customer base and for building superb solutions in complex financial services vertical markets over the past six years. It’s great for the team to see their hard work result in this prestigious award. I’m equally pleased with Microsoft’s continued guidance and support in helping us grow to become the recognized leader in financial services.”

Customer Effective has completed over 300 projects with 170 customers and partners since the company was founded in 2003 to focus exclusively on Microsoft Dynamics CRM. The company’s customers include Bank of America, FBR Capital Markets, First Reserve, Markel Corporation, MAG Mutual Insurance Company, Taylor, Bean and Whitaker, Valmark Securities and CapTrust Financial Advisors. Customer Effective’s success in financial services is based upon deep business process knowledge and delivery of Microsoft Dynamics CRM with “XRM” Accelerators specifically configured to address the sophisticated relational models and processes of financial services micro-verticals.

“Microsoft is proud to recognize Customer Effective as the Microsoft Dynamics Financial Services Partner of the Year,” said David Smith, General Manager, U.S. Microsoft Dynamics Partners, Microsoft Corp. “Customer Effective’s innovative solutions based on Microsoft Dynamics CRM have helped their financial services customers achieve their business goals and succeed. Their Capital Effective CRM solution delivers business-class solutions to financial professionals across insurance, banking, and capital markets.”

via: Customer Effective

Have you ever wondered what it takes to build a web site from scratch?

Patterned after a community building effort for a home or a playground, PumpUpTheSite is a day-long community effort to build a better web site for a non-profit organization that can’t afford a much-needed refresh. This time, on July 11, the Greenville Jaycees will get a web site that helps the Jaycees better communicate its goal of building business leaders and supports fundraising efforts.

Aspiring web site builders, established web site professionals, media professionals and the generally curious are invited. Greenville-area web designers, programmers and consultants will gather on Saturday, July 11, to sit down at the OrangeCoat office in Greenville. Their goal is to complete all graphic design, copy and programming necessary to launch the web site at the end of the day.

PumpUpTheSite is looking for people with any level of skill who are willing to help build the site. The participants don’t like to work alone, however, so the general public is invited to give feedback and support as the site is being built.

There will be plenty of seats for participants and spectators alike, and food will be provided by our sponsors. Simply register (for free) at www.pumpupthesite.com.This event is limited to the first 50 registrants.

The Jaycees helps young adults build the skills needed to be successful at work through service projects. The Greenville chapter of this international charitable organization raises thousands of dollars annually for Camp Hope, a summer camp for disabled adults, and special events like the Christmas Shopping tour supporting the Boys and Girls Club.

PumpUpTheSite has been organized by OrangeCoat, View Digital Media and Nullvariable Web Consulting.

via: www.PumpUpTheSite.com

I asked PepWorks Chief Encouragement Officer, and upcoming presenter, Greg Blake, what the audience should expect to hear on July 8th. This is what he told me:

The Opening Line of the Tale of Two Cities says…

It was the best of times. It was the worst of times These are truly the times that try men’s souls.. and women’s souls.

A billboard in Atlanta sums it all up, “Due to the recent stimulus package, bailouts and current market conditions, the light at the end of the tunnel has been turned off.”

Our 401 Ks have become K’s at best. So how do you keep your sanity in a world seemingly gone insane? How do you thrive and not just survive?

How do you get stressed for success in times of economic distress?

You will learn 5 Lifeblood Principles to help you Boom in Times of gloom

• Passion, Priorities and Purpose are paramount
• Lead with integrity character and ethical behavior
• Accept and embrace change in a changing technological world
• Share your heart with your people along with your mind
• Make a difference in the life of one person today
• Attitude and a true north mindset is crucial for success

Success is what we do WITH others on a day to day basis

Join us for all of this and more at the GSATC Learning Lunch on July 8!

For our July Learning Lunch we have nationally recognized speaker and Greenville Peplosopher, Greg Blake. Greg runs high-impact speaking events and rallies all over the country, helping businesses renew their energy and then focus on making great things happen. Being around Greg is energizing enough, but having him lead our learning lunch will be a super charge for you that you won’t want to miss. Do something good for yourself and have lunch with Greg Blake in July.

GSATC Learning Lunch
Topic: Stressed for Success – How to Boom through the Gloom
Presented by: Greg Blake
Date: Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Greg Blake, (BA, MS) is the 6’7” Chief “Encouragement” Officer for PepWorks International based in Greenville, SC. He is one of the leading corporate “edutainers” in America today.

Before founding PepWorks, Greg was the Leadership Development and Diversity Specialist for the Greenville Hospital system, BMW, and Denny’s. He now is pursuing his life-long passion to “Positively Encourage Professionals in the workplace.”

He is raising the spirit and morale of organizations across the country…. helping them to become employers of choice having leaders of choice in these uncertain, challenging and turbulent times.

Greg conducts PepTalks! (regional and national keynotes), PepRallies! (Team Advance Workouts) and his PepSchool! (Leadership Institute for Excellence) for clients like: BASF, Ford, Michelin, Motorola, Lockheed Martin Aircraft, Goodrich, St Jude Medical, Kemet, Sonoco, JHM Hotels, Duke University Medical Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham Women’s Hospital, Clemson University, University of South Carolina and the Centers for Disease Control, C Dan Joyner, Coldwell Banker Caine and USAA.

Greg Blake speaks to the GSA Technology Council in July.

What do people say about Greg Blake?

You have left a lasting impression on me personally and professionally.
- Greenville First Bank

You made us laugh, you made us cry, you made us think.
- CEO, American Rehabilitation

Your message needs to be heard at every Fortune 500.
- Dir. of HR, BASF Corp.

A refreshing and much needed perspective on what we value.
- Novant Healthcare Systems

What a great workout. Thanks for engaging the audience.
- American Association of Plastic Surgeons

You captured our attention with your energy and enthusiasm.
- Director of HR-Diving Dining Group

I’m pretty sure Greg Blake glows in the dark
- Phil Yanov, GSA Technology Council

AFL Network Services, a leader of integrated network solutions for the hospitality and telecommunications industry, announces it was selected to install state-of-the-art network infrastructure as part of Peabody Hotel Group’s $450 million expansion of the Peabody Orlando. AFL will provide engineering support, materials, and installation for the voice, data and video networks.

Given the high rate of leisure traffic and ranking as the nation’s No. 2 convention destination, Orlando has a reputation for some of the best hotels in the country. At the top of the list is the Peabody Hotel, one of the most luxurious sites in the city and neighbor to the Orange County Convention Center on International Drive. Priding itself on catering to the meetings and conventions industry nationwide, the Peabody Hotel has established itself as the Orlando convention hotel of choice for the nation’s professional meeting planners. In order to accommodate the many vacationers and business executives that travel to the area week in and week out, the Peabody sought to expand its operations, adding a new tower to its existing properties.

“We selected AFL as our service provider out of a group of highly-qualified contenders,” said Michael Craft, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for the Peabody Hotel Group. “This project is critical to our company and is very complex due to its size, as well as the quality that we are demanding of the completed product. We believe AFL is well- qualified to handle the cabling component of the project, and are counting on it to meet our technical requirements on schedule and on budget. We are very pleased with how AFL’s work is progressing thus far”.

With a target completion date of Fall 2010, the Peabody expansion includes a new 32-story guest room tower. With 1,641 luxurious rooms the Peabody Orlando will become the largest four star hotel in North America, excluding casino properties. Other project highlights include a 55,000 square foot ballroom, three new pools and a 2,100 vehicle parking garage. From conference room to poolside cabana, all guest areas of the hotel will have access to a wide range of technology amenities.

AFL Network Services scope of work includes the installation of nearly one million feet of Cat5e cabling, intended for voice applications, and RG-6 coaxial cable will be installed for transmitting cable television and other video applications. Approximately one million feet of Cat6 cable with connectivity will be installed to allow for a high-speed data infrastructure, helping facilitate records, billing, and information that the hotel will store in its computers. The data infrastructure will also transmit digital signage information throughout the hotel and convention center. The entire fiber backbone will consist of AFL fiber and connectors.

“AFL Network Services is extremely pleased to be selected for such an exciting project. The scope of this project is a showcase for AFL’s expertise with end-to-end network solutions and value engineering. We look forward to celebrating the grand opening of the new expansion,” stated Kent Brown – Vice President, Enterprise of AFL Network Services.

AFL Network Services’ mission is to provide advanced hospitality technology and network management services. AFL not only provides expertise in end-to-end network solutions, but partners with clients to ensure guest satisfaction and loyalty. Whether building, upgrading or expanding network communication systems, AFL has extensive knowledge of the latest technologies in the industry.

via AFL Network Services

The Greenville Area Development Corporation, the county-chartered organization tasked with promoting and enhancing the economic growth of Greenville County, announced the naming of four Upstate leaders to officer positions on the organization’s Board of Directors for 2009-10.

GADC President & CEO Jerry Howard announced the election of Mike Buiter as chairman, Jo Watson Hackl as vice chair, Scott Case as secretary, and Ray Lattimore as treasurer.

“All four of these leaders are knowledgeable about the Greenville community and have historically played important, participative roles in helping to attract quality jobs to Greenville County,” said Howard in making the announcement. “They will make an exceptional leadership team for our community and for this organization.”

Mr. Buiter is a professor in the School of Business at Bob Jones University where he teaches both graduate and undergraduate classes in accounting, accounting theory, business strategy and entrepreneurship. He is the former vice president of finance for Dr. Pepper/Seven-Up Companies, Inc. prior to retiring in 1995, when he was named chief executive officer of BJU Press in Greenville. He has been a member of the board of directors of the Greenville Area Development Corporation since 2005, is a certified public accountant, and serves on the board of The Wilds Christian Camp.

Ms. Hackl is an attorney with the Greenville-based law firm Wyche Burgess Freeman & Parham, P.A., a Trustee of both the Community Foundation of Greenville and The Children’s Museum, and President-Elect of the Greenville Professional Women’s Forum. Long active in civic causes and a member of the United Way Campaign Cabinet, she is a founder of the SPARKS mentoring program and a Liberty Fellow.

Mr. Lattimore is president and chief executive officer of Marketplace Staffing Services. He is a founding member and past chairman of the GADC, active with the Greater Greenville Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greenville County, a Liberty Fellow, and a member of the advisory board of BB&T.

Mr. Case is the current Greenville County auditor, a former member of Greenville County Council, and an active supporter of other economic development organizations serving Greenville County, including the Upstate Alliance and Greater Greenville Chamber of Commerce.

The new officers succeed outgoing chairman Jay Rogers, outgoing treasurer Susan Hoag, and outgoing secretary Bill Engle. Mr. Buiter previously served as vice chairman of the GADC.

Since its inception in 2001, the Greenville Area Development Corporation has announced support of more than 140 major projects representing more than $1.9 billion in capital investment and creating in excess of 8,960 new jobs. Private sector support of the GADC has also reached an all-time high, with more than 125 investor companies now contributing to the community’s and GADC’s success.

Howard expressed appreciation to the individuals whose terms were expiring for their service on the Board and to the community. “Each of these outgoing officers has played a significant role in helping move forward Greenville’s economic development mission and for that we are immensely grateful,” said Howard.

via: GADC

The first-ever ConvergeSC conference will take place on Saturday, June 27, at Amoco Hall on the University of South Carolina campus in Columbia, S.C. At this one-day event, web designers, web developers, and marketing and sales professionals whose careers involve the Web, will converge to gain insight into the Web industry from some of the brightest and best speakers in South Carolina and the Southeast.

Gene Crawford, President of PeriodThree, a web development firm, and co-founder of the conference, says that ConvergeSC grew from the need among web-focused groups to help build a more connected web community that does not exist formally in South Carolina.

“We’re spread out, working hard with our heads down,” explains Crawford. “ConvergeSC is an opportunity to educate and inspire each other to do better work. When you leave, we hope that you’re on a mission to build or design something amazing for yourselves and your clients. Whether you’re a hard core designer or a web or marketing intern, ConvergeSC is for you.”

ConvergeSC is for: web designers, web developers, business professionals, marketing professionals, content creators, and students.

Where: Amoco Hall, Swearingen Building, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of South Carolina, 301 Main Street, Columbia, S.C.

When: Saturday, June 27.

To register online, go to www.convergesc.org.

Area Sales Professionals, CEOs, Presidents, and Senior Managers are invited to attend “No Pressure Business Development for Technology Professionals” This one day workshop will be held Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at the Embassy Suites Hotel.

Russ Davis, internationally recognized sales expert and Principal of Sandler Training’s Greenville office, will provide advice about how companies can thrive even in a down economy.

“Opportunities exist in all market conditions,” Davis says. “Sometimes they’re just harder to find – that presents the challenge.”

This workshop will help attendees to quickly identify a sales potential and provide the tactics to obtain it.

To register for the workshop, call 864-527-0497 or visit www.rdavis.sandler.com. Seating is limited, and advanced registration is required.

via: www.rdavis.sandler.com