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Posted by Ariel Killen

From the Capitol...
URL: http://senate-press.com/from-the-capitol-3.html
By: Sen. Cecil Staton

Georgia lawmakers hit the ground running after last week’s budget hearing recess.  Senate members met for chamber sessions and standing committee meetings every day this week.  As chairman of the Senate Science & Technology Committee I held our second meeting Tuesday to discuss the future goals of technology in Georgia. We met with the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG), who spoke to us about their research on Georgia’s standing with respect to technology jobs and related industries. Georgia ranks 10th in the nation with high tech employment rates and TAG studies have shown software and IT services make up the majority of high- tech jobs in our state.

I believe a comprehensive long-term focus in this area will significantly increase the number of higher paying jobs in Georgia at a time when we desperately need to invigorate our state’s economy with jobs and opportunities.  I share TAG‘s goal of transforming Georgia into a top five state for technology and science by making Georgia an attractive location for technological entrepreneurships and start-ups.  It is no secret that entrepreneurial companies with their cutting-edge innovation are driving the technology industry advancements our country is known for throughout the world.  I will work diligently during these challenging times to ensure that when the economy is up and running again, our state will be at the forefront in technological education, funding, investments and entrepreneurship opportunities.  I will always believe a healthy economy depends on the success of entrepreneurs and small businesses, not government spending and taxing.

For Georgia to be a leader in science and technology we have to be forward thinking about where the industry is heading and have the foresight to deal with any issues before they get out of control.  I have introduced two very important pieces of legislation that address technology waste and abuse.  I am proud to say that our Science and Technology Committee favorably reported Senate Resolution 83 which I sponsored.  SR 83 would create the Senate Study Committee on Green Information Technology which would be charged with researching and gathering data on ways to improve collecting, recycling, and reusing electronic products as well as potential energy conservation programs and initiatives.  The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 30-40 million electronic devices are nearing “end-of-life” management in the next few years, and Georgia needs to take initiative to ensure our state has the knowledge and means to handle these potentially hazardous materials with safe and environmentally-friendly means.

I also introduced this week Senate Bill 59, placing stronger restrictions on internet and electronic mail fraud.  The bill would prohibit a person from using computers to send commercial e-mail messages with the intent to deceive or mislead recipients with fraudulent claims in the header message or email body and would give prosecutors the right to enforce criminal or civil charges against the violators.  It is about time that Georgia laws catch up with the advent of internet crimes and this bill will go a long way to protect citizens against this relatively new but extremely dangerous form of online fraud.  The bill has been referred to the Science and Technology Committee and will be taken up for debate at a future meeting

Comments (0) TAG in the News

Posted by Ariel Killen

VC Survey: Not Enough Experienced Entrepreneurs in Georgia
http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2009/01/26/daily136.html?jst=m_ln_hl&surround=lfn
Atlanta Business Chronicle

The Pollyannas of Georgia’s technology business might want to skip this one.

A lack of entrepreneurial talent, deal flow and geographic distance are top reasons venture firms shy away from the Peach State, according to a Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) survey made public for the first time to Atlanta Business Chronicle.

The 2008 survey of 156 venture firms in 24 states aimed at gauging VC perceptions of Georgia and comparing venture activity in the state with others. The results will be discussed at a TAG event Feb. 5.

In a finding sure to yank the chains of the local startup community, the survey raised questions about the “adequacy” of Georgia’s management and entrepreneurial talent pools.

Twenty-eight percent of respondents not investing in Georgia said there aren’t enough experienced entrepreneurs in Georgia, and 23 percent said it is difficult to attract management talent to the state.

Atlanta’s entrepreneurial culture has been referred to as “two boats and a Cadillac,” local entrepreneur Ben Dyer quipped.

That reference, he said, implies entrepreneurs in GA tend to make enough to enjoy a nice lifestyle but don’t have the motivation to go beyond that for the big-time success.

“People here enjoy a pleasant climate and lifestyle and tend to have other priorities than market domination, so I think there is some basis to the survey criticism,” Dyer said “However ... there are way more qualified entrepreneurs and ideas than capital to fund them. Sooner or later we’ll find our own Michael Dell who will create an enduring ‘anchor’ company in Atlanta.”

Tom Noonan, local entrepreneur and investor best known for selling Internet Security Systems to Big Blue for $1.5 billion, isn’t buying what the survey is selling.

“There is plenty of management talent in Atlanta and there is a growing number of entrepreneurial talent,” Noonan said. “There might not be lots of people that are 1-2-3-time entrepreneurial success-story writers, but there’s plenty of management talent.”

Survey respondents complained about a lack of investment opportunities. Thirty percent of those who did not invest in the state cited that as their reason for not doing so.

Respondents targeted the state government, too.

Forty-five percent are unsure about Georgia’s entrepreneurial-friendliness and its tax and other incentives. Several suggested state investment in alternative assets — a move the local investment community has lobbied for.

Respondents recommended matching VC funds, creating a state-run seed fund, establishing technology incubators in other regions of the state, and changing Georgia’s expensive litigation process.

Comments (0) TAG in the News

Posted by Josh Lewis

In addition to the premier of The Financial Crisis and Healthcare, a video presentation of the TAG Finance and Health societies, this week’s WebVisions wraps up the new products from CES 2009.  From demonstrations of a tiny mobile projector for hand held devices and Intel’s jaw-dropping Core i7 processor to a futuristic workstation, a totally connected car and the new hot watch phone, a new show is launched every week day on WebVisions: a TAG TV compilation of clips from various popular Internet video sites.

Watch The Financial Crisis and Healthcare Video!

Go to WebVisions Now!

Tiny Mobile Projector for Hand Held Devices
WebVisions, all week, from CES 2009, where entertainment, technology and business converge.  3M showed off a prototype device that will project an image from a PDA, for example, for sharing multimedia content on any surface.  4 minutes

Jaw-dropping Technology, the Core i7 Processor
The Intel booth at CES 2009 was rife with a wide array of incredible technology, including the processor to beat all processors, the Core i7, which is capable of breathtaking graphics and intense processing. 4 minutes

A Most Futuristic Workstation
At CES 2009, an incredible work station was shown featuring a triple screen, fully hydraulic work/gaming chair with full surround sound, air ventilation, and touch screen controls.  It was a hit!  5 minutes

A Totally Connected Automobile
At CES 2009, the Intel booth featured a totally connected car not only with GPS but Internet connection and live streaming from the auto. 1 minute

TGIF: Hot New Watch Phone
At the 2009 CES, was the unveiling of the LG Watch Phone a step back in time with Dick Tracy and James Bond or a look to the future? 4 minutes

Go to WebVisions Now!

Other TAG TV Features: Tech Talk on TAG Radio
TAG President Tino Mantella interviews Atlanta’s top executives, with a new show launching every Tuesday afternoon. Click to listen to Tino’s latest interview!

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Posted by Josh Lewis

From a MediaBytes news wrap for last week and three trends driving tech innovation to a smart grid for intelligent energy use, the case for plug-in hybrid cars and how to make a USB novelty stick, a new show is launched every week day on WebVisions: a TAG TV compilation of clips from various popular Internet video sites.

Go to WebVisions Now!

Monday: Last Week’s Tech News Wrap Up
Media Bytes reports that while Google revenue was up, it took a writedown on what investment?  Learn more MicroSoft and Sony news, too.  2 minutes

Tuesday: Three Trends Driving Technology Innovation
Microsoft chief executive officer Steve Ballmer describes three trends he sees driving technology innovation in the coming years during his keynote presentation during 2009 International CES.  2 minutes

Wednesday: A Smart Grid for Intelligent Energy Use
The Smart Grid involves the use of communications and computing technology to transmit and distribute energy more efficiently. See the smart grid in action and how it will reduce our carbon footprint. 9 minutes

Thursday: Charging Ahead, The Case for Plug-In Hybrid Cars
Featuring interviews recorded at various recent conferences and meetings, the case for plug-in hybrid cars is presented. 10 minutes

Friday: TGIF, Making a USB Novelty Stick
Now you can transfer your data on a sushi stick, a log, or even a rubber chicken. Gadget Lab’s Charlie Sorrel tries to show you how it’s done. 1 minute

Go to WebVisions Now!

Other TAG TV Features: Tech Talk on TAG Radio
TAG President Tino Mantella interviews Atlanta’s top executives, with a new show launching every Tuesday afternoon. Click to listen to Tino’s latest interview!

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Posted by Ariel Killen

Join the Discussion on the Future of Healthcare
http://reiboldt.com/?p=479
by REIBOLDT

As you might recall, I recently moderated a panel at an event hosted by the Technology Association of Georgia, which received a great deal of interest and was open to a packed, standing room only crowd.  We had some great speakers, including Kirk Wilson, CEO of St. Joseph’s Health System.  I know everyone walked away from the event with a wealth of knowledge and many of their questions answered, even if they perhaps didn’t get the answer they really wanted to hear.  I am telling you this today, because the full video of the event is now available at TAG TV.  My firm, The Coker Group was a proud sponsor of the video, so that more people could benefit from the content, even though many could not get into the event in person.

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Posted by Ariel Killen

TAG Announces Daniel Heintzelman to Speak at 2009 Georgia Technology Summit
http://www.techlinks.net/community/articles/article/16902-tag-announces-daniel-heintzelman-to-speak-at-2009-georgia-technology-summit
Techlinks

The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) today announced senior vice president of GE Energy’s Services business Daniel Heintzelman will speak at the 2009 Georgia Technology Summit, held March 3, 2009 at the Cobb Galleria.

The Georgia Technology Summit is an annual recognition of and celebration of Georgia’s technology industry. The event reinforces the significance of innovation in Georgia and recognizes local leadership in technology. This year’s event, themed “The Energy of Innovation,” will address the energy concerns at the forefront of our national agenda and the energy, innovation, and entrepreneurship that’s necessary to propel today’s economy.

In addition to heading up GE’s Energy Services business, Heintzelman currently serves as senior vice president of the General Electric Company, a position he was named to in September 2008. In this role, Heintzelman is responsible for more than $30 billion in GE Operations.

“Daniel and his colleagues at GE Energy are at the forefront of innovation,” said Tino Mantella, president of TAG. “His extensive experience in the energy and technology arenas will provide attendees insight into Georgia’s role in serving the world’s ongoing energy needs, while having a better understanding as to how a bellwether company like GE innovates.”

Beginning his General Electric career 30 years ago as a member of the GE Aircraft Engines Management Development Program, Heintzelman has progressed through leadership roles in the company during the years. Heintzelman served as plant manager for GE’s Rutland, Vt., and facility and general manager of assembly operations at GE’s Evendale, Ohio facility.

In 2000, Heintzelman was named a GE Company officer and vice president and general manager of Aircraft Engine Services – Operations, he also served as vice president and general manager of Engine Services’ Material Services operation. In 2002, Heintzelman was named vice president and general manager of Aircraft Engines’ Services business.

Heintzelman earned a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial distribution from Clarkson University and is a member of the university’s Board of Trustees.

Heintzelman joins keynote speaker Thomas Friedman, long-time New York Times columnist and author of Hot, Flat and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution — and How It Can Renew America and Ron Clark, dubbed “America’s Educator” for his outstanding success with students from low-wealth areas of the U.S., as the third in a trio of speakers at the 2009 Georgia Technology Summit.

For more information about TAG and the Georgia Technology Summit, visit http://www.tagonline.org/georgia-technology-summit.php.

Comments (0) TAG in the News

Posted by Ariel Killen

John Yates to Speak at Economic Forum
http://www.tradingmarkets.com/print.site/news/Stock%20News/2120441
Trading Markets

Leading technology attorney John Yates is a panelist for upcoming Bi-Annual Economic Update sponsored by the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG). The program, titled “The National and Global Economic Overview,” will examine the impact the new global economy will have on Georgia’s tech industry.

TAG, along with the TAG Finance Society, is sponsoring the program, which it describes as a critical event for all of its members and guests. The seminar will be held on Tuesday, January 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the City Club of Buckhead in the Atlanta Financial Center.

Mr. Yates, a pioneer in technology law, chairs the Technology Group at Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP. For more than two decades, he has represented hundreds of tech companies and provided legal services in such areas as IPOs, mergers and acquisitions, patent prosecution, Internet law, ecommerce/distribution, corporate finance and venture capital, international law and dispute resolution. A co-founder of TAG, he has also been instrumental in establishing a number of other influential trade organizations.

TAG President Tino Mantella will moderate the event. Other panelists include Christopher Blume, Managing Director of the Investment Research Group of Goldman Sachs; Jason Rowe, Vice President of Goldman Sachs’ Investment Banking Division; and Mercer University Economics Professor Roger Tutterow, Ph.D. Topics will include the recession, the credit crunch, equity markets, President-elect Obama’s economic platform, and an overview of how all these factors affect the tech community.

For more information, or to register, visit http://www.tagonline.org.

About Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP

Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP (http://www.mmmlaw.com) is a full-service commercial law firm representing clients throughout the United States. Our mission is to be the firm of choice for clients seeking the most creative, comprehensive and effective legal services available. Our legal solutions are delivered by industry-focused, diverse, involved lawyers who are dedicated to our clients’ success, whether in a transaction, in court, or in the everyday course of business. We enjoy national prominence for our intellectual property, capital markets, environmental, green tech, healthcare, insurance, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, and technology practices. The firm has offices in Atlanta, Raleigh-Durham, Savannah and Washington, D.C.

Comments (0) TAG in the News

Posted by Amanda Shook

TAG Health and TAG Finance recently hosted a joint event titled “The Financial Crisis and Healthcare”.
The event received overwhelming interest, as we had to extend registration capacity and make room for
standing-room-only attendees.

Kirk Wilson, President & CEO of St. Joseph’s Hospital Atlanta, delivered the keynote address for the event,
and discussed the impact of the economy on healthcare providers, insurance companies, vendors, patients
& physicians. As the leader of one of the most technologically advanced hospitals in the country, Wilson’s
message to the healthcare industry for 2009 was that providers will be focused first on treating patients who
are currently ill, and all other opportunities would be evaluated on an as-needed basis. 

As hospitals are trying to protect their bond ratings, Mr. Wilson talked about the reduction in credit availability
that hospitals and doctors are experiencing, ultimately resulting in barriers for technology adoption and patient
access.  Mr. Wilson’s outlook was that 2009 will be another very trying year for the healthcare industry and the
economy in general; however, the light at the end of the tunnel will likely come in 2010 or 2011 when the markets
recover.  At that point, according to Mr. Wilson, we can likely expect a “boom” to occur for healthcare industry
businesses and stakeholders. 

The discussion continued with a roundtable of experts which included Dr. Ed Becker of Emory Rollins School;
Reatha Clark, Partner in PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Healthcare Advisory Practice; Dr. William Custer of Georgia
State; Allen Moseley, Partner at Noro-Moseley Partners; and Justin Barnes, VP of Government Relations at
Greenway Medical. The collective message from the distinguished panel was that, for the foreseeable future,
the economy will continue to have an adverse affect on healthcare technology. 

The panel also addressed a number of the policy variables currently at hand, including the likely $20 billion funding
for health IT in President-elect Barack Obama’s proposed economic stimulus package.  The consensus among the
panelists was that 2009 will continue to pose challenges for the healthcare sector as a whole; however, as we
emerge from the financial crisis and economic downturn, there could be considerable opportunities for innovation
and technology to drive the development of a 21st century healthcare delivery system. 

The event was recorded and will be available soon on TAG TV at http://www.tagtvonline.com/.

Comments (0) Notables Society Blog

Posted by Ariel Killen

http://atlanta.daybooknetwork.com/story/2009/02/26/15873tag-terrycollege-of-business.shtml
Atlanta DayBook

The Technology Association of Georgia and the Terry College of Business Join Forces
Partnership to Bring Atlanta the Leadership Development Certificate Program

Atlanta, Georgia — The 2009 Leadership Development Certificate Program is a partnership between the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) and the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business. The program will bring four engaging one-day workshops covering essential leadership topics March 10-13 and September 8-11 at the Terry Executive Education Center located at 3475 Lenox Road in Buckhead. Four experts will present during the workshops. The first, on Leadership Essentials, brings Dr Paul Voss, president of Ethikos, LLC, an award-winning teacher, gifted public speaker and published author. Voss will address the relationship among leadership, culture and ethical decision-making. The morning segment will discuss the distinction between civilization and culture, examine such great thinkers as Aristotle, Plato, Socrates, Dante and Shakespeare, and invigorate participants in a debate of Machiavelli’s famous question: “It is better to be loved or feared?” With this new found understanding, the afternoon session will address more concrete issues relating to everyday business questions.

Dr Melenie Lankau will address Teamwork Essentials focusing on the leadership behaviors most associated with a positive work environment, including time and stress management, emotional intelligence, and motivational systems and conflict management. As Associate Professor of Management of the Terry College of Business, Dr Lankau is an authority on improving team performance, excellence in mentoring, effective collaboration and work and family research. She serves on the editorial boards of numerous publications and is highly experienced with innovative executive education workshops.

The third workshop will focus on Battle Ready Leadership as presented by John Baniszewski, whose passion for history led him to become a Licensed Battlefield Guide in addition to his career with NASA. With a multi-media study on the Battle of Gettysburg, participants are encouraged to relate the inner struggle faced by soldiers to their everyday, workplace decisions.

“Insanity: Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” Albert Einstein’s famous quote inspires Professor Emeritus Dr David Herold’s seminar on leadership strategies that really work, the fourth in the series. Participants will review studies of unsuccessful change initiatives in hopes of gleaning the ability and courage to change productively.

Workshops are available to the general public for $750 and to TAG members for $550.

For additional information on the 2009 Leadership Development Program, contact Amanda Shook at 404-817-3333 or visit http://www.tagonline.org.

Registration for this event is offered by telephone at 404-817-3333 or by fax at 404-817-6677.

Registration can be applied to single events, though there is a cost incentive to register for all four workshops at once. 

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Posted by Ariel Killen

The Technology Association of Georgia and the Terry College of Business Join Forces: Partnership to Bring Atlanta the Leadership Development Certificate Program
http://atlanta.daybooknetwork.com/story/2009/02/15/15872tag-terrycollege-of-business.shtml
Atlanta Day Book

The 2009 Leadership Development Certificate Program is a partnership between the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) and the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business. The program will bring four engaging one-day workshops covering essential leadership topics March 10-13 and September 8-11 at the Terry Executive Education Center located at 3475 Lenox Road in Buckhead. Four experts will present during the workshops. The first, on Leadership Essentials, brings Dr Paul Voss, president of Ethikos, LLC, an award-winning teacher, gifted public speaker and published author. Voss will address the relationship among leadership, culture and ethical decision-making. The morning segment will discuss the distinction between civilization and culture, examine such great thinkers as Aristotle, Plato, Socrates, Dante and Shakespeare, and invigorate participants in a debate of Machiavelli’s famous question: “It is better to be loved or feared?” With this new found understanding, the afternoon session will address more concrete issues relating to everyday business questions.

Dr Melenie Lankau will address Teamwork Essentials focusing on the leadership behaviors most associated with a positive work environment, including time and stress management, emotional intelligence, and motivational systems and conflict management. As Associate Professor of Management of the Terry College of Business, Dr Lankau is an authority on improving team performance, excellence in mentoring, effective collaboration and work and family research. She serves on the editorial boards of numerous publications and is highly experienced with innovative executive education workshops.

The third workshop will focus on Battle Ready Leadership as presented by John Baniszewski, whose passion for history led him to become a Licensed Battlefield Guide in addition to his career with NASA. With a multi-media study on the Battle of Gettysburg, participants are encouraged to relate the inner struggle faced by soldiers to their everyday, workplace decisions.

“Insanity: Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” Albert Einstein’s famous quote inspires Professor Emeritus Dr David Herold’s seminar on leadership strategies that really work, the fourth in the series. Participants will review studies of unsuccessful change initiatives in hopes of gleaning the ability and courage to change productively.

Workshops are available to the general public for $750 and to TAG members for $550.

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