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Posted by Kaylyn

It’s hard to believe that we are already beginning to prep for the 2009 Session of the Georgia General Assembly. Sine Die (the final day of adjournment) feels like just yesterday, yet here we are setting our 2009 State Legislative Agenda.

Earlier this week, TAG’s Government Relations Task Force held it’s second meeting for the year. We are very fortunate to have quite a remarkable group of individuals that have graciously agreed to serve TAG by providing us with their expertise as it pertains to science and technology policy here in the state. As TAG’s Director of Government Relations, I greatly value their input and look forward to working with them in the upcoming months ahead as we solidify TAG’s Legislative Agenda and proceed to the Gold Dome.

It should be an interesting Session, with an array of important issues to address (i.e. budget, trauma centers, etc) in the short window of 40 legislative days.

Stay tuned for further information as we progress forward. . . 

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Posted by Kimberly

A new show every day is featured on WebVisions: a TAG TV compilation of clips from various popular Internet video sites. 

From the importance of WiMax, a walk on a beautiful beach lamenting tech problems and a behind the scenes look at the upcoming Star Wars game to Google’s renewable energy initiative, challenges of Web 2.0 for enterprises and a revolutionary animation breakthrough that brings Marilyn Monroe back to life…

Go to WebVisions!

Monday (Double feature!): Why WiMax is Important for the Future
The Chairman of Intel is helping technology spread throughout the world, including high speed wireless Internet technology, and he tells why WiMax is important during an August ‘08 keynote. 1 minute

And, a Relaxing Walk on the Beach Discussing Tech Problems
End of summer feature: Join a relaxing walk on the beach and a monologue about when technology breaks down for a company, it is similar to a centuries old covered wagon trip.  4 minutes

Tuesday: Go Behind the Scenes of the Upcoming Star Wars Game
LucasArts’ Haden Blackman discusses the story and the technology behind the upcoming game Star Wars: The Force Unleashed.  4 minutes

Wednesday: Google’s Renewable Energy Cheaper than Coal Initiative
Report on Google.org’s announced $10.25 million in investments in a breakthrough energy technology called EGS which focuses on solar thermal power, advanced wind, EGS and technologies. 3 minutes

Thursday: The Challenge for Enterprises Transiting in a Web 2.0 World
Web 2.0 pioneer Jeff Pulver keynote introduces topics explored at an August conference about building and maintaining the right Web 2.0 presence, how to monetize, market, compete and innovate it.  33 minutes

Friday: NBC Tech News Explores Animation Technology to “Revive” Screen Celebrities
Illusive until now, a revolutionary new computer generated animation system converts real life action to data which can “revive” dead celebrities and place them in current or past movies.  4 minutes

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Posted by Tino

We are so busy in the TAG office that staff found themselves always engaged in the tactical nature of the work. I wanted to find a way to help my young and able team to lift above the tactics to hit strategic issues square on. When one of my team members asked about periodic days to work from home it came to me.  Strategy days would allow staff to periodically work from home, save gas, and focus on strategy, without the normal distractions at work.  The main requirement of strategy days are that each staff submits a one page summary, on what strategy they want to accomplish, prior to taking their day. Then the report back on their success, when they return.  It seems to be working quite well.  Now I need to find a time to do it!

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Posted by Barbara

I am sitting here watching the Closing Ceremonies of the 2008 Olympics. There are so many highlights of great sportsmanship and athleticism.

It encouraged me to look back in my scrapbook on the 1996 Olympics held in Atlanta. How excited I was to attend the events and know that something so historically significant was happening in my city. Remember the “Howdy Yall” introducing the world to Southern culture. Atlanta is truly a beautiful city, filled with so much diversity and opportunity.

This leads me to wonder, how is Atlanta viewed today?

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Posted by Amanda

Tuesday, August 19th marked the kick-off of the 2008 CapVenture program. After many months of preparation, Tuesday night was our first session of the program - “Understanding Investors.” All of the program applicants, participants, sponsors and guests were invited to this program to hear a panel discussion featuring Sig Mosley of Imlay Investments, Fred Sturgis of HIG Ventures, Greg Foster of Noro-Moseley Partners, Brendan McGuire of RBC Centura Bank, and was moderated by Jeffrey Leavitt of DLA Piper US LLP. The panel gave insight into investor motivations and expectations on venture investments for start-ups.

There were over 50 applicants for this program and just 15 companies were selected to join the 6 week program. In addition to guest speakers and panelists, the participants will learn from ATDC Venture Catalysts Cindy Cheatham, Mary Leary, Charles Ross, and Lance Weatherby. Over the next few weeks, participants will explore the different types of capital, set their fundraising goals, and refine their executive summaries and pitches. The program will conclude in October with the CapVenture Forum and Celebration featuring presentations by the program’s top companies.

The 2008 program is sponsored by Gold Sponsors Angus McRae, DLA Piper, Porter Keadle Moore, and RBC Centura Bank. Noro-Moseley Partners, Imlay Investments, Morris Manning and Martin, Habif, Arogeti & Wynne, LLP, HIG Ventures, Grotech Ventures, Croft & Bender, Siavage Law, Silicon Valley Bank, and Wm Leonard & Co are all participating as Silver and Investor Sponsors.

6 more weeks to go!

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Posted by Amanda

Tuesday, August 19th marked the kick-off of the 2008 CapVenture program. After many months of preparation, Tuesday night was our first session of the program - “Understanding Investors.” All of the program applicants, participants, sponsors and guests were invited to this program to hear a panel discussion featuring Sig Mosley of Imlay Investments, Fred Sturgis of HIG Ventures, Greg Foster of Noro-Moseley Partners, Brendan McGuire of RBC Centura Bank, and was moderated by Jeffrey Leavitt of DLA Piper US LLP. The panel gave insight into investor motivations and expectations on venture investments for start-ups.

There were over 50 applicants for this program and just 15 companies were selected to join the 6 week program. In addition to guest speakers and panelists, the participants will learn from ATDC Venture Catalysts Cindy Cheatham, Mary Leary, Charles Ross, and Lance Weatherby. Over the next few weeks, participants will explore the different types of capital, set their fundraising goals, and refine their executive summaries and pitches. The program will conclude in October with the CapVenture Forum and Celebration featuring presentations by the program’s top companies.

The 2008 program is sponsored by Gold Sponsors Angus McRae, DLA Piper, Porter Keadle Moore, and RBC Centura Bank. Noro-Moseley Partners, Imlay Investments, Morris Manning and Martin, Habif, Arogeti & Wynne, LLP, HIG Ventures, Grotech Ventures, Croft & Bender, Siavage Law, Silicon Valley Bank, and Wm Leonard & Co are all participating as Silver and Investor Sponsors.

6 more weeks to go!

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Posted by Kaylyn

I’m the new kid on the block—TAG’s latest hire, replacing Wylly Harrison as TAG’s Director of Government Relations. Wylly has accepted a job offer with a consulting company representing various companies on the state level here in Georgia.

When shadowing Wylly my first week, it became evident that I have BIG shoes to fill.

For those of you who did not meet Wylly, Wylly was responsible for laying the foundation/framework for this position and the growth of government relations here at TAG. Within 12 months, he promoted TAG’s name under the Gold Dome, created TAG’s Government Relations Task Force, scheduled exciting keynote speakers for TAG’s Breakfast Series and Featured Speakers programs, developed sound relationships with elected officials and state agencies and helped to create TAG’s policy platform, which will be the basis for setting TAG’s State Legislative Agenda for the 2009 Session.

Again, BIG shoes.

Nevertheless, I’m here to continue down the path that Wylly started, and I hope I do not disappoint! The 2009 Session is rapidly approaching, and I am bracing for the long road ahead! Should you have any questions as it pertains to government relations, feel free to send an email my way or give me a call. I’d be happy to help address any questions or concerns you may have!

I look forward to working with you all in the future! 

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Posted by Kimberly

New on the WebVisions Channel This Week

WebVisions is a TAG TV compilation of clips from various popular video sites. 

Go to WebVisions!

Monday:  NASA Future Forum as Seen Beamed into Second Life
Digital Second Life “avatars” asked live questions questions after the opening speech for the “mixed reality” event featuring visionary strategies for space exploration and innovation. 6 minutes

Tuesday: Why the iPhone Matters
New York Times technology columnist Walter Mossberg discusses the technological significance of the popular Apple iPhone, the first “hand held computer and a citizen of the Internet.” 5 minutes

Wednesday:  What Your Facebook Profile Really Says About You
Social psychologist Sam Gosling examines what an individual’s online networking profile can reveal about their personality, using websites such as Facebook and MySpace as examples. 3 minutes

Thursday:  What New Games are Coming Your Way?
Wired.com’s Chris Kohler and Wired Magazine’s Chris Baker show the upcoming and hot games to be released soon while at the quieter (decibel), more manageable E3 gaming event of the year.  5 minutes

Friday:  If Robots Ruled Our World, What
A comedy newscast features panelists discussing whether the Robot Congress and President Executron are giving robots too much control over their lives.  Human section of the bus? His doctor robot? 2 minutes

Did You Watch These WebVisions Features From Previous Weeks?

Social Networks and Business Productivity: Some businesses are finding ways to get a return on social networking by enabling a better understanding how information flows in a business and more. 5 minutes

P. Diddy’s Technology:  What technologies does P. Diddy use for what?  The Bat phone…?  2 minutes

How the Internet is Changing Marketing: President of EMEA Operations speaks about how the internet is changing marketing at the 2008 Marketing Society Annual Conference in London. 25 minutes

Report on Sports Technologies at the Summer Olympics: State-of-the-art technologies displayed in Beijing Olympic Park exhibit technological advancements that may impact sports in ways that one can hardly imagine. 1 minute

Other TAG TV Features: 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!

TAG TV Beta Moves Along

TAG TV Beta is moving to the next step: featuring company executives in TAG TV online video shows or in a video series designed to inform the audience about dozens of topics with the experts.  If your company would like to underwrite a segment featuring your executive(s) or sponsor a show, contact us today!  Contact info@tagtvonline or call Frank Baia at 770-992-7929.

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Posted by Kimberly

New on the WebVisions Channel This Week
WebVisions is a TAG TV compilation of clips from various popular video sites. 
http://tagtvonline.com/index.php?option=com_seyret&Itemid=53&catid=22

Making a Computer that Works Like a Brain: Cool researcher Kwabena Boahen looks for ways to mimic the brain’s messy, redundant supercomputing powers in silicon.  (2007 Ted Talks Classic) 18 minutes

News MediaBytes for the First Week of August 2008: Google to launch “Insights for Search,” Delta to include in-flight WiFi and more tech news.  2 minutes

Report on Sports Technologies at the Olympics: State-of-the-art technologies displayed in Beijing Olympic Park exhibit technological advancements that may impact sports in ways that one can hardly imagine. 1 minute

Tech Toys and Trends: Music video showing all the latest information technology toys and trends.  2 minutes

Did You Watch These WebVisions Features From Last Week?
http://tagtvonline.com/index.php?option=com_seyret&Itemid=53&catid=22

P. Diddy’s Technology:  What technologies does P. Diddy use for what?  The Bat phone…?  2 minutes

Keynote Demos Spotlight the Mobility and Product Innovation Just Around the Corner:  At Intel’s recent IDF in Shanghai, exciting keynote demos included light field cameras, the power of two billion transistors in one processor, Intel’s next generation mobile platform, Fuwa robot and more.  9 minutes

The Saga of Singing Tina: A spoof about Tina’s online singing career and life 2 minutes

CSPAN Looks at Technology and Globalization:  The Communicators show features Richard Elkus on his book “Winner Take All: How Competitiveness Has Changed the Face of Nations” as he argues that America has ceded its strength in the technology industry to other countries.  32 minutes

Other TAG TV Features: TAG Radio
TAG President Tino Mantella interviews Atlanta’s top executives, with a new show launching every Tuesday afternoon.Click over to see who Tino interviewed this week!

TAG TV Beta Moves Along
TAG TV Beta is moving to the next step: featuring company executives in TAG TV online video shows or in a video series designed to inform the audience about dozens of topics with the experts.  If your company would like to underwrite a segment featuring your executive(s) or sponsor a show, contact us today!  Contact info@tagtvonline or call Frank Baia at 770-992-7929. 

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Posted by Lydia

I like to think the events of July 25th marked my official induction into the TAG world. I mean, how many times in your career do you get to see your boss thrown from the front of a raft while he’s “riding the bull” through class four rapids? Or have your coworker heave you into a boat by the life jacket? OR get yourself wedged in between the rubbery walls of a raft and your coworkers’ legs after being thrown from the front of a raft while YOU were “riding the bull” through class four rapids? OR (this is my favorite!) see Mr. Wylly Harrison in a t-shirt? Tell me friends, how many of you can tout such experiences?
This was a day that will live in infamy… TAG’s second official Staff Retreat. Keeping with the aquatic theme (last year they visited the Aquarium) we travelled to the Ocoee River for an adventure unlike anything we experience during the day to day in Suite 310. There’s nothing like three hours in a raft in a river in rural Tennessee that will provide a better bonding experience for you and your coworkers. We enjoyed changing dynamic of the river’s rapids, swimming peacefully through the lulls of the river, and even learned about the technology (ta da!!) that sends the river’s water to the hydroelectric plant at night. Pictures to follow!

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Posted by Wylly

The TAG Breakfast Series hosted Commissioner Ken Stewart of the Georgia Department of Economic Development on August 12, 2008.  Commissioner Stewart shared his thoughts on the state of technology in Georgia.  The GDEcD Commissioner stated Georgia is doing well in key areas.  For instance, Georgia created 3,000 new technology jobs in 2006.  He also addressed areas of concern where the GDEcD is taking the lead such as VC funding.  Several private and public leaders enjoyed learning about what the state’s leading force in business development is doing to help the technology community in Georgia.

- Wylly Harrison

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Posted by Wylly

On the eve of the 2008 Summer Olympics (8/7/08), the TAG Global Sourcing Society hosted a happy hour to celebrate global competition. We hosted 30+ technology professionals who enjoyed a frosty beverage, a snack or two and an excellent networking opportunity. We welcomed two special guests who shared their personal experiences while working on past Olympic Games.

Tom Cisewski, President of Cognagora, shared his behind the scenes experiences ranging from the 1996 Atlanta games through the 2004 Winter Games in Salt Lake. Tom’s perspective on security management pre and post 911 was of exceptional interest. Ian Rushton, VP of Technology Strategy at Matria Healthcare, shared his experiences as an IT consultant for the 1996 Atlanta Summer Games. Ian’s experiences gave the group an interesting perspective of the challenges of building, deploying and removing an IT infrastructure over less than a 30 day period.

The information learned at this event gave all the participants a fascinating perspective of the behind the scenes working of the Games. I am sure we all are watching the 2008 Summer Games with renewed interest and respect for not only the athletes, but all the staff and volunteers who make this global competition possible.

- Chantel Kane-Krebs

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Posted by Amanda

This past Friday was the first day of our August session of Effective Communication Skills for IT Professionals and I wanted to share with you the feedback I received from the participants at the end of the first day. I love getting feedback good and bad (though I prefer the good) from our members - it allows me to better serve you and meet your needs in regards to training and professional development offerings.

For last friday’s program, I presented each participant with a short survey. The survey consisted of 9 questions that asked the participant to circle the number that corresponded with their level of agreement with each statement. 1 was strongly agree, 2 was agree, 3 was disagree, and 4 was strongly disagree. It also had space for additional comments.

• 100% Percent of Participants strongly agreed the Session was Well Organized.
• On the scale, the average rating for “The Class Session was too short “ was a 3.4 -this indicated that most thought the program was definately not too short.
• 100% of the participants thought the program was advanced enough for their current skills.
• 86% of participants “Strongly Agreed” that the program was Clear and Understandable. The remaining 14% “Agreed”.
• 100% of the participants thought the instructor was well prepared and encouraged questions.
• Most (71%) of the participants thought the program had an appropriate number of ‘hands on’ activities and training exercises.
• 100% of the participants thought the Class Examples helped to clarify the instruction.

We also received great comments:
• “Real world application was great help in solidifying the concepts.”
• “Well constructed course. The instructor was well prepared.”
• “So Glad I took this class!”
• “Excellent Material with real life examples.”
• “Pat Malone was able to take the drudgery of formalized training. The class/presentation maintained my attention and actually gave me some useful techniques.”

This program, Effective Communication Skills for IT Professionals, is for anyone that wants to improve their ability to obtain commitments and ‘co-ownership’, better access the needs establish common goals for every interaction, and learn to position solutions that are appropriate from an IT perspective as well as effective from a customer perspective. This program seeks to improve leadership skills and let the participant experience tangible business results. December session information.

What do you think about this type of program? Have you participated in this one? What did you think about it?

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Posted by Tino

Our Georgia Technology Summit, which should draw 1000 people, is slated for March 3rd, 2009.  Our theme is “Energy of Innovation”.  I would love to find a top speaker who has developed a disruptive technology on energy or has a disruptive vision (e.g. T. Boone Pickens) in respect to changing the world (for the better), and how we act and think about energy.  Feel free to respond with names and ideas.  If you have a contact and can open a door, even better.  TAG has given out a “Captain of Innovation” award in the past, so that is a possibility if we can pull in the right person.  Ted Turner has been a past winner of the award. Thanks, in advance, for your feedback.

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Posted by Tino

Carol Coletta is the President of CEOs for Cities.  I had the opportunity to hear her speak on August 8th at the TECNA (Technology Councils of North America) conference.  She reinforced some of the things that I, and others, have been thinking about.  Carol stated “Most job growth comes from home grown businesses”.  I assume that we, as Georgians, know this intuitively, so why does our state (and others states for that matter), chambers, and other private and public institutions go for “the big game hunt”.  By that I mean the chase for the small and big companies in China, India, and other parts of the world, and in other parts in the USA?  I am not a proponent of turning our collective Georgia backs on recruitment of companies to settle in GA, but I do think there is a disproportionate amount of time, and energy on recruitment as opposed to “economic gardening” (organic growth).  Consider the cost of human and financial capital to recruit one company to GA.  Now; what if we took 80% of those resources and applied them to a totally focus to on helping young GA companies?  What do they need – talent; relief from any policy encumbrances that inhibit growth; and an infrastructure that provides a systematic approach to mentor and fund our entrepreneurs.  I think it comes back to the need to have a comprehensive plan for growth versus a catch-as-catch -can.  What do you think?

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