SAO Foundation Activities
By Kathryn Schwartz, educational programs coordinator, SAO
The SAO Foundation develops and supports programs that strengthen the abilities and interest of K-12 teachers and students in the areas of information technology, computer science and engineering. On March 4, the Foundation advanced this
mission by lending financial and administrative support as sponsor of the 20th annual Willamette University/SAOF High School Programming Contest and the Oregon Computer Science Teachers Association Conference.
The contest challenged 14 teams of high school students to solve programming problems, while the conference brought technology teachers together to share ideas and best practices around technology curriculum. The highlight of this year's
conference was a presentation from PSU, Willamette University, Western Oregon University, University of Oregon, and OIT about preparing students for higher education technology classes.
If you are interested in supporting the Foundation, please
click here for more information.
Table of Contents
Industry News
Workforce Development Initiative Responds to SAO Members' #1 Priority
by Stephanie Lambert, manager of Student & Educator Services, Business Education Compact
Workforce development is SAO members' stated number one priority. In response, the SAO and the Business Education Compact have announced an initiative to develop a highly skilled workforce through student and educator internships. As part
of its role, the BEC provides valuable services to employers and interns, including human resource functions and support.
Clustering, Competing Globally and the Northwest Education Cluster
by Geraldine M. Power
What is an industry cluster, what can it accomplish, and how should a group of companies go about exploring their possibilities as a cluster? Find out whether clustering is in your future, and watch for a series of articles on software
clusters.
Education: Key to Making Oregon's Economy Stronger
by Geraldine M. Power
In January 2006, the SAO was involved in the Oregon Business Plan Summit. See how the Northwest Education Cluster holds a role in strengthening Oregon's economy and helping the state compete in a global economy.
Quick Survey
What do you think of the corporate kicker? The Oregon kicker tax rebate results when income tax revenue received in a biennium exceeds projected income by more than two percent. The kicker was voted into the Oregon Constitution in 2000;
Oregon cannot maintain budget reserves. The March 2006 forecast of state revenues for the 2005-07 biennium projects kicker amounts of $465M to be returned to individuals and $201M to corporations. If the corporate kicker were repealed,
excess funds could be used for one-time investments such as K-12 education, or to establish a state "rainy-day" reserve fund. To repeal the kicker, three-fifths of the legislators in the Oregon House and Senate must agree to refer the
issue to voters on the November 2006 ballot.
We want your input on this important issue.
Click here to give us your opinion on the corporate kicker.
Resource Center News
Driving Cost Out of Engineering
by Ed Carroll, sales executive, Agilis Systems
Mergers typically result in efforts to leverage undervalued assets and cut unnecessary costs in areas such as engineering. This article will explore the impact of mergers and acquisitions on engineering-team effectiveness by addressing the
high cost of building poor-quality software and the low cost of building highly effective engineering teams.
Top 11 Patent-Process Tips
by Ariel Rogson, attorney, Marger Johnson & McCollom
This article, the final in a series, highlights 11 points to keep in mind when you are trying to protect your patented ideas and technologies.
Legal Considerations for Success in International Markets
by Scott Goddin and Ryan Brutger, Portland U.S. Export Assistance Center
Success in international trade often requires a team effort. Software companies should look to legal counsel to properly structure business relationships with other companies and ensure those companies are fully protecting their business,
financial and intellectual-property interests.
The Value of Hiring Interns
by Adry Clark, career counselor/internship coordinator, Oregon State University
Students need professional work experience to compete in the entry-level job market; Companies would like to test-drive candidates before hiring them. Quality internship and co-operative education programs can help both parties. Find out
how you can gain from internships, and find quality interns.
Company Profile
Company Profile: Eleven Wireless creates broad success with a narrow focus
by Carri Bugbee, Big Deal PR
Eleven Wireless has become a Portland start-up success by becoming the perfect solution for a tightly focused category rather than a good solution for a wider group of customers. This has helped the company grow dramatically and expand its
product offerings with strong results.
SAO News
Software Employers and the Education Challenge
by Charlie LaTourette, director, programs & communication, E3: Employers for Education Excellence
Highly qualified and educated employees are essential to the success of any software company, and they are critical to the long-term growth of Oregon's economy. The Employer-Classroom Challenge is a way for employers to take action and
show their support for quality education in Oregon.
Sponsor Spotlight: West Coast Bank
SAO's sponsors enable the association to fulfill its purpose: "To foster and promote the quality and growth of Oregon's software industry by serving its key needs." We now recognize our newest sponsor, West Coast Bank.
SAO's 11th Annual Golf Tournament Returns to the Reserve
The Software Association of Oregon is pleased to announce our return to The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Course for our 11th annual golf tournament! Come join us June 16th for a fun day in the sun as we raise funds for workforce
development and SAO's SMART-MOVE-GROW initiative.
Register early, this event sells out!
Member Headlines
EasyStreet Online Services Joins Forces with SAO as Co-Presenting Sponsor of InnoTech 2006
As Oregon's largest independent Internet service provider and a key supporter of the SAO, EasyStreet is excited to be a co-presenting sponsor for InnoTech. Rich Bader, president and CEO of EasyStreet says: "There's no question that
InnoTech has emerged as the premier event for technology, innovation and business in the region. EasyStreet is delighted to be working with the InnoTech folks, the SAO and the other participating organizations to help make the event
meaningful to all of the attendees." Oregon
InnoTech is a two-day conference and exhibition that highlights Oregon's innovation and technology development opportunities, and showcases pioneering products and services.
Compiere appoints new CEO
LaVonne Reimer, a lawyer turned entrepreneur, is the new chief executive of Compiere Inc.
Pop Art Prunes Through Circuit Boards While Remaining Top Interactive Firm in Portland
Pop Artist hunters and gardeners rejoiced as they continued their work for Leatherman Tools by introducing their new product line: high-quality, stainless steel, multi-tool pruners. Pop Art also redesigned the new site for local circuit
board pioneer, Screaming Circuits. Oregon Business magazine placed Pop Art as the top creative and interactive agency in their annual 100 Best Companies to Work For in Oregon.
Send us your Member News
Submit your announcements to
industrynews@sao.org. No attachments, please. Send the headline and first paragraph in the body of the email, along with a URL for more information. All submissions are subject to review and acceptance by SAO Industry Update staff.
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