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by Rachel Kjack, director of member services, SAO
Rachel Kjack, new director of member services, brings a unique background and perspective to the SAO. Read on for her vision of where the organization is going and how members can have a strong impact on education, workforce, and industry
development. 
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Table of Contents
Industry News
Upcoming InnoTech Conference is the Place to Be
By Kate McPherron, technology evangelist
At Oregon InnoTech (April 26-27), you can meet and interact with leaders driving the technology industry in our region. Exhibits and conference sessions help a wide range of professionals learn more about the latest trends in marketing,
development, management, and more.
The Need for a National Integrated Electronic Health Record System
By Linda Barney, Barney and Associates
The health care industry in the US is one of the largest in the world but it is complex and has an antiquated IT infrastructure in relation to electronic health records (EHR) and other IT applications used for clinical care. The inability
of medical staff to have quick access to EHRs results in medical errors, reduced quality of care, and cost increases. This article discusses some of the Health IT standards being developed to address this need. In future SAO articles, we
will take an in-depth look at how Oregon is addressing the Health IT issue and how it affects hospitals and clinics in the state.
Resource Center News
Agile Open Northwest
By Brian Walsh, President, bwalsh.com inc.
Over the past decade the emergence and rapid evolution of agile methodologies have helped to decrease project failure. Brian Walsh has recommended and used agile methodologies for years, but still had plenty to learn at the recent Agile
Open Northwest conference.
What on Earth Are Your Web Visitors Doing?
by Chris Wain
Web analytics, the study and interpretation of website traffic data, began modestly. Today, web analytics encompasses such highly sophisticated techniques as attitudinal analytics and marketing performance measurement. In the first meeting
of the new Internet Professionals SIG (after the merger of Internet Professionals Northwest and SAO), three local analytics experts shared the latest developments with a sellout audience.
Services Oriented Architecture
By Ed Carroll, Agilis Solutions
IT operations are increasingly considering Services Oriented Architecture (SOA) as a strategic direction for helping IT organizations to be more responsive to the needs of their businesses. Software product companies who sell enterprise
software or software services that must integrate into other enterprise applications (or business services) should take heed of this strategic direction from their customers.
Strategic vs. Transactional HR: Is Your HR Function Really Supporting Your Business?
By Pamela Moore, founder, Compass Human Resources
There are two kinds of HR functions – transactional HR and strategic HR. They are very different and both are necessary for your business to succeed. Having only one or the other is like hiring an employee with only half the skills to do
the job. It only ends up costing your business time and money.
Using Contractors to Grow your Business
By Sean Campbell, principal technology evangelist, Campbell Solutions
Many businesses use contractors to grow, but you need to utilize, oversee and motivate them properly. In this month's issue, entrepreneur, author and consultant Sean Campbell passes along lessons he's learned on this aspect of growing your
business.
US Export Regulations and Oregon's High-Tech Exports
By Scott Goddin and Sara Denniston, Portland US Export Assistance Center
As Oregon companies move aggressively into international markets, they need to be aware of US regulations governing the export of sensitive high-tech products, software and technologies. US export control provisions are intended to serve
the national security, foreign policy, nonproliferation and short supply interests of the United States. Compliance with export regulations is critical to avoid potential civil and criminal penalties and future loss of export privileges.
Company Profile
GBCblue Meets Business Traveler Needs
By Shaylene Keiner, principal, HeadHunters NW
Outstanding customer service and customer references help local startup GBCblue grow and generate profits within its first two years.
SAO News
Remaking the International SIG to Help Members GROW
by Scott Drushella, independent consultant and chair of International SIG
In January the newest member of the SAO SIG family was born (or should I say "reborn"). The International SIG (IntlSIG) has found new life and is being formed to provide SAO members with a resource for information on all aspects of
expanding your business outside the US. In the SAO's START – MOVE – GROW initiative, the IntlSIG's focus will be on the element of GROW.
Who's New
If this newsletter should go to others in your organization, please contact
Judy Cumby-Law.
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