TAG and ASTD Partner to Provide Vetted Training to Technology Community

ATLANTA (June 27, 2011) – Technology Association of Georgia (TAG), the state’s leading association dedicated to the promotion and economic advancement of Georgia’s technology industry, and the Greater Atlanta Chapter of ASTD, the premier community for Georgia workplace learning and performance improvement professionals, announced today that they have partnered on the newly launched TAG Training Provider Program. The two organizations will vet training companies and their programs for TAG member companies.

The TAG Training Provider program, which was launched in March of this year, currently offers eight approved training programs including classes about cloud computing, project management, social media and sales. In the coming months, TAG and ASTD will be actively engaged in bringing additional valuable programs to the technology community. The program allows companies the ease of access to pre-vetted training in multiple formats. Additionally, TAG members can take advantage of special rates on training through their membership.

The TAG Training Provider Programs are:
• CertifiNOW
• Integrity Selling for Service Professionals®
• The Use of Social Media, Transparency and the Facebook Generation
• Applying IT Service Management in the Cloud
• GSU Certificate Program in Project Management
• GSU Certificate Program in Leading Innovation and Growth

As a premier community of workplace learning professionals, ASTD will match their expertise of the training industry with TAG’s knowledge of the technology industry. The two organization’s primary goal will be to identify the best training opportunities for technology professionals in the southeast.

“We are very pleased to partner with ASTD on our new Training Provider Program,” stated Tino Mantella, TAG’s President. “We hope that this program is the first of many opportunities where we can partner to support Georgia companies and talent.”

“We echo Tino’s thoughts on this partnership,” said Mark Myette, Greater Atlanta ASTD President. “No doubt our groups should be working together for the benefit of our respective members.”

For more information about the TAG Training Provider Program or to see the member companies and their training programs, please visit http://www.tagonline.org/Training-Provider-Program.php.

About The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG)
The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) is the leading technology industry association in the state, serving more than 13,000 members and hosting over 170 events each year. TAG serves as an umbrella organization for 30 industry societies, each of which provides rich content for TAG constituents. TAG’s mission is to educate, promote, and unite Georgia’s technology community to foster an innovative and connected marketplace that stimulates and enhances a tech-based economy. The association provides members with access to networking and educational programs; recognizes and promotes Georgia’s technology leaders and companies; and advocates for legislative action that enhances the state’s economic climate for technology. Additionally, the TAG Education Collaborative (TAG’s charitable arm) focuses on helping science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education initiatives thrive. For more information visit the TAG website at www.tagonline.org or TAG’s community website at www.TAGthink.com. To learn about the TAG-Ed Collaborative visit http://www.tagedonline.org/.

About ASTD & ASTD Atlanta
ASTD (American Society for Training & Development) is the world’s largest association dedicated to workplace learning and performance professionals. ASTD’s members come from more than 100 countries and connect locally in more than 130 U.S. chapters and with more than 30 international partners. Members work in thousands of organizations of all sizes, in government, as independent consultants, and suppliers.
Established in 1955, the Greater Atlanta Chapter of ASTD is one of the five largest ASTD Chapters in the country and recognized as a thought leader with multiple awards. ASTD is a regional, non-profit association of workplace performance professionals, providing our members with a forum for the exchange of professional development opportunities and resources as they strive to improve workplace learning and performance. http://www.astdatlanta.org/

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TAG Education Collaborative Announces Karen Hallacy has joined the Board of Directors

New Board Member Brings Strong Ties to Education

ATLANTA (June 22, 2011) – TAG Education Collaborative (TAG-Ed), the charitable organization established by the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG), that is dedicated to preparing the next-generation workforce through better education and real-life job experiences, announced today the addition of Karen Hallacy to the Board of Directors. Hallacy is an advocate for a better education system and has a proven track record of leading improvements in Georgia’s education system.

Chris Reinking, Partner and Co-Founder at Jabian Consulting and Chair of the TAG Education Collaborative Board Development Committee commented, “We are very pleased to have Karen join the TAG-Ed Board. Her extensive experience promoting education reform at the Capitol brings a new dimension to TAG-Ed.”

Hallacy has been involved with the education community for ten years serving in a variety of roles to support the advancement of education and access to education for students throughout Georgia. She served on the Georgia PTA Board of Directors for six years, most recently as the Second Vice President (2009-11) with oversight responsibility for all standing committees. As a member of the Executive Committee she had responsibility for the ongoing operations of the statewide association of over 300,000 members. She also served as the lead director for Georgia PTA in its efforts to support passage of the Common Core State Standards Initiative.

Hallacy previously served as the Georgia PTA Legislative Chairman (2007-09) and was responsible for leading all advocacy efforts that affected children and youth. She has served on the Georgia PTA Legislative Committee since 2003 and has worked closely with many education groups including the Georgia School Board Association (GSBA), the Georgia School Superintendents Association (GSSA), the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE), the Georgia Association of Educators (GAE), and the State Department of Education. She also served as Georgia PTA’s Resolution Chairman (2005-07) where she helped craft and refine resolutions that gave the PTA a voice on issues affecting children. Karen has also served as a local and council PTA president. She has also served on several task force committees for the Cobb County Board of Education including funding, code of conduct and redistricting and on the Cobb County Chamber Business Education Steering Committee (2003-06).

Prior to her work in education, Hallacy was a senior manager at Anderson Consulting where she worked on several large systems development projects including the historical reservation system for United Airlines and revenue accounting system for the Internal Revenue Service. She attended Lawrence University in Appleton, WI where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics, graduating Magna Cum Laude. She is a member of Phi Beta Kappa.

Tino Mantella, President of Technology Association of Georgia adds, “Karen’s interest in TAG-Ed provides inroads into the education community that will aid us in attracting students to STEM careers and prepare them for the exciting opportunities that the technology industry provides.”

For more information on the Student Internship Program, visit www.tagedonline.org or contact Michael Robertson, Executive Director of TAG Education Collaborative at mrobertson@tagonline.org .

About TAG Education Collaborative
TAG Education Collaborative initiatives include a student internship program, the WebChallenge competition for high school students, and the Vine Event, a fundraiser launched in 2009 which has raised more than $80,000 to support STEM education. The TAG Education Collaborative provides middle school and high school programs designed to provide these students with hands-on activities that enable them to gain an appreciation for the opportunities available in STEM careers. For additional information, visit TAG Education Collaborative or contact Michael Robertson at (404) 920 – 2038 or mrobertson@tagonline.org

About The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG)
The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) is the leading technology industry association in the state, serving more than 13,000 members and hosting over 170 events each year. TAG serves as an umbrella organization for 30 industry societies, each of which provides rich content for TAG constituents. TAG’s mission is to educate, promote, and unite Georgia’s technology community to foster an innovative and connected marketplace that stimulates and enhances a tech-based economy. The association provides members with access to networking and educational programs; recognizes and promotes Georgia’s technology leaders and companies; and advocates for legislative action that enhances the state’s economic climate for technology. Additionally, the TAG Education Collaborative (TAG’s charitable arm) focuses on helping science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education initiatives thrive. For more information visit the TAG website at www.tagonline.org or TAG’s community website at http://www.TAGthink.com. To learn about the TAG-Ed Collaborative visit http://www.tagedonline.org/.

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TAG and ATDC Celebrate 5 Years of CapVenture

Registration open for entrepreneur training series

ATLANTA (July 9, 2011) – The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) and the Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC) announced the opening of registration for CapVenture, the 5th annual training series for entrepreneurs. CapVenture is a unique and powerful training program designed to educate and equip early stage company executives for smarter and more productive capitalization of their business. The 6-week program runs from August 23rd until October 4th.

“We are excited to again partner with ATDC on this exceptional program that has helped over 90 companies such as Advectis, SoloHealth, and Purewire,” stated Tino Mantella, President of TAG. “We consistently hear that this program has had an amazing impact, and we look forward to working with another group of Georgia Entrepreneurs.”

CapVenture offers two tracks: “Series A” and “Seed.” The Series A track is for companies that are ready for venture capital. The Seed track is for earlier stage companies with product in beta that will soon be ready for angel funding. Both groups will attend workshops and lectures on term sheet negotiations, pitching, and fundraising strategies. Participants also benefit from networking opportunities and mentoring and the top participant received a spot at the annual Venture Atlanta conference.

For more information including the schedule of session and program costs, or to register, visit http://www.tagonline.org/capventure.php. Regular registration runs until June 28 and late registration will end July 18.

About Technology Association of Georgia (TAG)
Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) is the leading technology industry association in the state, serving more than 13,000 members and hosting over 170 events each year. TAG serves as an umbrella organization for 30 industry societies, each of which provides rich content for TAG constituents. TAG’s mission is to educate, promote, and unite Georgia’s technology community to foster an innovative and connected marketplace that stimulates and enhances a tech-based economy. The association provides members with access to networking and educational programs; recognizes and promotes Georgia’s technology leaders and companies; and advocates for legislative action that enhances the state’s economic climate for technology. Additionally, the TAG Education Collaborative (TAG’s charitable arm) focuses on helping science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education initiatives thrive. For more information visit the TAG website at www.tagonline.org or TAG’s community website at www.TAGthink.com. To learn about the TAG-Ed Collaborative visit http://www.tagedonline.org/.

About Advanced Technology Development Center
The Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC) a start-up accelerator that helps Georgia technology entrepreneurs launch and build successful companies. Founded in 1980, ATDC has helped create millions of dollars in tax revenues by graduating more than 120 companies, which together have raised more than a billion dollars in outside financing. ATDC has provided business incubation and acceleration services to thousands of Georgians.

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Sharon Hendricks to Join the TAG Education Collaborative Board of Directors

Long time Education Advocate to bring Visibility and Fundraising Expertise to Board

ATLANTA (July 14, 2011) – TAG Education Collaborative (TAG-Ed), the charitable organization established by the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) that is dedicated to preparing the next-generation workforce through better education and real-life job experiences, announced today the addition of Sharon Hendricks to the Board of Directors. Hendricks is a strong advocate for improving the education system in Georgia and has a proven track record for raising funds for organizations supporting this cause.

Dan McDade, President & CEO of Point Clear LLC and Chair of the TAG Education Collaborative Board commented, “We are very pleased that a person with Sharon’s knowledge and experience has joined the TAG-Ed Board. Her creativity and passion for education has been evident from our first conversation. Sharon brings a strong voice for doing what is best for the student and her other volunteer activities fit nicely with our efforts to improve workforce readiness for technology careers.”

Sharon Hendricks serves as a Vice President of Forsyth County Council PTA and Family Engagement. In her position, she is responsible for assisting families to become more involved in their child's education, as well as engaging with Forsyth County Schools to promote engagement with a renowned national association.
Sharon has been a member of PTA for 15 years and involved in multiple programs to foster advanced curriculums and lead SPLOST funding campaigns focused on education as well as serving as a judge for the teacher of the year for Forsyth County. She has organized, marketed and designed events and fundraisers focused on bringing awareness to the needs of schools and county wide education. In her current capacity with the county she works directly with schools and the school board to ensure that parents are aware of the needs and opportunities for children and focused on improving Georgia’s future workforce.
Sharon and her husband, Robert, reside in Forsyth County and have two school aged children that attend Forsyth County Schools.

Tino Mantella, President of Technology Association of Georgia adds, “Sharon will be a tremendous addition to the board. Her passion for helping Georgia’s youth, combined with her organization skills will reap dividends for TAG-Ed and ultimately our students, for years to come.”

For more information on the Student Internship Program, visit www.tagedonline.org or contact Michael Robertson, Executive Director of TAG Education Collaborative at mrobertson@tagonline.org .

About TAG Education Collaborative
TAG Education Collaborative initiatives include a student internship program, the WebChallenge competition for high school students, and the Vine Event, a fundraiser launched in 2009 which has raised more than $80,000 to support STEM education. The TAG Education Collaborative provides middle school and high school programs designed to provide these students with hands-on activities that enable them to gain an appreciation for the opportunities available in STEM careers. For additional information, visit TAG Education Collaborative or contact Michael Robertson at (404) 920 – 2038 or mrobertson@tagonline.org

About The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG)
The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) is the leading technology industry association in the state, serving more than 13,000 members and hosting over 170 events each year. TAG serves as an umbrella organization for 30 industry societies, each of which provides rich content for TAG constituents. TAG’s mission is to educate, promote, and unite Georgia’s technology community to foster an innovative and connected marketplace that stimulates and enhances a tech-based economy. The association provides members with access to networking and educational programs; recognizes and promotes Georgia’s technology leaders and companies; and advocates for legislative action that enhances the state’s economic climate for technology. Additionally, the TAG Education Collaborative (TAG’s charitable arm) focuses on helping science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education initiatives thrive. For more information visit the TAG website at www.tagonline.org or TAG’s community website at www.TAGthink.com. To learn about the TAG-Ed Collaborative visit http://www.tagedonline.org/.

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Technology Association of Georgia Announces IntercontinentalExchange Founder, Chairman and CEO Jeffrey C. Sprecher as Keynote Speaker for 2011 Excalibur Awards

Award-winning entrepreneur to share experiences of building the innovative, Georgia-based global market operator

ATLANTA (July 12, 2011) –The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) today announced that Jeffrey C. Sprecher, founder, chairman and CEO of IntercontinentalExchange (ICE) will serve as keynote speaker at the seventh annual Excalibur Awards. He will share his insights about creating one of the country’s fastest growing companies. The event will be held October 21, 2011, at 7:30 a.m. at the Renaissance Waverly Hotel, 2450 Galleria Parkway Atlanta, GA 30339.

ICE is a leading operator of regulated futures exchanges and over-the-counter markets for agricultural, credit, currency, emissions, energy and equity index contracts. Its futures markets host trade in half of the world's crude and refined oil futures. ICE also is a leading operator of central clearing services for the futures and over-the-counter markets, with five regulated clearing houses across North America and Europe. Under Sprecher’s leadership, ICE grew from an entrepreneurial vision to provide more market transparency and has become a leading global exchange, with over 950 employees and serving customers in more than 70 countries.

“ICE is the perfect example of why Georgia is a global leader in financial technology,” said Tino Mantella, president and CEO of TAG. “With its worldwide headquarters in Atlanta, and one-third of ICE’s employees located here, Sprecher’s cultivation of local talent and vision for creating innovative global market solutions demonstrates the leadership and resources we have here in financial technology.”

Sprecher has achieved several accomplishments, including a designation as one of the 25 most influential people of 2010 by Futures magazine. Also, in 2010 the company was named as the fastest growing company in the Financial Services category by Fortune magazine. ICE shortlisted for Financial Times’2011 ArcelorMittal Boldness in Business Awards in the Agents of Change category, along with Facebook and Apple. Sprecher was selected as a finalist in Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year program in 2002 and by MarketWatch as one of five finalists in the "MarketWatch CEO of the Year" program in 2006.

Earlier this week Georgia Governor Nathan Deal praised the state’s reputation as a financial technology hub; Georgia companies in this sector generate more than $34 billion in revenue each year. To learn more about where Georgia leads, search #WhereGAleads on www.twitter.com or visit www.wheregeorgialeads.com.

The Excalibur Awards recognize Georgia’s technology-enabled companies that demonstrate exemplary competency in using technology to excel in their industry.The deadline for submitting nominations, which are welcome from all industries, is September 16, 2011. To nominate a company, visit http://www.tagonline.org/excnomination.php. Last year’s winners included City of Marietta and Tech Exec Networks, Inc., InterContinental Hotels Group, Darton College and NCR.

About The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG)
The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) is the leading technology industry association in the state, serving more than 13,000 members and hosting over 170 events each year. TAG serves as an umbrella organization for 30 industry societies, each of which provides rich content for TAG constituents. TAG’s mission is to educate, promote, and unite Georgia’s technology community to foster an innovative and connected marketplace that stimulates and enhances a tech-based economy. The association provides members with access to networking and educational programs; recognizes and promotes Georgia’s technology leaders and companies; and advocates for legislative action that enhances the state’s economic climate for technology. Additionally, the TAG Education Collaborative (TAG’s charitable arm) focuses on helping science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education initiatives thrive. For more information visit the TAG website at www.tagonline.org or TAG’s community website at www.TAGthink.com. To learn about the TAG-Ed Collaborative visit http://www.tagedonline.org/.

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Governor Nathan Deal Declares Technology A Focus for Georgia

State’s Leading Tech Clusters Include Health IT, Logistics, Financial Technology, Information Security and IT Communication

 

ATLANTA (July 11, 2011) – Georgia Governor Nathan Deal declared technology an important focus for the state and a leading driver of Georgia’s economic recovery today in a special presentation to leadership from Georgia’s technology community and employees at the Alpharetta headquarters of McKesson Technology Solutions, a division of America’s largest healthcare services and information technology company.

Governor Deal was joined by David Henriksen, senior vice president and general manager of McKesson’s Physician Practice Solutions group, and Tino Mantella, president and CEO of the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG). Governor Deal spoke about Georgia’s leadership in health IT, logistics, financial technology, information security and IT communication, as well as efforts to better promote the state’s technology footprint through the “Where Georgia Leads” campaign.

“Georgia is home to more than 13,000 technology companies employing more than 250,000 Georgians,” said Gov. Deal. “From the companies developing cutting-edge technology, to the men and women who use it every day across a variety of industries, our state is on the forefront of progress.”

A series of initiatives are currently under way to bolster the growth of technology in Georgia. As a result of the passage of Senate Resolution 68, leadership in Georgia’s technology community will participate in a series of meetings around the state over the next six months to discuss elements needed for a strategic plan for science and technology—the first in Georgia’s history. Simultaneously, the Technology Association of Georgia and its partners will rally the technology community through the “Where Georgia Leads” campaign to promote the businesses, talent and innovation that the state has to offer.

“The technology industry in Georgia has been steadily growing in the past few years, even as many other industries saw declines during the recession,” said Mantella. “It has been perhaps one of our best kept secrets. But we are determined, as a community, to keep that secret no more and promote Georgia as a top destination for technology business and jobs. We are pleased that the Governor is helping us make a big step in that direction by helping kick off our ‘Where Georgia Leads’ campaign.”

Georgia is home to a number of strong technology industry clusters, and it is among the top states in the nation for logistics, financial technology, information security and IT communication. Georgia also leads the nation in health IT. Combined, these clusters bring in more than $80 billion in revenue each year. The strength of the clusters has contributed to attracting and retaining top technology companies from around the globe, including McKesson, NCR, First Data and CoreFire.

“With its impressive infrastructure, culture of innovation and diverse workforce, it’s easy to see why Georgia has distinguished itself as a destination of choice for technology companies,” said Henriksen. “As the leader in healthcare services and IT, McKesson is proud to represent the growing technology community in Georgia.”

“Where Georgia Leads” is a campaign headed by the Technology Association of Georgia, in collaboration with the organizations partners and members, to raise awareness about Georgia’s leadership in technology. For more information on Georgia’s technology footprint, including statistics and interactive maps of the companies making up Georgia’s top clusters, visit www.wheregeorgialeads.com. Get regular updates from the technology community by following #WhereGaLeads on Twitter.

About The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG)
The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) is the leading technology industry association in the state, serving more than 13,000 members and hosting over 170 events each year. TAG serves as an umbrella organization for 30 industry societies, each of which provides rich content for TAG constituents. TAG’s mission is to educate, promote, and unite Georgia’s technology community to foster an innovative and connected marketplace that stimulates and enhances a tech-based economy. The association provides members with access to networking and educational programs; recognizes and promotes Georgia’s technology leaders and companies; and advocates for legislative action that enhances the state’s economic climate for technology. Additionally, the TAG Education Collaborative (TAG’s charitable arm) focuses on helping science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education initiatives thrive. For more information visit the TAG website at www.tagonline.org or TAG’s community website at www.TAGthink.com. To learn about the TAG-Ed Collaborative visit http://www.tagedonline.org/.

About McKesson
McKesson Corporation, currently ranked 15th on the FORTUNE 500, is a healthcare services and information technology company dedicated to making the business of healthcare run better. We partner with payers, hospitals, physician offices, pharmacies, pharmaceutical companies and others across the spectrum of care to build healthier organizations that deliver better care to patients in every setting. McKesson helps its customers improve their financial, operational, and clinical performance with solutions that include pharmaceutical and medical-surgical supply management, healthcare information technology, and business and clinical services. For more information, visit http://www.mckesson.com.

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