Join us for lunch on August 2nd as Bob Bailey, NSF Project Manager, CVCC will be our guest speaker. Speaking from his experience in developing a technology workforce pipeline and as the chair of the Tech Council's Tech-Smart Workforce Pipeline Committee, Mr. Bailey will share his insight about what it takes for employer's to implement a program that gets local students interested in career opportunities in fields that have strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and math. In the broader scope, Mr. Bailey will talk about the Tech Council's vision of fostering innovation and growth within the technology sector of Virginia’s Region 2000 by providing the region’s workforce with the resources and programs needed to keep it competitive.

Our Summer Wired Wednesday will be held at the Wingate Inn in Lynchburg from noon until 1:30 p.m. on August 2, 2006. The cost of admission is $10 per person for Technology Council Members ($15 for non-members) and includes lunch. Seating is limited; please RSVP to tech@region2000.org or by calling the Region 2000 Technology Council at 434.847.1447.

In cooperation with the Region 2000 Technology Council, The Center for Advanced Engineering and Research will sponsor a Techology Forum presentation by Taz Daughtrey of James Madison University on Wednesday July 26. The event will be held from 11:00 to 1:00 at CVCC in Merritt Hall and includes a complementary lunch. Mr. Daughtrey's presentation will be followed by an opportunity for discussion.

Mr. Daughtrey will speak on the topic "Emergency Communications: Challenges and Opportunities" and will address a range of technical, organizational, and social issues involved in preparedness efforts. Taz is an Associate Director of the Institute for Infrastructure and Information Assurance at James Madison University (www.jmu.edu/iiia) There he directs development of a novel modeling and simulation tool, which is being used to analyze critical infrastructures including the planning of local emergency radio systems. A long-time Lynchburg resident, Taz had various software, quality, and training responsibilities in his career with Babcock & Wilcox.

Reservations are requested. Please RSVP to rsvp@region2000.org

Save the date NOW and make plans to exhibit or attend our Future Focus EXPO on October 26 at Liberty University.

The Future Focus EXPO is focused on showcasing and networking the region’s leading organizations that are contributing to the explosive growth of new high-paying jobs and paving the way for a stable economy in Virginia’s Region 2000.

Any organization or business that has a vested interest in the future of the region and is a contributor to growth within the industrial, technology, or business support sectors should be at this event.

We are looking for volunteers to sit on our Partners in Education Steering Committee. The Tech Council has a partnership with the Lynchburg City Schools’ Career-Technical Education Program and was established to enhance and expand educational opportunities for students. The partnership provides direct support for the Computer System Technology Program, by applying association resources to heighten instruction and student performance. If you have interest in serving please contact our office. To view the agreement including objectives and activities see below.

Members are encouraged to serve on one of three Council committees. Committee members meet once a month for a planning session over lunch. Interested members should contact the Council's office for more details. Our committees are:

CVGS has operated an electron microscopy lab for twenty years. The two original transmission and scanning microscopes are beyond use and must be retired. A new Hitachi S 3400N Scanning Electron Microscope will be leased to purchase for the center. The project plan is to establish the first K-12 Education Electron Microscope Center in the nation! Imagine students exploring the world beyond their eyesight, beyond their imagination, down to a 1 billionth of a meter! The scope will be in place in early September but funds are needed to make the center networked with students in classrooms in Region 2000, Virginia and the US. Financial partners are needed to assist with purchasing the Hitachi Interactive Software to make the SEM available over the web.

For more information about partnering with CVGS on this project contact: Tom Morgan at tmorgan@cvgs.k12.va.us or Cheryl Lindeman at clindema@cvgs.k12.va.us.

As the Commonwealth of Virginia puts into action one of the most sweeping reforms of information technology in the nation, COVITS 2006 will gather thought leaders who share the goal of “Advancing the Public’s Agenda” through innovative technology solutions. This year’s program will shape the future of COVITS, starting with its new name: the Commonwealth of Virginia Innovative Technology Symposium. Breakout sessions will focus on innovative technologies in: