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By Susan Huntley
The Southern Oregon Telecommunications & Technology Council (SOTTC) was founded in November 1997 on the basis that technology is not just a force that our communities must obey, but a current and future asset that can be mastered. The SOTTC will take a proactive role in bringing together stakeholders and implementing "connectivity" plans that will benefit generations of Rogue Valley citizens well into the twenty-first century.
Many of the stakeholders involved in building the foundation of the SOTTC have worked with technology in the region for many years and in a variety of roles. Combining the resources and expertise of the stakeholders allows the Council to have a greater voice and to accomplish more than they can as individuals. People currently involved in the Council come from a wide range of technology-related industries, including higher education, large corporations, small businesses, software, computer services, Internet, telecommunications, non-profits, government, media, etc. All are from southern Oregon.
Results to date:
- Appointment of Charles McHenry to the Governor's Oregon Telecommunications Forum Council in January 1998. Southern Oregon previously was not represented on this "statewide" council.
- Instrumental in organizing a Technology Education/Training Needs Assessment Survey of southern Oregon. Results will be available in October.
- Sponsor of a dinner meeting featuring Oregon's CIO, Don Maziotti.
- Creating opportunities for stakeholders to meet and network monthly and hear about new and potential technologies for the region.
- Charlie Lanusse, Starseed, Inc., is organizing an "Infrastructure Inventory" of southern Oregon.
The Council is organizing the second annual Silicon Orchard Evening, November 5, 1998 at the Rogue Valley Country Club. The speaker for this event is Bill Myers, CEO of the United States Internet Council from Washington, DC. The Internet Council brings state lawmakers together with Members of Congress, Internet industry leaders and other opinion makers to define and advance policies which support the continuing growth of the Internet
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Put this date on your calendar! If you would like more information, call Charity at (541) 772-7288.
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