GTS 2007

One of my primary interests over the past couple of years has been the Technology Association of Georgia (www.tagonline.org), an organization that works hard to promote technology companies in the State and provides numerous opportunities to connect to like-minded individuals across multiple disciplines through the TAG Society's. The CEO Boot Camp that I attended last week was sponsored by TAG and it is representative of the kind of leading edge developmental programs that TAG initiates on an ongoing basis.

I am also honored this year to chair the 2007 Georgia Technology Summit. We have an exciting line-up planned for February 28, 2007 at the Cobb Galleria. The program will include top-notch speakers including Rich Demillo, the Dean of Computing at Georgia Tech and former CTO at HP. We will also have Chris Anderson, the Editor & Chief of Wired Magazine and author of the best selling book, "The Long Tail". We will be presenting our Lifetime Achievement Award to Jim Blanchard, the Chairman of Synovus, in recognition of his many accomplishments. The Top 40 Innovative Companies in Georgia as judged by a distinguished panel will be on hand to discuss their companies and the Top 10 will present during the program. We will also hear from the winner of this years Business Launch Competition (REACHMDConsult) and finally we will be previewing a special report on the state of technology in Georgia. Like I said, an exciting line-up and the planning committee is delighted to have it all come together before Thanksgiving.

Wow! What an accomplishment. Of course, most folks don't realize what it takes to put together a program like GTS 2007 since they think it must be organized by some professional group that TAG hires. Well, that isn't quite how it happens. In fact, the planning committee is comprised on a number of senior executives from the technology community who volunteer their time and talents to drive a creative program that both educates and entertains the guests. GTS 2007 is the largest fund raising event for TAG and to be successful we must deliver a program that inspires people to sponsor and attend. Think that's easy? Well, it isn't and tomorrow I'll tell you a bit more about our journey that started in early 2006 and still has many days ahead. Meanwhile, everyone have a wonderful evening. Ellie needs some help with her homework and so Dad needs to sign off.

Oh yeah, the funny looking hood in the pic? Well, that is none other than that infamous character Frank Baia, best known as the voice of god at most TAG events. Frank, the leader of Global Speak generously donates his time and talents to many different interests. In this photo he is doing time for Jerry's kids. He is just one of the technology executives that consistently supports TAG.