tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69491814780702436192023-11-15T10:03:51.300-07:00Durango Techcanuckincohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01180564401983167355noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6949181478070243619.post-81066996163266980192011-07-25T11:30:00.000-06:002011-07-25T11:30:29.382-06:00Some important deadlines for entrepreneurial techiesOK, for those of you with startup ambitions, here are a couple of upcoming opportunities.<br />
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<img alt="Venture Capital in the Rockies and Invest Southwest" src="http://www.vcirfall.com/images/homeHostLogos.png" /><br />
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First, applications are now being accepted for <a href="http://www.vcirfall.com/index.php">Venture Capital In The Rockies Fall 2011</a> lineup. VCIR is held twice per year and is the region's oldest and best attended venture capital conference. VCIR features companies located in the Rocky Mountain region and the Fall event will showcase the region’s most promising emerging growth companies for an audience of hundreds of venture investors, CEOs, entrepreneurs and service professionals. In addition to highlighting the region's most compelling companies.<br />
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They are inviting companies from the entire Rocky Mountain region (CO, UT, NM, WY, MT, NV, ID, AZ) to submit to present at Invest Southwest -VCIR Fall 2011. Submitting companies must fill out the form on this link <a href="https://angelsoft.net/angel-group/invest-southwest/apply" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #d35d1c; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">PRESENTER APPLICATION</a> for consideration. Submissions are rated by a team of reviewers who consider factors such as the strength of the business idea, size of the target market, past performance of the company, future prospects of the business, quality of the management team and appropriateness of the business for the audience represented at the conference. We anticipate selecting 12 -15 presenting companies as well as one or two alternates. The focus of the conference is on information technology, clean technology and alternative energy, consumer products, internet services and life sciences.<br />
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Submissions are due by September 1, however, companies will be selected on a “rolling admissions” basis. As a result, we encourage applicants to submit early. Companies that are selected to present will receive one free pass to the conference as well as the opportunity to by additional passes at a reduced price.<br />
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If you have any questions about the process please send an email to <a href="mailto:nanette@rockymountainvca.com" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #d35d1c; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">nanette@rockymountainvca.com</a><br />
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<img height="279" src="http://apply.tcdisrupt.com/images/sanfran.jpg" width="400" /><br />
Also, there is only one week left to apply to TechCrunch DisRupt SF <a href="http://disrupt.techcrunch.com/SF2011/startup-battlefield/">Startup Battlefield</a>. Hopeful founders and entrepreneurs will submit their young, unseen startup companies for the opportunity to launch on technology’s biggest stage in front of an all-star panel consisting of the biggest innovators, angels, VCs and influencers in the Tech community. Up for grabs is the $50,000 prize and the coveted “Disrupt Cup,” and new open doors. <a href="http://apply.tcdisrupt.com/">Submit your applications here</a>.<br />
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I would love to hear if any team from Durango submits to these events - let me know and good luck!canuckincohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01180564401983167355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6949181478070243619.post-67548890509318284942011-03-29T10:01:00.004-06:002011-03-29T12:04:25.704-06:00Our 'Cool Stuff Showcase' Line Up!<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Be sure to join us for the first Durango Tech 'Cool Stuff Showcase'</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">When: Thursday March 31, 5 - 6:30PM</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Where: <a href="http://durangospace.com/">DurangoSpace</a>, <a href="http://durangospace.com/location/">1221 Main St., Durango</a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><b>This is a chance for local technology entrepreneurs to show off some of the cool stuff that they have been working on, and to gain valuable feedback and support from the Durango Tech community.</b></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Each of these brave souls will spend 5 minutes presenting their cool stuff, after which we spend 10 minutes as a group giving them feedback and suggestions. There will be a 'reception' at the end where you can get one on one with the presenters.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Oh - did we mention <u>beer</u>? We will set up a bar with beer, coffee, water and maybe a light snack with a donation jar to cover the costs. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Cool Stuff Showcase #1 - Robin Johnson</span></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>Who I Am</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I taught myself to program Java when I was 16 and was interested in artificial intelligence applications. My attention shifted to social peer-to-peer networking applications when I was first exposed to the original Gnutella application back in 2000. This led to my involvement with Sun Microsystems' Project JXTA, where I met Scott Capdevielle, who, along with Dr. Jim Youssef in Durango, was starting a medical collaboration software company called Syndicom. I moved from Minnesota to Durango in 2003 to work for Syndicom and have been doing so ever since. When Syndicom scaled down its operation 6 months ago, I began to have more spare time which I used as an opportunity to begin work on RiverFlows.</span><br />
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<b>My Cool Thing</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b></b>RiverFlows is an Android application for viewing real-time river conditions. The target market is mainly outdoorsmen; however farmers, ranchers, and hydrologists have also expressed interest in the app. In the months since the first beta was made available on the Android Market, RiverFlows has been downloaded some 2000 times and several potential competitor apps have appeared. I'm currently working on support for retrieving forecasts from NOAA's Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service. After that is completed, I plan to start work on a "deluxe" version of the app that I can sell in the Android Market.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Cool Stuff Showcase #2 - Adam Fries</span></b></span><br />
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<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Who I am</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><b></b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;">Adam Fries has been an entrepreneur for the last ten years. His passion, business education and varied experience has given him the ability and determination to be successful in different industries. This experience ranges from market analysis of the printed circuit board industry to establishing a forklift distributorship in Guadalajara, Mexico. His current position is president of Sun Peak Builders, which is a leading alternative home builder in Durango.</span><br />
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</span></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>My Cool Thing</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><b></b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;">Adam will discuss providing high quality and consistent information to medical marijuana patients. This can be obtained through meaningful relationships with these individuals. This solution will enable patients with specific illnesses to make informed decisions regarding therapy options. Many patients will benefit from an increase in quality of life.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />
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<div style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Cool Stuff Showcase #3 - Matthew Ozvat</span></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><br />
</span></b></span></span></div></div><div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Who I Am</b></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Matt, Bobby and Kevin are Durango technologists who have a passion for developing creative entrepreneur solutions. We meet regularly every Wednesday night with beer, pretzels and laptops while speaking binary. Of course, skiing and mountain biking help keep us honest while living in the mountains.</span></span><br />
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</span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>My Cool Thing</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><b></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Pic2Pay is a way for you to make a purchase online without ever having </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">to enter your shipping, billing and payment information. By </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">downloading the Pic2Pay app and entering your personal information </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">once, from that time on you can purchase online goods from any vendor </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">that offers Pic2Pay, with a snap of a picture.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.pic2pay.com/" style="color: #2a5db0;" target="_blank">http://www.pic2pay.com/</a></span><br />
<div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: separate; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Cool Stuff Showcase #4 - Larry Leonard</span></b></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><br />
</span></b></span></span></span></div><div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: separate; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Who I Am</b></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Growing up in the flatlands of Ohio, my first experience of the mountains of Colorado was a motorcycle trip in the late 60's with a couple of buddies -- Easy Rider style without the shooting. I was hooked but wondered how a city kid could make a living near wilderness. While getting degrees in Mathematics and Finance I discovered computers and my answer. I have lived in Durango for 25 years writing software for financial and communications applications. My clients seldom realize when I take their support call that I am on a mountain bike, skis, or sitting outside a tent.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: separate; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>My Cool Thing</b></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Many software developers dream of writing a pure app that sells for a few cents apiece to millions of users. The reality is that far more opportunities require a human element – fielding tech support calls or sales inquiries and billing questions. The stumbling block for a new venture is that you might have no calls one day and 50 the next including evenings and weekends. You may not have expertise in these areas yourself much less be able to train employees, even if you could afford them. Our service incubator center will allow you to hire help instantly on a per-minute basis rather than monthly salaries. As a tool for entrepreneurs and venture capital providers alike, we enable you to develop a new prototype concept and when ready, seamlessly go national.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: separate; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Cool Stuff Showcase #5 - Walker Thompson</span></b></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: separate; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>Who I Am</b></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: separate; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b></b></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Most importantly, a Durango native! Also has do some stuff as, or masquerading as, co-founder of SocialTransactions, VP Sales and Marketing at WhenToManage, The Rock Lounge Owner, very part-time barista, SKA beer junkie, Facebook'er, mountain biker, climber, writer and ex-spiritual advisor to Charlie Sheen.</span></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: separate; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: separate; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>My Cool Thing</b></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: separate; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b></b></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Have you ever recommended a product or service to your friend? Yes? Then you know how to use SocialTransactions. Our concept is simple... You advocate for the things you like on Facebook, Twitter, a blog or your website (for the fancy types). Sometimes your friends buy... Ever thought, "Gee, I should get paid for that!?!?!?" With SocialTransactions, you will. And it is easy. You just add a link to the keywords that people might click on. If, for example, you want to link to a product on a mountain biking website, say, SpecializedBike, you add the link, your friends click, they buy, you get paid! YAY! ABSOLUTELY NO CHANGE IN WHAT YOU ARE DOING! And your favorite brands will be psyched, because they are only paying when a sale is made - better than Google adwords!</span></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: separate; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="im" style="color: #500050; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;"></div></div>canuckincohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01180564401983167355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6949181478070243619.post-62686422723551759382011-03-25T08:40:00.000-06:002011-03-25T08:40:01.875-06:00Calling all entrepreneurs who need money<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
<div style="font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: right; float: right; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="http://swcommunityfoundation.org/files/foundation_logo.png" /></span>... as if that isn't a redundant statement!</div><div style="font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px;">Last week, as a result of our Herald article, I heard from The <a href="http://swcommunityfoundation.org/">Community Foundation Serving SW Colorado</a>. They are one of nearly 650 foundations across the country that are set up by people, corporations and families and are dedicated to improving the quality of life in a specific area, county or region.</div><div style="font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px;">It is a tax-exempt public charity that allows people or organizations to establish permanent endowments funds and gift funds within one large foundation and it offers inexpensive, value-added way to establish a family named foundation. The income from these funds, and the principal if the donor desires, is available to respond to emerging community problems and opportunities.</div><div style="font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px;">They are currently wrapping up their next grant cycle and are looking for entrepreneurial initiatives that grow jobs and the quality of life in our area. The grants range in size from $10,000 to $100,000. The <a href="http://swcommunityfoundation.org/Durango-Double">concept proposal submission</a> deadline is April 1, so act now. </div><div style="font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px;">Elizabeth Marsh from the Foundation will be at the Cool Stuff Showcase if you have additional questions, but that is the night before the deadline so don't wait until then to submit.</div><div style="font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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</div>canuckincohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01180564401983167355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6949181478070243619.post-88258742486626940032011-03-23T11:39:00.001-06:002011-03-23T11:39:49.044-06:00Almost Famous<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://durangoherald.com/storyimage/DU/20110323/NEWS04/703239955/AR/AR-703239955.jpg&maxw=725&maxh=575" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://durangoherald.com/storyimage/DU/20110323/NEWS04/703239955/AR/AR-703239955.jpg&maxw=725&maxh=575" width="400" /></a></div>Yesterday's Durango Herald had a <a href="http://durangoherald.com/article/20110323/NEWS04/703239955/-1/News04/A-gift-for-gabbing-in-geek">great article by Emery Cowan</a> covering our last coffee meeting and what we are all about. I think it did a great job and will hopefully lead to more people joining the ranks.<br />
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In fact, it already resulted in a contact from <a href="http://www.swcommunityfoundation.org/">The Community Foundation of SW Colorado</a> about a possible grant to help grow the group. Stay tuned!canuckincohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01180564401983167355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6949181478070243619.post-74634195757612257522011-03-21T11:26:00.000-06:002011-03-21T11:26:17.768-06:00Marketing For Smarties Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-X4VkRQUZJyE/TYeIbt_Cm6I/AAAAAAAAEX8/sHa06ZFw06Y/s1600/break+the+cycle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-X4VkRQUZJyE/TYeIbt_Cm6I/AAAAAAAAEX8/sHa06ZFw06Y/s320/break+the+cycle.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">For most tech entrepreneurs, the ideas come easy but taking them to market is a challenge.<br />
</span><br />
There is a <a href="http://www.coloradosbdc.org/center.aspx?center=2170&subloc=0">SBDC backed</a> workshop series coming up where you quickly figure out what you know and what you don't, what you need and what you can skip. The Marketing for Smarties Challenge guides you––step-by-step––through a simple, straightforward development program.<br />
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Incredibly user friendly, it provides you with all the hands-on tools you'll need.Smarties strips marketing down to the essentials so that small B2Bs can jump start leads, find business opportunities, and stay on a growth path.<br />
<b><br />
When: </b> 3 Sessions: March 22, April 27, May 18, 2011<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Where: </b>Fort Lewis College, Education Business Building, Room #130</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Time: </b>1 pm to 5 pm</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Fee:</b> $ 149.00 (there is a scholarship available - call the SBDC at the number below)</span><br />
<u>Register Now! Space is limited.</u><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">To register for the Marketing for Smarties Challenge, contact the Small Business Development Center</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">- by phone: 970-247-7009</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">- <a href="mailto:Asano_l@fortlewis.edu">e-mail Lynn Asano</a> : </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">- <a href="http://www.coloradosbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=170310054">Register on-line here</a></span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
Coaches: Jasper Welch and Marcy Mitchell</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Jasper Welch is the director of the Quality Center for Business at San Juan College, which </span>includes the Enterprise Center (business incubator). Since 1991, Mr. Welch has operated a management consulting practice, which specializes in strategic planning, organizational development, and leadership training.<br />
Marcy Mitchell is the owner of MTECH Internet Marketing. She has worked with hundreds of small business owners to develop marketing plans and strategies for the past 16 years. Her extensive experience in web design, copy writing, search engine optimization, PPC management, social media and internet marketing has helped many companies grow their local businesses and keep up with marketing trends.canuckincohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01180564401983167355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6949181478070243619.post-2975260198621688422010-12-15T16:17:00.000-07:002010-12-15T16:17:22.808-07:00Durango Chamber of Commerce 2010 Awards Finalists<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.durangobusiness.org/external/wcpages/images/durangoLogo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.durangobusiness.org/external/wcpages/images/durangoLogo.png" /></a></div>The <a href="http://www.durangobusiness.org/">Durango Chamber of Commerce</a> has announced their <a href="http://durangoherald.com/article/20101215/NEWS04/712159981/-1/s">2010 finalists</a> for the various awards that they will present at their <a href="http://www.durangobusiness.org/events/eventdetail.aspx?EventID=27">annual banquet</a> on January 20th at FLC.<br />
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The ones that may be of most interest to Durango Tech are:<br />
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<img alt="durango colorado" src="http://durangoherald.com/img/grey-spike.png" style="margin: 0pt 5px 2px 0pt;" />Entrepreneur of the Year: <a href="http://www.durangomagazine.com/">Durango Magazine</a> (Julie Schultz), <a href="http://www.creativecompass.us/">Creative Compass</a> (Leanne and Mark Beasley) and <a href="http://www.shawsolar.com/index.php?2grajd">Shaw Solar</a> (John Shaw).<br />
<img alt="durango colorado" src="http://durangoherald.com/img/grey-spike.png" style="margin: 0pt 5px 2px 0pt;" />Green Business Leadership Award: <a href="http://www.durangocompost.com/">Durango Compost Company</a>, <a href="http://m-hbuilders.com/Site_2/About.html">Mantell-Hecathorn Builders</a> Inc. and Shaw Solar<br />
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On the tech side, <a href="http://www.buzztown.com/">Buzztown</a> is a finalist for Business of the Year.<br />
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<span class="GeneralBody" id="ctl00_Content_content1_lblContent">The Durango Chamber of Commerce is a member based organization that promotes and supports the local business community. With more than 800 members, the Durango Chamber of Commerce acts as a resource of information for its members, the community, and relocation inquirers. It communicates business related issues and advocates on the behalf of its members. The chamber operates networking and educational programs all for the sake of building a stronger community and a greater quality of life.</span><br />
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<span class="GeneralBody" id="ctl00_Content_content1_lblContent">You can follow the Chamber on <a href="http://twitter.com/DurangoChamber">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://facebook.com/durangochamberofcommerce">Facebook</a>. </span>canuckincohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01180564401983167355noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6949181478070243619.post-34604082080385783142010-12-13T18:10:00.000-07:002010-12-13T18:12:24.132-07:00No more Fort Lewis Computer Science Major<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.stjohns.edu/media/1/5e32019c8ffa408b9bba5e52824a8168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://www.stjohns.edu/media/1/5e32019c8ffa408b9bba5e52824a8168.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Last week the <a href="http://www.durangoherald.com/article/20101211/NEWS01/712119962/Fewer-majors-to-choose-from">Herald announced</a> that <a href="http://catalog.fortlewis.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=5&poid=602">computer science</a>, Southwest studies and agricultural science majors will be discontinued at Fort Lewis College by the end of the 2012-13 school year, according to a unanimous decision Friday by the college’s Board of Trustees. While it is unfortunate that any major is being cut, I was personally disappointed that computer science was one of the victims.<br />
<br />
The primary reason stated was declining enrollment. If this is the case, then it is bucking the national trend. In fact, according to a recent <a href="http://www.cra.org/govaffairs/blog/2010/03/cra-taulbee-report-cs-enrollments-new-majors-up-for-2nd-straight-year/">CRA Taulbee report</a>, the number of undergraduate students enrolled in computer science departments, and the number of new majors in computer science, have both increased for the second straight year. The number of new students majoring in computer science increased 8.5 percent over last year. The total number of majors increased 5.5 percent, yielding a two-year increase of 14 percent. Computer science graduation rates should increase in two to three years as these new students graduate.<br />
<br />
Enrollment in computer science saw a massive decline in the early 2000's. This is attributed primarily to the implosion of the dot com era, when prospective students saw their odds of making a quick fortune in the industry disappear faster than Yahoo! profits. However, that trend has reversed, and the industry as a whole is looking good again, in no small part due to the ability for tech companies to establish themselves and operate with a lot less overhead. Investors are also flocking back to tech in the last couple of years.<br />
<br />
Computer science jobs pay very well, right out of college. The starting pay of certain <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberal_arts_college">liberal arts</a> majors generally clocks in well below that of graduates in engineering fields, according to a <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303864404575571983699796048.html">recent Wall Street Journal study</a>. The survey also shows that they maintain this compensation gap throughout their careers, and that employers tend to hire these grads for what would typically be a job for a liberal arts major.<br />
<br />
There are 2 immediate impacts as a result of this decision. First, local high school students who show an <a href="http://www.ratemyteachers.com/bill-boudreaux/206758-t">aptitude for computer science</a> will have to go elsewhere for their post-secondary education. And secondly, there is no flow of local graduate talent that can stay in the area and get a great job. <br />
<br />
Maybe the answer would have been to better promote these programs. Maybe Durango Tech should have come into existence sooner. Either way, let's continue to promote local tech jobs and companies, so that we create a strong voice to get this program reinstated down the road.<br />
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I would love to hear the thoughts of others on this.canuckincohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01180564401983167355noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6949181478070243619.post-80318761940677428412010-12-07T07:53:00.000-07:002010-12-07T07:53:31.284-07:002011 - Good for CO Tech, not so good for a lot of others<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v6V-nZMEXRw/TP5I-mV-gHI/AAAAAAAAEXY/MhXBa_BN2PE/s1600/Picture+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_v6V-nZMEXRw/TP5I-mV-gHI/AAAAAAAAEXY/MhXBa_BN2PE/s200/Picture+1.png" width="200" /></a></div>According to the CU Leeds School of Business 46th annual <a href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/cde7a9fd">Colorado Business Outlook</a>, 2011 will still be a rough year for jobs in the State, and the <a href="http://durangoherald.com/article/20101207/NEWS01/712079956/-1/News">Durango area is no exception</a>.<br />
<br />
The good news for those of us in technology and science fields is that about 7,000 jobs will be added next year. How many of those will be in our area is really up to us.<br />
<br />
Are you planning on hiring in 2011? Let us know.canuckincohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01180564401983167355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6949181478070243619.post-3974810265702636002010-11-18T10:41:00.000-07:002010-11-18T10:41:16.930-07:00Some local businesses are thriving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.durangoherald.com/storyimage/DU/20101117/NEWS04/711179993/EP/1/1/EP-711179993.jpg&ExactW=218" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.durangoherald.com/storyimage/DU/20101117/NEWS04/711179993/EP/1/1/EP-711179993.jpg&ExactW=218" /></a></div>A great <a href="http://www.durangoherald.com/article/20101117/NEWS04/711179993/-1/News04/Sweet-success-stories">article in the Herald</a> yesterday, showcasing local businesses that are doing well, despite tough economic times. I particularly like the description of the 'cascading effect' that Joe Keck and others mention. Also - do you see the common theme? All the businesses shown in the article do most of their business outside of Durango (in fact across the country) - which means they are bringing dollars into our region.canuckincohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01180564401983167355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6949181478070243619.post-77375056995301285472010-11-14T07:08:00.000-07:002010-11-14T07:10:07.351-07:00What I remember from 11/11 DOCC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hobbybunker.com/images/products/BBA029(L).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.hobbybunker.com/images/products/BBA029(L).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Another great turnout! It's awesome to see all the new faces and to get to know the folks in the Durango area who work in the technology sector, have businesses here, or are passionate about something that could use a little boost from the right tech.<br />
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Among the new faces were:<br />
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<ul><li><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/pub/jenny-vierling-viland/2/642/292">Jenny Vierling</a>, who is the Director of Product at <a href="http://www.mercurypay.com/">Mercury</a> here in town. Jenny began her career at Microsoft, and eventually moved here and started her own consulting company.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mark-rosenthal/3/826/b23">Mark Rosenthal</a>, who does development for <a href="http://www.technikinc.com/">Technik, Inc</a> and is currently working on an interesting project for VA hospitals.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/pub/larry-leonard/27/2b2/289">Larry Leonard</a>, a local developer (and huge Linux advocate), who has a company called ACS and is currently working on a cool project called <a href="http://www.rentdurango.com/index.htm">RentDurango</a>.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mark-epstein/0/161/964">Mark Epstein</a>, who co-founded UCG/The Convergent Group, which eventually <a href="http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Schlumberger+and+Convergent+Group+Announce+Definitive+Merger...-a066096600">sold to Schlumberger</a>, moved to Durango and owned <a href="http://www.canyonmusicwoodworks.com/">Canyon Music</a> for a number of years, and is now heavily involved in getting <a href="http://www.mountainmiddleschool.org/">Mountain Middle School</a> off the ground. You may know Mark best as the banjo player in <a href="http://www.thebadlybent.com/">The Badly Bent</a>.</li>
</ul><br />
It seemed like everyone there had a connection with <a href="http://syndicom.com/">Syndicom</a> except me. There was some catching up, as a lot of these folks knew each other but hadn't seen each other in a while - another great reason to come out to DOCC!<br />
<br />
We talked about the challenges of attracting good talent to open positions here. Both Walker and Jenny are hiring right now. We are going to add a Jobs section to this blog over the next couple of weeks, so stay tuned and post those open positions.<br />
<br />
Mark gave us a great overview of what the Mountain Middle School is all about, and the challenges that come with starting a charter middle school here. He is responsible for the technology to support the students, and has decided on Google Apps because they offer it for free. He considered iPads for each student but in the end found an inexpensive netbook that is more bulletproof and easier to type on (without the need for additional components). A lot of discussion back and forth about why there is a need for a charter school with a teaching style that challenges the kids.<br />
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We also discussed doing an an evening event where people with great ideas, or early stage companies already running, can get up in front of an audience of their peers and pitch. The thought is that the pitch be 5 minutes long, with open ended dialog afterwards to provide feedback and input. Who knows what will come out of it - a new partner, an investment, a better focus on the idea. We are going to aim for early January for this event so stay tuned! And if you would like to pitch, contact me by leaving a comment here - we already have 3 people committed and there are only so many slots.<br />
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If you were there and have anything to add - leave a comment!<br />
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All in all, a fun and interesting morning. Hope to see you at the next one!<br />
<br />
Jimcanuckincohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01180564401983167355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6949181478070243619.post-994620612834054942010-11-08T12:11:00.000-07:002010-11-08T12:16:06.104-07:00Do you know about the SBDC?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.coloradosbdc.org/images/COLogoBig.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://www.coloradosbdc.org/images/COLogoBig.gif" width="400" /></a></div>Did you know that there is an excellent local resource that can help you start your small business, or take it to the next level?<br />
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Run by the State of Colorado <a href="http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite?c=Page&childpagename=OEDIT/OEDITLayout&cid=1162927366334&p=1162927366334&pagename=OEDITWrapper">Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT)</a>, the Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network is dedicated to helping small businesses throughout Colorado achieve their goals by providing Free confidential counseling and various training programs. The SBDC combines information and resources from federal, state and local governments with those of the educational system and the private sector to meet the specialized and complex needs of the small business community. Regulatory, management, financial and marketing experts work in partnership to provide entrepreneurs with crucial information that can mean the difference between success and failure. <br />
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You can find a list of the programs that they offer <a href="http://www.coloradosbdc.org/DocumentMaster.aspx?doc=37">here</a>.<br />
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Durango is home to the <a href="http://www.coloradosbdc.org/center.aspx?center=2170&subloc=0">Southwest Colorado Center</a>, which is directed by Joe Keck. They serve the surrounding 5 counties as well as 2 Tribes. They offer consulting, mentorship, and <a href="http://www.coloradosbdc.org/events.aspx?mode=4&center=2170">various workshops</a> on the different elements that it takes to be a successful small business owner here and now.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.coloradosbdc.org/register.aspx?center=2170&subcenter=0">Counseling</a> is free, and the workshops ask for a small fee. In 2009, our local SBDC counseled more than 350 clients.<br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">SBDC recently offered <a href="http://www.nxlevel.org/">NxLevel</a>, a 12-week evening class for entrepreneurs which was well attended and <a href="http://durangoherald.com/article/20100915/NEWS04/709159925/Economy-spurs-business">written up in the Herald</a>.</div><br />
I have recently joined the Board of Advisors, and am looking forward to working with small businesses in our area. Of course, my focus is on Technology - either companies in the sector, or companies that are wanting to use technology for competitive advantage.<br />
<br />
Ping me if you want more info, or <a href="mailto:keck_j@fortlewis.edu">contact Joe Keck directly</a>. I will post updates on SBDC happenings as they come onto the radar.canuckincohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01180564401983167355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6949181478070243619.post-72830360181469744212010-10-29T10:43:00.000-06:002010-10-29T10:45:50.816-06:00Brad Feld on creating a sustainable entrepreneurial community<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://myventurepad.com/ClientFiles/79a45240-4d68-4ec5-a1f4-ceddd56a69ca/Brad_Feld_headshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://myventurepad.com/ClientFiles/79a45240-4d68-4ec5-a1f4-ceddd56a69ca/Brad_Feld_headshot.jpg" /></a></div>Brad says it well in <a href="http://www.pehub.com/86943/how-to-create-a-sustainable-entrepreneurial-community/">this recent post</a>. Where do you think we should start? What resources do we already have that we should leverage?canuckincohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01180564401983167355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6949181478070243619.post-61903109373276761612010-10-29T09:01:00.000-06:002010-10-29T10:24:27.949-06:00Durango Open Coffee Club<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">DOCC had their third get-together yesterday. The idea behind it is to allow people who are in technology, own a small business, or are entrepreneurs or investors to get together in an informal setting and get to know each other. we chat about whatever comes to mind, with a little prodding from the hosts where needed.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are so many of us in the area, and a lot of us have no idea who else is out there. Many of us are remote workers, and depend on phone calls, email, and social networking for our contacts during the day. There are a lot of local resources that could be tapped if we only knew about them.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yesterday's session was a great one, with a few special guests. Joe Keck, who is the Director of t</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">he </span><a href="http://www.coloradosbdc.org/center.aspx?center=2170"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Southwest Colorado Small Business Development Center</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> which provides free counseling services to existing and start-up businesses. The Center also provides workshops and training programs for small businesses. The territory served by the Center includes: Archuleta County, Dolores County, La Plata County, Montezuma County, San Juan County, Southern Ute Indian Tribe, and Ute Mountain Ute Indian Tribe.<br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We also had </span><a href="http://www.acretepartners.com/team/boardmembers.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gary Masner</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, a well known local business consultant and investor. Gary managed to squeeze this in before heading out on a month-long sail in the Caribbean.<br />
</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span> And there was Robert Yearout with </span> <a href="http://www.fortlewis.edu/alumni_friends/professional_associates/default.aspx"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Professional Associates</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">of Fort Lewis College, which is an organization comprised of people with substantial professional, business, or academic experiences and skills. The organization endeavors to use this reservoir of expertise in support of </span><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fort Lewis College’s role as a multifaceted learning resource for its students and for the people of the Four Corners region.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
Rounding out the group were <a href="http://www.chainringaction.blogspot.com/">Walker Thompson</a>, Scot Davis of </span> <a href="http://sagetech.squarespace.com/about-us/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sage Technology</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, Robin Johnson from </span><a href="http://syndicom.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Syndicom</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, Nathan Disser from </span><a href="http://www.mtnguide.net/index.shtml"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Southwest Adventure Guides</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, Richard Leavitt from </span><a href="http://www.rallydev.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rally Software</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, and myself.</span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A lot of the conversation was around how we could increase the number of technology sector companies and jobs in our area. It requires a blend of investors, entrepreneurs and talent. We have some of this now, but need to do more. </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first step is to start the conversation flowing amongst ourselves and see what we come up with as far as initiatives and ideas. We also need to start to identify what talent we have around the area already, and what they need to to be successful. To that end, we are rounding up local entrepreneurs with business ideas and doing a 'pitch night', probably in late November. Stay tuned on format and logistics... but hey, if you have an idea you want to pitch, </span><a href="mailto:jsmackay@gmail.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">let me know</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">!</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are getting some great momentum around these coffee get-togethers. Come on out to the next one and hang out, get to know people like you who live and work here, and join the fun!</span></span></div>canuckincohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01180564401983167355noreply@blogger.com2