The Power of Volunteers

Author: Ann Gallaher, Technology First

July 2010

As you no doubt remember, the beginning of 2009 was an uncertain time for professionals, businesses, and state and federal governments. Technology First struggled during this time with loss of state funding, necessary reductions in staff, and like all organizations - a need to consider its future direction. Recognizing the need to adjust to these changes Mikki Clancy, Chair of the Technology First Board of Directors, rallied the Executive Committee to brainstorm and consider the strategy going forward. The committee immediately recognized the need to enlist an army of volunteers to drive the committees and the programs that were important to the organization. As a member-based organization, enlisting a small amount of time from many hands could help make up for lost staff hours and drive programming to better meet companies’ needs.

Inspiring innovation and helping companies look to the future was also a theme that the committee felt was important considering the confusing time in the economy. Though innovation means many things to many people, it was an idea that needed to be explored. In the fall of 2009, with a new plan in place, a call for volunteers went out to the technology community to engage professionals in Technology First and its programs. Professionals committed to help drive membership, events,workforce development, marketing, and conferences. A committee was formed to investigate Technology First’s role in inspiring innovation that resulted in a conference committee being formed. Our fiscal year ended June 30 with over 4,500 volunteer hours contributed to the success of the organization over the past 12 months. Just to name a few achievements this year,we held the most successful Taste of IT since the conference’s inception, hosted an inaugural Technology Landscape conference, initiated a new CEO Council of companies growi  their businesses outside the region, and launched a new website courtesy of TDH Marketing that includes a new Tech Source and CIO Portal. Our thanks go out to Mikki Clancy and Executive Committee members to include Steve Hangen, Bob Turner, Leigh Sandy, Barbara Hayde, and Tim Hull for recognizing the need to re-group and re-charge. Technology First has definitely been strengthened and more successful this year through the power of its volunteer network! On a personal note, I would like to extend my thanks to Mikki Clancy for re-upping and serving as Board of Directors Chair during this two-year period. Her leadership was outstanding!