Defining Geek..

What is a geek? My definition of geek is anyone who works in a field of expertise which results in a transfer of knowledge. Thousands of Atlantic Canadians work in a number of careers that deal with the exchange of knowledge. Call center, IT, engineering, sciences, legal, insurance, banking and consulting careers all qualify as "geek" professions because they are linked to the knowledge economy.

In the 1990's, local leaders envisioned that the road to prosperity for Atlantic Canada was thru a knowledge based economy. The knowledge economy would leverage our region’s human capital and transform us into a "have" region. While much work does remain, we have had success. To celebrate our accomplishments, I felt that the region needed an event where knowledge industry professionals or "Geeks" could gather and meet. My ultimate goal was to promote and create a healthy elitism attitude about our knowledge economy. Geeks on Ice and Geeks Golf serve that purpose.

People often ask me how a hockey and golf tournament will accomplish my goal. It’s actually quite simple. These events engage the public, whom is otherwise unaware of the thousands of jobs that exist in Atlantic Canada. The public often views the knowledge economy as simply IT related jobs within IT companies and associates the knowledge economy with the dot-com crash of 2000. Geeks on Ice and Geeks Golf showcase the many firms from our region that not only survived the crash but also prospered long after it. GTECH (formerly Spielo) and Whitehill Technologies are a few examples of New Brunswick firms that have recorded record growth while others like knowledge industry pioneers Service New Brunswick have become a model for e-government initiatives worldwide.

While our event does include many information technology organizations like OAOT, Sports Direct Inc and Plexus, many in the public do not consider the large number of knowledge positions that are key roles within organizations like HRDC, Assomption Vie, Medavie Blue Cross, Property Guys, Beausejour Health and the Moncton Hospital. These roles not only consist of typical It roles like programmers and technicians, but also include sales, marketing, finance and administrative staff. All of which are vital to any healthy organization.

Yes, Geeks on Ice and Geeks Golf is serving a very necessary networking function for knowledge industry warriors from our region. They are also promoting awareness of the career opportunities within the knowledge industry to young adults who want to pursue a career and remain in Atlantic Canada. It also draws attention from knowledge industry professionals looking to come back to Atlantic Canada. Remeber, our knowledge industry needs more graduates and returning professionals to lead the region's knowledge based economy towards the next wave.

As such, I call on the thousands of call center, IT, insurance, banking, science, engineering, and consulting firms and professionals from all over Atlantic Canada to join us from April 20, 2006 through April 23, 2006 at Geeks on ice and Geeks Golf. Come celebrate our accomplishments and vision the future potential of our knowledge economy. My name is Trevor and I am a Geek!

Trevor Macausland
Geeks on Ice/Geeks Golf Organizer
W: 506-855-0005
H: 506-852-8096
Email: tmacausland@gmail.com
http://www.GeeksonIce.com

The goal of Geeks on Ice is to serve as a networking catalyst and promotion for knowledge industry firms and professionals from all over the region. The unique focus of GOI is the fact that each team must consist of players who work in an IT related profession either in IT, insurance, banking, contact centers or businesses that specialize in the transfer of knowledge.

Final Day for "Geeks on Ice" Registration

Today marks the final day to submit your team registration fee for the annual Geeks on Ice hockey tournament. If you have mailed or plan to deliver your final payment, please contact Michel Nied to arrange delivery.

If you require any additional information please contact Michael Nied at mnied@whitehilltech.com. Registration will be handled on a first come first serve basis.

Payment must be made to Geeks on Ice:

c/o Trevor Macausland
260 MacNaughton Ave.
Moncton, NB E1H 2J8
Fax: 506-855-0088


Cheers,

Trevor Macausland
Geeks on Ice/Geeks Golf Organizer
W: 506-855-0005
H: 506-852-8096
Email: tmacausland@gmail.com
www.GeeksonIce.com

5 Days Left Until Registration Deadline!

If you've been thinking of registering a team for the third annual "Geeks on Ice" hockey tounament, you only have 5 days left. This unique event will feature teams comprised of professionals from IT, Call center, Banking, Insurance and Consulting firms from all over Atlantic Canada. Teams that have registered include: Whitehill Technologies, SNB, Plexus, Sports Direct Inc, Assomption Vie, Canada Post, Xerox, Gtech, Property Guys, HRDC and Dovico.

Registration cost $800 per team which guarantees 3 games from April 21st, 2006 to April 23, 2006 at the Moncton 4Plex. The top teams from each division will advance to the "Day of Champions" to compete for the Whitehill Cup.

The committee has many activities planned for the event such as the Rising Stars official puck drop networking party, the Geeks Golf tournament at the new Dundee Sportsdome facility and the always popular Saturday night "Geekfest!" featuring music by DJ Scotty J.

Raffle prizes will be drawn and proceeds of the event will go towards the purchase of new computers and peripherals for Support to Single Parents (www.supporttosingleparents.ca). A non-profit organization established in 1982 with a mandate to improve the quality of life for single parents and their children.

To register or reserve your team spot, please contact Michael Nied at mnied@whitehilltech.com.

2006 supporters include Rising Stars, Whitehill Technologies, Plexus, Enterprise Greater Moncton, RBC Financial Services, and BMG Consultants. There are tournament supporter opportunities available to interested companies. Please contact Dawn Mallyon, Marketing Chair at dmallyon@gmail.com for further information.

Don't miss out on the best knowledge industry event in Canada!

Breaking News from Geeks on Ice...Stay Tuned

+



= One Great Event!


Keep Checking www.geeksonice.com for details...

More Endorsements

"Go Geeks! I would like to encourage you all to register a team if you haven't already done so."

Amber Richards - Chairperson of the Greater Moncton CyberSocial Organizing Committee

www.cybersocial.ca

Geeks on Ice Update

The greatest knowledge industry sports event in Canada is only 60 days away! It seems like just yesterday we were crowning Assomption Vie as the 2005 Geeks on Ice Whitehill Cup Champions. I am encouraged by the positive support that the local knowledge industry community has given Geeks on Ice and we are confident that this year will be our best event yet with 16 teams and over 300 participants. As of today, the committee has accomplished:

• 12 of 16 teams that registered for the tournament. Deadline is February 28th, 2006.
• Whitehill Technologies
• Gtech
• Dovico
• Plexus
• Property Guys
• HRDC
• Beausejour Health
• Moncton Hospital
• Canada Post
• Xerox (2 teams)
• Sports Direct Inc
• Signed 3 official sponsors.
• Whitehill Technologies
• Rising Stars
• Plexus Connectivity
• 2 bronze supporters
• BMG Consulting
• RBC
• Have been featured in the Moncton Times and Transcript sports section.
• Mentioned on C103's Breakfast Club with Ernie and Lisa.
• Created a "free agent" draft list that contains over 10 individuals.
• Began planning the 2006 "Geekfest" party.
• Began contacting organizations for donations of new computers and peripherals.
• Secured a major prize for the "Geek" raffle with proceeds going to Support for Single Parents, Inc.
• Began securing a local sports celebrity for the Rising Stars Official Nomination Kick Off Puck Drop ceremony and event.
• Exploring the possibility of other sporting events that weekend that appeals to hockey and non-hockey knowledge industry professionals, stay tuned.

As you can see, the committee has been very busy and we will have "major" announcements to make in the coming weeks. We would like your help by speaking to friends, family and colleagues of Geeks on Ice. Please forward out this info to any firm that might be willing to register a team or become a supporter. Keep an eye on the local media check the website for regular updates!

Trevor Macausland
Geeks on Ice Organizer
W: 506-855-0005
H: 506-852-8096
Email: macaustr@nb.sympatico.ca
www.GeeksonIce.com

Geeks hockey tourney planned

Times & Transcript | Sports - Other
As published on page B3 on February 18, 2006

The third annual Geeks on Ice hockey tournament will be held April 21-23 at the Tim Hortons 4-Ice Centre.

Organizers are currently looking for teams and players. Registration deadline is Feb. 28.

Cost to enter a team is $800.

Teams interested in registering or players wanting to be free agents should contact Michael Nied at mnied@whitehilltech.com or download the registration form from www.geeksonice.com.

There are also tournament supporter opportunities available to interested companies.

Contact Dawn Mallyon at dmallyon@gmail.com for further information.

The goal of the tournament is to promote networking activities between knowledge industry professionals from across Atlantic Canada.

For 2006, the tournament committee has chosen to use the event to sponsor Support to Single Parents, a non-profit organization established in 1982 with a mandate to improve the quality of life for single parents and their children.

The goal this year is to outfit the charity with new computers and peripherals.

Link:  http://www.canadaeast.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060218/TTSPORTS12/602180457/-1/TTSPORTS

Geeks on Ice Needs your Help

The 2006 Geeks on Ice committee needs your help! There is an opening for a team to participate in the Geeks on Ice tournament and we want to know if any of you know organizations or individuals that might be interested. Teams are composed of players that work in IT, Insurance, Banking, Call center or Consulting industries.

Team registration is $800 and the deadline for reservation is February 28th, 2006. Teams can be a company or a cluster of individuals from the previously mentioned sectors. Please click the registration link containing information for organizations or individuals that are interested in participating. If you have any questions or contacts you would like to provide, please contact me.

Trevor Macausland
Geeks on Ice Organizer
W: 506-855-0005
H: 506-852-8096
Email: macaustr@nb.sympatico.ca
www.GeeksonIce.com

Calling All Geeks, Freaks and Wonks!

Third Annual Geeks on Ice Event Looking for Teams and Supporters

Moncton, New Brunswick -- To warm up for the Memorial Cup, why not play for the Whitehill Cup? The 2006 Geeks on Ice (GOI) Committee is finalizing team registrations and laying out the schedule, so if you haven’t got your deposit in, get on it this week!

Tournament organizers are also compiling names of individuals who want to play but do not have a team. The tournament logistics committee will hold a “Free Agent” draft for teams that need extra players from the compiled list.

Teams interested in registering or players wanting to be free agents should contact Michael Nied, Tournament Logistics Chair at mnied@whitehilltech.com, or download the registration form from http://www.geeksonice.com/.

2006 sponsors include Rising Stars, Whitehill Technologies, Plexus, RBC Financial Services, and BMG Consultants. There are tournament supporter opportunities available to interested companies. Please contact Dawn Mallyon, Marketing Chair at dmallyon@gmail.com for further information.

The goal of the tournament is to promote networking activities between knowledge industry professionals from across Atlantic Canada. Tournament organizers expect to grow the tournament to 16 teams for 2006. Expanding the tournament will result in over 300 players and their families participating in the April event.

"The success of 'Geeks on Ice' has been amazing" says Stephanie Turner, Manager of Business Development for Enterprise Greater Moncton. "The growth of the event is a testament to the value that it brings to the technology sector. Individuals working in this field clearly want the opportunity to network with their peers in a fun and casual environment...and it's just this type of environment that stimulates creative out-of-the-box thinking. There's no telling what knowledge transfer, new partnerships, joint ventures etc...might transpire at this year's tournament."

For 2006, the tournament committee has chosen to use the event to sponsor Support to Single Parents (http://www.supporttosingleparents.ca/), a non-profit organization established in 1982 with a mandate to improve the quality of life for single parents and their children. The goal this year is to outfit the charity with new computers and peripherals.

Please bookmark http://www.geeksonice.com/ to watch for further developments and announcements.

##

Geeks on Ice Feedback

If you have been thinking about registering a team in this year's Geeks on Ice tournament, here's some feedback from past participants:

"That was the best organized tournament I've been to.."

- Mario Allain

"The success of 'Geeks On Ice' has been amazing! The growth of the event is a testament to the value that it brings to the technology sector. Individuals working in this field clearly want the opportunity to network with their peers in a fun and casual environment...and it's just this type of environment that stimulates creative out-of-the-box thinking. There's no telling what knowledge transfer, new partnerships, joint ventures etc...might transpire at this year's tournament."

- Stephanie Turner, Manager of Business Development for Enterprise Greater Moncton.

Geeks on Ice was a blast. It was fun.

- William Langley

The Geeks on Ice Tournament is a great complement to other networking activities such as Rising Stars and Cybersocials. My view is that the Knowledge Industry in Atlantic Canada will get stronger as we get to know each other better. Congratulations are extended to Trevor MacAusland and the organizing committee.
Good luck to all participants. Finally and with obvious bias: Go Whitehill Go!

- Steve Palmer , COO Whitehill and Chairperson Greater Moncton Knowledge Industry Network

If you have anything to add, please submit your comments below or email me at tmacausland@gmail.com.

Have a great weekend!

Trevor Macausland

GOI Founder

Geeks on Ice History

We'll people it's been quite the week for Geeks on Ice! The committee has been hard at work getting teams signed up, getting names for the free agent draft, contacting local media and reaching out to community leaders. The greatest knowledge industry sports event in the country is going to be a definite blast in 2006! GOI is also making quite the splash in the local circles. we are now feature on the local in the know blog community (http://moncton.localintheknow.com/). Everywhere I go, people are asking me about "Geeks" and commenting on the positive impact, it is leaving in the community. Geeks work hard and play harder...

As founder of Geeks on Ice, I have seen the tournament double in size from 8 to 16 teams in just three short years. I would have never imagined the type of support we have received since 2003. I am extremely proud of our accomplishments thus far. It also validates that Atlantic Canada does have a strong base of skilled and talented knowledge industry professionals, both on and off the ice.For historic purposes, my initial vision for Geeks on Ice was to promote networking between industry professionals. The idea arose on a frigid January 2003 evening at the weekly Whitehill pick up game. William Langley from NRC sat next to me. Will and I were chatting away as I mentioned the lack of local events where likeminded individuals could meet and talk IT. I recall saying: "Wouldn't it be cool if someone organized a local IT hockey tournament?". The following day, I received a couple phone calls and emails from people wanting to know about an IT hockey tournament I was trying organize. Upon reflection, I concluded: "Why not?”

The rest is history.

Once work began on the tournament, I quickly discovered it could be so much more. I discovered that we could channel the positive energies from the event to benefit local charity. For the first couple of years we raised funds to sponsor a Relay for Life team, a great cause. This year, after hearing from Nancy Hartling of Support for Single Parents, we decided to raise money to purchase computer peripherals that will enable them to deliver their services to thousands of individuals in the Moncton area.

Throughout the years, the event has also served as a positive image to the public. The bursting of the dot com bubble in 2000 has really battered the IT industry’s image. Geeks on Ice serves as a reminder that we are alive and kicking! For the record, we still use terms like "cool", "awesome" and "sweet" to describe what we do everyday and drink ridiculous amounts of Java (The drink not the language). Well, at least I do.

As such, I would like to extend a warm heartfelt invitation to the non-"Geek" community, especially students who are looking for a career option, to come out to the event. It takes place at the Moncton 4Plex on the weekend of April 21, 2006 to April 23, 2006. Come and experience one of the most fun filled weekends and eye opening events of your lifetime. To the over 300 knowledge industry professionals who are participating in the tournament, I look forward to seeing you. As a great poet once said, "Keep your stick on the ice!”

Cheers,

Trevor Macausland
Geeks on Ice Organizer
W: 506-855-0005
H: 506-852-8096
Email: macaustr@nb.sympatico.ca
www.GeeksonIce.com

The goal of Geeks on Ice is to serve as a networking catalyst and promotion for knowledge industry firms and professionals from all over the region. The unique focus of GOI is the fact that each team must consist of players who work in an IT related profession in IT organizations, insurance, banking, contact centers or businesses that specialize in the transfer of knowledge.

Don't have enough players?....GOI 2006 FREE AGENT DRAFT

Based on the interest we received from IT hockey players who don't have a team, and teams that are a couple players short of registering, the GOI 2006 Organizing Committee will hold a FREE AGENT DRAFT.

DRAFT RULES:

• Individual draftees will be responsible to provide their share of the registration fee based on their host team's numbers.
• First draft picks will go to those teams that need players to complete their roster in order to register.
• Draft picks are final once their team registration is paid.
• Draft teams are still encouraged to maintain the minimum 60:40 employee non-employee ratio if possible

If you are interested in participating in the GOI 2006 FREE AGENT DRAFT send me an email with the number you need. Or if you just can't get enough players together for a team but you all want to be drafted, send me an email.

For those of you, who have not already done so, remember to forward your registration to me by February 28^th, or sooner, if possible.

Rosters need to be entered into our database early so that we can develop the schedule, and generate statistics which will be posted on GeeksonIce.com.

For those of you who haven't sent me a deposit to secure your position, we are still receiving interest in the tournament and I would hate it if you miss the opportunity.

BE PART OF THE BEST GEEKS ON ICE TOURNAMENT EVER AND HELP "SUPPORT TO SINGLE PARENTS"

DON'T MISS OUT BY WAITING 'TIL THE LAST MINUTE!

-------------------------

Michael Nied

GOI 2006 Logistics Chair

www.geeksonice.com

Attention Hockey Players: Geeks Needed!

GOI teams looking for players


Are you a Geek? Do you work in an IT related profession? Do you play hockey? The 2006 Geeks on Ice (GOI) Committee is compiling a list of IT professionals throughout Atlantic Canada that want to participate in the knowledge industry’s premiere sports event, but might not have enough people to form a team.

We have teams that are looking for players to complete their roster in their elusive chase for the Whitehill Cup and this is a perfect opportunity to meet colleagues and make new contacts. The dates for the 2006 tournament are Friday, April 21 through Sunday, April 23 at the Tim Horton’s 4-Ice Centre in Moncton, New Brunswick.

"The success of 'Geeks on Ice' has been amazing!" says Stephanie Turner, Manager of Business Development for Enterprise Greater Moncton. "The growth of the event is a testament to the value that it brings to the technology sector. Individuals working in this field clearly want the opportunity to network with their peers in a fun and casual environment...and it's just this type of environment that stimulates creative out-of-the-box thinking. There is no telling what knowledge transfer, new partnerships, joint ventures etc...might transpire at this year's tournament."

For 2006, the tournament committee has chosen to sponsor Support to Single Parents (www.supporttosingleparents.ca), a non-profit organization established in 1982 with a mandate to improve the quality of life for single parents and their children. The goal this year is to raise enough money to outfit the charity with new computers and peripherals.

The popularity of the tournament has created a word-of-mouth reputation; the tournament has expanded for the third year in a row, to 16 team spaces available for 2006.

Players interested in submitting their name to teams should contact Michael Nied, Tournament Logistics Chair at mnied@whitehilltech.com, or call (506) 855-0005.

There are sponsorship opportunities available to interested companies. Please contact Dawn Mallyon, Sponsorship and Marketing Chair at dmallyon@gmail.com for further information.

Please bookmark www.geeksonice.com to watch for further developments and announcements.

##

Geeks on Ice Update

The 2006 edition of Geeks on Ice, the Atlantic Canadian knowledge industry's premiere sporting event, promises to be the best ever! Our committee is hard at work in planning many activities that run concurrently to the hockey tournament. The ultimate goal is that all members of the knowledge industry will be able to participate in what promises to be a fun filled weekend of entertainment and lasting memories.

To give you an idea of some of our committee's accomplishements thus far:

• The website has received over 300 hits.
• GOI has been featured on local radio media.
• We have 18 teams on the growing list of interested teams for 2006, with many returning from last year. (Remember to send your $40.00 deposit to Michael Nied since there is only room for 16 teams)
• Tournament sponsor has been confirmed. Press release to follow shortly.
• There will be an official "puck drop" networking opportunity with a sports celebrity.
• Computers have been donated to GOI to be reformatted and distributed to Support for Single Parents.
• Sponsors have begun to sign up for the event.

Stay tuned for more exciting news and events for the 2006 edition of Geeks on Ice.

Trevor Macausland
Geeks on Ice Organizer
W: 506-855-0005
H: 506-852-8096
Email: macaustr@nb.sympatico.ca
www.GeeksonIce.com

The goal of Geeks on Ice is to serve as a networking catalyst and promotion for knowledge industry firms and professionals from all over the region. The unique focus of GOI is the fact that each team must consist of players who work in an IT related profession either in IT, insurance, banking, contact centers or businesses that specialize in the transfer of knowledge.

Geeks on Ice and C103's Breakfast Club

Mike Ouellette from team HRDC Moncton mentionned to the committee that C103 radio personality Lisa Marshall made mention of our great event. Below is an excerpt email thank you to Lisa and Ernie:

Ernie and Lisa;

A member from one of our participating teams was dropping off a deposit for
their registration in the tournament and mentioned he heard you discuss the
Tournament on one of your breakfast shows a week or two ago. I just wanted
to drop a note to say thanks for the plug!

As we get closer to the date of the tournament, we'd love to come in and
discuss the how and why we align ourselves with charities every year -- this year
as you know we have chosen Support for Single Parents with Nancy Hartling.
Our goal is to outfit them with all the'Geek Tech' they'll need for a 21st
century office. Laptops,printers, the works.

We would also like one or both of you to attend our kick off receptionon
Friday April 21st. We can confirm time and details at a later date if
you're interested.

Thanks again!
Dawn Mallyon
Marketing and Sponsorships Chair
Geeks on Ice 2006
www.geeksonice.com

dmallyon@gmail.com

You can find out more about C103 by visiting (http://c103mornings.newcapinteractive.com/)


The goal of Geeks on Ice is to serve as a networking catalyst and promotion for knowledge industry firms and professionals from all over the region. The unique focus of GOI is the fact that each team must consist of players who work in an IT related profession either in IT, insurance, banking, contact centers or businesses that specialize in the transfer of knowledge. Participating teams have included Xerox, Spielo, Whitehill Technologies, CGI, Assomption Vie, Sports Direct, Plexus, and the IT division of HRDC.

Statement from Enterprise Greater Moncton About GOI

"The success of 'Geeks On Ice' has been amazing. The growth of the event is a testament to the value that it brings to the technology sector. Individuals working in this field clearly want the opportunity to network with their peers in a fun and casual environment...and it's just this type of environment that stimulates creative out-of-the-box thinking. There's no telling what knowledge transfer, new partnerships, joint ventures etc...might transpire at this year's tournament."

Stephanie Turner
Manager, Business Development
Enterprise Greater Moncton
910 Main Street, Suite 101
Moncton, NB, E1C 1G6

(506) 867-0926 ext 106

stephanie.turner@greatermoncton.org

www.greatermoncton.org

Become an Official Geeks on Ice Sponsor

The 2006 Geeks on Ice Hockey Tournament planning is getting into high gear, with 15 out of 16 team slots already gone.
Now In our third year, GOI has grown from 8 to 16 teams, attracting over 300 participants from teams across the Maritimes.

Last year, our event managed to collect a total of $1650.00 and sponsored a Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Life team.In 2006, the tournament will raise funds to purchase computers, peripherals and software for a Moncton-based non-profit organization, Support for Single Parents. Since 1982, they have had a mandate to improve the quality of life for single parents and their children.

This non-profit organization conducts various parenting, personal development and support workshops. Since most of their resources go towards services, they face a critical challenge to keep up with current technology trends that enable them to deliver these crucial services.

We are now opening up sponsorship packages. As they fill up on a first come, first served basis, we urge interested companies to sign up and return their contracts as soon as possible. Slots fill up very quickly.

Please contact Dawn Mallyon for more details at dmallyon@whitehilltech.com. Thank you for your support, and we look forward to seeing you at the tournament.

Regards,


2006 Geeks on Ice Tournament Committee
http://www.geeksonice.com/

Survey for Success by Enterprise Greater Moncton

(http://www.executivepulse.net/monctonworkplace)

The Enterprise Greater Moncton Survey for Success was prepared in partnership with the Department of Training and Employment Development, l’Universite de Moncton and the Regional Development Corporation. The purpose of the Survey is to identify the Human Resource challenges that business and industry are facing today and could face in the near future.

The information compiled from the survey data will be used by private and public sector educators to help develop training programs and customize curricula. It will also be used by the three municipalities and the provincial government to help recruit the people and skills that are needed in the community to ensure the continued success of Greater Moncton’s business enterprises.

Thanks to our sponsors for their support - the City of Moncton, the City of Dieppe, the Town of Riverview, Continental Airlines, the Greater Moncton Chamber of Commerce and Comquest Research.

And thanks to our respondents. By completing this survey you will earn a chance to win one of the following prizes.

• A trip for two to Mexico, the Caribbean or any of the 48 continental United States flown to by Continental Airlines (service from Moncton to New York begins in May 2006) plus $500 in spending money.

• One year free regular membership in the Greater Moncton Chamber of Commerce.

Rules and regulations When survey results have been compiled and analyzed, the sponsors will issue an executive report that will include recommendations for future labour force planning.Information collected in the survey that is specific to your business is treated as confidential and will not be shared with anyone outside the survey management and analyst group.

Rising Stars Year End Event Pictures

Here are some pictures from the Rising Stars event in December in which GOI 2006 registration was announced.

The 2005 Rising Stars mingle before the presentations begin.



More stars networking...




Steve Palmer, Rising Stars Founder and Whitehill COO, welcomes Enterprise Greater Moncton CEO John Thompson to Rising Stars.



Dr. Nancy Mathis, Mathis Instruments, is welcomed to Rising Stars by Mentorship Committee Chair and Rising Stars Alumni Nancy McGrath.



Trevor Macausland, Rising Stars Mentorship Committee Member, thanks Moncton Crescent MLA John Betts for introducing the 2005 winners to the NB Legislature.



Trevor Macausland, GOI Founder, opens registration for GOI 2006.



EGM CEO John Thompson conducts a brainstoming session with the Rising Stars on the retention of IT Talent, which generated over 100 ideas.

Speakers shine for N.B.'s IT Rising Stars

Rising Stars has been a a major sponsor and contributor of Geeks on Ice over the years. It's a great mentorship program that has contributed to the career development of NB's best and brightest. Look for more news from GOI and Rising Stars in the future and I would encourage everyone to visit their website and become involved in this wonderfull program. www.risingstars.ca

Trevor Macausland
Geeks on Ice Organizer
W: 506-855-0005
H: 506-852-8096
Email: tmacausland@gmail.com
www.GeeksonIce.com


NB Telegraph-Journal | Technology
As published on page C4 on December 10, 2005

TECHNOLOGY
Speakers shine for N.B.'s IT Rising Stars
Subhead
By Kevin Barrett
Telegraph Journal

FREDERICTON - Jason MacLean arrived in Fredericton ready to roll.

Funny thing, he's been rolling for some time now, whether it was as the director of marketing for Poley Mountain, a senior marketing consultant with Innovatia or in his current role as an e-marketing manager with Aliant.

And it all revolves around information technology through the growth and potential of the Internet.

"The web is what floats my boat," said the 29-year-old Mr. MacLean, one of approximately 15 top knowledge industry talents who travelled to Fredericton Friday for the province's Rising Stars year-end event.

Earlier this year, Mr. MacLean, who was born in Bathurst, grew up in Sussex and now lives in Saint John, was selected one of the province's Rising Stars because his work with Innovatia.

As a result, he's been involved in regular on-line forums regarding issues in the industry, invited to events in Saint John and Fredericton to hear from voices of experience and recognized as a leader in a key sector of the economy.

For example, Friday the guest speakers were Dr. Nancy Mathis, CEO of the Fredericton-based Mathis Instruments, who spoke on innovation, and John Thompson, CEO of Enterprise Moncton, who discussed the retention of IT talent in New Brunswick.

In May, the rising stars travelled to Saint John where they heard from executives with T4G and CenterBeam.

"That is essential because I want to know how those companies developed, how they have succeeded and how I can apply that to my company," said Mr. MacLean.

The Rising Stars program is nearing the end of its third year, mentoring 37 of the brightest talent in the knowledge industry in that period.

It started in 2003, as an initiative developed by the Greater Moncton Knowledge Industry Network to recognize top talent in the industry, provide them with opportunities to learn from experts, such as Ms. Mathis and Mr. Thompson and to network with one another.

"They are narrow and very deep," said program chair Steve Palmer of the specific expertise each of the stars possesses.

"They are all very talented but they don't necessarily know what a colleague is doing in Moncton, Fredericton or Saint John," he said. "It is intended to allow IT people to get recognition, broaden their business knowledge and to learn from each other. I would view it as very successful."

Mr. MacLean has a number of great stories to share from his development of cusatomer relationship management application - salesforce.com - with Innovatia to his earlier work at Poley Mountain, when he gained true appreciation of the power of the Internet.

There, he helped intensify the marketing presence of the mountain on the web and the results were significant, with over 400-per-cent growth in web visits and, more importantly, a rise corresponding rise in visits and profits at the hill.

"It was amazing," he said. "We started to see the level of engagement and it was incredible."

The 15 Rising Stars were selected from a initial list of 30 finalists.

The other winners are Edgar Babineau of Fredericton (CGI Inc.); Dale Betts of Moncton (Propertygoys.com); Pam Chapman of Moncton (Atlantic Lottery Corporation); Amit Chattoraj of Moncton (OAO Technology Solutions); Betty DeMerchant of Moncton (OAO Technology Solutions); Denis Desrosiers of Paquetville (CIPA Inc); Greg Doyle of Saint John (CGI Inc.); Steve Fournier of Caraquet (federation des Caisses populaires acadiennes); Gino Legacy of Moncton (Pepsi Bottling Group); Christopher Mackay of Sackville (Tantramar Interactive Inc.); Gerlad Paulin of Shippagan (Caisse populaire de Shippagan); Mark Steeves of Moncton (DOVICO Software); Rob Stote of Moncton (Whitehill Technologies Inc.) and Kim Thompson of Moncton (OAO Technologies).



The GMKIN is a group of private sector companies working in the Knowledge Industry in the Greater Moncton region that have come together (with the help of Enterprise Greater Moncton) in an organized fashion to help promote the sector. GMKIN's mission is to ensure the continued health of the knowledge sector, to promote the human capital and other knowledge assets of the region and to foster innovation in the community.

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For further information please contact;

Stephen Palmer
Chair, Rising Star Program
506-855-0005
spalmer@whitehilltech.com

Nancy McGrath
Mentorship Chair, Rising Star Program
506-443-0838
nancy.mcgrath@cgi.com

Pictures from the event will follow...