Geeks want to skate with Balsillie

DAVID SHIPLEY
Telegraph-Journal
Published Monday February 5th, 2007
Appeared on page B1


A high-tech hockey tournament in New Brunswick is hoping to draft a top player.

But organizers aren't looking for an NHL-quality ringer.

Instead, they're interested in someone who's more famous for building his communications company into a household name than he is for hockey skills. The Geeks on Ice have set their sights on Jim Balsillie, chief executive officer of Research in Motion and an avid hockey enthusiast. ....

For the rest of the article click here
Download PDF version
or pick up a copy of the Telegraph Journal

Draft Jim and RIM Campaign

Geeks looking to bring RIM CEO Jim Balsillie to Moncton for April hockey tournament

Moncton, NB – The 2007 Geeks on Ice committee launched a letter writing campaign today called “Draft Jim and RIM”. The goal of the campaign is to gain the attention of RIM Co-CEO and self proclaimed “Hockey Nut” Jim Balsillie. Event organizers plan on sending letters from various local leaders extending an invitation to Mr. Balsillie and his RIM team, the Wireless Warriors, to compete in the annual Moncton based hockey tournament which focuses on Atlantic Canadian IT organizations.

Letters from individuals and groups like MP Brian Murphy, Whitehill CEO Paul McSpurren, propelSJ, Moncton Technology Partners and Fatkat Animation President Gene Fowler are being sent to RIM headquarters in Waterloo, Ont.

“Our goal here is to leverage Mr. Balsillie’s passion for the game of hockey and technology by extending a personal invitation.” said Trevor Macausland, founder of Geeks on Ice. “This is our way of welcoming Research in Motion to the neighbourhood while also profiling our Atlantic Canada’s cluster of IT firms to an international technology industry icon.”.

Organizers have reserved a spot for Mr. Balsillie in the 16 team tournament should he decide to accept the community invitation by the February 28th deadline. The tournament is taking place at the Moncton 4Plex from April 19th to April 22nd and proceeds raised from the event will benefit the Greater Moncton United Way.

Updates on the “Draft Jim and RIM” campaign and tournament will be posted to www.GeeksonIce.com. The Geeks committee has also stated that they may ask the public for help in convincing Jim Balsillie to attend.

For inquiries about the “Draft Jim and Rim” campaign, tournament details or media inquiries send your request to geeksonice@gmail.com.

-END-

***Update: Here's proof that Mr. Balsillie is a self proclaimed "Hockey Nut".***

Version française se suivre

GEEKS HIT THE ICE FOR CHARITY

MONCTON, NB, JANUARY 19, 2007:
Geeks from across the Maritimes are sharpening their skates and hauling out their gear for the fourth annual Geeks on Ice hockey tournament.

"We had a great time at Geeks on Ice 2006!," Ken LeBlanc, from the winning team, PropertyGuys.com, said. "I have played in a number of hockey tournaments over the years and this is, by far, one of the best organized events I have had the pleasure of participating in. It was professional, competitive, entertaining, but most of all fun. I tip my hat to the organizers for a job well done, and can't wait to get on the ice again next year."

Each year, Geeks on Ice raises funds for a local charity. Last year's efforts went towards Support to Single Parents. Nancy Hartling, the executive director of Support to Single Parents said the fundraiser was their greatest ever.

"The support from Geeks on Ice has surpassed our wildest dreams," Hartling said. "They were able to help us by obtaining donated computer equipment, and the money raised from the raffle and silent auction were icing on the cake."

Trevor MacAusland, the founder of Geeks on Ice, said he is encouraged by the positive support and feedback the tournament committee received from the public.

"Not only do local professionals get an opportunity to network with their peers while improving their health and wellness; participants also have the satisfaction of knowing they are building a better community through the charitable campaign," MacAusland said. "My prediction is that 2007 will be our biggest year yet!"

The Geeks on Ice tournament will have 16 teams play at the Moncton 4Plex from April 19 to 22. Registration is open from now, until February 28, for anyone in the IT industry who is interested in participating. The registration fee is $800 per team, with $100 deposit. IT workers can sign up as a team, or individually as free agents. To register, or for more information about Geeks on Ice 2007, please visit www.geeksonice.com or write to geeksonice@gmail.com.

Soupfest!

This is for a great cause and the staff at Support for Single Parents is so great that I wanted to pass along this great idea for a fundraiser. If you like soup, come on out!

-Trevor

Hi Folks,

Support to Single Parents Inc. is having its 2nd Annual Soup Fest on Wednesday, January 31, 2007 at the Moncton Market Festival Place, 110 Westmorland Street.
>
Participating restaurants include: Le Château à Pape, Graffiti, Creek Seafood, Little Louis' Oyster Bar, Mooser's Pub, Don Cherry's, Cora's Breakfast and Lunch, Homestead, St. Jame's Gate, T-Bones, Auberge Wild Rose Inn, Bogart's Bar & Grill, Barnyard BBQ, Eastside Mario's, Taj Mahal, Maverick's, Boomerang's, Vito's, Jungle Jim's, L'Auberge Restaurant, Fisherman's Paradise, Pumphouse, Pastilli, and La Rouge.
>
> This year we are going to have 2 sittings 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m
> 12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
>
> Advance Tickets are $6.00 Tickets @ the door $10.00

For those of you who attended last year - we hope to see you back this year and for those who missed out last year we hope you can join us in sampling some of Moncton's finest soups.

Tickets are available at Reid's in Moncton and Riverview, Timothy's on Main Street and from our agency 858-1303.

Thank you

Bridgette Donovan
Office Manager
Support to Single Parents Inc.
154 Queen Street, Moncton, NB E1C 1K8

2007 marks the 25th Anniversary of Support to Single Parents Inc.

Road Hockey Rumble Premier Tonight!

Tonight is the long awaited premier of Road Hockey Rumble. It airs at 9:30pm on OLN. For more details visit the website: http://www.roadhockeyrumble.com/

Good luck to the RHR crew! Moncton episode airs in March.

GOI Registration Fee Announced

Geeks on Ice committee co-chairs Randy Delorey and Trevor Macausland are pleased to announce that the cost to register a team for the 2007 Geeks on Ice hockey tournament will remain the same as the previous year despite increases to the operating budget.

This year's fee will be $800.00 per team which covers 3 games, officials, liability insurance and prizes. Details on how to register as well as the official dates will be announced shortly. Stay tuned!

Public Information Session Notes

The 2007 Geeks on Ice committee held a public information kick off meeting on December 19th, 2006.

Download Presentation

Here is a summary of the key points that were discussed at the kick off session:

1. Our number one objective is to organize a successful and fun hockey tournament, which fulfills our mission

a. To promote health and wellness (among IT professionals & the community)
b. To promote networking (of IT professionals)
c. To raise money for a local-non profit organization (to support an IT related project / need, such as new hardware / software)

2. While fulfilling our mission another objective should be reached, which is to promote the IT Industry in Atlantic Canada

3. Notes about the Committee Architecture

Appeals Official - A new role for 2007, to act as a neutral ombudsman for major complaints that come up during the tournament, and also to implement any disciplinary sanctions that may be required. Note: Per official tournament rules the on ice officials calls are final, however the Appeals Official will be in a position to take additional actions, if deemed appropriate.

Registration - A suggestion was made that we should identify a specific role for managing registration, on the day of the tournament. We will discuss further at our first committee meeting in the New Year.

4. Additional Volunteer Opportunities

Geeks on Ice 2007 will require additional support at various times leading up to and during the tournament. Such roles include:

Marketing Assistants - People to assist with obtaining and coordinating sponsorship and promotions.

Geek Ambassadors - People to represent the committee at the tournament and the Geekfest social; Go-To people, to answer questions and resolve issues as first point of contact for participants and observers.

Time Keepers - People to manage the clock during the hockey games.

Stats Officials - People to track, update, and post game statistics during the tournament.

First Aid - Have previously used Saint John Ambulance services, and would be interested in pursuing this relationship again in 2007. May also consider Red Cross or other First Aid providers.

Webmaster - A person to take responsibility for keeping the GeeksOnIce.com website updated with tournament and IT related content.

5. Committee Meeting - We plan to schedule our first committee meeting in early January, once the Co-Chairs and Treasurer have met to discuss budget.

If you have any questions about how the comittee is progressing, please contact:

Randy Delorey
Geeks On Ice 2007 Co-Chair
randy.delorey@gmail.com

Reminder: Public Information Session

Geeks on Ice to Hold Public Information Session

Co-Committee Chairs Announced

Moncton – Several key vacancies on the Geeks on Ice committee have now been filled, and the event team is looking forward to its 4th anniversary. The committee will host a public information session for those who are interested in working as volunteers at, or would like to learn more about, the April event.

The public information session will take place on Tuesday, December 19th beginning at 5:00 PM. The location of the session will be:

Whitehill Technologies (Large Boardroom)
260 McNaughton Ave.
Moncton, NB
(In Caledonia Industrial Park)

The committee is asking anyone who wants to attend personally or by conference call to confirm their attendance by sending an email to tmacausland@gmail.com or phone 852-8096.

Geeks on Ice is an annual 16 team ice hockey tournament held in Moncton. Each team is a representative of a company that is either IT driven and/or Geek powered. Teams that have participated in the past include: Property Guys, Whitehill Technologies, Brovada, Evolving Solutions, Sports Direct, Xerox, Gtech, OAOT, and Assomption Vie.

The event has three goals. To promote health and wellness within the provincial ICT sector, promote networking among peers, and raise money for non-profit organizations to purchase or upgrade their computer equipment and peripherals. Since 2003, the event has raised approximately $10,000 for local non-profit organizations and charities.

The popularity of Geeks on Ice has created a buzz at the local and national levels. The tournament has doubled in size since 2003 and will be featured nationally on the Outdoor Life Network’s Road Hockey Rumble.

In related news, Geeks on Ice founder Trevor Macausland has announced that Michael Nied will return as Tournament Logistics Chair, Denis Gaudet will serve as Geekfest Chair while Randy Delorey has accepted the role of Tournament Co-Chair.

“I am excited about the mix of experience and new ideas from the team we have thus far. Our team will focus on making Geeks on Ice a must attend event which will contribute to the continued growth of this phenomenal event.” said Macausland.

Please visit our website at www.GeeksonIce.com for updates or more information. If you are interested in attending the public session, please contact Trevor Macausland at tmacausland@gmail.com or call (506) 852-8096.

ROAD HOCKEY RUMBLE - TRAILER!!!

Watch out for the Geeks on OLN starting in January...

Reflection of Moncton's Technology Strategy

The City of Moncton and the Moncton Technology Planning Group released their study today on "ACCELERATING" Moncton's technology-based economy and entrepreneurship. With the help of Austin's IC2 institute, the study highlights weaknesses and opportunities for our local economy.

Kudos to the City of Moncton, especially Councillor Doug Robertson and the local business leaders involved, for the leadership displayed on this file. I would encourage readers of this blog to read the report (Click Here) as it highlights the many opportunities that await Moncton.

I also want to add that Geeks on Ice made the report!!! P.28

Cheers,

Trevor Macausland

Geeks on Ice to Hold Public Information Session

Co-Committee Chairs Announced

Moncton – Several key vacancies on the Geeks on Ice committee have now been filled, and the event team is looking forward to its 4th anniversary. The committee will host a public information session for those who are interested in working as volunteers at, or would like to learn more about, the April event.

The public information session will take place on Tuesday, December 19th beginning at 5:00 PM. The location of the session will be:

Whitehill Technologies (Large Boardroom)
260 McNaughton Ave.
Moncton, NB
(In Caledonia Industrial Park)

The committee is asking anyone who wants to attend personally or by conference call to confirm their attendance by sending an email to tmacausland@gmail.com or phone 852-8096.

Geeks on Ice is an annual 16 team ice hockey tournament held in Moncton. Each team is a representative of a company that is either IT driven and/or Geek powered. Teams that have participated in the past include: Property Guys, Whitehill Technologies, Brovada, Evolving Solutions, Sports Direct, Xerox, Gtech, OAOT, and Assomption Vie.

The event has three goals. To promote health and wellness within the provincial ICT sector, promote networking among peers, and raise money for non-profit organizations to purchase or upgrade their computer equipment and peripherals. Since 2003, the event has raised approximately $10,000 for local non-profit organizations and charities.

The popularity of Geeks on Ice has created a buzz at the local and national levels. The tournament has doubled in size since 2003 and will be featured nationally on the Outdoor Life Network’s Road Hockey Rumble.

In related news, Geeks on Ice founder Trevor Macausland has announced that Michael Nied will return as Tournament Logistics Chair, Denis Gaudet will serve as Geekfest Chair while Randy Delorey has accepted the role of Tournament Co-Chair.

“I am excited about the mix of experience and new ideas from the team we have thus far. Our team will focus on making Geeks on Ice a must attend event which will contribute to the continued growth of this phenomenal event.” said Macausland.

Please visit our website at www.GeeksonIce.com for updates or more information. If you are interested in attending the public session, please contact Trevor Macausland at tmacausland@gmail.com or call (506) 852-8096.

Congrats to eVolving Solutions

Congrats to our friends over at Evolving Solutions of Saint John who received the Saint John Board of Trade's Outstanding Business Achievement Awards.

Keep up the good work gentlemen...

-Trevor

Geeks on Ice 2007

Will will soon have very important information about the 2007 edition of Geeks on Ice... Stay tuned!

Moncton Technology Planning Group to present strategy

Moncton Technology Planning Group to present strategy

Action plan will focus on acceleration of technology-based economic growth in Moncton area
On Friday, December 1, 2006 at 10 a.m. on the 6th floor at Moncton City Hall, the Moncton Technology Planning Group (MTPG) and IC2 Institute will unveil their action plan targeting the area's technology-based strengths and opportunities. The plan responds to key priorities and challenges identified in Moncton's economic development strategy.

"The report will outline a detailed plan designed to capitalize on existing technology-industry strengths and speed the growth of our knowledge-based industries," said Moncton Councillor Doug Robertson, Chair of the MTPG and the City's Economic Affairs Committee.

The action plan is the result of eight months of extensive analysis and consultation carried out by IC2 Institute and the Bureau of Business Research at the University of Texas at Austin.
MTPG and IC2 project team members will present the complete strategy at the news conference.

For more information, contact
Doug Robertson
Councillor
City of Moncton
(506) 382-5156

Paul Thomson

Director, Corporate Communications
City of Moncton
(506) 853-3592

Le Groupe de planification technologique de Moncton présentera sa stratégie

Le plan d'action misera sur l'accélération de la croissance économique axée sur la technologie dans la région de Moncton.

Le vendredi 1er décembre 2006 à 10 h, au 6e étage de l'hôtel de ville de Moncton, le Groupe de planification technologique de Moncton (GPTM) et l'IC2 Institute présenteront leur plan d'action destiné à exploiter les forces et possibilités technologiques de la région. Le plan répond aux priorités et défis clés précisés dans la stratégie de développement économique de Moncton.
« Le rapport présentera un plan détaillé conçu pour tirer profit des forces actuelles de l'industrie de la technologie et accélérer la vitesse de croissance de nos industries axées sur le savoir », a déclaré le conseiller de Moncton, Doug Robertson, président du GPTM et du Comité des affaires économiques de la Ville.

Le plan d'action est le résultat de huit mois d'analyse et de consultation exhaustives effectuées par l'IC2 Institute et le Bureau of Business Research de l'Université du Texas à Austin.
Les membres de l'équipe du projet de GPTM et d'IC2 présenteront la stratégie complète dans le cadre d'une conférence de presse.

Pour obtenir de plus amples renseignements, veuillez communiquer avec :

Doug Robertson,
conseiller municipal
Ville de Moncton
506-382-5156

Paul Thomson,
directeur
Communications corporatives

Ville de Moncton
506-853-3592

Anticipation of 1,700 New ICT Jobs in 5 Years

I opened up my mail this morning to read the following press release from PropelSJ. This is indeed great news for the ICT sector and a positive outlook on the next 5 years for the province of NB.

--Trevor

Anticipation of 1,700 New Jobs in 5 Years; ICT Industry optimistic about its future according to new survey commissioned by propelsj

Saint John, New Brunswick, November 15, 2006 – The ICT sector in Saint John is developing steadily and needs to be prepared for further growth.

propelsj, an ICT industry association, raised the question on availability of future human resources capital in this sector both in Saint John and in the Province, and is ready to facilitate the process leading to a better understanding of supply and demand requirements for the future.

The Qualifications Needs Survey distributed online among 312 companies in New Brunswick in August/September 2006 assessed the demand of skills in the ICT sector in New Brunswick and was the first step to accomplish this.

According to Jeff White, propelsj President, "The mood of the ICT industry appears to be enormously optimistic, we need to ensure that all political, financial, and educational partners and resources are working together to be ready for this anticipated growth. This is good news for the ICT industry."

The 2006 Qualifications Need Survey was distributed online during August and September to firms in the ICT sector throughout the province. Of more than 300 firms provided with the survey, 25% responded and completed the survey with cumulative employment of 6,306 people (1,215 in Saint John). There is a positive perception among respondents about future growth of this sector in the province of New Brunswick for new employment; around 1,700 jobs will be created in the ICT sector in the Province in the next five years; most of these, 1,303, would be in Saint John. Over 600 positions will be created in Saint John in the next two years; a 132% increase. There will be approximately 40 positions at a managerial level in the next two years, and 100 more on a five years perspective.

Software Engineers, Computer Programmers, and Information Systems Business Analysts ranked high on the "wish list" of the ICT firms. About half of these new positions would require some undergraduate degree, particularly in Engineering, with the other half requiring at least a Community College Diploma. Project management expertise and certification ( e.g. Project Management Institute) are expected for engineering level or Business Analysts positions.

Dr. Henryk Sterniczuk, UNBSJ MBA Director and a propelsj Board Member, helped to develop the survey and create the report and points out that "this is an incentive for both academia and industry to further coordinate their activities and balance the supply and demand for the right set of skills and knowledge." Dr. Sterniczuk added, "We have an amazing opportunity here and we need to make sure it has all of the right conditions to grow. The growth and energy in this dynamic sector is very positive and we should take advantage of it as a community."

While the survey did not focus on obtaining deeper information on the local supply of ICT resources from the advanced educational institutes, more analysis and collaboration is required with all stakeholders, including government and industry, to help prepare for what could be a potential shortage of qualified resources if the trend continues.

Jeff Roach, Executive Director of propelsj's Catalict accelerator concluded that "The introduction of Catalict as a program to stimulate and support start ups and early stage ICT businesses should increase demand for more ICT personnel."

The survey findings correlate well with the findings of the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) which were shared with Atlantic Canadian audiences in the past few weeks at events in Halifax that show:

• There are over 600,000 Canadians employed in the ICT space.
• There is roughly 2% unemployment in the sector for candidates with relevant skills (compared to roughly 8% in all industries across Canada)
• There will be a demand of 90,000 new employees in the sector over the next four years.

propelsj will distribute the 2006 Qualifications Need Survey Report to its partners and stakeholders in the province and will make it available at http://propelsj.com.

--
propelsj - surge ahead
http://propelsj.com / 506.642.9029

Let the Games Begin!

Tonight's the first night the Whitehill Geeks hit the ice! Can't wait! The skates are sharpenned and the Geeks are pumped for another fun season of pick up hockey.

Get Your Team In The Net!

My friends over at eVolving Solutions in Saint John have created a web beased portal for minor hockey teams and amateur teams to better co-ordinate their efforts this season.

Signing up is free! I encourage you to participate.

-Trevor

Welcome to YourTeam Online!

Thank you for your interest in our Free Beta Launch! You are now ready to equip your hockey team with the world's leading hockey website: YourTeam Online

Here's how to get started:

Sign up here to receive your free account username and password. Sign up Here

Next, we'll guide you through a series of steps to register your team. Once you login you can explore all the awesome features offered by YourTeam including:

• add/invite teammates, coaches and parents


• add your team calendar online


• track your team & personal stats


• share drills and practice plans - Like This and This


• send SMS text messages to your teammates & players: "Practice is cancelled!"


• share video and photos - Like This and This


• view rink maps for directions


• you can even upload an on ice action photo for your own hockey card! Like This

Finally, have some fun and enjoy! Hit the ice now!

Good luck this season,
YourTeam

Entrepreneurship & Skills Development Conference on the Information and Communications Technology Sector

What: Entrepreneurship & Skills Development Conference on the Information and Communications Technology Sector

When: Thursdat, 19 Oct 2006

Where: Wu Conference Centre, UNB, Fredericton

UNB's BMO-International Business & Entrepreneurship Centre is hosting the Entrepreneurship & Skills Development Conference--ICT Sector on Thursday, October 19th at the Wu Conference Centre, UNB, Fredericton. It is a one-day conference directed towards entrepreneurs and hopeful entrepreneurs in the ICT sector.

The keynotes are by Gerry Pond of Mariner Partners (and Chair of the N.B. Business Council) and Don Simmonds of AirIQ, placed 15th on the 2006 Fast 50 published by Deloitte.

Participants must register. For more information, check out their website at http://www.cybersocial.ca//mailing/links.cfm?id=348 and go to the link for the ESD Conference.

Looking for some playing time..

Hockey nut looking to play some pickup hockey this winter. If your looking for players, please contact me at the following:

Trevor Macausland
W: 506-855-0005
H: 506-852-8096
Email: tmacausland@gmail.com

Critical Geeks on Ice Update

I have received several emails in the past month concerning the status of Geeks on Ice for 2007. In August, I sent out an appeal to past participants of the Geeks on Ice tournament through our website and email list to ask for involvement in the organization of the event. Due to personal reasons and loss of several key committee members to geographical relocation, we need new members to keep our unique event going strong. Since a final decision needs to be made soon, I am making a final appeal for help. Michael Neid has agreed to act as the Tournament logistics Chair again, but we need to have individuals fill the following roles:

Committee co-Chair (Possibility of 2)
As committee chair, you are responsible for the overall operations of the event. You are a natural at presenting to the public the importance of such an event within our community while working with key community and industry players . The chair(s) will also be the face of the event within the community and oversee all aspects of each sub committee in planning the event.

Marketing co-Chair (Possibility of 2)
As marketing chair, you will play a vital role in developing relationships with various sponsors as well as working with the local and national media to garner attention for the event. The Marketing chair is responsible for all media engagements, press releases, prizes and maintenance of the website.

Treasurer
As treasurer, you are responsible for all aspects of finance and budgeting for the event. The individual must have previous experience in this area.

Geekfest Coordinator
Reporting to the marketing chair, the Geekfest coordinator will be responsible for the organization and logistical elements of the Geekfest party.

Geek Powered Volunteers

• Timekeeping
• Ambassadors
• Scorekeeping

If I do not fill the positions stated above, it would be with a very heavy heart that I would be required to fold the tournament. I firmly believe that our "little" tournament has made a significant impact in our community over the last 4 years and is a vital component to profiling NB's Knowledge economy. Through Geeks on Ice, we have managed to profile the NB Knowledge Industry on a National level, raise over $9000.00 for local charities, created lasting memories for Knowledge Industry professionals throughout NB and promoted health and wellness within our sector. I think we have something really magical and would really hate to see it disappear from our landscape, so I plead with you to get involved today.

Please forward this message to anyone you know might be interested in participating in this year's event. You can contact me at tmacausland@gmail.com or at (506) 852-8096 to discuss potential involvement.

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

The goal of Geeks on Ice and Geeks Golf 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.