The 2013 AITP National Collegiate Conference (NCC) will be held April 4-7 in St. Louis, MO. Region 5 provides grants to Region 5 student chapters to help defray the costs of participating in the NCC.

There were 12 entries received for this year's Region 5 grant. The Region 5 Board of Directors approved three grants of $250 each to be awarded for use in attending the 18th annual conference.

The entries were evaluated on:

• completeness of funding request
• student chapter activities/accomplishments through the previous year
• number of students that will be attending the NCC
• number of competitions and number of teams that the chapter will be entering in the competitions
• activities undertaken by the student chapters to obtain the funds to cover the costs to attend
• description of how the funds would be utilized if awarded

The winners are, in no particular order:

• Waukesha County Technical College
• Madison Area Technical College (Madison IT Association)
• Ferris State University

The other student chapters who submitted applications were:

• Ball State University
• DeVry University-Chicago Campus
• Blackhawk Technical College-Janesville
• Eastern Illinois University
• Gateway Technical College-Racine
• Kalamazoo Valley Community College
• Scott Community College
• Gateway Technical College-Kenosha
• Illinois State University

We want to thank all the student chapters for participating in the grant process this year. The applications from Region 5 for the NCC Grant tally 112 students (Wow – Yes 112!) planning to attend the NCC. Our student chapters boast some of the best and brightest and have had several contest winners in recent years. We anxiously await the results of this year's competitions and wish all the best to all our students and teams in St. Louis, "The Gateway to Your IT Future!".

This year's NCC Grant Selection Committee consisted of Brian Runyon, Twin City Chapter (Bloomington, IL); Brent Davingman, Twin City Chapter (Bloomington, IL) and the chairperson, Kim Winter, Northeastern Wisconsin Chapter (Appleton/Green Bay, WI). Our thanks to Brian, Brent and Kim for the hours spent reviewing all the applications.

Region 5, the "Pacesetter Region", represents 12 professional, 1 satellite and 44 student chapters in Illinois, Indiana, Eastern Iowa, Northern Kentucky, St. Louis Metro Area of Missouri, Michigan and Wisconsin. Region 5 provides a vehicle for the exchange of information among chapters in the Region, as well as educational and networking opportunities for its members.

Region 5 has approved funds to award up to three grants of $250 each to deserving Region 5 student chapters that will be attending the NCC.

To apply, go to http://www.aitp.org/region5 (the Region 5 website). In the upper center of the page will be "Region Quick Links" Below that will be "Region Information". Click on that and you will find listings for "2013 Region 5 NCC Grant Form" and "2013 Region 5 NCC Grant Procedure". Download those documents and follow the instructions.

In the procedure, pay particular attention to point 6 since that is the criteria that is used by the Selection Committee to award grants.

The deadline for electronically submitting grant applications is February 25, 2013.

Hope to see you all in St. Louis!!

More information on the NCC is available at http://www.aitp.org/ncc.

(Green Bay, WI): The AITP Region 5 Fall Conference, hosted by the Northeastern Wisconsin chapter, was a resounding success. Held at the Radisson Hotel and Convention Center in Green Bay on October 10-11, the conference provided the venue for the AITP Annual Meeting of the Members, the Association Board Meeting, and the Region 5 Board Meeting and Leadership Workshop. It also included 9 informative seminar sessions on topics ranging from new technologies to career planning to improving management skills as well as 15 sponsor exhibits.

The conference was attended by 174 participants from across the U.S. (90 professional members, 34 student members and 50 non-members).

The conference kicked off on Wednesday, October 10 with the AITP Annual Meeting of the Members presided over by Association President, Norbert Kubilus. President Kubilus, assisted by other Association officers, updated the standing room only audience on the accomplishments of 2011 as well as the status of current ongoing projects AITP is involved in. President Kubilus presented Eric Hungate, 2011 President of the Austin, Texas chapter, with the Association Outstanding Chapter Award (the William F. Howell Cup) for 2011. The meeting also served as the forum for presenting Norbert Kubilus with his Emerald Lifetime Achievement Award.

 President Norbert Kubilus presides over the AITP Annual Meeting of the Members

Region President Larry Schmitz (left) presents the Emerald Lifetime Award to Association President Norbert Kubilus

The first day's activities concluded with a social hour and Italian buffet banquet dinner. The featured banquet speaker was President Kubilus on the topic "The Future of Information Technology – and AITP's Role". After his great speech, Norbert was presented with an Aaron Rogers Green Bay Packer jersey and a genuine "Cheese Head" by Chris Nimmer, incoming Region 5 President, on behalf of the Northeastern Wisconsin chapter and Region 5. Then there were numerous sponsor door prize drawings for great prizes (AND "Lucky Larry" got shut out!! – a first.)

Conference attendees visit with the sponsors during the social hour event before the banquet.

 Region 5 banquet dinner

The attendees then adjourned to the Hospitality Suite provided courtesy of Region 5, or took the free gaming coupons included in their conference 'goodie' bag and ventured into the adjoining casino.

Thursday's activities included the Region 5 Board meeting and the Chapter Leadership Workshop. The theme of the Workshop was "How to Recruit New Members – and Keep Them". Both sessions were well attended with many observers from the Association Board as well as other Region 5 members and members of other Regions. The Workshop, facilitated by Mark Gilfand, Region 5 Vice President, and Larry Schmitz, Region 5 President, proved to be a lively discussion of various ideas that chapters can use to build their membership and provide value to those members once they join AITP. Documents used in the Workshop presentations are available at http://www.aitp.org/region5 under "Region Information”.

The Region 5 Chapter Leadership Workshop evoked many good suggestions on how chapters can grow their membership--and keep existing members active and renewing their memberships. There was also great group interaction on how we can attract former student members and newer IT professionals to the ranks of the professional membership.

As is true of any successful undertaking of this type, there are many people to thank for their help in planning, organizing and putting on this conference. They include:

Conference Sponsors:

Conference attendees took the opportunity to visit sponsor booths.

Media Sponsors:

• Insight Publications

Our Speakers:

• Kimberly Bean: Robert Half Technology
• Tim Mauck: Tushaus
• Heidi Cain: ITT Tech
• Tim Titus: Path Solutions
• John Perrizo: ShoreTel
• BJ Havlik: SRC Technologies
• David Carlson: Navisite
• Tom Sather: Career Works
• Chris Nimmer: Zyquest
• Joanne Fischer: TelecomInsites
• Chris Czarnik: Fox Valley Tech
• Norbert Kubilus: AITP Association President

Our Conference Committee:

• Joanne Fischer (Co-Chair)
• Larry Schmitz (Co-Chair)
• Maggie Beard
• Steve Gilsdorf
• Chris Nimmer
• Jay Esty
• Steve Krueger
• Steve Femal
• Bob Heimann
• Carrie Drephal
• Ron Mathis

Others Who Deserve Our Thanks:

• Mark Gilfand, Region 5 VP and Webmaster
  For all he did to help promote the conference and help facilitate the Chapter Leadership Workshop.
  
  
• The Boards of Directors of the NEW Chapter, Region 5 and the Association
  For all their support and attendance at this conference.
  
  
• Tony LaCrosse and Nita Adams
  For the excellent Hospitality Suite that provided the venue for AITP members from all over the country to network and renew acquaintances as well as make new friends.
  
  
• Green Bay Visitors and Convention Bureau
  For providing the conference "goodie bags" and Green Bay literature.
  
  
• Radisson Hotel and Convention Center
  David Schumacher and Leslie Rotter and their staffs for being so accommodating to our group and providing an excellent facility and great food, etc.
  
  
• Oneida Tribe of Wisconsin
  For the generous donation of the free gaming certificate

Summary:

As you can see, the credit for the success of this conference can be shared by a lot of people--that is how AITP works best. "We built it, and they came" (no government funds involved – grin – couldn't resist). And I want to acknowledge and thank all the attendees. Without you, we would have had no conference. Let's do this again!!

Association President Norbert Kubilus (left), and Region 5 President and Conference Co-Chair Larry Schmitz are all smiles at the conclusion of a very successful conference

After his great speech at the Region 5 Conference, AITP President Norbert Kubilus decided to fly back to California -- first class!

Additional photos can be found at the Region 5 Photo Gallery.

Larry Schmitz, CCP,CMC
2012 Region 5 Fall Conference Co-Chair

In the October issue:

• Kent State University–Ashtabula welcomes Kent State University–Columbiana to the AITP Family
  
  
• Near records-breaking attendance at the September Akron-Canton Chapter Meeting
  
  
• Impressions of the 2012 AITP Annual Meeting of the Members by Region 18 President John Parkinson
  
  
• Election for 2013 Region Officers
  
  
• A view into a new Google Data Center

In the September issue:

• The 2012 Annual Meeting of the Members will be Oct. 10-11 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. See: http://www.aitp.org/events/event_details.asp?id=217031
  
  
• Region 18 elections are coming up. 
  
  
• Chapter visit recap
  
  
• itCon 2012 Charleston (West Virginia) will be held October 20. See: http://www.aitp-region18.org/ITCon/index.htm.

In the August issue:

• The 2012 Annual Meeting of the Members will be Oct. 10-11 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.  See: http://www.aitp.org/events/event_details.asp?id=217031
  
  
• itCon-Cleveland Wrap Up
  
  
• Pittsburgh Chapter Update
  
  
• itCon 2012 Charleston (West Virgina) will be held October 20.  See:  http://www.aitp-region18.org/ITCon/index.htm. 

Cloud Computing has begun to realize the promises analysts predicted 3-4 years ago. Every day, Business and IT Professionals are looking for cloud computing solutions that will save money, simplify business operations and increase their competitive advantage. What IT leaders need now are examples and case studies of real companies in their industries overcoming these concerns and deploying cloud solutions at the SMB and enterprise levels.

This year, AITP San Diego and AITP Region 1 (the Southwestern Region) bring together a broad array of top-level executives and IT professionals from Southern California's business, academia and government communities to tackle these topics.

This year's conference focuses on practical deployments of cloud computing in several different verticals: HealthCare/Life Science, Government/Public Sector and Creative/Entertainment. We will also have a track that is not industry specific. Targeted at CxOs, Senior IT Executives and IT Professionals, sponsors will have a great opportunity to share their knowledge and experience with local decision makers, market leaders, and industry experts from companies of all sizes across the dominant San Diego industries.

• SPONSOR - Click Here to Learn About Sponsorship Opportunities
• ATTEND - Click Here to Register

Questions? Contact us: sponsor@sdcloudcomputing.com.

AITP Region 5 Fall Technology Conference
And
AITP Annual Meeting of the Members
October 10-11, 2012
Radisson Hotel and Conference Center
Green Bay, Wisconsin

Tell me where you will find a better value than this.

Consider:

• Eight education sessions on a variety of technical and management topics.
• A chance to attend the AITP Annual Meeting of the Members and learn what is going on around the association, and hear first-hand the future plans for AITP.
• A full day of vendor/sponsor exhibits.
• A great banquet meal featuring Norbert Kubilus, AITP President, talking about the Future of Information Technology and AITP's Role.
• A Chapter Leadership Workshop where chapter leaders from throughout Region 5 will share ideas on how to build your chapter, build your membership, and most importantly, keep those members once they join.
• Two nights of Region 5 Hospitality Suite where you can network with other AITP leaders from across the country.

The cost? How about $40 for AITP members? That's right. The cost for the whole shebang (including the banquet) is only $40!!

And talk about first class lodging at bargain rates. The conference rate at the Radisson Hotel is $79/ single or double and includes a full breakfast buffet at their Pine Tree Grill.

And it keeps getting better.

Want to have some fun while you are there?

The hotel, site of the conference, is physically connected to the Oneida Casino, the best Las Vegas style casino in Wisconsin.

And if that is not your thing, how about extending your stay (at conference rates two days before and one day after the conference) and visiting the infamous "frozen tundra" of Lambeau Field and the Packer Hall of Fame. Or, perhaps visit Door County (called the "Cape Cod of the Midwest") where the brilliant Fall colors should be at their peak.

Want to know more?

Go to http://new.aitp.org/. You need to act fast. Hotel room cutoff on the conference rate is Sept. 21 and the conference registration cutoff is October 1.

Come join us in Green Bay on October 10-11 and get the "best bang for your AITP dues buck".

Do you want to interact with the brightest IT students from across 6 states? Do you want to get involved in the IT community, but not sure how? Sponsoring the AITP Region 3 Student Conference from October 11-13, 2012 at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, will give you these opportunities plus more! See http://r3conference.aitp.org/sponsor-information/ for sponsorship details.

The conference team is very proud to announce that the Keynote Speaker is Lt. Gen. Bob Elder (Ret).  See http://r3conference.aitp.org/keynote-speaker/ for details.

Contact us and we will be glad to work with you to make sure your name and your firm get noticed! Forward this article to anyone you think would be interested in getting involved with the AITP Region 3 Student Conference.

See http://r3conference.aitp.org/ for more even details. Contact Brian West at bwest@louisiana.edu for more information.

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Other features include a notice that the Annual Meeting of the Members will be held in conjunction with the Region 5 Conference on October 10-11 in Green Bay, Wisconsin; a welcome to the Kent State University Columbiana Student Chapter; videos of the Greater Wheeling chapter's meeting about "Underground WAP"; and some tech news. 

See http://www.aitp-region18.org/cgram.htm.

Please join the AITP Baltimore and DC Chapters Thursday June 21 for their Joint Dinner Meeting, networking opportunity, delicious meal and keynote speaker. This multi-chapter event is open to the public with a great opportunity for networking.

Top reasons to attend:
Join us early for networking with interesting people to:
Learn more about Technology based learning is growing; what will the future bring?
Meet Sponsors, Members, Non-Members and Students

Click here for a handout.

Program:
Dr. Judy Flood will discuss Technology Based Learning Is Growing; What Will The Future Bring? 
She will also discuss The Influence of IT on Public Education and How it Will Radically Change the Way People Learn.

Keynote Speaker:
Dr. Judy Flood - Executive Director of the Maryland Society for Educational Technology (MSET). The purpose of the MSET (MICCA) Association shall be to promote the improvement of the teaching-learning process through effective computer education program development, to promote the integration of computer application into curricular areas, and to foster and promote excellence in computer utilization in the schools of Maryland.

Location:
Sheraton Washington North Hotel 
4095 Powder Mill Road
Beltsville, Maryland 20705
Phone Number:1-800-325-3535

Directions:
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/area/map.html?propertyID=2011

Agenda:
6:00: Check-in and social hour
7:00: Dinner is served
7:45: Introductions
8:00: Presentation
9:00: Adjourn

Register at either Chapter Website!
AITP Baltimore Chapter: http://www.baltimoreaitp.org/

AITP Washington D.C. Chapter: http://aitpdc.org/

$20 – Members | $30 - Non-Members | $15 – Students

There is a choice of three dinner entrees. Please pick one:

1. Chicken Piccata - Sautéed boneless breast of chicken finished with a light lemon Beurre Blanc sauce and capers, OR
2. Tri-Color Tortellini - Tri-Colored tortellini stuffed with cheese and sautéed with fresh peas, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes and finished with a rose sauce, OR
3. Tilapia and Tomato Caper Salsa - Oven baked tender white fish finished with a zesty tomato caper salsa.

Current Sponsors: Microsoft, Full Visibility, ComCast, Passfaces and Other Sponsors are Welcome!

If companies are interested in being a sponsor for this event, please contact our Treasurer (or john@baltimoreaitp.org) via email and provide contact information.

The following represent the sponsorship levels and information:

• $100 will allow (1) a sponsor to receive one meal for one representative, (2) the use of a community information table, and (3) the representative to be introduced during the announcements
• $300 and up will allow (1) a sponsor to receive two meals for two representatives, (2) its own vendor information table, and (3) the representative(s) to be introduced during the announcements

Gary Czubak, president of AITP Chicago Chapter, welcomes everyone to the 2012 Region 5 Spring Conference.

The topics presented are relevant to key issues that many of us face in today's technology environment regardless whether your role is manager, practitioner, or vendor. The presenters offered both strategic and tactical methods to address those issues. Over the course of two days, attendees shared, learned and connected with each other and with technology partners.

Presenters featured executives from Boeing, Sears Holdings, Motorola Solutions, Caesars Entertainment, Tellabs, Loyola University, Accenture, ECOLAB/Nalco, Littelfuse, and AON Hewitt.

Additionally, Cisco, Forrester Research, Project Leadership Associates, Fusion Risk Management and Technology Leaders Association led discussions about the "best case" uses of technology, process improvement and professional development.

Rich Barnier, AITP Life Member and Chicago Chapter past president, introduces the keynote panel of distinguished CIO's (L to R) Ted Gaty, CIO, Aon Hewitt, Stewart McCutcheon, CIO & CPO, ECOLAB/Nalco, Susan Malisch, CIO, Loyola University Chicago, Edward Earl, CIO, Littelfuse, and moderator (offstage) Robert Kress, COO - Internal IT, Accenture.

The two day agenda included exceptional plenary sessions:

• "Office of the CIO" (our chapter's term for the shared interest community made up of the CIO's staff) held the opening panel discussion titled "What is your IT organization really great at: Customer Intimacy, Operational Excellence or Innovation Leader?"
• An all-CIO panel discussion, moderated by Accenture, titled "Running IT like a business"
• A Forrester Research session titled "The future of mobile computing in the enterprise: A forward looking view".
• The conference keynote presentation by Kim Hammonds, CIO, The Boeing Company titled "The Business of Technology at Boeing".

Conference keynote speaker Kim Hammonds, CIO, The Boeing Company discusses how her organization is helping Boeing achieve its business goals.

These plenary sessions were complimented by nine breakout sessions presented in three parallel tracks plus a full second day optional education track covering "Preparing your team for high yield innovation in the enterprise – concept to implementation".

Sponsor booths filled the exhibit hall to capacity. Gold sponsors from front are Cisco, Comcast and L&T Infotech.

The Program Management Institute, a Chicago Chapter strategic partner, provided information about their Program Management Professional Certification and other services.

In addition, Region 5 held its Board Meeting and Leadership Workshop for chapter leaders. The Leadership Workshop covered such topics as how to effectively use AITP membership programs (Student to Professional, Enterprise, Faculty Discount, etc.)  An AITP web portal overview was held.  And the attendees learned how to generate membership reports and request custom reports.  

From left to right:  Dunsten Nance (Capitol Chapter President), Mike Hall (Capitol Chapter Treasurer, Region 5 Secretary), John Council (Association Director, Past Region 5 President), Larry Schmitz (Region 5 President, Past Association President), and Chris Nimmer (Northeastern Wisconsin Region Director)

Celebrating our 60th Anniversary, the AITP Chicago Chapter is proud to have hosted this conference in the community where it all started. The Chicago Chapter officers and Board of Directors thanks all of our sponsors for their generous support throughout the year and we especially thank our members for contributing time and energy to the Chicago Chapter's success.

Mark Gilfand (left), Vice-President Region 5, and Tim Waterloo (center), President Oak Enterprises, check out the conference sponsors.

AITP Region 5 Spring Technology and Networking Conference

Holiday Inn Rolling Meadows
3405 Algonquin Road
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008

May 1-2, 2012

Full details of the conference can be found on AITP Chicago's website, www.aitpchicago.com or at the Region 5 website, www.aitp.org/region5, including cost of attending, hotel accommodations, scheduled events and sponsorship opportunities.

Gary Czubak, AITP Chicago President and Paul Dittman, Immediate Past-President also contributed to this article.

Top chapters always seem to excel in supporting the Association and Region. These chapters provide much of the Association and Region leadership as officers and committee members. Leading chapters provide financial and personnel support for their student chapters, the National Collegiate Competition (NCC), Foundation for Information Technology Education (FITE), the AITP Education Special Interest Group (EDSIG) and the Information Systems Educators Conference (ISECON).

It is always encouraging to see how our chapters reach outside of the regular monthly meetings and provide resources to the local community like schools, scouting, Junior Achievement, and other community groups. The outreach to the business community often includes special meetings beyond the regularly scheduled meetings. The top chapters are actively involved in providing value to the AITP membership.

According to Bill Riter, Chair of the Region 5 ROCA Selection Committee, "We had 5 very worthy candidates this year for ROCA. In addition to Twin Cities, several other chapters scored well in all selection criteria areas. It was like grading several "A" papers and then selecting the best. Sometimes that is a tough decision. I think the difference this year came down to the local and business community involvement area."

Congratulations to 2011 Twin City Chapter President Gina Canfield, the Twin City Chapter Board of Directors and the entire chapter membership.

The Twin City Chapter now joins the other Region ROCA winners to compete for the Association Outstanding Chapter Award (AOCA) to be awarded later this year. 

• completeness of funding request and updated information on chapter officers and faculty advisor(s) with email addresses posted to chapter's web page on http://www.aitp.org/,
• student chapter activities/accomplishments through the previous year,
• number of students that will be attending the NCC,
• number of competitions and number of teams that the chapter will be entering in the competitions,
• activities undertaken by the student chapters to obtain the funds to cover the costs to attend,
• description of how the funds would be utilized if awarded.

The winners are, in no particular order:

• Central Michigan University
• Eastern Illinois University
• Ferris State University
• Gateway Technical College - Kenosha

The other student chapters who submitted applications were:

• Illinois State University
• ITT Technical Institute - Green Bay
• Kalamazoo Valley Community College
• Madison Area Technical College (MATC)

We want to thank all the student chapters for participating in the grant process this year. The applications for the NCC Grant tally 79 students planning to attend the NCC. Our student chapters boast some of the best and brightest and have had several contest winners. We anxiously await the results of this year's competitions and best of luck to all our students and teams. Follow the cities marketing slogan and "Find Yourself in San Antonio.”

This year's NCC Grant Selection Committee consisted of Vicky Danielson, Illowa Chapter (Moline, IL/Bettendorf, IA.), Mike Hall, Capitol Chapter (Springfield IL); and Richard (Dick) Boenisch, Sheboygan Chapter (Sheboygan, WI) also the chairperson.

Region 5 represents 12 professional, 1 satellite, and 42 student chapters of the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP) in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, the St. Louis Metro area of Missouri, Northern Kentucky, Eastern Iowa and Wisconsin. Region 5 provides a vehicle for the exchange of information among chapters in the Region. It provides guidance for successful chapter management. The Region also provides educational and networking opportunities for its members.

Larry has been actively involved in AITP for over 41 years! He served in a variety of positions through his career with a number of AITP chapters including the Southeast Wisconsin (which now includes the former Racine-Kenosha chapter that Larry stated with) and his current chapter, Northeastern Wisconsin. Larry was the AITP Association President in 1999. But his service to the IT industry did not stop there. He has been a tireless supporter of Information Technology certification through the CCP designation of the Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP). See this newsletter article about certification, which is as true today as it was when it was first published. He later served as President of the Foundation for Information Technology Education. He has been the Region 5 President the last 3 years. This year, Larry is also the Chair of the AITP Region President's Council.

Larry's AITP/DPMA involvement had a WHOLE lot to do with his career success. Larry tells us that being part of a "class professional IT association” helped bootstrap his career. His "CDP" (now called "CCP”) got Larry the job with Price Waterhouse. That dovetailed into Larry running their Wisconsin consulting practice, and so on. It was those accomplishments that got Larry into Marquis's Who's Who in America, which is how In Business-Wisconsin heard of Larry.

Larry tells Information Executive that "That is a "What do I get for my $105 AITP dues?" story. How about one hell of a career? Thank you AITP!!”

Congratulation Larry!

• Members gave presentations and conducted workshops at their school and local area.
• Several members gave presentations to their own chapter.
• Members gave a presentation at the Springfield professional chapter several miles away.
• The chapter received local newspaper coverage of events.
• They utilized their web site and kept information well up to date.
• They had excellent turnout at chapter events.
• Eastern Illinois University sent a team of 5 to the 2011 National Collegiate Conference (NCC).

These activities resulted in continued growth in the membership of the student chapter.

Region 5 congratulates Eastern Illinois University, 2011-12 Student Chapter President Donovan Kay and Faculty Advisor Vicki Hampton on a job very well done! This is their second consecutive Region Outstanding Student Chapter award. Eastern Illinois University is sponsored by the Capitol Chapter.

Click here for a special announcement about this award from the Eastern Illinois University chapter.

Region 5 thanks the selection committee of Dick Boenisch, Christine Leja and Chris Nimmer. The committee was fortunate to have three excellent student chapters to pick from, who last fall earned the Student Chapter Outstanding Performance Award:

• Ball State University
• Central Michigan University
• Eastern Illinois University

To apply, go to http://www.aitp.org/region5 (the Region 5 website).  In the upper center of the page will be "Region Quick Links" Below that will be "Region Information".  Click on that and you will find listings for "Region 5 NCC Grant Application Form" and "Region 5 NCC Grant Application Procedure".  Download those and follow the instructions.

In the procedure, pay particular attention to point 6 since that is the criteria that is used by the Selection Committee to award grants.

The deadline for electronically submitting grant applications is February 10.

Hope to see you all in San Antonio!!

More information on the NCC is available at http://www.aitp.org/ncc.

There is an Information Executive article from January 2010 (http://www.aitp.org/news/69620/Chapter-News-Evan-Eldridge-Awarded-AITP-Lifetime-Membership.htm) that announced Evan's Life Membership and described his contributions to AITP.

I'm not sure how many knew Evan outside of Region 7. But Evan has been such a key resource to the Southern Hospitality Region (past President and very long time Region 7 Secretary) and an very active AITP member and resource for so long, I am sure many members throughout the national organization knew him. Please pass along this information to all that may have an interest. Evan will be very sorely missed.
Brian Terrell, Region 7 President

The following was published in the Gainesville Sun from December 18 to December 19, 2011:

James Evan Eldridge, age 76, of Gainesville, FL passed away suddenly on Tuesday, December 13th, 2011 in Gainesville.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Linda; his sons Tim and Scott (Deborah); his grandchildren Brianna, Rosie, Shane Evan, and Victoria and his brother David (Anne).

Evan was born in Chattanooga, TN graduating with the class of 1954 from Chattanooga's City High School. Evan earned degrees from Tennessee Tech, Florida Institute of Technology, and the University of Florida in Electrical Engineering.

Evan worked and taught at both the University of Florida and the University of South Carolina (Aiken) and remained actively involved in the fields of computer and information sciences and technology through his retirement.

Evan was a member of the University of Florida Master Gardeners and the Association of Information Technology Professionals.

A celebration of life service is being planned for after the new year. Milam Funeral and Cremation Services, 311 S. Main Street, Gainesville, FL 32601 (352) 376-5361.

AITP Region 5 Fall Conference

"Securing Your Business-Securing Your Future"

Radisson Hotel and Convention Center
October 19-20, 2011
Green Bay, Wisconsin
(hosted by the Northeastern Wisconsin Chapter)

Register at: new.aitp.org/2011conf

Coming soon, the BEST IT technology conference available for the low cost of $40 for AITP professional members, $20 for AITP student members, and $50 for people who wish they belonged to AITP!!

Yup, we are bragging! But look at what we will offer:

We are fortunate to have Super Sponsor support:

Gold Sponsor:	Dell
Silver Sponsors:	Robert Half Technology
	Avtex
	ITT-Technical Institute
	Tushaus
	Northwestern Mutual
	Time Warner Business Class
	Heartland Business Systems
	Zyquest
	Ledgeview Partners
Bronze Sponsors:	Insight Publications
	Oracular
	Rasmussen College
	Contingency Planning Solutions
	SRC Technologies

And do we have "content"!! Check this out:

Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2011

Schedule:

9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.	Registration
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.	Exhibitor Booths
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.	Education Tracks (details below)
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.	Cocktail Hour
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.	Conference Banquet
8:00 p.m. - Midnight	Hospitality Suite (open to all attendees)

Educational Sessions:

THURSDAY, Oct 20, 2011

Learn how to navigate and use the new tools available with AITP's new web portal and Membership System. Participate in the discussions on how to grow your chapter and increase the value of an AITP membership to your members.

And, if that's not enough, our featured speaker for the Wednesday night banquet is Matt Sedlacek, Executive Director, Large Enterprise Solutions, Dell Computers.

The Transformation of Dell - Driving Business and IT Solutions

(This is a speech I want to hear!)

Matt has been with Dell for 11 years and has held several sales and management positions during this time. His career started as an Account Executive in New Business Development in Dell's Healthcare vertical and then moved into various business development AE roles in both healthcare and Dell's corporate business verticals. From there, Matt assumed Regional Sales Director responsibility covering the Midwest/Great Lakes Regions for Dell's Corporate business group. In 2006, Matt became the Area Vice President of Sales for the US Central Area Commercial Business Unit. In 2010, Matt completed an assignment as the Country Manager for Dell's commercial business in Canada. Most recently, Matt moved into the role of Executive Director for Large Enterprise Solutions which focuses on go to market field readiness for Dell's server, storage and networking solutions in the Americas.

As is our tradition in Region 5, after the Wednesday banquet, and DOOR PRIZE drawings, we will adjourn to the Hospitality Suite to solve ALL the problems of AITP (and the world, if necessary--grin). Seriously, this is a great time to network with people from all over AITP to learn/share/teach what we have to share. And we do.

Then on Thursday, we will hold our Region 5 Board meeting (open to all members) and our Leadership Workshop (this conference's emphasis will be on how to deal with struggling chapters and a 'guided tour' of how to "get friendly" with the new AITP web portal, led by Mark Gilfand. Well worth the trip and time!!

Information to register, get super rates on our conference hotel can be accessed at: new.aitp.org/2011conf.

The cutoff for room reservations and conference registration are:

Hotel reservations:

• CUTOFF is October 4
• Conference rate is $79 (single or double)
• Includes full breakfast buffet at the Pine Tree restaurant

Conference registrations:

• CUTOFF is October 13
• $40 for professional AITP members
• $20 for AITP student members
• $50 for non-members
• Conference registration includes all conference activities including the steak/chicken banquet meal, breaks, educational sessions, free tap beer during the cocktail hour prior to the banquet (courtesy of Dell) and entrance to the open bar.
• Hospitality Suite on Tuesday and Wednesday.

NOW YOU TRY TO BEAT THAT FOR VALUE!!!

Hope to see you all in "Titletown" on October 19-20!!

Larry Schmitz, CCP CMC
AITP Region 5 President

PS: Have you ever seen an "old guy" (member since 1968, chapter/region/association/ foundation/ICCP leader since the early '80's) sing "My Way"(not Frankie's version) with "Elvis" guitar sunglasses on, to end a Region Board meeting and wrap up his tenure as Region President? Well, you never know, do you!!

FINAL WARNING--MUST BE PRESENT TO LAUGH!!

Registration is now open for the Spring 2011 Region 5 Conference, Thursday May 12 and Friday May 13, 2011, at the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel and Conference Center, Springfield, Illinois. The conference, hosted by the Capitol Chapter, promises to be a tremendous educational opportunity for IT professionals from all disciplines.

The base registration cost of only $30 for students, $40 for members and $50 for non-members includes:

• Choice of twelve different educational sessions Thursday morning and afternoon
  
• Additional educational sessions on Friday morning
  
• Region 5 Board Meeting and Leadership Workshop Friday morning
  
• Technology Expo all day on Thursday (vendor booths, product demonstrations, etc.)
  
• Continental breakfast and dinner with keynote speaker

• Members gave presentations at their school and local area.
  
• Several member gave presentations to the own chapter.
  
• Members even travelled to another student chapter (several hours away) to give a presentation.
  
• They participated in a panel discussion at a major employer, several hours away from the chapter.
  
• Members attended non-AITP industry conferences.
  
• The chapter got local newspaper coverage of events.
  
• They utilized their web site and kept information well up to date.
  
• Chapter members authored two AITP Information Executive articles.
  
• They had excellent turnout at chapter events.
  
• Eastern Illinois University was very well represented at the 2010 NCC.
  
• The chapter president and faculty advisor presented at a Region 5 leadership workshop.
  
• The chapter authored a presentation on Building a Student Chapter, that is on the AITP Promotion Page for use by all AITP student chapters.

• completeness of funding request
  
• student chapter activities/accomplishments through the previous year
  
• number of students that will be attending the NCC
  
• number of competitions and number of teams that the chapter will be entering in the competitions
  
• activities undertaken by the student chapters to obtain the funds to cover the costs to attend
  
• description of how the funds would be utilized if awarded

• Fox Valley Technical College
  
• Eastern Illinois University
  
• University of Southern Indiana
  
• University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

• DeVry University-Chicago Campus
  
• Ball State University
  
• Blackhawk Technical College
  
• Milwaukee Area Technical College-West Campus
  
• ITT Technical Institute-Green Bay
  
• Central Michigan University
  
• Black Hawk College
  
• Madison Area Technical College (MATC)
  
• Ferris State University
  
• Gateway Technical College-Kenosha

• Completeness of funding request
  
• Student chapter activities/accomplishments through the previous year.
  
• Number of students that will be attending the NCC.
  
• Number of competitions and number of teams that the chapter will be entering in the competitions.
  
• Activities undertaken by the student chapters to obtain the funds to cover the costs to attend.
  
• Description of how the funds would be utilized if awarded.

• Mid-State Technical College - Stevens Point 
  
• Eastern Illinois University 
  
• Fox Valley Technical College 
  
• University of Southern Indiana 

• Northern Illinois University 
  
• Kalamazoo Valley Community College 
  
• Southwestern Illinois College 
  
• Blackhawk Technical College 
  
• Scott Community College 
  
• Central Michigan University 
  
• Gateway Technical College-Racine 
  
• University of Wisconsin-Whitewater 
  
• Madison Area Technical College 
  
• Gateway Technical College-Kenosha 
  
• Ferris State University 
  
• ITT Technical Institute-Newburgh 
  
• Michigan Technological University