The first Zydetech Strategic Planning session was a huge success. We had about 25 Zydetechers in attendance with a wide variety of age, position, experience and perspective. This is exactly what was hoped for.

The moderator of the meeting, Michael Daily, lead the group through a process which started with introductions and statements from all as to “Why they were here.” The group was then asked to write down 3 needs that the community of Acadiana had that Zydetech could fill. There was then discussion about these needs by the group and the input was fantastic. Each participant was then asked to write down the most important “take away” from that discussion. These “take aways” are the results that have been posted on the website.

October is going be the beginning of the dual meeting format for Zydetech. We are going to host a morning coffee on the second Tuesday of each month and then the regular meeting on the final Tuesday of each month. The locations of these events are going to change so stay tuned to the emails/ website/ Facebook group for updates. Anyone that has an idea for a good location or would like to help organize an event please contact David Goodwyn.

Our goal for 2008 is to refine our ideas into a new mission, platform, committee structure and plan that we will execute in 2009. We look forward to the continued support of Zydetechers both young and (young at heart) as well as from the old-schoolers and the new recruits. We will carry all of the great ideas and enthusiasm with us as we carry out our (yet undetermined) mission for 2009 and beyond.

Onward and Upward!

This Zydetech event is sponsored by LITE and Global Data Systems

Topic: E-Government and You
When: Thursday, August 14 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM
Where: The LITE Center main Auditorium

The topic for this meeting is the popular E-Government format. We have asked our elected officials to present their technology vision for the coming year. These officials will also respond to a series of questions posed by the Zydetech community. The timing is pertinent as many city budgets are due in the weeks following this meeting. The format is to have booths set up in the foyer to get everyone’s input and requests about technology and government as it relates to each respective office. These requests will then be presented in an anonymous format to the speakers after they make their presentations. Global Data Systems and LITE have been kind enough to sponsor this first meeting so we have a location as well as refreshments.

Invited speakers include representatives from: LITE, LUS, LCG, LPSS, Lafayette Assessor’s office, Lafayette Clerk of Court, ULL, The Lafayette Parish Sherriff, The Lafayette Parish Library and our legislative delegation.

Please circulate this email correspondence to anyone that you feel would be interested in attending. The event is free to all who come so bring a friend and come learn about Lafayette’s technology plans.

We will see you this Thursday.