1Q12 Jobs Report

Contact: Liza Lowery Massey, President and CEO, Nashville Technology Council

lmassey@technologycouncil.com

Tech Sector Job Market Remains Competitive in Middle Tennessee
853 Tech Related Positions Open in First Quarter 2012

DOWNLOAD REPORT HERE

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – April 30, 2012 – The Nashville Technology Council released its Technology Hiring Trends Report for the first quarter of 2012. The Report, sponsored by teknetex, provides insights into recruitment for Middle Tennessee’s technology job sector and shows the needs of a pivotal portion of the regional economy. The Report was generated from public job postings on large job portals (i.e. CareerBuilder, Monster, etc.), specialty technology sites (i.e. Dice), and several of Tennessee’s employer sites.

Research concludes that 853 technology-related jobs were available in the Middle Tennessee area during the first quarter of 2012; down 18% from fourth quarter 2011 results.  Tennessee as a whole also showed a decrease (-10%) in open tech positions during the quarter to 1,269. The highest number of openings in Middle Tennessee this quarter came from the health care sector – Hospital Corporation of America (HCA), Community Health Systems (CHS), Vanderbilt University, Emdeon, and HealthSpring.

“It’s not uncommon to see a small dip in IT openings in the 1st quarter of a given year as companies better define new projects.  This decrease is especially true due to the strong hiring trend in 2011.  The demand for technology professionals remains strong and the market is extremely competitive. The recruitment, development and growth of tech talent remain integral to the success of Middle Tennessee,” states John Kepley, Principal and CEO at teknetex. Mr. Kepley serves on the NTC Board of Directors and Co-Chairs NTC’s Technology Workforce and Education Committee.  “Given the continued high demand for tech professionals, employers must adopt new approaches to recruiting, managing and retaining tech professionals,” states Liza Lowery Massey, President and CEO of the NTC. She goes on to say, “The NTC is working with local employers regarding what works in today’s demanding market including highlighting the topic at our upcoming C-Suite Breakfast at TechVille 2012.”

Expanding the pool of skilled technology professionals is so important for Middle Tennessee’s continued economic prosperity; several member companies are providing financial support for NTC’s workforce development efforts.  Microsoft recently increased its sponsorship, targeting tech workforce development. Other companies financially supporting this effort include Ardent Health Services, eMids, HealthSpring, HP, Healthcare Management Systems (HMS), and teknetex.

With a vision to help Middle Tennessee become known worldwide as a leading technology community, the Nashville Technology Council is devoted to helping the Middle Tennessee tech community succeed.

BE HELPFUL. That is the mission statement at teknetex. It is how we add value to the companies that allow us to serve them and to the professionals who trust us with their careers. teknetex is about people. The right fit, the first time.

Microsoft Achieves Diamond Status in the Nashville Tech Community

Diamond level sponsorship supports region’s tech workforce initiatives and programs

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – April 25, 2012 – The Nashville Technology Council today announced that Microsoft became a Diamond level sponsor, making them one of only four companies to achieve this distinction.  With an emphasis on increasing and enhancing the region’s high tech workforce, Microsoft’s financial commitment supports initiatives such as FirstCamp – an  event for high school students that encourages them to pursue technology related careers.  Their sponsorship also includes funding toward establishment of a full time position at the NTC to focus exclusively on tech workforce development and creation of an award to recognize a local technology educator at the NTC’s annual Tech Awards Gala in the fall.

When asked to comment, NTC Board Member Gary Seay, Senior Vice President and CIO, Community Health Systems, stated, “We appreciate Microsoft’s increased commitment to the Nashville Technology Council and look forward to a growing partnership with them as they  continue to support our local technology efforts.  Nashville has a growing community of technology professionals and entrepreneurs, with many of them working on solutions for our healthcare challenges.  All of us will benefit from Microsoft’s increased support.”

Microsoft’s commitment to the NTC extends beyond their financial support.  David Hanna, Microsoft’s Enterprise Executive Director for Tennessee, serves on the NTC Board of Directors and Microsoft frequently sponsors and provides speakers for local technology events.  “Microsoft is committed to enhancing the local tech community in Nashville.  We are pleased that our support of the NTC achieves this goal and helps to increase the region’s pool of skilled technology professionals,” stated David Hanna.  Bryan Huddleston, Microsoft Account Executive, added, “The relationship between the NTC and Microsoft is a great way to drive innovation and expand opportunities for the Middle Tennessee technology community.”

Microsoft’s commitment also includes sponsorship of the upcoming TechVille 2012 conference on May 15^th, which will highlight innovation and leading technology trends like mobility, analytics, and social media.  ”We appreciate Microsoft’s support of the NTC’s programs and initiatives.  Their contributions bring the NTC one step closer to achieving our mission,” stated Liza Massey, President and CEO.

Ken Gay of LMG Design Studios confirmed as keynote speaker for May 15^th event

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – April 16, 2012 – The Nashville Technology Council today announced that Ken Gay from LMG Design Studio will be headlining their upcoming technology conference – TechVille 2012.  The day-long event, sponsored by Zycron Information Technology Services & Solutions, will be held on May 15^th at Rocketown in downtown Nashville.   With a theme of “Technology Doers, Dreamers and Drivers,” the event will highlight local tech leaders and address today’s top trends of mobility, analytics, social media, and innovation.

Keynote Speaker Ken Gay, a recognized entertainment industry visual artist, is well known for his “see the music” approach.  One of his most recent projects of note is this year’s Super Bowl XLVI Half Time Show featuring Madonna.  “Technology doers, dreamers and drivers press the future of the live experience,” explained Ken.  He added, “Mobility, social, and digital media technologies play a large role in why and how visual elements are used to communicate in a live entertainment experience.”   Attendees can expect a dramatic and dynamic presentation.

The NTC also released the event’s line-up of speakers to date including tech industry leaders such as Nicholas Holland (Populr), Damien Creavin (Emdeon), Kate O’Neill ([meta]marketer), Michael Burcham (Entrepreneur Center), Bruce Brandes (Airstrip Technologies), Brian Evans (Consensus Point), and Chuck Hamilton (IBM).  Session topics include digital stalking, social analytics, big data, BYOD to work, capturing and using public sentiment, and creating a more playful work environment.  More information regarding registration, topics, and speakers is available on the TechVille Event Page.

Discounted Early Bird registration is available now through April 20, 2012.  Seating is limited and registration closes on Friday, May 11, 2012.

With a vision to help Middle Tennessee become known worldwide as a leading technology community, the Nashville Technology Council is devoted to helping the tech community succeed. Membership is open to technology companies, technology employers, service providers, educational institutions, and non-profit companies interested in supporting the growth of technology businesses in Middle Tennessee.  Since its formation in 1999, the NTC’s membership has grown to more than 400 organizations representing over 20,000 tech professionals in the region. To learn more, visit www.technologycouncil.com.

NTC receives donation for tech scholarships from Industry Collective’s Murmuration

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – March 22, 2012 – The Nashville Technology Council today announced that the Industry Collective donated half the proceeds from its recent social media technology conference to the NTC Technology Scholarship Fund.  The scholarship fund, established with the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, provides financial assistance to local high school graduates so they can pursue technology related degrees at local universities and colleges.  Currently, the NTC awards two scholarships a year through the fund.  Donations can be made online to the NTC Scholarship Fund.

“We are pleased to present this check to the NTC.  Knowing that the proceeds benefit local students pursuing technology related degrees makes our efforts even more rewarding and relevant to the community,” stated James Soto, CEO at Industrial Strength Marketing (ISM) and the driving force behind the one-day conference, Murmuration, held in February at the historic Franklin Theater.  The event was attended by more than 200 social media and technology professionals, and featured speakers from industry powerhouses like Gigya, Radian6, Moontoast, ExactTarget and ISM.

Chris Sloan, technology attorney at Baker Donelson who serves as Chair of the NTC’s Board of Directors, added, “Increasing the pool of skilled tech workers is the number one priority of the NTC.  Donations from technology related programs like the Murmuration event support the NTC’s efforts in this area.”  Finding skilled tech professionals to fill vacant positions remains a challenge in Middle Tennessee as evidenced by the NTC’s latest Technology Jobs Report that found over 1,000 tech jobs available in this region during the last quarter of 2011.

Students interested in applying for a scholarship can visit the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s scholarship page for more information and application instructions.

With a vision to help Middle Tennessee become known worldwide as a leading technology community, the Nashville Technology Council is devoted to helping the tech community succeed. Membership is open to technology companies, technology employers, service providers, educational institutions, and non-profit companies interested in supporting the growth of technology businesses in Middle Tennessee.

Industry Collective is a group of Nashville-based creative, marketing, social media, technology and interactive professionals who come together to validate/shape/kill ideas amongst their peers.

New Member Spotlight: Data Intelligence Group

Q&A with Robert Cucullu, COO

22 Ways You Can Make NTC Work for You

As I mentioned at the recent Annual Membership Meeting, the NTC works for you, when you work it. Thanks to NTC Vice President Leah Magee for that quote. She should know, as a large part of her job is figuring out the best way for our tech sponsors’ to make their investment in the NTC work for them.

Since they are worth repeating, following are the 22 ways I mentioned at the meeting, with more information about how you can make each one of them work for you. You will find that you get the most out of the NTC when you get involved in a way that best meets your goals and those of your organization. Plus, most of these ways do not cost anything but a little time, so the return on investment is huge!

Go on. Pick a few ways and work with us! If you are already doing many of these things, congratulations! You know how to work it.

1. Make sure we have up-to-date contact information– Check out your organization’s profile information in the NTC member directory and, if you’re the primary contact person, log in and review contact information.

2. Attend programs and events – You’ll be glad you did! Find out what we have planned and get information on the NTC Events page.

3. Use a member discount to attend something – Check out the Community Calendar which often includes discounts for NTC members to non-NTC events. It can be found on our home page and under the Calendar tab.

4. Sign-up for the Weekly Events Newsletter – We promise we won’t spam you but you’ll be glad to know about all the things we’re doing. The button can be found in the middle of the NTC home page.

5. Forward our messages & announcements – Send them to your co-workers and colleagues. It only takes a few seconds and it expands our coverage. Encourage them to sign up for updates themselves and you won’t have to forward it to them any more – see #4 above!

6. Join a Committee – We’re looking for volunteers, so watch for an email from me and volunteer to serve. You’ll get more out of it than you give. I guarantee it.

7. Join a Peer Network – We have one successful peer network already going strong and we will be adding three (3) more in 2012.

8. Follow us on Twitter @nashtechcouncil @nashhire - You’ll be kept up-to-date regarding all the latest news from the NTC and our members.

9. Join the NTC LinkedIn Group – We’re active on LinkedIn, so join over 3,000 of your colleagues by becoming a member of the Nashville Technology Council group.

10. Post jobs on the Nashville is Hiring job board – It’s free for members and easy to do.

11. Post events on the NTC Community Calendar – We accept events that are relevant to our members from other organizations, even if they are not just for NTC members.

12. Write an article – Be a thought leader by writing an article for Catalyst. We will be looking for writers later this year for the 2013 edition of the magazine.

13. Volunteer to speak at an event – Let us know if you or someone in your organization is a great speaker. We’ll also be making a call for speakers and announcing an exciting new speaker program in the near future.

14. Write a blog for our website – We’re always looking for good material to publish on our website. Make sure it’s of general interest, not just a sales pitch, and send it to Jessica Hill.

15. Send your company’s “good news” to us – We love to share good news! You can also send it to Jessica Hill.

16. Trade press contact information with us – We’d love to expand our press contacts and your’s by sharing press contact information. Send your press contacts to Jessica Hill and we’ll share ours.

17. Nominate someone for a Tech Award – Help us recognize the best of the best in the Middle Tennessee tech community by watching for our email announcement this Spring and then nominate someone.

18. Volunteer to assist at an event – We can always use a few hands to help out at NTC events and programs. It’s a terrific way to network with members and guests. Watch for our call for volunteers.

19. Become a Committee or Sub-Committee Chair – So you think you can lead? Help us out by leading a Sub-Committee, Work Group, etc. Watch for your opportunity! I’ll be making a call for volunteers in the near future.

20. Nominate someone or run for a Board position – Elections are in May for the term that begins July 1st. Board member terms are for three years. If you have thoughts regarding potential Board Members – let me know. The person must be from a member company and it is a “pay to play” Board.

21. Sponsor an event, program or advertisement – Our sponsorships have outstanding returns on investment. Just ask our sponsors, who continually rate their experience as excellent! Watch for calls to sponsor events on the NTC Events page.

22. Encourage additional companies to join – Each member is an ambassador for the NTC and Middle Tennessee’s tech community. Every new member organization makes the NTC and our tech community stronger. New members can join via the NTC Membership webpages.

We will have printed copies available, as well as digital copies on memory sticks, sponsored by NWN. You will also
be able to download an on-line digital copy after January 25th.

Catalyst 2012 is full of amazing articles. We can’t thank all our
contributors enough! We thought you might like a few excerpts
from just SOME of the many articles.

Be sure to register for the Membership Meeting and pick up your
new issue of Catalyst. Below is a small sample of just a few of
the many great articles.
Enjoy!

Supporting the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Vic Gatto • Managing Director at Jumpstart Foundry • Partner at
Solidus Company

“As most technologists know, the barriers to entrepreneurship
have crumbled over the last few years.  Today, it is easier and cheaper
to launch a company due to many factors that include: open source
software, lean start-up methodology, cloud based computing,
distribution through exiting consumer networks.”

Belmont University and Nashville Technology Council Get Social
Steve Chandler • www.chandlerthinks.wordpress.com

“We were embarking on the first ever social media marketing class for the Belmont University Massey
School of Business.  If we are going to create an environment that fosters the principles of social media,
such as sharing and complete transparency, then live in-class tweeting was fair game.  In fact, we
designated an official student representative to update the official Facebook page each class session. 
Our Twitter hashtag was #BelmontSoMe.”

Protect What You Have as Best You Can
Robert Preininger • www.survivalpartners.biz

“Uncertainty:  We all have to deal with it every day in our personal and professional life. Production
workers, managers and executives all share a common threat to their physical and financial wellbeing. 
The world is a risky place to live and if that wasn’t bad enough, add to a risky world the fact that time
never stands still.  Threats to family, business and our nation are continually evolving in complexity,
emerging from ever changing natural, technological and man-made points of origin. 
So what can be done to protect what is important to us?”

First of all, the kids are referred to as “scholars” instead of students.  I think that this is not only appropriate given their accomplishments, but also great because it instills that mentality into their minds.  When I entered the building I was greeted by a student who welcomed me, helped with my name tag, and showed me to the classroom.  Once I got to the classroom I was met by another student who introduced herself, told me about the school, and asked if I had any questions.  Dr. Kristin McGraner began the program and educated us on the history, mission, and goals of STEM Prep with data and test results.  She focused on their three core beliefs, which were extremely evident in everything I saw:

• Every child deserves a rigorous, college preparatory education delivered by highly effective teachers.
• A culture of accountability and high expectations develops learners and leaders.
• Excellent schools are deeply and broadly tied to the communities they serve.

Once Dr. McGraner finished her presentation, she allowed about five scholars to introduce themselves and their monumental achievements since beginning at STEM Prep just a short time ago.  Each student had already exceeded their yearly goal, making it easy to understand why the school does not have enough books to keep up with the their volume of reading!

My favorite part of the tour was “community meeting.”  Each morning the scholars gather in the hallway where the teacher prompts discussion questions for journal writing and sharing with the group.  This allows the kids to share some of their thoughts, background, and desires in a comfortable, less formal setting.  Unlike most kids I’ve been around, these scholars were extremely eager to share their journal entries, with hands shooting up in the air and pencils refusing  to drop when time was called.  It was the purest definition of “engaged” that I’ve ever seen.

I encourage you to attend one of STEM Prep’s Community Breakfast events as well.  You will no doubt leave inspired, and will have a much better understanding of what this school is doing to encourage our future leaders in technology.  We have to some bright minds to fill all these jobs after all, and we have a lot of work to do to get more scholars of this caliber in the right direction.