THE AUGUST GROUP NEWSLETTER

January 7, 2008

Volume 2, Number 1

Rochester’s Premier Professional Networking Organization

Newsletter Archives

In this Issue.

We're making changes to the newsletter in 2008.  We shift from offering content to presenting a blank tablet, a new start for a new year.  Members get out of The August Group what they put into it.  It's members serving members.  It's peer to peer.  Going forward the newsletter relies on the contributions of every subscriber.

We've inserted some place holders for your contributions.  We'll await your input. Have a thought as to what this needs. Make it happen offering your talents and be a difference maker.

It's often been said that with its membership that The August Group could form quite a company.  It can create a valuable tool for all members in crafting these weekly issues. Each member possesses unique talents and abilities to contribute.

We look forward to your contributions.  With 1600 subscribers there is great potential.  What's your role? Contributing only requires that you submit your contributions to newsletter@augustgroup.org.

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Words to Ponder

The secrets for success only work when you do - Chinese Fortune cookie

Got a thought to share?  Send it to newsletter@augustrgroup.org and put  "Words to Ponder" in the Subject Line.

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A Message from August Group Leadership

Many thanks to Lynn Eason and all who made the holiday party a great success again.   A special thanks goes to Lou Bostic for his special contribution.  Close to 100 members and guests attended the event with many walking away winners of door prizes.  Does anyone want organize a summer picnic?

The August Group celebrates its 6th anniversary this month at Johnny's Irish Pub later this month  we hope to see you there.

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Upcoming Events 

Send calendar additions to calendar@augustgroup.org

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Member Announcements

Have an announcement to share?  Here you can share so many things.  You're a new member and want share your elevator speech.  You never know who might spot it, perhaps a recruiter or business owner looking for someone just like you.

Perhaps you've landed a new position and wish to share the story and gratitude.

Maybe you are coordinating an event for community or charity and seek support. This is where we'll post it.  This section reflects our members.  Make contributions. It's all about members for members and more here.  Send your email to newsletter@augustgroup.org.

• Member Announcements

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Feature Articles

Got a story idea?  Submit  it to newsletter@augustgroup.org.

• I Resolve in 2008

Have an article to contribute?  We welcome your contributions.  Make a difference. Share a story.  Submit it to newsletter@augustgroup.org

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JOB POSTINGS

Hidden jobs are welcomed for sharing at jobs@augustgroup.org.  If the job your neighbor, friend or family shared with you is not right for you, it might be perfect for an August Group colleague.  This is a great place for practicing "give to get." With 1600 members, what can happen here when members own the content?

We welcome volunteers to coordinate the job postings on a weekly basis. Employers and members submit jobs that must be readied for inclusion in the newsletter.  A lack of help means fewer jobs get posted in a timely manner.

Why not be the first one to see new postings??!!

NEW Postings this week

• Human Resources Manager - Auburn

• Process Support Manager

• Director of Clinical & Scientific Affairs

• Cisco VoIP Engineer

• Lead Engineer - Fiber Microwave Communication

• Network Administrator - Birdseye Foods

• Controller - Jewish Family Service
  

Previously posted jobs

See the August Group Newsletter Archives

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News from the Power Networking Groups

The Power Networking  Groups have been the most effective of all programs offered by The August Group.  We hope that the members will report regularly to the newsletter of their successes and stories shared.   Submit notes to newsletter@augustgroup.org and insert "PNG" in the Subject line.

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Human Resources Professionals - Things Job Seekers Should Know

We've had many HR professionals visit and contribute to The August Group.  Your ongoing contributions are valued and needed by all members.  We know that we'll see great contributions from those who have made their careers about career and organizational develpoment.  If it's not your own writing, perhaps its a link or someone else's, writing that you are sharing and giving credit to the author.  Send your contributions to newsletter@augustgroup.org with HR in the Subject line.

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Small Companies That You Might not Know About

While so many members pursue the major employers in our community, there are numerous small and growing companies that go ignored trying to find talent.  Know of a small company then share it here providing nothing more than a link to its homepage. How easy does it get?  Send your contributions to newsletter@augustgroup.org with Small Company in the Subject line.

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Websites Worth Visiting

Send your contributions to newsletter@augustgroup.org with Website in the Subject line.

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Book Reviews and Good Reads

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MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS 

We welcome postings from all members, upon joining the group, landing a new job, starting a business, running an event, requesting volunteers.   

If you would like to share announcement to the group, send an email to newsletter@augustgroup.org.

FEATURE ARTICLES

Resolve to be a Contributor in 2008

Contributed by Darryl Walczak  dwalczak@rochester.rr.com

As we enter another new year, it is always “fashionable” to come up with the things you are going to try to do throughout the year.  We call them resolutions.  Maybe you want to lose a few pounds.  Maybe it is time to quit smoking.  Maybe this is the year that you find your perfect job…

Whatever it is, I would like to add one item to your resolution list.  Be a contributor to The August Group newsletter.  The newsletter is distributed once a week (with a few exceptions during the holidays) and serves many purposes.  In addition to updating TAG members on new job postings and TAG events, it is a way for all of us to share our experiences and opinions.  Believe me, when I attended my first TAG meeting in August of 2007, I really didn’t think that I would be writing for the newsletter.  But to be honest with you, it has been a lot of fun!

There is a list of things that are great about being a contributor to the newsletter. 

1. You can write about whatever you want (within reason).
2. You do not have to have any formal writing experience.
3. You can share your experiences and/or opinions with hundreds of people.
4. You get paid (well not really, I was just checking to see if you were actually paying attention!).
5. You will not be forced to read about my experiences and/or opinions each and every week.

Tell us about a funny thing that happened on an interview.  Reveal your job searching techniques.  Let everyone know about a great book you just read.  Share your joy about the job you just landed.  The world is your oyster; Write about it!  Or at the very least, let me know what you’re thinking and I’ll write about it.

Seriously, it just took me ten minutes to pound this out, so the excuse that you don’t have enough time doesn’t really hold water.  Each and every person I have met at TAG events has something interesting to say.  Isn’t it great that there is a forum for your thoughts?

Please send your contributions to me at dwalczak@rochester.rr.com. 

Congratulations to those who have landed and Good Luck to those who are searching!

If you have a story to share or feedback, send it to newsletter@augustgroup.org

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JOB POSTINGS

Human Resources Manager - Auburn

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Develop HR strategy and analyze and recommend solutions in the areas of talent acquisition, employee relations, talent management, succession planning, performance management, labor relations and organizational development (e.g. training needs, etc.).

• Provide consultancy and HR advise to all levels of site leadership on HR-related topics.

• Lead implementation of organizational initiatives and processes, such as annual compensation planning, talent reviews and succession planning, positive climate system, employee surveys, benefits administration, policy implementation, etc.

• Respond to inquiries from and/or represent the company to federal and/or state compliance agencies for investigations and/or resolution of claims (OFCCP, EEO, OSHA, EPA, etc.).

• Manage day-to-day activities with the union, including grievances and administer the collective bargaining agreement.

• Manage day-to-day activities related to Health, Safety and Environmental compliance, including leadership/oversight of employee HSE teams and reports, audits or training required by regulatory agencies or company's global HSE function.

• Lead or Participate on special cross-functional teams or in site-specific initiatives.

 Requirements & Qualifications:

• 8-10 years relevant Human Resources experience in a manufacturing environmental, with strong emphasis on labor relations and business partnership.

• Prior experience in union environment and direct experience with contract negotiations and administration of the collective bargaining agreement required.

• Prior experience managing Health, Safety and Environmental required, experience with New York regulatory agencies preferred.

• Candidate must possess strong decision-making, problem solving and project management competency.

• Must have strong knowledge of HR principles, employment law and applicable federal and state regulations.

• Prior experience as key member of plant management team highly desired. Experience with PeopleSoft desired.

• Experience in a unionized plant with at least 200 employees working with management in H&S is preferred.

Education:

• Minimum of Bachelor Degree in Business Administration or Human Resources Management.

• Prefer certification as PHR or SPHR as well as Six Sigma or related methodology.

Contact Greg Taylor at gtaylor@excelsiorsp.com or 585-785-8600.

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Process Support Manager

General Summary:

• Manage facilities and maintenance personnel.

• Plan, organize and direct the activities and staff involved in the maintenance and modification of all facilities and equipment.

• Position requires a person that is able to lead change and promote growth.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support operations in multi-shift electronics manufacturing facility by providing leadership, developing strategic plans, and facilitating continuous improvement.

• Drive downtime improvements related to building, equipment, and services.
  Coordinate cost reduction activities with cross-functional teams.

• Coach and motivate staff. Develop proactive training plans for the group and individuals.

• Develop yearly capital, direct budgets and spending plans.

• Provide detailed and thorough project estimates, develop detailed project implementation plans, and execute the plan.

• Manage equipment vendors including trades and crafts personnel, application engineering personnel, and field service personnel.

• Prepare detailed monthly reports on costs related to preventative, scheduled, and or special maintenance.

• Comply with and support the health, safety, and environmental programs, policies, and procedures.

Basic Requirements:

• Four year degree in an engineering/technical field preferred.

• Strong project management skills.

• Attention to detail and accuracy.

• Ability to meet deadlines.

• Strong written and oral communications skills.

• Strong organizational skills.

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, and work in accordance with established safety procedures.

Contact Greg Taylor at gtaylor@excelsiorsp.com or 585-785-8600

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Director of Clinical & Scientific Affairs

We seek a strong DIRECTOR, PHARMACEUTICAL CLINICAL & SCIENTIFIC AFFAIRS to develop products in the Rx, OTC, Generics and Nutraceuticals categories.

Job duties will include the following:

• Leads a group of scientists (MDs and ODs) responsible for clinical trial design, scientific evaluations during the conduct of the trials (monitoring of safety, eligibility, enrollment and data consistency) and analysis of results.

• Accountable for product clinical development programs that are of high quality but also lead to timely and cost-effective regulatory approval.

• Serves as the leader of the Pharmaceutical Global Clinical Development matrixes team in the planning and executions of clinical trials. The team includes operations, statistics, data management, and Medical writing in addition to scientists.

• Collaborates and takes clinical leadership role within cross-functional teams including project managers, preclinical, regulatory, clinical trial materials etc.

• Responsible for the clinical aspects of clinical study reports and responses to regulatory authorities.

• Contributes to abstract/manuscript/presentation writing/review for scientific meetings and internal management reviews.

• Maintains responsibility for the clinical input into Business Development due diligences.

• Provides medical expertise and medical evaluation of questions regarding ophthalmology clinical practice.

• Develops/maintains relationships with external experts who might be needed to support clinical development programs.

• Provides scientific and clinical research expertise in the development of overall strategy of the Pharmaceutical business and more specific product clinical development plan.

• Performs management functions as goal setting, individual development plans and performance evaluations of staff. Identifies training needs to staff and implements training plan.

• Proactively evaluates and contributes to process improvement.

Candidate Must Have:

• Medical Degree from an accredited US or foreign medical school.

• At least 5 years of total experience post medical training, including clinical practice AND industry experience in the planning, execution and reporting of clinical trials.

• Strong understanding of GCP, ICH, and regulatory compliance.

• Knowledge of scientific methods, research design, and medical practices and procedures in ophthalmology.

Contact Greg Taylor at gtaylor@excelsiorsp.com or 585-785-8600

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Cisco VoIP Engineer

Client Company:

Exciting opportunity in the engineering division of a fast-paced, growth-oriented, leading edge technology organization. Client company has a complex VoIP footprint with several layers of technology being brought to market as one complete end-user voice and data solution. Serious upward mobility!

Job Responsibilities:

• Understands the issues involved with administering and maintaining corporate infrastructure, including network connectivity, Internet access, email, DNS, etc.

• Understands the issues involved in administering and maintaining corporate WAN.

• Manages all LAN/WAN equipment including design, maintenance, break/fix, upgrades, testing/performance statistics, documentation, interoperability.

• Seeks input from mentors and supervisors.

• Works with company partners to troubleshoot network issues through to resolution, takes ownership of all customer issues and communicated results to the customer.

Job Qualifications:

• 5-10 years experience designing, implementing and maintaining WAN/LAN using Cisco routers and switches is required. Extensive knowledge of Cisco IOS is required.

• 5-10 years of experience, and demonstrated knowledge of Frame Encapsulation, FRF12, IPSec VPNs, SIP, MGCP, MPLS, VLANs, LLQ, QOS, EIGRP, Firewalls, etc.

• Working experience with traditional (TDM) voice, ISDN/PRI, PBX/ACD as well as VoIP Gateways and SBCs is a big plus.

• UNIX/Linux experience would also be a plus.

• Candidate must demonstrate exemplary communications skills. Communication both internally and with respect to customer service is critical to the success of the organization.

• Ideal candidate is motivated to succeed, eager to develop, and works well as part of a team.

Contact Greg Taylor at gtaylor@excelsiorsp.com or 585-785-8600

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Lead Engineer - Fiber Microwave Communication

Description:

Senior technical resource responsible for performing enterprise
Microwave and Fiber Optic system planning, engineering, project management,
documentation, and diagnostics. Provides level 3 engineering support on an
after- hours on-call basis.

Requirements:

1. Supports, analysis, scheduling, acquisition, implementation, and documentation of microwave and fiber communications hardware, software, and facilities for assigned projects.

2. Resolves complex technical facility, hardware, and software
   problems utilizing a variety of hardware and software testing tools.

3. Manages and maintains up-to-date documentation and procedures that define the operability of the microwave and fiber system.

4. Identifies and evaluates new Microwave and Fiber technologies and products.

5. Monitors system performance and ensures capacity planning is performed by assessing and making recommendations for improvement.

6. Interfaces with field technicians and Network Operations Center (NOC) to ensure proper escalation during outrages or periods of degraded system performance.

7. May function as a lead position providing guidance, coordination and training for field technicians.

Skills/Abilities:

• Project management skills including scheduling, cost tracking, development of task plans, and progress/status reporting.

Experience/Training:

• Minimum five years Communications Engineering experience.

• Demonstrated knowledge of Microwave and SONET network systems, i.e. system installation and configuration.

• Demonstrated project management experience.

• Proficiency in the design, configuration, and implementation of SONET and Microwave Systems.

Required Education:

• NOTE minimum two year technical degree!

• Prefer ideal candidate process is 4 year Electrica l Engineering Degree.

• OR 4 YEAR technical (i.e. degree telecommunications, information technology, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, etc

Contact Greg Taylor at gtaylor@excelsiorsp.com or 585-785-8600

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Network Administrator - Birdseye Foods

Larry Strong, TAG member, shares that the above position is to be posted on the Birdseye website.

http://www.birdseyefoods.com/

Tell them you learned about the opportunity throught The August Group newsletter

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Controller - Jewish Family Service

Department:

• Finance STATUS: Exempt

Supervisor:

• Executive Director

Summary:

• Responsible for overseeing the fiscal operation of the Agency and maintaining all financial records.

• Develops budgets, compiles financial statements and reports, and administers benefit plans.

Responsibilities & Duties:

1. Prepare monthly reconciliations, financial statements and balance sheets.

2. Prepare annual budgets and required financial reports.

3. Manages Grants and Contracts.

4. Coordinate annual audit.

5. Facilitate and monitor the integration of automated financial systems.

6. Monitor financial accountability throughout the organization.

7. Responsible for accounts receivable and accounts payable.

8. Maintain General Ledger including journal entries.

9. Responsible for client billing.

10. Monitor restricted, designated and endowment funds.

11. Track Agency investments and prepare quarterly investment summaries.

12. Administer group life, retirement, health, flexible benefits, disability and insurance plans.

13. Staff Finance/Personnel Committees of the Board.

14. Other duties as required by supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications:

• EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree in accounting or equivalent combination of education and employment experience.

• SKILLS: Must have excellent organizational and technology skills including fund accounting, proficiency in accounting software applications and spreadsheets. Ability to communicate with multiple constituencies including senior management staff, funders and agency vendors.

• EXPERIENCE: Minimum of 5 years experience working in a non-for-profit preferred.

Send resumes to Darryl Walczak
The August Group
dwalczak@monroecounty.gov

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