THE AUGUST GROUP NEWSLETTER

FEBRUARY 11, 2008

Volume 2, Number 6

Rochester’s Premier Professional Networking Organization

Newsletter Archives

 

In this Issue.

Words to Ponder

"Of all the people I've met, you're one of them." - Anonymous Networker contributed by TAG member Michael Joyce.

Comin’s Law – People will accept your ideas much more readily if you tell them Benjamin Franklin said it first.

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

<TOP>

Upcoming Events 

Note changes to the Tuesday PNG at Bagel Bin.

Job Fair Organizational Kickoff Meeting Wednesday February 13th.

JumpStart – Choosing the Right Target Companies @ RochesterWorks Wednesday February 13th.

LinkedIn Training evening session – 50 tips, insights, and uses Early evening session on Wednesday February 13th.

MEGA at Johnny’ Irish Pub
Wednesday February 20th.

LinkedIn Training morning session – 50 tips, insights, and uses Morning session on Tuesday February 26th.

Send calendar additions to calendar@augustgroup.org

Are you willing to assist enhance the content of this section of the newsletter?

We're looking for members to populate the calendar with events of interest.
If so, send an email to newsletter@augustgroup.org.  It gets better with your
input and contributions.

<TOP>

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.

<TOP>

Feature Articles

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

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

<TOP>

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

Previously posted jobs

See the August Group Newsletter Archives

<TOP>

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 member's 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.

<TOP>

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 development.  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.

<TOP>

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.

<TOP>

Websites Worth Visiting

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

<TOP>

Book Reviews and Good Reads

Have a story, book review or workshop experience to share or something similar to contribute?  Send your contributions to newsletter@augustgroup.org with Good Read in the Subject line.

<TOP>

FEATURE ARTICLE

 

“See you later, son,” parents told me

Written by - Lee Burgess

 

Contributed by TAG member Daryl Walczak

Except for my mother and my father and me over in one corner and a guy nursing a drink at the bar, the airport restaurant was deserted. Of course, it was a Thursday evening, so passenger traffic was light.

And it was also back when airplanes with propellers were the norm, and when America’s travelers – at least half of them – still depended on trains to get them from one place to another.

So there weren’t great numbers of flights posted on the Dayton, Ohio schedule board that night.

I had, in fact, flown in at 8 p.m. from Cleveland, intent on a three-day Homecoming Weekend down in Oxford, about 50 miles southwest of Dayton, from whence Miami (Ohio) University beckoned. My alma mater lay 15 miles or so west of Hamilton, my hometown.

For 72 hours, then, I was to be “home” again – back to my beloved Southern Ohio cocoon. I did not, at that raw age of 22, realize my deep-rooted affection for the area; thus I was oblivious to what my parents were doing to me as we sipped coffee.

“How’s the job going?” dad asked casually.

“Okay,” I answered non-committedly. “I write news releases and arrange trade shows and create films and handle speeches…”

I was with General Electric’s Advertising and Public Relations operation at the time, based in Erie, Pennsylvania and Schenectady, New York. Pretty fast for an Ohio kid. Maybe too fast.

“You don’t seem overly enthusiastic about your job,” Mom observed.

Then I tossed my parents a curve.

I think I’d like to come home to Hamilton… maybe work in Cincinnati,” I announced.

A heavy silence ensued, Mom searching her purse for something, dad clearing his throat as he peered across the empty restaurant. He spoke first.

“What kind of work would you do?” he asked. “Where would you live?”

I told them I would live at home with them and see what sorts of jobs Champion Paper or Mosler Safe or Hamilton Foundry might offer.

My parents weren’t necessarily angered as they were confused. We figured, they said in halting phrases and uncomfortable body signals, that you’re on your way to becoming a big GE executive, and now you want to work in Hamilton and live with us (in our little two-bedroom house – that, too, was implicit in their actions)??

I didn’t know what was wrong with my plan ‘til years later – years of maturing – when it became obvious that every parent back then wanted (1) fame and fortune of their kid, and (2) fame and fortune somewhere else, somewhere away from a crowded house.

To make a lengthy story brief, I was being kicked out… of childhood.

Don’t get me wrong. The fact that I survived that 1954 Homecoming, flew out of Dayton and back to GE that Sunday night, and lived to marry, become a father myself, and enjoy varied career attempts has been beautiful to me. Absolutely no regrets.

My point here, however, is two-fold. I wonder, for example, how my life would’ve gone had I stayed in Hamilton, now a beat up rust belt city from which industry fled the curse of unions and high wages to settle in Third World nations. But more so, I wish I had recognized that cup-of-coffee meeting in the deserted Daytona airport for what it was – a defining moment in and for my entire life. I’d like to have know what was happening to me (I think).

Resolution for 2008: Be aware of life’s defining moments. They tend to tip toe past only to be discovered later. And they tend to be… oh so… momentary. Happens to everyone.

Have you had yours yet?
 

<TOP>

JOB POSTINGS

New job postings this week



IT Project Manager – Preferred Care
 

Reference Number: 7318
 

Under the direction of the Director, IT Project Management office.. Perform lead role in project management. Work with IT management team and business partners to build and promote IT project methodology within highly matrixed delivery model. Understand project plan deliverables and project requirements.

 

Responsibilities:

  • Develop and manage projects to ensure timely and effective implementation of the deliverables.

  •  Manage and assume responsibility for project initiation, budget, planning, executing, controlling and closing.

  • Report progress of projects to management and business partners.

  • Promote initiatives for process improvement, innovative thinking and re-engineering.

  • Serve as the project advocate; enlisting project team’s help and support.

  •  Facilitate project planning.

  • Determine measurement criteria for work accomplished using systematic processes such as schedule and cost variance.

  • Define and manage schedule, scope, or budget changes.

  • Identify, communicate and resolve problems as they arise.

  • Manage plan deliverables including; scope statement, requirements, work breakdown structure, project schedule, budget plan, resource matrix, operational transfer plan and communications plan.

  • Understand IT system development life cycle.

  • Maintain project library and documentation.

  • Travel between Rochester and Schenectady locations, including overnight travel.

Education:

  • BS degree in Computer Science or Health Care/Business Administration with equivalent experience desired.

Experience:

  • Three to five years project management experience with proven track record of successful delivery required.

  • Expert knowledge of Microsoft Project required.

  • Three years IT specific project management experience utilizing a structured SDLC (system development life cycle) required.

Skills:

  • Superior interpersonal skills including partnering, conflict management, consulting, mentoring and team building required . Strong skills in verbal and written communication such as meeting facilitation and documentation required.

  • PMI certification desired.

  • Three years professional experience in health care/insurance desired.

  • Must be comfortable working in a team environment as well as independently, and possess a sense of accountability and urgency in completing assignments.

  • Knowledge of Facets, TriZetto comprehensive administrative software is a plus.

Send resume to Human Resources or apply directly to Preferred Care.

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

<TOP>
 

Billing Supervisor – Paychex

 

Responsibilities:

  • Supervise representatives in all aspects of product processing and scheduling of work flow and staff.

  • Suggest system enhancements and assists in the development of procedures and processes for enhancements.

  • Provide technical expertise to solve problems regarding carrier, client and branch issues.

  • Ensure that quality service is provided to both internal and external clients.

  • Train, hire, provide disciplinary actions and employee evaluations.

  • Coordinate communication with external parties, including but not limited to banks, insurance partners, insurance regulatory agencies, and auditors.

  • Make recommendations to management team regarding the development of policies and procedures.

  • Handle escalated issues from internal and external partners.

  • Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Bachelors in Business Management, Finance or related field and a minimum of 5-7 years related experience. The equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered. Previous experience in a leadership role or project management experience is required.

Apply at Paychex using Ref. Code 080102N.

 

Tell them you learned about the opportunity through The August Group newsletter.

<TOP>
 

Employment Law Service Representative – Paychex

 

Responsibilities:

  • Provide research and responses to client and Premier HR Representative inquiries relating to employment law.

  • Counsel clients on Human Resources policies, procedures, performance management, recruitment, employee relations issues and matters relating to employment law via telephone.

  • Build strong client relationships and providing quality service in an effort to retain client base.

  • Guide clients in problem resolution of employee issues including leaves of absence, worker’s compensation and disability accommodations via telephone.

  • Maintain current knowledge of trends and changes in Human Resources legislation.

  • Assist with the development of documentation and training for corporate, field and sales personnel.

  • Partner with sales and operations to ensure client satisfaction.

Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field and a minimum of 2 years HR generalist experience. PHR or SPHR certification is a plus.

Apply at Paychex using Ref. Code 08010AN.

Tell them you learned about the opportunity through The August Group newsletter.

<TOP>

 

 

Large Account Underwriter – Paychex

 

Responsibilities:

  • Provide research and responses to client and Premier HR Representative inquiries relating to employment law.

  • Analyze and evaluate large premium new business prospect application information for accuracy and completion.

  • Provide products and industry technical support.

  • Serve as a resource reference to agency sales.

  • Act as a liaison between sales and the client regarding complex issues or problems associated with the new business application process.

  • Coordinate Safety & Loss Control and other field activities as needed.

  • Facilitate sales submission and quotation process of large accounts to maximize agency commission revenue.

  • Interact with Paychex Agency sales reps to create effective and persuasive new business prospect submissions for insurance carrier consideration and quotation.

  • Negotiate with insurance carrier underwriters to secure comprehensive and competitive insurance quotation terms, conditions and pricing.

Requirements:

  • Bachelor degree with a minimum of 5 years experience in selling, marketing or underwriting medium to large size premium Workers’ Compensation and other Commercial Property and Casualty insurance.

  • Property and Casualty Insurance agent or broker license is required along with strong written and verbal communication skills.

Apply at Paychex using Ref. Code 080102E.

Tell them you learned about the opportunity through The August Group newsletter.

<TOP>

 

Agency Analyst – Xerographic Solutions

Provide pre-sale support, solution implementation and post-sale support of contracted and/or purchased services such as workflow optimization, document management, product applications, and network integration as it relates to Xerox products and solutions. Resolve all onsite implementation workflow or document production issues with network, hardware, and/or software (including 3rd party solutions, non-Xerox Operating Software, and application SW). Provide customer training on Xerox' family of products outlined in the agency analyst guidelines. Support new business implementation and Post-sale problem resolution for both Office Digital and Office Color product families as outlined in the agency analyst guidelines. Support Managed Services client operations and Technical Services personnel. Specialized network application and design & fee based consulting support duties.

 

Duties, Roles and Responsibilities:

  1. Business Growth
     

    • Responsible for implementation of actions that will significantly increase services revenue and promote print volume growth.  All non-contractual services billed.
       

    •  Maintain a high level of expertise on Xerox and industry standard solutions, client operating system/application software and network environments.
       

    • Proficiency in use of software tools (ie. Visio, MS Office) to document technical architecture of client's production workflow, printers, and systems.

     

  2. Implementation
     

    • Able to identify and install Office Digital and/or Office Color solutions that have been purchased by the customer with consulting services.
       

    • Work with sales (agency and VSE), as required, when customer requirements for implementation are unclear.
       

    • Work effectively with the customers IT department toward the resolution of configuration issues.
       

    • Able to successfully manage single or multiple unit implementations.
       

  3. Post Sale Problem Resolution Support
     

    • Diagnose and resolve problems relating to document workflow and printing as related to software applications, hardware, and network connectivity or performance.
       

    • Accountable for successful resolution of customer software problems and isolation to the Xerox or customer's system software/hardware.
       

    • Provide on-site escalation support for Xerox field personnel and Customer Support Center.
       

    • Improve account efficiency through evaluation of processes and application of Xerox or 3rd party solutions.
       

  4. Technical Site Readiness
     

    • Perform site assessments to determine site readiness (hardware, connectivity, software).
       

  5. Customer Training
     

    • Conduct customer training to meet customers needs.
       

    • Skills/Essential Job Functions.
       

  6. On-site support provided at customer locations
     

    • Troubleshoot networks through routers and cabling throughout customer's facilities.
       

    • Articulate and communicate at all levels of competency in the areas of network, production workflow, and software including SW applications unique to client.
       

    • Provide on site technical diagnosis and consultation to resolve network and document workflow issues.  Expertise demonstrated in document workflow processes, SW applications used in document production, and networks.
       

    • Possess broad technical knowledge to diagnose and converse in: production and office solutions, scanning, networking in both the centralized as well as distributed enterprise production environments, client applications, emerging technologies, etc.
       

    • Experience with industry standard software applications (ie. MS Office Suite, MS Project, page layout/design, web browser and anti-virus software).
       

    • Train customers on technology and workflow requirements.
       

    • Work successfully with different organizations within Xerox and the various Third Party partners to deliver solutions to customer.
       

    • Exceptional interactive skills required (listening, probing, clarifying, teaching and objection handling).
       

    • Strong verbal, presentation and written communication skills are required.
       

    • Possess selling skills to enable identification of new business opportunities.
       

Experience:

  • Minimum 2 to 4 years in a technical support role or digital printing and associated industry experience with Printer Description Languages ( ie. PostScript and/or PDF).

  • Previous experience with the Document Centre and/or Color products implementation activities recommended.

  • Working knowledge of basic PC hardware, operating system software (ie. Win98/2K/XP, UNIX) and popular PC application software plus working knowledge of Macintosh hardware, operating system software and applications.

  • Experience managing/resolving complex problems involving networks and software applications.

  • Color vision required when supporting color applications.

  • Industry experience/certification in networks required for access to client's network.

Education/ Knowledge:

  •  Bachelor Computer Science or equivalent industry experience /certification.

  •  Network+ Certification (or higher). MCSE or CNE is desired.

  •  Must be self-motivated and should have demonstrated initiative in the area of self-development.

Training and Certification:

  • Network+ certification (or higher).

  • Knowledge of Local Area Networks (LANs), network protocols, NOS (TCP/IP, Novell) and network devices (hubs, routers, switches) is required.

  • Other industry certifications and expertise and programming skills as applicable for service provided to include: Wireless, Web Services, Data Security and Data Base Administration.

  • Complete all Xerox product and solution training within the defined time guidelines.

Target annual salary $35,000. Please contact: Mary Garvey, at Xerographic Solutions 388-5550, ext. 221.

 

Tell them you learned about the opportunity through The August Group newsletter.


<TOP>
 

 

Part-Time Office Manager/Receptionist – Xerographic Solutions

 

Seeking a multi-tasker for a friendly office environment of a growing sales and service company.  Must have excellent phone, computer and reception skills.  Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook 2000 required. Salary will commensurate with prior experience in a fast paced growing organization and ability to maintain a position that requires professional discretion and confidence.  Customer Service and business maturity is a must. Flexible part time hours.

 

Please contact: Mary Garvey, at Xerographic Solutions 388-5550, ext. 221.

 

Tell them you learned about the opportunity through The August Group newsletter.

 

<TOP>
 

 

Temporary Log-In Coordinator – Ethox International

 

Responsibilities:

  • Color vision required when supporting color applications.

  • Industry experience/certification in networks required for access to client's network.

  • Coordinate daily log-in activities.

  •  Assign test numbers.

  • Initiate test paperwork.

  • Maintain archives.

  • Receive and log in test products.

  • Verify  paperwork to product.

  • Contact clients to resolve discrepancies related to the log in function.

  • Store test product according to client specifications.

  • Maintain/retrieve products on hold.

  • Maintain testing (GLP and GMP) and facility archives.

  • Liaison to accounting department with client information.

  • Return test products to clients.

Education and/or Experience:

High school diploma or general education degree (GED); and/or  2 years related related scientific lab experience; Customer service and computer skills necessary.  Must work well with many different departments.

Skills:

Experience with Windows programs including Microsoft Access and experience with database formats in order to routinely maintain log-in data.  Good spelling, phone and interpersonal skills. Must be able to read and comprehend protocols and test paperwork.  Must have EXCELLENT attention to detail. Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide.  Ability to work in/understand metric a plus.

Work Environment:

Combination of office and laboratory settings with the potential for occasional exposure to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and biological hazards.  Moderate noise levels.  Monday – Friday daytime work hours.

3 to 6 months, Start date as soon as viable candidate identified.

Send resume to: sandy.paiko@sts.ethoxint.com or fax: 866-812-6808

Tell them you learned about the opportunity through The August Group newsletter.

 

<TOP>
 

 

Lead Systems Administrator
 
Background:


Corporate Communications, Inc. is a leading full-service interactive marketing agency based in Rochester, NY. Founded in 1992, we specialize in developing creative online marketing and training solutions for a wide variety of markets.

We have an immediate need for a Lead System Administrator who will be responsible for supporting a growing, varied collection of servers and related services. This position requires a team player who is highly motivated and a creative problem solver. Regular duties will include normal maintenance, upgrades, and necessary repairs on our servers and network infrastructure. Additionally, ongoing security analysis and expansion planning will be required.

All applicants applying for job openings must be authorized to work in the United States.

Requirements:

  • Two-year degree; Four-year degree preferred (in an IT discipline).

  • Minimum 2 years hands on work experience.

  • FreeBSD, Linux & Windows Server 2003 administration experience a must.

  • Certificates in networking a plus.

  • Solid overall computer and network troubleshooting skills.

  •  Strong verbal and written communication skills.

  • Dedicated customer focus.

  • Ability to take initiative and work independently.

  •  Proven organization, time management and follow up skills.

System/Network Administrator Responsibilities:

  • Support and maintain a heterogeneous group of servers located in a data center and local office.

  • Prevent and quickly respond to service outages and network emergencies if they occur, with the goal of providing 100% uptime to clients.

  • Continuously look for ways to improve processes with an eye towards easier maintenance, better security & optimization of bandwidth/data delivery. Work smarter, not harder.

  • Educate developers and solicit feedback; your challenge is to maintain and enhance an environment where creative professionals are able to do their jobs.

  • In case of emergency - talk panicked customers down from the ledge.

  • Do it all at the same time. Expert juggler wanted.

You'll need working expertise in the following:

  • Operating systems: FreeBSD, Linux, Windows Server 2003.

  • Web servers: Apache, IIS.

  • Databases: MySQL, SQL Server 2005.

  • Mail servers: qmail (Squirrel Mail & Round Cube).

  • DNS: bind.

  • UNIX shell scripting in bash, perl.

In addition, you'll want a solid grounding in TCP/IP networking, network security, and quick-n-dirty software and hardware troubleshooting skills. Understanding how PHP communicates with the file system and database is crucial; you'll be establishing the first line of defense against phishing attempts and XSS attacks. If you're a good application developer, even better!

 

We understand that nobody knows everything; knowing what you don't know, and how to correct that, is the skill we prize most.

 

email your resume to:  resume@corp-com.com 

 

Tell them you learned about the opportunity through The August Group newsletter.
 

<TOP>