THE AUGUST GROUP NEWSLETTER

April 7, 2008

Volume 2, Number 14

Rochester’s Premier Professional Networking Organization

Newsletter Archives

In this Issue.

Upcoming Events

Flexible Workforce Monthly Meeting - Looking to work , but not full-time Check out this group Tuesday April 8, 11:30am – 1:00pm.

Jumpstart: Creating Powerful Marketing Plans (@ Rochester Works) Wednesday April 9, 11:00am – 1:00pm.

General Session - Rochester Works - High Tech Rochester Presentation by John Steele Wednesday April 9, 9:30am - 11:00am.

Jumpstart: Creating Powerful Marketing Plans (@ Rochester Works) Wednesday April 9, 11:00am – 1:00pm.

Lunch, Learn and Link! - LinkedIn 101 – Getting Started – Making the 1st 100 Connections - registration required Thursday April 10, 11:30am - 1:00pm.

Long Term Care Seminar @ the Bagel Bin Thursday April 10, 6:00pm -7:30pm.

Alan La Belle, CSA, will be guest speaker. Refreshments will be offered. Contact Tracey Aiello to reserve a seat at 259-0610 or via email taiello@augustgroup.org.

“Mega” social event @ Johnny’s Irish Pub Wednesday April 16 4:30pm – 7:30pm.

Career Exploration Group or What Do I Want To Be When I Grow Up? @ The Bagel Bin Thursday April 17, 11:00am – 12:00pm

Lou Grillo hosts this series. For more info, write NoSoup4U@rochester.rr.com

Lunch, Learn and Link! - LinkedIn 102 – Advanced Mastery – registration required Thursday April 17 11:30am - 1:00pm.

Lunch, Learn and Link! - LinkedIn 101 – Getting Started – Making the 1st 100 Connections - registration required Tuesday April 22, 11:30am - 1:00pm.

Power Networking - Underutilized Tool for Growth By Robert Rotolo & Kathleen Pringle @ Holiday Inn  Airport Wednesday April 30, 5:00pm – 8:00pm

Where: 911 Brooks Ave., Rochester, NY

Event Cost: $15 for IIE members, $10 for Student members, and $20 for Non-members - cash or check, pay at the door. Diner included.

To Register: Contact: Rochester Engineering Society at (585) 254-2350 or res@frontiernet.net By 3:00 p.m. on Friday, April 25, 2008

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.

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Words to Ponder

  • "There comes a time in the affairs of man when he must take the bull by the
    tail and face the situation.”
    - W.C. Fields

  • “The worst crime against working people is a company which fails to operate
    at a profit.”
    -Samuel Gompers

  • "If you think you can or think you can’t, You’re right!."
    – Henry Ford

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

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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.

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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.

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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

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 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.
 

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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 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.
 

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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

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.
 

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Feature Articles

 

The August Group registers with LinkedIn

LinkedIn Groups add Authentication

LinkedIn has enhanced the value of Groups recently adding an authentication procedure. Previously it was assumed that LinkedIn members would honorably list in their profiles those groups to which they were truly belonged. It’s been observed that this is not the case. LinkedIn refined the Groups function. Now groups can register with LinkedIn and one’s membership in a group must be authenticated. When authenticated your profile will display the group’s logo in your profile.

The Value of LinkedIn Groups

What’s the value of Groups? To connect with other LinkedIn members you must know them well enough to invite them. It is assumed that people you know well, that you’ll know their email address. It’s also assumed that if you are a member of a group that you may share common interests yet not know all members well enough to have their email addresses. The August Group would be a great example. Members from 2002 are not likely to bump into members of 2005 or today, yet all share a common interest in networking.

The Value of Joining The August Group’s LinkedIn Group

When a new member joins The August Group they come seeking connections in general sessions at The Bagel Bin or St. Cecilia’s. The challenge is that they are limited to making connections with only those people they meet in that session. There are now 1000’s who have attended The August Group and who qualify as members. If you take each member and their LinkedIn connections each member would have access to millions of connections and contacts online. The most difficult challenge is finding contacts. LinkedIn enables the finding. The August Group facilitates making the connections real with warm introductions and face to face meetings. All August Group members benefit adding their affiliation to The August Group to their LinkedIn profile. If you’re looking to connect to millions, and that is not an exaggerated claim, then become a LinkedIn member and join The August Group within LinkedIn.

Joining LinkedIn and LinkedIn’s August Group Group (Did I say that correctly?)

Joining LinkedIn is easy. Go to LinkedIn and you can become a member in 2-3 minutes. To learn more about this tool either play with it or visit the Upcoming Events section to learn about upcoming training.

To join the LinkedIn Group for The August Group there are two requirements.

  1. You must demonstrate your networking inclination and abilities. The August Group is all about networking and making connections. The mantra is “Give to get.” Members who practice this will have the 50 connections required to become a member of this group. When you have achieved 50 connections you will have demonstrated that you too are a connector.

    NOTE – you can be a member of The August Group, with less than 50 LinkedIn connections. You WILL NOT be a member of The August Group’s LinkedIn Group until you reach 50 connections.

  1. We will verify your participation in The August Group either past or
    present.


No one will be initially rejected for failing either of these requirements. After your request is made you will have 30 days to meet both authentication and 50 connections requirements. If these requirements are not met in that time frame your request will be rejected and you will be instructed as to how you might achieve membership in the future. If connecting to millions or simply hundreds matters to you and will assist you, then join LinkedIn, learn the tool and connect with The August Group within LinkedIn.

For the skeptical go to the Media Coverage page where articles from Fortune, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Time and other leading publications regularly feature this game changing online application that is networking for professionals. You'll find the Fortune Magazine article "Why you'll finally use LinkedIn" most interesting.

 

Join TAG Group in LinkedIn by clicking on this link.
 

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Job Postings

New job postings this week



Adjunct Instructors – Bryant & Stratton

 

Bryant & Stratton College is looking for adjunct instructors in their Medical Assisting program. Candidates must possess at least a Bachelor's Degree plus a credential, such as RN, CMA, etc. Instructors needed for classes offered at both the Greece location (150 Bellwood Drive) and Henrietta location (1225 Jefferson Road). Available class times and locations are below. Classes for the Spring Semester begin April 30th running for approximately 15 weeks. Submit your resume/cover letter to the person noted below.

 

  • Medical Terminology
    Tuesday 6:00 ? 8:45 pm
    Henrietta

  • Medical Terminology
    Wednesday 6:00 ? 8:45 pm
    Greece

  • Introduction to Health Care
    Thursday 6:00 ? 8:45 pm
    Greece

  • Anatomy and Physiology
    Tuesday 6:00 ? 8:45 pm
    Greece

Please submit resumes and cover letters to Karen:

Karen C. Parysek
Academic Program Director
Allied Health Technology
Bryant & Stratton College
kcparysek@bryantstratton.edu

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

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Senior Computer Programmer

Position will be responsible for designing and writing complex computer programs which collectively affect the creation, maintenance and manipulation of the company’s integrated database.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Assist in analyzing and evaluating proposed and existing systems.

  • Develops clear specifications and develops business solutions being particularly concerned with computer hardware and software considerations.

  • Translates problems or solutions into advanced computer languages.

  • Tests programs to ensure correct results.

  • Assists in testing impact of programs across all lines of business.

  • Produces and maintains complete program documentation.

  • Revises and maintains existing programs to reflect changes or additions to the company’s lines of business, marketing strategies, vendor enhancements and government regulations.

  • Evaluates all parts of the applications defining all pieces which will be affected by the change.

  • Coordinates and supervises installation and configuration of vendor supplied software and hardware.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Solid organizational and time management skills.

  • Ability to project manage assignments to meet deliverable due dates.

  • Evaluates industry software packages to determine if it fits with the company’s goals and objectives.

  • Assists in training computer programmers in technical areas.

  • Experience in multiple operating systems and hardware systems (Mainframe, Client Server, Technology and PC Based Systems).

  • Procedural languages as well as Object Oriented Programming.

  • Maintains end-user confidence by keeping information confidential.

  • On-Call Rotation within the IT Department, which may require system monitoring to take appropriate actions.

  • Exceptional time management and project planning skills.

  • UNIX/RPG/RPGLE programming experience.

  • Bachelor degree in Computer Programming or related area is required.

  • Environment and certification in formal courses for advanced training in systems design, database structures, fourth generation languages, Crystal reporting, IVR eflow development, Graphical User Interface (GUI) in a client server environment.

  • 5+ years of solid experience as a computer programmer.

Contact – Greg Taylor of Excelsior Search Partners gtaylor@excelsiorsp.com.

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Director, Information Systems

Position will be responsible for establishing the vision for IT application and system support in an organization. Provides daily direction, management, and administration for IT implementation and utilization with primary emphasis on supervision and synchronization of billing system operations and end user requirements.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Will direct the development, application and maintenance of the components of a company-wide integrated IT system to support cable TV service, telephony, HSD service and company administration requirements.

  • Promotes the concept of integrated IS throughout the company.

  • Oversees and coordinates the strategic and operational administration of the subscriber billing system. Ensures the development and maintenance of databases that support the billing system and the integrated company environment.

  • Supervises the performance of regular audits to confirm database integrity and functionality.

  • Recommends the most efficient and cost effective mix of hardware, software and systems to maximize the utilization of computer equipment, technologies and company personnel in a cable TV environment.

  • Manages, schedules, trains, evaluates and disciplines IS personnel.

  • Supports, monitors and accounts for all activities in the company computer center and ancillary IT systems.

  • Recommends, develops and reviews policies, procedures and operating requirements for the company computer center.

  • Identifies computer and system malfunctions and communicates information to company management, recommends and implements corrective approaches.

  • Oversees IS development, implementation and on-going maintenance of computer applications.

  • Reviews and approves all new IS projects. Coordinates the maintenance and testing of the disaster recovery plan for all IS.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Strong knowledge and experience in subscriber billing systems. A background in ICOMS billing systems is preferred.

  • Advanced knowledge of integrated management platforms. This would include collateral management applications such as work force management. Requires demonstrated experience in supervisory skills, including administration of company policy and procedures.

  • Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing, policies, procedures, practice and disciplinary actions.

  • Ability to effect positive change and motivate employees using coaching skills.

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Information Systems or two to four years’ related experience and/or training or equivalent combination of education and experience.

  • Minimum of five years experience in IS/IT management and subscriber billing systems with demonstrated ability to manage personnel as well as IS technology and related applications is required. Minimum of three years experience in cable television or associated news or entertainment field is required.

Contact – Greg Taylor of Excelsior Search Partners gtaylor@excelsiorsp.com.

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Manager of Applications Development

Position will provide direction for Information Systems (IS) activities in the software application development and support area. Will support the vision as established by the Director, IS and be proactive in the planning and evaluation of software applications needed to support future business needs. Will continuously improve upon capabilities within the software and database areas to deliver quality service on time and on budget.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Perform reviews, salary recommendations, recognition, training, budget planning and work schedules.

  • Plan projects on time and on budget.

  • Accurate interpretation of end user specifications by bringing together project team members with the appropriate training and experience level.

  • Ensure all data will continue to be stored and maintained in a fashion that meets auditor’s requirements.

  • Support data integrity standards.

  • Continually enhance methodologies to measure software quality and database auditing.

  • Maintain a defined set of development criteria that guide the manner in which software applications are engineered.

  • Manage the database administration and applications development teams.

  • Responsible for oversight of out sourced contracts and related services.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Requires in-depth knowledge of applications development and data administration.

  • A four-year college degree and/or equivalent work/training experience is required.

  • Minimum three years telecommunications industry is required.

  • Minimum three years supervisory or management experience is required.

  • Technical experience in large mainframe and client server environments is required.

Contact – Greg Taylor of Excelsior Search Partners gtaylor@excelsiorsp.com.

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Database Administrator

Position will be responsible for performing high expertise and security level duties related to maintaining the integrity of the billing system and ancillary sub-systems.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Effectively communicate all changes, updates, releases, malfunctions and enhancements for all computer applications.

  • Participates in planning and business analysis sessions with all departments.

  • All aspects of billing system change management requests.

  • Timely and accurate customer statement production.

  • Maintains applicable database files within the ICOMS core product.

  • Assures that all changes that impact billing are signed off and approved in compliance with SOX.

  • Thorough testing & application for all ICOMS software revisions and system modules.

  • Document software enhancement requests and forward to appropriate personnel.

  • Security access to the billing system and ensure SOX compliance.

  • Maintains and updates the DBA database change request application.

  • Processes trouble tickets to ensure quality customer service.

  • System purges and file maintenance review to ensure proper system usage levels.

  • Maintains the Work Force Management system and billing system interfaces.

  • Train end users on various aspects of the billing and ancillary system.

  • Will work an on-call shift within a department rotation schedule.

  • Ability to access and develop reports and files from the ICOMS product using reporting tools.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Basic database design knowledge and familiarity with ICOMS file structure.

  • Good working knowledge of: MS Word, Excel, Access and MS Project.

  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.

  • Must have strong analytical skills.

  • Must be familiar with testing and deployment practices and processes.

  • An associate’s degree in computer science or equivalent work/education experience is required.

  • A minimum of two years customer service experience is required.

  • Three to five years experience in usage of ICOMS billing system is required.

Contact – Greg Taylor of Excelsior Search Partners gtaylor@excelsiorsp.com.

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Digital Service Network Administrator

Position will be responsible for the integration and support of addressable systems and technologies, including Video on Demand, using addressable system applications within the company.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Operate, program, coordinate and manage the functions and features of addressable digital systems/VOD, controllers, servers and all models of converters and cable cards installed in customer’s homes.

  • Maintains optimum parameters and configurations under which the addressable systems and VOD operate.

  • Troubleshoots the addressable/VOD systems using system tools and billing system functions. Identifies situations in which the addressable or VOD components are performing less than optimally.

  • Recognizes circumstances resulting in addressability failures and repairs or arranges for repair or adjustment.

  • Supports and coordinates protocols and devices including addressable controllers, IPG and text services, associated headend equipment and home terminals.

  • Administers other tasks such as: system security, audit of services authorized to services in billing, backups, disaster contingency plans, and database integrity. Implements and supports addressable messaging capability.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Working knowledge of a Digital Cable TV headend, Modulators/Demodulators and RF transport and an understanding of WAN/LAN, 10/100 base networks and associated hardware including but not limited to: routers, switches, hubs, T-1, T-3, CSU/DSU, fiber and WDM.

  • Working knowledge of cable television and the products and services offered.

  • Standby and or shift work may be required.

  • A four-year college degree or equivalent work experience is preferred.

  • One to three years experience in the design, installation, operation and maintenance of Distributed Information Networks is preferred.

  • Experience with configuration of Cisco Routers is preferred.

  • Must be detail oriented and organized with excellent communication skills.

Contact – Greg Taylor of Excelsior Search Partners gtaylor@excelsiorsp.com.

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Assistant Manager and Sales Support - Habitat for Humanity ReStore:

Full Time. Retail store assistant manager. Low to mid $30sK.

Duties include traditional retail sales and support, including scheduling and personnel management. Knowledge of building and home improvement materials very helpful.

Must have valid NYS driver's license and clean driving record.

Must be able to work traditional work-week hours, plus some Saturdays and (eventually) some evening hours.

Background check and drug test will be required.

Please forward resumes via email to: salesjob@rochester.rr.com. This is the only place to apply. Only qualified candidates will be contacted.

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

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