REDWOOD TECHNOLOGY CONSORTIUM
Business Meeting Minutes
Thursday -November 9, 2000
Redwood Region Economic Development Commission
520 E Street, Eureka, CA 95501
5:30 - 7:00pm

In attendance:
Chris Crawford, RTC President
Jim Nelson, RTC Vice President
Carl Birks, RTC Secretary
Mary Bartlett, Humboldt Bank
Joel Bartlett, Humboldt Bank
Allen Rode, Humboldt Bank
Tina Nerat
Bob Olofson, Rose Garden Enterprises
Leah Gromly, IT Toolbox.com
Guy-Alain Amoussou, HSU
Doug & Patti Rose
Donald Merriman
Leonard Cox, Architect
Barbara Madaras, SBDC
Ernie Smith
Bill Hancock, HancockDesign.com

After introductions, the following items were discussed:

1) RTC BOARD - The RTC Bylaws provide for election of the Board of Directors by the membership and allocation of duties as decided by the board. Accordingly, the
RTC Board of Directors duties until 12/31/00 are as follows:
Chris Crawford, President
Jim Nelson, Vice President
Rene Agredano, Treasurer
Carl Birks, Secretary
Dave Lyons, Member-at-Large

2) RTC BOARD RETREAT - RTC Board conducted a retreat on 11/2/00 to discuss various internal governance issues including, Non-Profit Status, Budget, Website, Public Relations, 2001 Activities, and Membership Benefits. It was a productive meeting and a clear course is set for the near and mid-term future.

3) RTC WEBSITE - Time and lack of equipment did not allow for an RTC Website demo. All RTC members now have "members web" access to the site. Crawford will send out notice with access instructions. The Website functionality was discussed, including the ability to collaborate on "projects" such as editing of prospective Tech Beat articles and other documents on the members web. The newsletter function was also described.

4) MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS - Feedback was sought from attendees concerning benefits from RTC membership. Among the suggestions were:
-- Networking opportunities to meet members and learn about job/contract prospects.
-- Programs, such as the tech expo, mixers and others for education, networking & PR.
-- Group insurance programs, perhaps joining with the Chamber of Commerce coverage.
-- A published directory with member information and advertising.
-- A tech talent inventory to post talents for prospective employers / contractors
-- Website space to post information relating to local projects and solutions.
-- Legal resources such as authoring, contracting, patents, etc.

It was also suggested that RTC look at similar organizations for tips (e.g., BARTA.org, and AZIPA.org).

5) STATUS REPORTS:
-- TIMES-STANDARD TECH BEAT ARTICLES - Slots have been filled up to early December, but members are encouraged to submit drafts to any RTC Board member for consideration. A schedule and criteria appear on the RTC Website on the newsletter page.
-- TECH TALENT INVENTORY GRANT PROPOSAL - Dave Lyons was not in attendance to give a status report, but he ;last reported that the project was progressing.
-- HIGH TECH FACILITY - Crawford reported that he and two local prospective tech start-up companies were looking at property for a tech co-op facility.
-- MEMBERSHIP DRIVE - 60 days ago, RTC had less than 20 members. We now have approx. 50 members and growing.
-- HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTATIONS - Crawford reported that he was making the circuit of local high schools making presentations to prepare students for the new economy and tech jobs. These presentations are well received.
-- PROSPERITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REPORT - Crawford and Madaras reported that the local economic development representatives held a "Prosperity" summit to develop an action plan to improve the local economy. Details may be found at www.northcoastprosperity.com.

6) OPEN FORUM - no items were reported.

The next RTC business meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 14, 2000 at the RREDC offices. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted,

Chris Crawford, RTC President (11/11/00)