TechBiz Connection Celebrates 100th Event with Discussion on Power of Networking and Relationships

Nov. 9, 2011 - PRLog -- IRVINE, Calif. – In commemorating its 100th consecutive event for the Southern California business and technology community, TechBiz Connection will host a panel of accomplished executives who will participate in an interactive forum designed to help entrepreneurs discover and harness the power of networking and relationships at its monthly forum on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at the law offices of Knobbe, Martens, Olson & Bear in Irvine.

According to Jack Bicer, TechBiz Connection president and panel moderator, attendees will learn the secrets of networking and how to use them to grow a business or a career. “Success depends on the ability to leverage one’s network. Our five panel members are all business leaders in Southern California who used networking to build and grow their businesses so we will have the opportunity to learn how they became successful,” Bicer said.

Mr. Bicer is the founder and CEO of Septium, a Microsoft Partner and a hybrid-offshore custom software development company, combining offshore cost savings with US management expertise. Prior to Septium, Jack held several CTO roles in dot coms since 1996. A 30-year software industry veteran, Jack is an industry expert in developing custom Android applications, SaaS/web software, and Online Payment processing. Known as the “Father of Uninstall”, he invented the uninstall concept and wrote the first uninstaller. He is also credited with inventing the "Automated Software Updates".

Panelist Thumbnail Bios

•   Deb Boelkes is founder and CEO of Business World Rising, a leadership development services firm dedicated to helping enterprises build stronger, more innovative and inclusive leadership teams that deliver tangible results to the bottom-line. As one facet of her corporation, she and her well-seasoned team of executive coaches and business trainers facilitate mentoring forums for high potential and high achieving business leaders. Prior to founding the original Business Women Rising division in 2009, Ms Boelkes spent over 25 years in the male-dominated high tech industry. She is most noted for establishing and building successful professional services and internet-based services organizations within Fortune 500 companies.

•   Tim Tyrell-Smith is a marketing, social networking and business coach focusing on small/mid-size businesses, non-profits and individuals. A veteran executive in consumer marketing, Mr. Tyrell-Smith started his career with Nestle USA and has since worked in product management on premium brands including Nestle Quik, Tree Top Apple Juice, Mauna Loa Macadamias and Meguiar's Car Wax. He was most recently vice president of marketing for a private equity-owned food company in Southern California. He has been a regular contributor to U.S. News and World Report, was featured in USA Today and is the author of two career books ("30 Ideas" and "HeadStrong"). Mr. Tyrell-Smith’s blog, "Tim's Strategy: Ideas for Job Search, Career and Life," has more than 4,500 subscribers and is read in 126 countries.

•   John LaBonty, CEO, GovCollection has held a number of senior executive positions over his career. He has worked for a number of Fortune 500 companies such as Procter & Gamble, Tambrands, Citigroup, and Smashbox (Estee Lauder). Additionally, he has founded a number of businesses, including his most recent, GovCollection and Instant Job Match. Mr. LaBonty speaks frequently throughout southern California on networking and his personal experience in landing a great job through networking.

•   Rod McDermott, managing partner, McDermott & Bull Executive Search specializes in recruiting difficult-to-find and critical senior level talent for his clients. He has worked with a number of prestigious clients including Silverado Senior Living, Union Bank, Santa Barbara Bank & Trust, Maxwell Technologies, and Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort. Prior to establishing McDermott & Bull, Mr. McDermott was executive vice president and managing director of DHR International, Inc., the nation’s sixth largest and fastest growing executive search firm. He currently serves on the boards of Partners Bank of California, The Mission Hospital Foundation and THINK Together. He has served on the boards of Monarch Staffing, Inc., The American Electronics Association, and The Orange Coast Venture Group.

•   Christi Haley Stover is the president and founder of Platinum Resource Group, a consulting and interim staffing company, focusing on IT, accounting, finance and human capital. She has an extensive background in consulting services, both in sales and recruiting. Prior to consulting services, Christi held leadership positions at Disney, Toshiba, Nestle and FedEx. Her roles have spanned across information technology, accounting and finance, as well as business operations.

The TBC Forum’s discussion and subsequent question-and-answer session is sponsored by Daly-Swartz Public Relations (http://www.dsprel.com); Haynes and Boone LLP (http://www.haynesboone.com) ; Latisys (http://www.latisys.com); Septium Corp.(http://www.septium.com  Smith Micro (http://www.smithmicro.com); and Knobbe Martens, Olson & Bear (http://www.kmob.com).
Admission to the TechBiz Connection event is $20 prepaid and $40 at the door. For further information and RSVP, visit http://www.techbizconnection.org or e-mail president@techbizconnection.org.

TechBiz Connection (http://www.techbizconnection.org) was created to support Southern California business and technology professionals, companies and entrepreneurs by providing timely education and networking opportunities. The organization focuses on where technology and business intersect; everything a successful high-tech company would want to do.

Contact:
Daly-Swartz PR for TechBiz Connection
Jeffrey Swartz, 949-470-0075
jeffreyswartz@dsprel.com