Newsletter: National BDPA (Sep 2002)

The BDPA Monthly Newsletter

The official newsletter of the BDPA Information Technology Thought LeadersVolume 1 Number 9 SEPTEMBER 2002

BDPA MISSIONBDPA is a global memberfocused organization thatpositions its members atthe forefront of the IT indus-try. BDPA is committed todelivering IT excellence toour members, strategicpartners, and community.

TheMonthly Newsletter

INSIDENational BDPA President . . . . .2

From the Desk of WendyWonsley… . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

National Conference OfficialRecognition . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5

2002 Conference Photos . . . . .7

IBM Becomes BDPA CorporateSponsor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

2002 COVER Graphic Design byFermin Martin . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

BDPA IT Golf Classic . . . . . . . .9

Conference Book Signings . . .9

2002 Workshops/Seminars . .10

2003 Theme, Vision, StrategicFocus and Theme . . . . . . . . . .11

BDPA Education and TechnologyFoundation (BETF) . . . . . . . . .11

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY THOUGHT LEADERS

National BDPA President's Message 2002 Conference Wrap-up

We just finished a wonderfully successful con-ference in Orlando. A big thanks goes to theentire conference team, the Greater TampaBay Host Chapter and the OrlandoChapter for all their blood, sweatand tears that went into thisevent. Thanks to Walt DisneyWorld for being extremelysupportive during the con-ference planning and exe-cution cycle and heartythanks to all of our spon-sors, supporters and cham-pions who have gladly givenof their time, talent andresources in generous support ofthe BDPA Mission. Please take amoment to spread the word and thank allwho were involved. It takes hundreds of peo-ple working on the conference team, as on-site volunteers and in the chapters, to pro-duce a successful conference.

We are truly living up to our tag line"Information Technology Thought Leaders".Honorary Chair Perry Cliburn, CIO at HewittAssociates and Keynote Speaker Al Zollar,General Manager of Lotus DevelopmentCorporation started the conference at theopening ceremony with a bang! It was uplift-ing to hear Al talk about his genealogy andthe accomplishments that he has seen in hisfamily from generation to generation. Hisspeech was an inspiration to all who heard,especially the hun-dreds of students rep-resenting the HighSchool ComputerCompetition (HSCC)teams from aroundthe country. Thanks toDan Vertrees fromHP, for donating theequipment used

throughout the conference for the HSCC, theYouth Conference, the Cyber Café and theonline registration system.

Thanks to all who attended the conference.We filled the halls of the Walt Disney WorldContemporary Resort and provided a totalinformation technology experience to high

school students, college students, ITprofessionals, entrepreneurs, IT

senior managers, corporations,academia, government agen-cies and the research com-munity. And now BDPA isgoing global thanks to atten-dees from Canada, the UKand Paris, France! You cantune into our Internet Radio

Show on at www.tbwt.comwhere you can listen to inter-

views from conference attendees,thanks to our very own BDPA Internet

Radio Show Producer, Franne McNeal. Theshows air live on Thursdays from 10:30 a.m.to 11:30 a.m. EDT and are also available inthe archives.

The main reason corporations participate inthe BDPA National Conference is becausethey want to tap into the BDPA talent pool ofhighly qualified diversity candidates. Ournational conference attracts InformationTechnology professionals from all around thecountry. Over 60 companies participated inthe career fair and provided corporate supportfor the conference. Corporations saw over1,000 highly qualified Career Fair/TechnologyExpo attendees comprised of college grads,entry level job seekers, seasoned IT profes-

sionals, managers andexecutives looking for acareer change. All thefeedback we havereceived has beenextremely positive as tothe quality and caliber ofthe attendees. Over 600high quality resumes andprofiles are available to

Wayne Hicks, Dan Vertrees (HP), Milt Haynes

The BDPA Monthly Newsletter2

Welcome to the BDPBDPAA Monthly

Newsletter

As a service to our members, theBDPA Monthly Newsletter isdistributed to provide pertinentinformation on National BDPAactivities.

The BDPA Monthly Newsletterwill entail such things as: Careerand Professional Developmentguidelines, “hot” technicalskills, job opportunities, memberprofiles, upcoming Professionaland Social events, vision andthought leadership articles fromthe National ExecutiveCommittee as well as otherBDPA members.

Hopefully, you will find this pub-lication to be informative andinsightful. We welcome yourinput on the newsletter.

Comments, suggestions, andopinions can be sent to: [email protected].

ENJOY!Reginald J. GardnerNational BDPA VicePresident, Member Services

Publication Committee:Letitia Andrews (Nokia)

Reggie Gardner (Sears, Roebuck & Co.)

Wayne Hicks (Hicks Enterprises)

Anita L.Vega (OCCI-NY)

Christopher A. Williams (DeVry University)

The BDPA Monthly NewsletterMailed and electronically forwarded to over 15,000 of ourmembers, friends and supporters.

1-Page rate: $1500.00 1/2-Page rate: $1000.00

Two page limit on ad space each month. Act right away!

BDPA Internet Radio Show

$75 per 30-second ad$350 per 15-minute sponsorship$650 per 30-minute sponsorship$900 per 60-minute sponsorship

or [email protected]

corporations through the BDPA Resume Bank.

Thanks to Awards Banquet Keynote Speaker Roger Berry, CIO of Walt Disney World for his enlight-ening speech on the 8 "IT Brand Desired States". This is extremely useful material for us ITThought Leaders at BDPA to use as we move into our strategic planning cycle for 2003. TheAwards Banquet was a resounding success as we recognized Corporations of the Year, AllstateInsurance Company, and Walt Disney World; Outstanding Corporate Champion, Stephanie Parsonfrom Walt Disney World; Gold Level Corporate Sponsors, Compuware Corporation, Mayo Clinic andVerizon Communications; and Gold Level Conference Partners, Toyota Motor Mfg.-North America,and Walt Disney World. Kudos to BDPA Memphis for the second consecutive year as first placeHigh School Computer Competition winners!!! And congrats to Valerie Hartridge, Outstanding BDPAEducation and Technology Foundation (BETF) Member; Chapter of the Year, Cincinnati;Outstanding President, Paulette Johnson-Davis (Greater Columbia); and Outstanding Member ofthe Year, Mildred Allen (Greater Columbia).

There is no way that the conference would have been so successful without the help of ourHonorary Chairs, Frank Pollard, CIO Allstate Insurance; Perry Cliburn, CIO Hewitt Associates;Steve Finnerty, CIO Kraft Foods; Jerry Miller, Former CIO Sears Roebuck; Stephanie Springs, VPof IT Sears Roebuck; Joshua Smith, Chairman and Managing Partner, The Coaching Group;Jim Hunt, CFO, Walt Disney World; and Jim Lewis, SVP of Walt Disney World, who were recog-nized at the Dignitaries Reception sponsored by BDPA and Advanced Information Systems Group.It was inspiring and uplifting to hear from the Senior IT Executive's perspective about the valueBDPA adds to the bottom line.

Thanks to our Conference Event Sponsors, Conference Supporters, Media Partners, BDPA-IT GolfClassic Sponsors, and especially our corporate award recipients. Special thanks to KeynoteSpeakers Woodie Lesesne, Entrepreneur Showcase; Terry Williams, Town Hall Meeting; MartinDavis, BDPA-IT Golf Classic Awards luncheon; and Dr. Michael L. McCrimmon, Prayer Breakfast,for sharing their vast experience, knowledge and wisdom.

In closing, I am pleased to announce that FleetBoston Financial has come on board as a PlatinumLevel Conference Partner for the 2003 Conference in Philadelphia. FleetBoston understands thevalue of BDPA and has already started partnering for the conference in local chapters and in thecommunity. Stay tuned to future newsletters to find out more about the exciting conference pro-grams we are planning! Mark you calendars for the BDPA 2003 25th Annual National Conference tobe held August 13th through August 17th in Philadelphia, PA.

This has been a great event for BDPA and we thank all who contributed to its success. Workingtogether we can do great things!!!

Want to find out more about BDPA? Please visit our website at www.bdpa.org or give us a call at800-727-BDPA.

Milt HaynesNational BDPA President

(National BDPA President’s message continued form page one...)

2002 COVER GRAPHIC DESIGN BY FERMIN MARTIN, OWNER OF DIGITAL GRAPHIXINTERNATIONAL

Fermin Martin a professional Graphic Designer with 27 years of experience was employed by GTE DataServices (GTEDS) for 29 years were he held a variety of positions culminating in supervising the GraphicsDepartment at Verizon Data Services (formally GTEDS). While at GTEDS/Verizon, Martin producedgraphics for the Information Technology field with a unique approach to his work. Upon his retirement in2002, he started his own business, Digital GraphiX International. Mr. Martin has won several Nationaland International awards for the style and flare he brings to an ever-changing profession, including TheBest of Show and Distinguished Technical Art from the Society of Technical Communication World Wide.

For information, contact BDPA National Office at :(800) 727-BDPA

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3The BDPA Monthly Newsletter

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FROM THE DESK OF: Wendy Wonsley, 2002 Conference Director

Greetings my BDPA corporate sponsors, supporters, members,and friends!

It has truly been an awesome experience to serve as the BDPA2002 Conference Director. This position has offered me valu-able opportunities to learn and grow professionally as well asto form new partnerships and build new relationships that willlast a lifetime.

Thank you to some of the hardest working people in BDPA -the 2002 Internal Conference Team members. Your level ofdedication, commitment, and sacrifices of your time, energy,and talents over the past year exemplifies the highest standardof excellence and teamwork. It has been my pleasure to workwith each of you. I wish each of you the best!

BDPA would like to thank each of the conference Career Fairpartners, Conference supporters, Media partners, and Eventsponsors for your participation in and support of The BDPA2002 24th Annual National Conference held at Walt DisneyWorld.

We appreciate your support and value the relationship we havewith you. Your continued support of BDPA enables us to workto bridge the digital divide through our various programs andservices across the country and throughout the world.

We look forward to partnering with you throughout the yearand invite you to join us in Philadelphia next year for ourBDPA 2003 25th Annual National Conference as we focus on"Information Technology: From the Classroom to theBoardroom."

Wendy WonsleyBDPA 2002 Conference Director"To Whom Much is Given, Much is Required"

Wendy Wonsley

Stephanie Parson, Milt Haynes,Terrie Williams, Wendy Wonsley

Twanda Bradley

Milt Haynes, Dr. Michael McCrimmon

Terrie Williams

Joshua Smith

Roger Berry, Mickey Mouse

Dee Pearson, Chip and Wendy Wonsley

Joshua Smith, Ron Langston

Erni Moore, Joseph Taylor

Wayne Hicks, Wendy Wonsley,Roger Berry, Mickey Mouse


CORPORATION OF THE YEARAllstate Insurance Co.

Walt Disney World Resort

OUTSTANDING CORPORATE CHAMPIONStephanie Parson, Walt Disney World Resort

GOLD LEVEL CORPORATE SPONSORSCompuware Corporation

Mayo ClinicVerizon Communications

GOLD LEVEL CONFERENCE PARTNERSToyota Motor Mfg. North America

Walt Disney World

SILVER LEVEL CONFERENCE PARTNERSAllegiance Healthcare

Compuware CorporationFleetBoston Financial

Hewitt AssociatesHousehold International

McDonald's Corp.Merck & Company

Progressive InsurancePrudential Financial

The LimitedWachovia

BRONZE LEVEL CONFERENCE PARTNERSAbbott LaboratoriesAllstate Insurance

Anthem Blue Cross Blue ShieldCincinnati Bell

Deloitte ConsultingEdward Jones

Fifth Third BankIowa Human Resource Recruitment

Mayo ClinicMiller Brewing

Oracle CorporationQuest Diagnostics

Reynolds & ReynoldsRyder System, Inc.

State Farm InsuranceTech Data Corporation

Thomson WestWal-Mart Stores, Inc.

WeyerhaeuserWorldSpan

CONFERENCE EVENT SPONSORSAdvanced Information Systems Group (AISG, Dignitaries Reception)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (HSCC/Youth Reception)Black Enterprise Magazine (Entrepreneur Lunch)

Blackwell Consulting Services (Plenary-1)Career Communications Group (NBOD Lunch)

DePaul University (Plenary-3)Hewitt Associates (Executive Reception, Opening Ceremony)

Kraft Foods (HSCC/Youth Lunch)LearningIDEAS (Plenary-2)

Merck & Company (Corporate Reception)Walt Disney World (Awards Banquet)

CONFERENCE SUPPORTERSAllstate Insurance

Blackwell Consulting ServicesDTI

Fiserv-ImageSoft TechnologiesHewlett Packard

IBMIBM Global Services

Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF)LearningWare

LexmarkMicrosoft

Quest DiagnosticsSouth Florida Water Management District

SymantecTech Data Corporation

United AirlinesWalt Disney World

MEDIA PARTNERSBlack Enterprise Magazine

BlackVoices.comCareer Communications Group (CCG)

Diversity/Careers MagazineIDG Recruitment Solutions (ComputerWorld, NetworkWorld, InfoWorld)

IN FOCUS INTERACTIVE MagazineOrange County TV

Tampa TribuneThe Weekly Challenger

BDPA IT GOLF CLASSIC SPONSORSAllstate Insurance Company (Eagle Sponsor)

Career Communications Group (Beverage Cart Sponsor)Coleman Instrument Company (Team Sponsor)

Fiserv-ImageSoft Technologies (Awards Sponsor)Griffin Tate Group (Souvenir Sponsor)

Hewitt Associates (Eagle Sponsor)Household International (Photo Gallery Sponsor)

Hewlett-Packard (Souvenir Sponsor)ITSMF (Support Sponsor)J.M.I. Inc. (Bogie Sponsor)Merck (Souvenir Sponsor)

Procter & Gamble (Souvenir Sponsor)Sears, Roebuck & Company (Eagle Sponsor)

State Farm Insurance (Souvenir Sponsor)Verizon Information Technologies, Inc (Birdie Sponsor)

Wachovia (Luncheon Sponsor)Walt Disney World (Eagle Sponsor)

Weekly Challenger (Media Partner)

Thank YouBDPA 2002 24th Annual National Conference - Official Recognition ListBDPA offers a hearty thank you to all of our sponsors, supporters and champions who have gladly given of their time, talent and

resources in generous support of the BDPA Mission.

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DISTINGUISHED SPEAKERS

OPENING CEREMONYAl Weiss, CEO, Walt Disney World

Perry Cliburn, CIO Hewitt AssociatesAl Zollar, General Manager LOTUS Software, Keynote Speaker

NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS LUNCHTyronne Taborn, CEO, Career Communications Group

"CHANGING THE CULTURE OF IT: FROM ACCESS TO OWNERSHIP" PLENARY SESSION

Ron Langston, Director of Minority Business Development CenterJoshua Smith, Chairman and Managing Partner, The Coaching

Group

ENTREPRENEUR SHOWCASE LUNCHEON KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Woodie Lesesne, President and COO, IN FOCUS INTERACTIVEMagazine

"STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS: CLASSROOM TO THEBOARDROOM" PLENARY SESSION

Elizabeth Eiss, President, Learning Ideas

GOLF CLASSIC AWARDS LUNCHEON KEYNOTE SPEAKERMartin Davis, SVP, Wachovia

AWARDS BANQUET KEYNOTE SPEAKERRoger Berry, CIO Walt Disney World

PRAYER BREAKFAST KEYNOTE SPEAKERDoctor Michael L. McCrimmon, National BDPA CIO and Chaplain

HONORARY CHAIRSFrank Pollard, CIO, Allstate InsurancePerry Cliburn, CIO, Hewitt Associates

Steve Finnerty, CIO, KraftJerry Miller, Former CIO, Sears RoebuckStephanie Springs, VP IT, Sears Roebuck

Joshua Smith, Chairman and Managing Partner, The CoachingGroup

Jim Hunt, CFO, Walt Disney WorldJim Lewis, SVP, Walt Disney World

BDPA EDUCATION AND TECHNOLOGY FOUNDATION(BETF) AWARD RECIPIENTS

Valerie Hartridge, Outstanding BETF MemberRudy Duke, Recognition for Innovative Website

CHAPTER RECOGNITION AWARD RECIPIENTSCommunity Service Award

BDPA Cincinnati ChapterManagement Award

BDPA Chicago ChapterMembership Award

BDPA Southern Minnesota ChapterProfessional Service Award

BDPA Greater Columbia ChapterDeveloping Chapter Award

BDPA Seattle Chapter

Comeback Chapter AwardBDPA Philadelphia Chapter

Chapter of the Year AwardBDPA Cincinnati Chapter

1st Runner-Up: BDPA Chicago Chapter2nd Runner-Up: BDPA Greater Columbia Chapter

Outstanding NBOD MemberJoseph Taylor III, BDPA Memphis Chapter

Outstanding PresidentPaulette Johnson-Davis, BDPA Greater Columbia Chapter

Outstanding ContributorSammie Jiles, BDPA Cincinnati Chapter

Outstanding Member of the YearMildred Allen, BDPA Greater Columbia Chapter

Youth Conference Quiz Bowl WinnersFelicia Bell - Orlando

Amber Pettaway - ToledoBendell Parker - Richmond

Tiffany Ramos - OrlandoTerrance Rowe - Southern Minnesota

Youth Conference PC Building Race Winners (time 6:38)Terri Johnson - Southern Minnesota

Tierah Carmichael - PhiladelphiaRashonda Newell - Richmond/Seattle

Kyle Summers - Memphis

High School Computer Competition T-Shirt Competition Winners

1st Place:BDPA Richmond Chapter

2nd Place:BDPA Seattle Chapter

3rd Place:BDPA Charlotte Chapter

High School Computer Competition Winners22 teams competed in this competition.

1st Place:BDPA Memphis Chapter

2nd Place:BDPA Atlanta Chapter

3rd Place:BDPA Chicago Chapter

4th Place:BDPA Detroit Chapter

5th Place:BDPA Cincinnati Chapter


THE WORLD AWAITS YOUR LEADERSHIP. VICE PRESIDENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY -- DELL COMPUTER CORP.

Workforce diversity is an essential part of Dell’s commitment to quality and to the future. • We encourage you to apply, whatever your race, gender, color, religion, national origin, age,disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or veteran status. • The above job description is not intended to fully describe the position requirements or essential functions, which are subject tochange. • If you need accommodations to participate in the recruitment process, please let us know. • Dell and the Dell logo are registered trademarks of Dell Computer Corporation.

Dell Computer Corporation (Nasdaq:DELL), the world’s most preferredcomputer systems company, isseeking a Vice President ofInformation Technology. Theposition, which will overseea variety applicationsdevelopment programs,will report directly to theChief Information Officer.

In addition to strongtechnical, financial andbusiness acumen,applicants must have 10+years experience in a Fortune500 environment and stablecareer progression, includingexecutive leadership experience inapplications development and I/Toperations. Experience in global businessand information technology is a plus, as the position willfocus on global I/T projects. Some international travel is required.

Those who can meet and exceed these requirements may send applications to:[email protected]: Gene Brown

Dell is a premier provider of products and services required for customersworldwide to build their information-technology and Internet infrastructures. Thecompany’s revenue for the past four quarters totaled $31.2 billion. Dell, throughits direct business model, designs, manufactures and customizes products andservices to customer requirements, and offers an extensive selection of softwareand peripherals. Information on Dell and its products can be obtained on theWorld Wide Web at www.dell.com.

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Conference registrant asking a question.

Chip & Dale, Janet Penn, Milt Haynes

Stephanie Parsons, Milt Haynes, Terrie Williams, Wendy Wonsley

Wayne Hicks & Hewitt Associates Roger Berry

Donna McKay, Rudy Duke Wayne Hicks, Wendy Wonsley, Tech DataRepresentatives

Wayne Hicks Al Weiss

Al ZollarPerry Cliburn Felicia Tucker, Milt Haynes


Another Information Technology corporation joins growing rosterof corporate sponsors for the high-tech recruitment, and trainingorganization.

BDPA (http://www.bdpa.org) announces that the IBM Corporationtook steps recently to become an Associate-Level BDPACorporate Sponsor. The sponsorship is part of outreach effortsby BDPA and IBM to bridge the so-called 'digital divide' and pro-vide educational, career and employment advancement opportu-nities in the technology field.

"For many years, BDPA has had the sup-port of the IBM Corporation in itsendeavors to expand resources and train-ing for its members. Some of thesupport has been in hardware donationsfor our national high school computercompetition other times as partners inefforts such as the Black FamilyTechnology Awareness Week project (http://www.blackfami-lynet.net). We look forward to growing this relationship with IBMand making a substantive impact in the narrowing of the digitaldivide," said R. Wayne Hicks, president-elect of National BDPA.

IBM, the world's largest computer company, counts reformingpublic school education through research and implementation oftechnology solutions, as the top priority in its worldwide philan-thropic efforts. With programs such as Black Family TechnologyAwareness Week and other strategic efforts, IBM works to solveour community's toughest problems with solutions that draw onadvanced information technologies and the best minds IBM canapply.

"Economic and social stability for individuals and families of allraces is becoming more and more inextricably linked to educa-

tion and technological innovation," said Creighton Lee, SalesExecutive Black-Owned Businesses. "It is important for theAfrican American community…like all constituencies…to takeadvantage of digital opportunities in the marketplace."

BDPA's activities are both broad and targeted. They provide skill-based and corporate jobs databases, sponsor educational andexecutive programs, and provide on-line resources to members.BDPA also focuses efforts on training high school and college

students to attract them into the technologyfield with such programs as internships,seminars, computer camps, and highschool competitions. National BDPAPresident Milt Haynes notes "BDPA is avolunteer run organization and our proudhistory of bridging the gap in the digitaldivide for over 27 years would not havebeen possible without the dedication and

commitment of volunteers like Dr. McCrimmon. Because of histireless efforts and corporate support, BDPA will continue itsproud tradition of developing IT Professionals and giving back tothe community."

Some of the other BDPA corporate sponsors includeCompuware, Mayo Clinic, ABN AMARO, Computer Associates,Hewitt Associates, Household International, Kraft Foods, Procter& Gamble, GE Aircraft Engines and Wachovia Bank.

About IBM * IBM is the world's largest information technology company,with 80 years of leadership in helping businesses innovate. IBM cre-ates, develops and manufactures the industry's most advanced informa-tion technologies, including computer systems, software, networkingsystems, storage devices and microelectronics. The fastest way to getmore information about IBM is through the IBM home page athttp://www.ibm.com.

IBM Becomes BDPA Corporate Sponsor

"Economic and social stability forindividuals and families of all races isbecoming more and more inextricablylinked to education and technologicalinnovation," said Creighton Lee, SalesExecutive Black-Owned Businesses.

The 2002 Conference was successful in many ways. Many newthings were done, unveiled, and will become a common sight.As a member of the Internal Conference Team (ICT), I was busywith my own efforts. Despite being busy, I found time to stopand notice a few things about this 2002 conference.

I noticed the kiosks that lined the registration area. This facilitat-ed online registration and thus no lines at registration. Yes, nolines, I love that idea. The kiosks also allowed constant emailand other internet communication for conference participants.

I managed to peek my head into the classrooms of some of ourworkshops and seminars. Did you see the blue wires too? Yes,there were internet connections available in most of the seminarrooms. Having live access to the internet enhances any techni-cal level presentation. Showing seminar attendees live sites andresources adds another dimension to any presentation.

I listened to a live Internet interview. Yes, did you see FranneMcNeal conducting live internet Interviews for cybercasting onBDPA's Internet Radio Show (http://www.tbwt.com/radioshows)?I had a chance to do an interview later in the week.

I saw the 100+ Youth Conference participants. I had the pleas-ure of preparing for our 22 HSSC teams. Did you look insideBallroom of the Americas? That ballroom played host to ourHSCC teams as they showcased their competitive nature in pro-gramming and information technology knowledge. Who said the

nation is short on IT talent? They aren't looking in the rightplace. Don't worry, the secret is out now and soon the world willknow.

What's a conference without networking and after work activi-ties? If you didn't make it to the hospitality suite then you missedout. Business owners chatting over business partnerships whilehaving a cocktail. Those seeking employment gathering leadsfrom the many conversations and contacts. Yes, a very relaxedatmosphere but yet still very much business as usual. I finallylearned what the BDPA family was about. I encourage otherswho have not experienced this to do so in Philadelphia in 2003.

Amidst all the technology and festivities I noticed a very subtlething. The people in all areas of the conference that walked upto somebody and said, "I'd like to help". I saw so many volun-teers working harder at the conference than perhaps at "their 9-5". Yes, I noticed. I thank you.

I really noticed the Walt Disney cast members. The hospitalitywas remarkable. The awards banquet really captured the magicthat Disney injected into the 2002 Conference. Thanks for the"magic".

Thank you BDPA for the 2002 Conference moments. God blessyou and keep you until we meet again in Philadelphia for the2003 moments.

DID YOU SEE WHAT I SAW ?by Dwight Hugget, 2002 High School Computer Competition (HSCC) Manager

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BDPA IT GOLF CLASSICBy Gina Billings, 2002 BDPA IT Golf Classic Coordinator

The BDPA IT Golf Classic, one of the events of the BDPA 200224th Annual Conference, was held Saturday August 10th atDisney's Osprey Ridge Golf® Course.

The golf classic provided an opportunity to build relationshipswith senior executives of corporations supporting the mission ofBDPA. The BDPA IT Golf Classic helped to raise funds for theBDPA Student Information Technology Education andScholarship (SITES) Program which provides education andtraining for youth interested in the information technology indus-try.

Seventy-two Golfers played the challenging wilderness ofDisney's Osprey Ridge Golf® Course. The spectacular rollingfairways and immaculate greens created a fantasy amidst anamazing landscape of forested nature preserves and ospreynesting grounds.

This event was highlighted with the Golf Awards Luncheon

where outstanding golfers and skills were recognized and pre-sented with awards. Participants and many others who joinedthe Golf Awards Luncheon were treated to an excellent mealand a very insightful address from the keynote speaker.

The Luncheon Keynote Speaker was Martin Davis, ChiefInformation Officer of Wachovia's Commercial TechnologyGroup, who spoke to audience on methods and strategies forBuilding Business Relationships. BDPA was proud to haveWachovia as the corporate sponsor for the Awards Luncheon.

In addition to the over 80 players and guests, the luncheon wasattended by BDPA national officers; Milt Haynes, President,Wayne Hicks, President-Elect, Felicia Tucker, Vice President ofFinance, Reggie Gardner, Vice President of Member Services,Brooks Baker, Vice President of Membership Management andEarl Pace, BDPA Founder.

Special Thanks to the team at the Osprey Ridge Golf® Coursefor helping BDPA put on an outstanding golf event! Thanks toTom Flewellyn Vice President of Diversity of Walt Disney World®for planting the seed that allowed BDPA to produce the golf

WINNERS OF BDPA IT GOLF CLASSIC:1st Place: Eric Powell, Yvette Graham, Brooks Baker, Mike Jackson

2nd Place: Larry Argiro, Ron Thompson, Phil Clark, John Tenuta3rd Place: Bob Billingslea, Reggie Whitehead, Mitch Cooper, Earl Curry

Best Effort: Kelly Yost, Eddie Clark, Carolyn Sitkiewicz, Barbara BrownClosest to the Pin-Men: Gerald Mims

Closest to the Pin-Ladies: Regina HarringtonLong Drive-Men: Mike Jackson

Long Drive-Ladies: Regina HarringtonLongest Putt-Men: L.T. Nordee

Longest Putt-Ladies: Regina Harrington

2002 Conference - Authors & Book Signings...Gregory Bell "In The Black: A History of African-Americans on Wall Street"

Betty Bradford Byers "Wired for Murder"Bettie Clarke "The Acronym Dictionary of Technical Terms"

Detrick Deburr "Deal Us In! How Black America Can Play and Win in the Digital Economy"Tanya Graves "Christian Business Reference Guide"

Conrad Brian Law "Career Success Strategies: 10 Steps to Jumpstart Your Career"Steve Litt "Troubleshooting Techniques of the Successful Technologist"Bob Littell "Power Netweaving"

Delatorro L. McNeal, II "The Greatness Guy"Abner McWhorter "Our PC - The African American Computing Magazine"

Evan Poole "Enterprise Architecture"Robert L. Wallace "Soul Food: 52 Principles for Black Entrepreneurial Success"

"Black Wealth through Black Entrepreneurship"Bernadette Williams "Black Enterprise Guide to Technology for Entrepreneurs"

Eddie Williams "Software/Firmware Configuration Management (within the system development process)"Terrie Williams "The Personal Touch: What You Really Need to Succeed in Today's Fast Paced Business World”

To get to in touch with these authors or to find out more information on these books, contact us at [email protected]


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The Cyber Café has been shutdown and the slick new Compaqmachines are gone. The seminar meeting rooms are empty and silent. Thecrowds have disappeared from the hallways of Disney's Contemporary®Resort. The youthful exuberance of the High School competitors and YouthConference registrants is absent. No trace of the BDPA 24th AnnualNational Conference remains. Yet the spirit of that conference has beentaken to all parts of the U.S. by the lucky ones that attended the conference.The knowledge gained, friendships established, events enjoyed, and busi-ness networking done energized the conference attendees. They are nowusing that energy to benefit their personal and professional lives.

As Conference Delivery Manager (CDM) for the Seminars andWorkshops, I look back over the past year of preparation, accomplishments,and disappointments, knowing that those of us who worked on the seminarshave grown from the experience. I would also like to believe that the effortsof my team and I, made a difference in the lives of those that sat in on the32 seminars, 2 ITSMF panel sessions, 3 Entrepreneur Showcase sessionsand 4 Chapter Building Workshops. Based on the evaluation forms com-pleted by most of those in attendance at these sessions, I feel that my opti-mism is not totally unjustified.

We were privileged to have the many presenters donate their time, theirexpertise and underwrite their own travel and accommodations to give ofthemselves to BDPA. I want to give all of them my thanks for once againaccepting the challenge and coming through for BDPA. I certainly hope thatmany of them will find the means to share with us again at future BDPA con-ferences.

If you didn't attend the conference, then just to give you an idea of someof the invaluable topics you missed, let's do a real cursory review.

- Are you interested in enhancing your database knowledge and skills?Keith Gardenhire of IBM would have loved to have you in his sessions onDB2 with hands on coding experiences made available to you. Oracle sentKim Better and Vernith Brooks to brief you on their product. - You are really excited about web design, programming and technolo-gies. If you had been in Orlando you could have checked out Rudy Dukeas he shared on designing effective corporate intranets or Juan Gilbert ashe talked about VoiceXML applications. You would have liked MichaelMeriwether explaination of IBM's Pervasive Computing productWebsphere and its application in an E-Business setting.- There were sessions on Linux and Unix given by Chicago's Farrad Ali.- Then from the career development perspective who didn't enjoy HopeDowdy and Kim Lang's of Right Management Consultants repeat offeringof their excellent seminar on mentoring.- Once again ITSMF packed them in with sessions on playing the corpo-rate game to gain access to the executive suites and on how to unleashyour entrepreneurial skills in today's challenging business environment.

I could go on and on about the great sessions and expert presenters at the2002 BDPA conference, but you still wouldn't get the full flavor and richnessof the presentations delivered at Disney's Contemporary® Resort. You hadto be there!

CONFERENCE 2002By A.J. Pearson, 2002 CDM Workshop/Seminars

Registration AreaOpening Ceremony Prayer

Opening Ceremony Audience

BDPA Internet Radio Show(Franne McNeal interviewing

Zuri Stanback)

Jimm Middleton

Reginald Gardner

Wayne Hicks, Dr. MichaelMcCrimmon, Milt Haynes

HSCC Youth

Hewlett Packard representatives,Milt Haynes, Wayne Hicks

HSCC Youth

Bible-Based Fellowship ChurchSign Choir

Dr. Victor McCrary, Earl Pace, Jr.,Ron Langston

Volume 1 N

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The BDPA Education and Technology Foundation(BETF)

BETF is a 501(C)(3) non-profit charity, founded in 1992 tosupport the education and technical programs of BDPA.BETF is an organization established to achieve aninformed minority community, prepared to lead and lever-age the IT knowledge revolution for the benefit of theminority community at large. The primary focus of BETFfunding (but not limited to) is the Student InformationTechnology Education & Scholarship Program (SITES),and Computer Technology Centers (CTCs).

Listed below, are some of the major activities across thecountry during the past year:

Allstate Insurance Company has contributed $25,000 toBETF to be utilized for funding BDPA initiatives.

Microsoft Corporation has contributed software to theBETF that was distributed to HSCC/Youth Group partici-pants at the annual BETF Reception during the BDPANational Conference.

Congratulations to the Chicago Chapter and BontempsGrade School for completion of their second year ofComputer Technology Center Operations (special thanksto Allstate Insurance Company and Sharon Ali for workingwith Bontemps, and making this possible).

Congratulations to the Cleveland Chapter and JFK HighSchool for completion of their first year of ComputerTechnology Center Operations. Note that TWO NBDPAPast Presidents (Norman Mays, George Williams) aremembers of the Cleveland Chapter, and are instrumentalin this endeavor.

Congratulations to Valerie Hartridge and Rudy Duke(both of the DC Chapter) for their BETF RecognitionAwards, and thanks for your hard work and efforts onBETF operations.

For more information on BETF, and how we can assistyour chapter, please visit our web site, www.betf.org.

Reginald J. GardnerBDPA Education & Technology Foundation, Chair

THEME, VISION, AND STRATEGIC FOCUS

Theme:'Information Technology: From the Classroom to theBoardroom"

BDPA is the premier organization for African Americans inthe Information Technology (IT) industry. For over 25 years,BDPA has been a global member focused organizationthat positions its members at the forefront of the IT indus-try. BDPA remains committed to delivering IT excellenceto our members, strategic partners, and community. BDPAhas 3,000 members and over 40 chapters in cities acrossthe country.

We have worked hard to "close the gap" and increaseaccess to information and technology. However, we realizethat the need to develop a holistic education life cycle thattakes our community & members from wherever they mightcurrently be in terms of information technology knowledgestill exists. That is why we have chosen this theme for our2003 Conference. Join us in Philadelphia as we focus on"Information Technology: From the Classroom to theBoardroom".

Vision StatementThe 2003 National BDPA Conference appeals to AfricanAmericans seeking new opportunities for long-term suc-cess and a prosperous future. The conference provides atotal information technology experience to students (highschool and college), information technology professionals,entrepreneurs, IT senior managers, corporations, acade-mia, government agencies and the research community.This value-packed slate of offerings given by field experts,exemplifies the BDPA commitment to provide state-of-the-art training, professional growth and technical develop-ment, entrepreneurial opportunity, technical resource offer-ings, and access to leading edge technology to its mem-bers, corporate supporters, and the community.

Strategic Focus1. Deliver access to IT talent for our strategic partners by

mentoring our members to improve upward mobility.2. Deliver exceptional IT training to our members and our

community.3. Share best practices among the chapters.4. Achieve financial stability that will enable BDPA to

grow and fulfill its mission.5. Foster an environment that promotes creativity, innova-

tion, personal and professional fulfillment.6. Deliver effective and honest communication through

multiple channels to members and strategic partners.

2003 CONFERENCE

BDPA is pleased to announce that FleetBoston Financial

has joined the BDPA 2003 25th Annual NationalConference as its first

Platinum Level Conference Partner

Roxanne Clinton2003 Internal Confernce Director

BDPA Information Technology Thought LeadersNational Headquarters6401 Golden Triangle Drive, Suite 450Greenbelt, MD 20770

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT NO. 24460

Merrifield VA

The The BDPA Monthly Newsletter

The newsletter designed to keep our members informedof news, events and perspectives important to our

community.

We welcome your comments: [email protected]

Read our Online Journal for breaking news, informationand updates: www.BDPAjournal.org

Information Technology Thought Leaders

SEPTEMBER 2002 ISSUEUPCOMING EVENTSSEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2002

Every Thursday @ 10:30am ET - BDPA Internet RadioShow http://www.tbwt.com

SEPTEMBER CHAPTER ANNIVERSARIESBDPA New Jersey Chapter - 22nd BDPA Charlotte Chapter - 14th BDPA Triangle Chapter - 13th

Sept 13-15 2003 Strategic Planning Session (Atlanta GA) NEC

Sept 14 Annual BDPA Social BarbecueBDPA Seattle Chapter

Sept 14 2nd Annual Cyber Golf Scramble & Awards BanquetBDPA Detroit Chapter

Oct Annual Scholarship & Awards BanquetBDPA New Jersey Chapter

Oct 18-20 2003 Conference Leadership Team (TBD)

Chapters may send their information on upcoming events to:[email protected].

BDPA 200325th ANNUAL NATIONAL CONFERENCE

“Information Technology: From the Classroom to the Boardroom”

August 13-17, 2003

Philadelphia Marriott Hotel - Philadelphia, PAPlatinum Level Conference Partner:

FleetBoston Financial