ITCND recognized three of North Dakota's IT leaders for outstanding achievements at the 10th annual North Dakota IT Awards Program on May 12 in Fargo.

"North Dakota possesses a large pool of highly-qualified and innovative IT leaders, both individuals and businesses, that deserve recognition for their achievements," says Gary Inman, ITCND president.

Inman, along with Steve Shark, ITCND board member and awards committee chair, presented awards in three categories to the following recipients:

• Intelligent InSites - Fargo, received the Premier IT Business award. Intelligent InSites was recognized for its outstanding success in developing and providing IT business solutions to its clients.
• TMI Systems Design Corporation - Dickinson, received the Technology Innovator award. TMI Systems Design Corporation was recognized for its use of innovative technology to serve its primary customer.
• Catherine Dalzell, Center for Technology and Business - Bismarck, received the North Dakota IT Champion award. Dalzell was recognized for her active involvement with IT education and website design and management.

ITCND is the leading IT advocacy organization in the state. It was founded by North Dakota business, government and education leaders to encourage the use, growth and development of information technology in North Dakota.

The March "Grab a Byte" networking luncheons were so well received that ITCND will be holding another round of luncheons in June!

You are invited to attend one of the June "Grab a Byte" networking luncheons in Fargo, Bismarck or Dickinson. This is an excellent opportunity to discuss IT issues, provide potential IT solutions and catch up with colleagues.

The informal discussions will feature a timely topic and be facilitated by an ITCND member. Details on each are below. For more information and to register, visit the ITCND website.

SharePoint Utilization - Dickinson
Thursday, June 3
11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. (Mountain time)
Elks, Dickinson, ND
501 Elks Drive
Facilitated by: Jason Yoder, IT Manager, Baker Boy
Register by: Tuesday, June 1


Tele-Commuting/Work from Home - Bismarck
Wednesday, June 30
11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. (Central time)
Bistro, Bismarck, ND
1103 East Front Avenue
Facilitated by: Doug Remboldt, Vice President of Technology, NISC
Register by: Monday, June 28 

To be determined - Fargo
An email with details will be sent in the near future.

Who Should Attend
Anyone in your organization interested in the featured topic should join us. Non-ITCND members are welcome, so spread the word and bring a friend!

Registration and Fee
The networking event is free, but registration is required, and you will be responsible for covering your lunch. Questions regarding the event can be directed to office@itcnd.org.

The second annual North Dakota IT Symposium, co-hosted by ITCND and the Fargo CIO Exchange, was held on May 12 in Fargo. More than 100 IT professionals from nearly 60 organizations took advantage of the excellent professional development and networking opportunities offered by the Symposium.

ITCND member sponsors included: BEK Business Solutions, Corporate Technologies, Dakota Carrier Network, High Point Networks, Inc., High Plains Technology, Nexus Innovations and Summit Group Software.

ITCND member presenters included: Tracy Koenig, Ulteig Engineers, Inc.; Jeremy Neuharth , State Bank & Trust; Peggy Monson, MDU Resources Group, Inc.; Joe Tykwinski and Dr. Kerry Gregoryk, Valley City State University; Gary Inman, State Bank & Trust; Patrick Spilman, Basin Electric Power Cooperative; and Randall Thursby, North Dakota University System.

Valley City State University and the Sheyenne Valley Area Career and Technology Center will be holding the first-ever Business and Information Technology (BAIT) summer camp to be held June 15-18 in Valley City.

The camp will give high school students the opportunity to experience multiple hands-on activities in the areas of business and information technology, such as business enterprise systems, computer networking, robotics, graphics and Global Positioning Systems. Students also will be assisted in developing personal career plans. The registration fee is $40 and includes activities, three nights in the dorm, all meals, souvenir t-shirt, door prizes and more!

A registration form and additional information is available at the BAIT camp website or contact Kerry Gregoryk at 701-845-7519.

Six North Dakota students were awarded scholarships for their achievements in IT competitions at the state SkillsUSA competition held April 18-20 at North Dakota State College of Science. The scholarships were sponsored by ITCND as part of its IT Career Awareness Program.

Scholarship recipients were Alex Holweger, Grand Forks Central High School in the secondary computer maintenance technology division; Erik Helberg, Williston State College in the postsecondary computer maintenance technology division; Jake Collings, Grand Forks Red River High School in the secondary computer programming; Eric Berg, Lake Region State College in the postsecondary computer programming; Max Ketterling, Southeast Region CTC - Oakes in the internetworking; and Eric Germand, Bismarck State College in the postsecondary internetworking.

"The IT industry has made it a priority to get students interested in IT careers. These students have shown the interest, and scholarships are one way to keep them engaged," says ITCND President Gary Inman of State Bank & Trust in Fargo. "There currently are and will continue to be high-quality, high-wage IT job opportunities for them in North Dakota."

Recipient each received a $1,000 scholarship to be used at a North Dakota postsecondary institution of their choice. They also received $500 toward travel to the national SkillsUSA competition June 20-25 in Kansas City.

College graduates employed in science, technology, engineering or mathematics-related occupations in North Dakota may be eligible for student loan forgiveness through a program coordinated by the North Dakota University System (NDUS) and the Bank of North Dakota.

The program provides loan forgiveness of up to $1,500 per year for a maximum of four years. To qualify for loan forgiveness, an applicant must have:

• Successfully completed an approved science, technology, engineering or mathematics-related program at an approved public, private or tribal college or university,
• Maintained at least a cumulative 2.5 grade point average based on a 4.0 grading system,
• Obtained a student loan from the Bank of North Dakota or other participating lender and must not be in default on that student loan, and
• Been employed in a State Board of Higher Education-approved science, technology, engineering or mathematics-related occupation in North Dakota for at least one year following graduation.

Applicants who meet these qualifications will be considered based on the date their applications are received in the NDUS Office, no earlier than May 1, but no later than June 30. Award recipients will be notified by July 31. Applicants must apply or re-apply annually for new or continued funding. For detailed information, visit the NDUS website.

The Technology Occupations Student Loan Forgiveness Program was introduced by Gov. Hoeven and approved by the 2001 Legislative Assembly. ITCND supported the establishment and continuation of this program during past legislative sessions. During the 2009 session, ITCND supported the program's expansion to include recipients in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) as well as to increase the amount and duration of availability for recipients from $1,000 for three years to $1,500 for up to four years for a total of $6,000 per recipient.　Estimated new slots available in 2009-11 for the STEM loan forgiveness program are 125-175 per year.