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AceTech hosts technology CEO and founder reception By Steve Burns, Capital News contributor Tomorrow night the AceTech Academy for Technology CEOs (www.acetech.org) will host a private networking reception in Kelowna. This complimentary reception is an exclusive opportunity for CEOs, presidents and founders of Okanagan technology companies to build their CEO network and meet their peers in an informal environment. The reception is being held at the Landmark Technology Centre from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. If you are a technology CEO, president or founder you can register online at www.acetech.org/default.asp?action=article&ID=255 or for more information call 604-683-5852. This networking reception is being held in advance of the Second annual AceTech Symposium in the Okanagan, which will take place on June 1 and 2 at Manteo Resort in Kelowna. Designed by local CEOs who recognize the challenges faced by technology leaders in the Valley, the AceTech Symposium is geared towards helping those leaders who want to improve their effectiveness in leading their organizations. A special thanks to the sponsors of this year's event, which includes Lang Michener LLP ( www.langmichener.com), Petraroia Langford Edwards & Rush ( www.plerlaw.com), Al Stober Construction Ltd. ( www.alstober.com), Corporate Recruiters Ltd. ( www.corporate.bc.ca), the Canadian Institute for Market Intelligence ( www.cimi.ca), the Okanagan Science and Technology Council ( www.ostec.ca), QHR Technologies ( www.qhrsoftware.com) and the Economic Development Commission of the Regional District of the Central Okanagan ( www.edccord.com). Without the support of these sponsors, this world class event would not be possible. Last year's symposium was one of the best events that I have ever attended. As I mingled with these business leaders, I noticed the instant connection that technology CEOs and founders had with one another. They were instantly comfortable rubbing shoulders with likeminded technology CEOs and founders that are living and breathing their world—a world of ups and downs, of successes and failures, of winning some and losing lots. All of the CEOs were being brutally honest with each other. They told it like it is—like you were having a heart to heart conversation with one of your best friends. In this small crowd of war torn and scarred CEOs, we heard the horror stories—like the CEO war story of Greg Peet, CEO of McKessson, who was told one week after accepting the CEO's job that if he didn't write a cheque for $50,000 that the company he worked for would be out of business. He wrote the cheque and eventually everything worked out. The road to success was not easy at all. He was honest about how he felt about the sale of the business to McKesson and his role in staying on as CEO for three years after the sale. This year's line up is nothing short of outstanding: • June 1—Networking Reception and CEO War Story “Selling Out: Improving the Odds” Dick Hardt, Sxip Networks (5 p.m. to 8 p.m.) • June 2—Assessing Your Leadership with Mike Satterfield, Yaletown Venture Partners; Measuring the Pulse of Your Companywith Paulin Laberge, Independent Director; Developing a Culture of Execution with Ralph Turfus, Class Software Solutions; The Right Sales Strategy for Your Company Jack Alison, Fincentric; Implementing Core Values with Patrick Rooney, Kelsan Technology Corp.; Corporate Survival: Lessons from the Edge with Peter van der Gracht, Ignition Point Technologies Corp. (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) If you are a technology CEO, cofounder or president, you can't afford to miss either the networking reception tomorrow night or the main event in June. Being a CEO of a technology company can be a lonely job—the AceTech event creates a unique opportunity to connect with other CEOs who are experiencing similar challenges in growing their high technology businesses. In the words of the Chair, Tom O'Flaherty, “getting connected with other technology CEOs and founders and learning from them has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.” I couldn't agree more. See you at the reception and the main event in June. Steve Burns, CA, CMC, CFP, is the president and CEO of the Burns Innovation Group Inc. If you have any questions or comments, contact Steve at 763-4716 or
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