JEDCO & Jefferson Chamber to host office technology seminar

(Fairfield, La) – Technology plays a vital role in a business environment. Often times, it enhances communication and efficiency, allowing a business to operate at a highly effective level. As technology continues to evolve to meet the needs of individuals and businesses alike, business owners should be aware of the most up-to-date information and resources available to help their companies connect, grow, and thrive.

As part of the ongoing Prosper Jefferson seminar series, the Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO) and the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce teamed up to bring you “Office Technology: Tools to Support Efficiency & Growth in the Workplace.” Hear from three experts in the technology industry as they cover a variety of issues, including:

• Mobile technology and how it impacts your business and your customers
• Demystifying Voiceover IP Services
• How the Cloud can help your business for the better

Join us Wednesday, June 24^th, at the East Bank Regional Library’s Jefferson Room (4747 W. Napoleon Ave. Metairie) from 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM. Admission is free, but registration is required to attend. The event is open to all businesses and entrepreneurs. Register online at www.jedco.org/events.

Meet Our Speakers:

BRIAN VANDEGRIFT- Venyu
Brian has over 15 years in technology consulting which allows him the ability to play an integral role in the product development process for Venyu. With certifications from Microsoft, Citrix, and VMware Brian has the expertise necessary to architect data protection, disaster recovery, and hosting solutions for just about every challenging scenario a business could face. Prior to joining Venyu, Brian worked for PPI in Baton Rouge, where he was the area General Manager responsible for sales and product delivery. Brian holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Rhodes College.

CHUCK MUTZ- Level3 Communications 
Chuck has been an Account Executive with Level 3 (formerly tw telecom) for the past 5 years, with experience in the telecom industry for over 19 years. He is a Nationally recognized Sales Leader and has been awarded Top Honors at Nextel, Sprint and tw telecom. At Level 3, Chuck works with Medium to Large Enterprise Class customers to provide Voice Services, Private Data Networks and Dedicated Internet Access. In his spare time, Chuck volunteers his time as a Professional Auctioneer and MC. He works with many Non-Profit agencies in and around the Greater New Orleans area including the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts, the American Cancer Society and the Special Olympics. He is also a Taekwondo Instructor at Premiere TKD in Slidell, Louisiana where he is pursuing his Second Degree Black Belt.

KERRY KIRBY- 365 Connect
Kerry W. Kirby is an entrepreneur, technology innovator and the founder and CEO of 365 Connect, an award-winning technology platform provider that exclusively serves the multifamily housing industry. Kerry is a renowned speaker, author and media expert on technology. He has published numerous articles, case studies and is a contributor to several nationally published books on real estate and technology. Kerry has been a guest lecturer, featured speaker and panelist at numerous universities, conferences and events. Known for his passion to foster the next generation of technology innovators, Kerry is one of the most notable supporters of technology and educational events in the New Orleans area, and has been named as one of the most influential people in technology and entrepreneurship in Louisiana. Kerry has been featured on the BBC Digital Planet program, NPR and various news and industry media outlets. He has led 365 Connect to receive an array of national and international technology awards.

For more information, contact Kelsey Scram at kscram@jedco.org or Emilie Riser at Emilie@jeffersonchamber.org.

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About JEDCO: The Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO) is the economic development organization for the parish with the main objective of attracting, growing, and creating new business in the area. JEDCO’s mission is to proactively influence the economy through the retention and creation of quality jobs, entrepreneurship, and investment in Jefferson Parish. Located in the growing Churchill Technology & Business Park, JEDCO is home to a business incubator for early-stage ventures and it also operates a state-of-the-art Conference Center. For more information, visit www.jedco.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Vimeo, and LinkedIn.

About the Jefferson Chamber: The Jefferson Chamber is the leading voice for Jefferson Parish’s business community. As a non-profit, membership-driven organization, the Chamber is an effective advocate for small and large businesses at the local, state, and federal levels. The Chamber’s mission is to work for the advancement of the business community; to enhance the economic, civic and cultural environment; and to improve the quality of life in Jefferson Parish. The Jefferson Chamber is Four-Star Accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and was award the 2013 Chamber of the Year Award by the Louisiana Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives in the Large Chamber Category.

For more information about the Jefferson Chamber, visit www.jeffersonchamber.org, and follow on Facebook, Twitter @jeffersoncoc, and YouTube.