Sunday, March 30, 2014

Agenda for Tuesday, 4/1/14

1. AGENDA FOR TUESDAY, 4/1/14:

0700-0800: Open Forum

This week our agenda is open for discussion on topics of interest, in addition to our usual introductions and networking. Let us know how we can help with your networking needs.

2. UPCOMING SPEAKERS:


4/1/14 (this week):   Open Forum.

4/8/14:  Joe Paniccia will lead a discussion on index mutual funds, based on several recent articles that appear to challenge the wisdom of traditional cap-weighted indexing.  

If you'd like to schedule a speaker for any upcoming Tuesday, or if you'd like to lead a discussion yourself, please send a note to George Jenkins (USNA '74) at georgedjenkins4@gmail.com.



====================================

Have a great week.


Joe Paniccia (USMA '84)

Service Academy BizNet of Denver meets weekly on Tuesdays at 0700, in the Marriott Hotel at the Denver Tech Center. From I-25, exit Belleview east, then turn north onto Syracuse Street. The Marriott lots are paid parking (approx $2-4), however you can park for FREE across the street at Garcia's Restaurant (we have their permission). Look for us in the seating area inside the Marriott's coffee shop. RSVP is not required. Dress is casual. Attendance is open to graduates of the federal service academies (USAFA, USCGA, USMA, USMMA, USNA). There are no dues or fees. Our schedule, roster and other information are posted at www.academybiznet.org.

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Weekly News & Agenda for Tuesday, 3/25/14

1. AGENDA FOR TUESDAY, 3/25/14:

0700-0730: Introductions & Assistance

During introductions, please give your name, academy/class, and current occupation (or type of position you're seeking). Let us know of any networking needs we might be able to help with, including referrals, advice, job search assistance, or other needs.

0730-0800: Speaker

Dr. Kendra Kennard will speak with us about the power of alternative approaches to health and fitness, to build a more resilient, aware, and energetically healthy person. Dr. Kennard is a Bioenergetic Doctor and a Doctor of Natural Medicine.

Thanks to Biznet member George Jenkins (USNA '74) for arranging to have Dr. Kennard speak with us.


2. UPCOMING SPEAKERS:



3/25/14 (this week):  Dr. Kendra Kennard - see above.

4/1/14:  TBD.  If you'd like to schedule a speaker for 4/1/14 or any upcoming Tuesday, or if you'd like to lead a discussion yourself, please send a note to George Jenkins (USNA '74) at georgedjenkins4@gmail.com.

3.  RECENTLY POSTED OPPORTUNITIES:

We'd like to call your attention to the 3 items posted to our BizNet blog (and pushed out to you via email), over this weekend, as listed/linked below.   WPAOG = West Point Association of Graduates.




Thanks to Dave Jackson (USMA '73) for sending out those items.


====================================

Have a great week.



Joe Paniccia (USMA '84)

Service Academy BizNet of Denver meets weekly on Tuesdays at 0700, in the Marriott Hotel at the Denver Tech Center. From I-25, exit Belleview east, then turn north onto Syracuse Street. The Marriott lots are paid parking (approx $2-4), however you can park for FREE across the street at Garcia's Restaurant (we have their permission). Look for us in the seating area inside the Marriott's coffee shop. RSVP is not required. Dress is casual. Attendance is open to graduates of the federal service academies (USAFA, USCGA, USMA, USMMA, USNA). There are no dues or fees. Our schedule, roster and other information are posted at www.academybiznet.org.

Saturday, March 22, 2014

SeedPaths Tech Training (IT Training)

If any of you desire or know someone who does desire to become an IT Tech, the following is provided:

SeedPaths Tech Training Fact Sheet for April 7th 2014 class

Our Goal: Help young adults (16-30 years old) gain meaningful, career-focused employment in the IT industry with a wage of at least $16/hr.
Our Participants: Primarily WIA Youth, but also WIA Adults, Veterans and others who have an interest in employment in the IT Industry. The course material is designed for 16-30 year olds.
Career Paths: Software & Web Development, Quality Assurance & Testing, Sales & Marketing and Customer Service
Certification: Certified SCRUM Master Designation (Industry Recognized Certification)

 Prerequisites: High School Diploma or GED, passion for employment in the IT industry and a willingness to do whatever it takes to learn. Prior web development experience is a plus. Computers and software provided.

Dates: April 7th – May 30th (3rd class starts June 16th)
Times: 8:30am-5pm
Location: 929 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203
Info sessions: Every Tuesday (10am-noon) & Thursday (1pm-3pm) in March. Must RSVP (below) Application Deadline: March 28th, 2014
Cost: $6,000 – possible financial assistance and scholarships available to those who qualify (100% of our first class got full-ride scholarships and were paid $1,000 to learn how to code)

We teach: Software & Web Development through an introduction to HTML5, CSS3, Javascript, jQuery, .NET, SQL and C#. We also facilitate Professional Development through project-based, experiential learning, focused on Professionalism, High Energy, Confidence, Self Management and Intellectual Curiosity (high-demand attributes identified by hiring managers).

Incentives: Life-changing skills, $1,000 cash, RTD Pass, two healthy snacks & lunch daily, industry-recognized certification, daily yoga and speed-agility workout and a direct avenue to employment in the IT industry.

How you can help: We need help finding eligible participants for our program. WIA programs, community partners, non-profits, schools, transition programs and mentoring programs might have the best applicants. Please have them apply at the link below for the first step.

Why SeedPaths? Our mission is to increase the number of technologists in the IT talent pipeline while increasing graduation rates at local high schools. Our team is ridiculously passionate about fixing these massive problems. SeedPaths has an IT recruiting business to help its students become employed after course completion. Our long-term goal is to expand to 10 cities and train 10,000 young adults every year across the US! Please help us reach our goal by getting students in our class! All details, including an online application can be found at www.seedpaths.com. To RSVP for an info session, please email Patrick at patrick@seedpaths.com.

SeedPaths’ Ideal Participants

Pre-Requisites
  • Age 16-30 
  • High School diploma or GED 
  • Experience with computers and/or web development a huge plus 
  • Candidates are committed to getting employed in the IT industry 
 To qualify for financial assistance and scholarships:
  • Youth ages 16-21 
  • Adult ages 22-30 years old 
  • May have a minimum income level 
  • May have a barrier to employment 
  • *If ineligible for funding, payment plans exist 
Desired traits of participants:
  • Passion for learning 
  • Commitment 
  • Resolve 
  • Self Motivation 
  • Foresight
  • Honesty 
  • Coachable 
Process once candidate has been identified:
Step 1: Apply to the program at http://seedpaths.com/development-program-application
Step 2: Attend an info session at our location – 929 Broadway - Denver
  • These will be held every Tuesday & Thursday in March. Tuesday sessions will be held from 10:00 am-12:00 pm and Thursday sessions from 1:00-3:00 pm. Email Patrick to RSVP at patrick@seedpaths.com 
Step 3: If a candidate qualifies for financial assistance/scholarship, please complete the application process through a Workforce Center (completed 2 weeks in advance of a program)
Step 4: A welcome packet from SeedPaths will be sent which will include:
  • Contract & expectations explained (to be signed) 
  • Informational survey to collect important personal information 
  • W9 form 
  • Release forms (media & liability) 
  • Pre-work assignments that include, but are not limited to: 
    • Activities on CodeAcademy.com 
    • Readings pertinent to the start of class 
    • Typing Tests 
Step 5: Start the program and begin their paths towards employment in the IT industry!

Three Job Postings @ WP AOG

The West Point  Association of Graduates has  new job posting:


Assistant Director, Data Services;

this position will have main responsibility for WPAOG’s constituent database as well as oversee specific data projects benefiting the entire organization.  The Assistant Director of Data Services will coordinate and collaborate across all WPAOG departments to ensure WPAOG has the data necessary to carry out its mission, is able to use and manipulate that data.... see more

<http://ch.tbe.taleo.net/CH06/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=WPAOG&cws=1&rid=58>

Assistant Director, Leadership Annual Giving

this individual is responsible for soliciting leadership-level annual gifts ($2,500 - $20,000) for The Superintendent’s Annual Fund, Long Gray Line Fund, and other annual giving funds. The primary objective of leadership-level giving program is to increase the number of donors who give annually to West Point at the $2,500+ level.  see more....

<http://ch.tbe.taleo.net/CH06/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=WPAOG&cws=1&rid=57>



Senior Director, Retail Operations

 seeking an executive to direct in-store, Internet, and one or more remote-site retail operations.  The successful applicant will have responsibility for a $1.6M revenue stream and highly regarded gift store operation with the expectation of significantly growing its profitability to above $2M within eighteen to 24 months.  see more:

<http://ch.tbe.taleo.net/CH06/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=WPAOG&cws=1&rid=53>

WP AOG Career/Transition Assistance

Below is some information on the career transition programs available to graduates through the West Point Association of Graduates.

If you need assistance tailoring your résumé, we have some résumé samples posted on our website in the Career Services area:  http://www.westpointaog.org/page.aspx?pid=732.  See the menu at right (career correspondence), there are some résumé writing tips and some sample résumés for grads in various stages of their career.

The Service Academy Business Resource Directory- www.isabrd.com<http://www.isabrd.com> is an excellent business-to-business and career transition source. It contains contact and business information submitted by over 49,000 graduates. iSABRD provides a way for those in need of certain services in a geographical area (relocation questions, finding a physician, attorney, etc.), those hiring or seeking a job etc., an easy and efficient way to find one of their own. The majority of grads are willing to assist with career transition opportunities.   You can search for grads working in businesses in the area you are living or in an industry you would like more information on and get in contact with them about opportunities. It is free to create your profile and search the entire database. You will log in with your Cullum number and the last four digits of your social security number.



Four times a year we host a powerful hiring event - the Service Academy Career Conference (SACC). It is a joint job fair exclusively for academy graduates. A great opportunity to meet face-to-face with employers from numerous industries looking to specifically hire service academy graduates. You can find out more information at www.sacc-jobfair.com<http://www.sacc-jobfair.com>. SACC will give you a great indication of the types of opportunities that are available to you now and provides the opportunity to receive your first interview on the spot with company recruiters. I highly recommend SACC when you searching for a new professional opportunity.



The third program we have is Joint Service Academies Jobs Electronically - www.jsaje.com<http://www.jsaje.com>.  JSAJE is our electronic, internet based job listing and resume posting service. You may search the job postings, apply for positions and post your résumé for free. You can search for job postings by location, industry, position, etc. Employers register on the site to post job opportunities and to search the résumé database. Employers with a résumé search subscription may seek you out if your résumé shows something that is a fit for their company as well.



For more information, please visit us at WestPointAOG.org /LinkedIn or WestPointAOG.org/Careers.

Sunday, March 16, 2014

Weekly News & Agenda for Tuesday, 3/18/14

1. AGENDA FOR TUESDAY, 3/18/14:

0700-0730:  Introductions & Assistance

During introductions, please give your name, academy/class, and current occupation (or type of position you're seeking).  Let us know of any networking needs we might be able to help with, including referrals, advice, job search assistance, or other needs.

0730-0800:  Speaker

Kurt Schlaefer (USAFA '70) will provide an auto industry update, with particular focus on the buy-versus-lease decision and why current market conditions could make it more advantageous to lease a new vehicle than to buy a used one.


2. UPCOMING SPEAKERS:

3/18/14 (this week):  Kurt Schlaefer - see above. 
3/25/14: Dr. Kendra Kennard will speak with us about the power of alternative approaches to health and fitness, to build a more resilient, aware, and energetically healthy person. Dr. Kennard is a Bioenergetic Doctor and a Doctor of Natural Medicine.

If you'd like to schedule a speaker for any upcoming Tuesday, or if you'd like to lead a discussion yourself, please send a note to George Jenkins (USNA '74) at georgedjenkins4@gmail.com.

3.  RETIRING MARINE OFFICER SEEKS ASSISTANCE:

Evan Wahl is a Marine pilot who will be retiring from the service next month (April).  He's currently stationed in San Diego, but seeking a civilian opportunity in the Denver area.  He's focusing his search on operations/facility management, project management, and/or aviation-related positions.  Evan is also interesting in such positions in the energy industry.  Please take a look at his resume below.  If you can offer advice or referrals, please contact Evan directly at wahlevan@gmail.com .




EVAN WAHL
10162 Prairie Fawn Drive
San Diego, CA  92127
 
(252) 626-5881
wahlevan@gmail.com
 
 
SUMMARY
 
Marine Corps officer, executive leader, and project manager with 18 year leadership history. Customer service, operations, and facility experience ideally suited for roles requiring strategic vision, timely execution, and an ability to work within diverse organizations. Business education. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt. Project Management Professional (expected early 2014). Airport Management. Airline Transport Pilot. OSHA trained.
 
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
 
Managing Director of Operations                                                                                                                                      2011 - Present
Miramar Air Station, San Diego, CA
$15M of equipment, $1.35M operating budget. Orchestrated complex operations, training, and development throughout entire airport property. Management and entrepreneurial team-builder. Miramar is a $12B strategic, global reach, airport-city facility servicing 15,000 customers daily. Promoted to Managing Director of Operations to create vision, strategy, and efficiencies.
        Enthusiastic leader of 7 direct reports and 340 extraordinary employees.
        $1.63M earned profit (34% ROI).  Project manager and team builder for three 14-month air show planning cycles (largest annual military air show in the United States; hospitality attracts 500,000 customers over three days). Increased profitability 8% per year.
        $200K savings from operations budget. Improved multiple airport processes/procedures.
        Oversaw $201.8M multiple airport Design Build projects, enabling expanded aircraft operations.
 
Chief of Staff / Deputy Director of Human Resources                                                                                                    2010 - 2011
Miramar Air Station, San Diego, CA
$3M in cost savings. Top performer in leading, training, directing, synchronizing, coordinating personnel manning, and discipline of each department. High-level decision making/outcome responsibility, policy formation and direction, risk identification and mitigation, budgeting, personnel management, and technology integration. People development.
        Saved $3M+ throughout labor and fuel budget. Championed process improvement customer satisfaction, guest, and employee projects (training, on-boarding, and out-processing).
        Coordinated subordinate employee recruitment, selection and training, performance assessment, work assignments, salary, and recognition/disciplinary actions.
        $100K savings. Team-building skills enabled corporate flight department project to improve customer service, hospitality, and procedures. Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.
 
Chief of Air Operations / Program Manager                                                                                                                       2007 - 2010
U.S. Pacific Command, Honolulu, HI
$800M in assets managed. Program manager for 1700+ military aircraft.  Championed the United States President logistics support, $300M. Accolades from the White House to include “best communication, fulfillment, and service ever”. Directed transportation and logistical support to the National Science Foundation’s research in Antarctica ($500M in aircraft, shipping).
    $2M+ of cost savings’ leadership over three years. Spearheaded the evolution of multiple programs including new value-stream initiatives.
   2000 labor-hours ($110K) saved. Created time-saving SharePoint information system.
 
Director of Logistics and Operations                                                                                                                                       2006 - 2007
2nd Marine Air Wing, Havelock, NC
$1B in equipment. Spearheaded the air transportation and aerial refueling operations for 44 organizations, 6600 employees. Promoted to Director of Logistics and Operations.
        Led a flawless plan to move $1B in equipment prior to the landfall of a hurricane (overcame incredible obstacles, including distance/limited communications).
        10% increase in efficiency ($1M savings). Created aviation logistics system, resulting in more efficient aircraft assignment and support.
 
Department Head – Aircraft Maintenance Lead / Quality Management                                                                2003 - 2006
2nd Marine Air Wing, Havelock, NC
$600M in equipment and 220 employee maintenance department; management leading the strategic direction to maintain 12 x KC-130J global logistic aircraft. Six direct reports.
        $500K cost savings. Re-engineered the process for how aircraft parts are ordered, assigned, and prioritized. Reduced “iron mountain” mentality. Formulated daily planning board meetings, identifying and prioritizing maintenance, resulting in a 12% reduction of labor and excess spare components. Created innovative ideas preferred and adopted by neighboring business units.
        Implemented “just-in-time” supply chain support. Actively improved budget efficiency 5%.
 
Director of Safety and Standardization                                                                                                                                  2001 - 2003
3rd Marine Air Wing, San Diego, CA
Managed four direct reports. Operational focused safety. Created a positive safety culture for a CH-46E helicopter organization. Enabled standards that enhanced a productive experience for guests and employees.
        Architect of policies and procedures that enhanced a 100% mishap-free work environment. Noted as the number one safety department (out of 44) throughout the airport.
        Responsible to the leadership and Executive Director for strategic safety planning and execution.
        Experience and leadership created ongoing and lasting safety and standards’ policies.
 
EDUCATION
 
Master Certificate, Advanced Project Management, Syracuse University
Master Certificate, Applied Project Management, Villanova University
Master of Business Administration (MBA), Supply Chain/Six Sigma Black Belt, Trident University
Bachelor of Science (BS), Psychology, Carnegie Mellon University
 
AFFILIATIONS
 
Project Management Institute
American Society for Quality
Toastmasters
 
VOLUNTEER
 
FewProudFuture (Co-founder)
Hire America’s Heroes (Military Board Member)
Carnegie Mellon Admissions Council


====================================

Have a great week.



Joe Paniccia (USMA '84)

Service Academy BizNet of Denver meets weekly on Tuesdays at 0700, in the Marriott Hotel at the Denver Tech Center. From I-25, exit Belleview east, then turn north onto Syracuse Street. The Marriott lots are paid parking (approx $2-4), however you can park for FREE across the street at Garcia's Restaurant (we have their permission). Look for us in the seating area inside the Marriott's coffee shop. RSVP is not required. Dress is casual. Attendance is open to graduates of the federal service academies (USAFA, USCGA, USMA, USMMA, USNA). There are no dues or fees. Our schedule, roster and other information are posted at www.academybiznet.org.

Sunday, March 9, 2014

Agenda for Tuesday, 3/11/14

1. AGENDA FOR TUESDAY, 3/11/14:

0700-0800: Open Forum

This week our agenda is open for discussion on topics of interest, in addition to our usual introductions and networking. Let us know how we can help with your networking needs.

2. UPCOMING SPEAKERS:


3/11/14 (this week):   Open Forum.
3/18/14:  Kurt Schlaefer (USAFA '70) will provide an auto industry update, with particular focus on why current market conditions mean it can make more financial sense to lease a new vehicle than to buy a used one.
3/25/14:  Dr. Kendra Kennard will speak with us about the power of alternative approaches to health and fitness, to build a more resilient, aware, and energetically healthy person.  Dr. Kennard is a Bioenergetic Doctor and a Doctor of Natural Medicine.

If you'd like to schedule a speaker for any upcoming Tuesday, or if you'd like to lead a discussion yourself, please send a note to George Jenkins (USNA '74) at georgedjenkins4@gmail.com.
 

====================================

Have a great week.


Joe Paniccia (USMA '84)

Service Academy BizNet of Denver meets weekly on Tuesdays at 0700, in the Marriott Hotel at the Denver Tech Center. From I-25, exit Belleview east, then turn north onto Syracuse Street. The Marriott lots are paid parking (approx $2-4), however you can park for FREE across the street at Garcia's Restaurant (we have their permission). Look for us in the seating area inside the Marriott's coffee shop. RSVP is not required. Dress is casual. Attendance is open to graduates of the federal service academies (USAFA, USCGA, USMA, USMMA, USNA). There are no dues or fees. Our schedule, roster and other information are posted at www.academybiznet.org.

Sunday, March 2, 2014

Weekly News & Agenda for Tuesday, 3/4/14

1. AGENDA FOR TUESDAY, 3/4/14:

0700-0800:  Open Forum

This week our agenda is open for discussion on topics of interest, in addition to our usual introductions and networking.  Let us know how we can help you with your networking needs.

 
2. UPCOMING SPEAKERS:
 

3/4/14 (this week):  Open Forum.
3/11/14:  TBD/Open Forum
3/18/14:  Kurt Schlaefer (USAFA '70) will provide an auto industry update, with particular focus on why current market conditions mean it can make more financial sense to lease a new vehicle than to buy a used one.
 
If you'd like to schedule a speaker for any upcoming Tuesday, or if you'd like to lead a discussion yourself, please send a note to George Jenkins (USNA '74) at georgedjenkins4@gmail.com.

3.  BIZNET MEMBER SEEKING ASSISTANCE - Accounting Firm for C-Corp:

Jace Johnson (USMA '81) writes as follows.  If you can provide assistance, please contact Jace directly at jacerwjohnson@gmail.com, or via the additional contact info below.


I have settled in the north metro (Broomfield) area, and I am soon forming a "C" Corporation holding company here in Colorado and I am looking for a small to mid-sized accounting/CPA shop that caters to small " C" corp businesses and franchises. I have a cable/telco corporate finance background so I want to steer away from mid to large and expensive public accounting firms.
 
Jace R.W. Johnson
USA (Denver Metro, CO - MST) +1.720.428.0196
Skype: jace.johnson5
====================================

Have a great week.

Joe Paniccia (USMA '84)

Service Academy BizNet of Denver meets weekly on Tuesdays at 0700, in the Marriott Hotel at the Denver Tech Center. From I-25, exit Belleview east, then turn north onto Syracuse Street. The Marriott lots are paid parking (approx $2-4), however you can park for FREE across the street at Garcia's Restaurant (we have their permission). Look for us in the seating area inside the Marriott's coffee shop. RSVP is not required. Dress is casual. Attendance is open to graduates of the federal service academies (USAFA, USCGA, USMA, USMMA, USNA). There are no dues or fees. Our schedule, roster and other information are posted at www.academybiznet.org.