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2008 YITIS President’s Report January 28, 2009 at 11:36 am

2008 was a year of positive change for YITIS. Adding to the strong foundation and successes of previous years, together the executive, board and members achieved some notable goals and widened the reach of this organization. Our renewed vision - first shared two years ago - is slowly, but surely being achieved: to explore and build markets; grow business capacity; and advocate interests.

First, to explore and build markets.

The Yukon is a small place, but it can still be hard to develop business relationships with influential people and their organizations. To tackle this issue, YITIS organized another “opportunity pipeline” networking lunch with IT representatives from City of Whitehorse. We had a fantastic turnout, and just like in years’ past, attendance was rewarded with the opportunity to ask questions, swap stories, discuss challenges + opportunities and put faces to names. Along these lines, YITIS also organized an information session with a representative from Inukshuk Wireless to learn more about their E-learning Fund program.

Next, grow business capacity.

In order to create a new marketing and communication channel for the organization and its members, the YITIS website was re-built from the ground up. Now home to an up-to-date event calendar, member listings, job board and blog, the website is well-positioned to serve our needs now and into the future.

As IT professionals, it’s sometimes easy to spend too much time in front of our computers than with other people. One of our newer members, Evan Wise of justwerks software, clearly agrees. That’s why Evan took it upon himself to organize two social events in the Technology Meltdown series. Hosted by Outside the Cube, these were both very popular and helped people connect with like-minded professionals in a casual, comfortable, evening setting. For some, it was a chance to meet new people outside of their typical social and business circles; others, a chance to re-connect with old friends and co-workers. Thanks Evan for these great events.

Finally, advocate interests.

YITIS set up a well-attended event with Highways and Public Works Minister Archie Lang where we talked about long-term government investment in IT, environmental concerns and other issues pertinent to our industry. We also can’t forget the importance and value of our regular sessions with key Government of Yukon ICT employees on a monthly basis. Our relationships with Government of Yukon, Northwestel and Yukon College remain strong, open and encouraging.

Looking forward to 2009, YITIS has a lot of positive momentum behind itself that I know we sustain and build upon. On behalf of the Executive and Board, I wish to thank you for your continued support and look forward to acting in the role of President for another year.

Geof Harries


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