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December 2005 Successful Business to Business Conference Held "Using Technology in Traditional Industry" was the theme for Silicon East's second annual business to business conference
and trade show that kicked off Small Business Week in Miramichi. "One reason why we chose this theme is because Canada used to be a leader in Internet connectivity and e-business solutions.
Now, there's a growing concern that we're falling behind our international competitors," said Gordon Wilson, General Manager
of Silicon East. In 2001, Canada ranked fourth out of the 64 industrialised countries in e-readiness but dropped to 11th in 2004. Scandinavia,
Eastern Europe and other non-G8 nations topped the list. "Canada has more small and medium sized business than any other country in the G7," Wilson said. "Our nation's economy
depends upon their success."
Several exhibitors were on hand during the trade show to educate participants about technology products and services available
to help do business. Participants also attended seminars covering topics like Planning Your Business, Purchasing Hardware
and Software, Managing and Protecting Your Data, Selling Your Products and Services Using the Web and more. "We're very pleased with the quality of the conference. Participants received practical plain advice they could take home
and apply to their business," said David Stairs, then-president of Silicon East. "The conference offered something for everyone
from restaurant owners and insurance brokers to hair stylists and fishing lodges and every type of business in-between." In one of the presentations Stairs spoke about purchasing software and hardware, stressing the most important thing before
making a purchase is to identify exactly what the computer will be used for, because there are many options. "Don't be afraid to ask questions, that's the biggest thing you can do in the industry today. Because that's the only way
you're going to protect yourself and prepare yourself for the future," Stairs said. Gordon Wilson spoke about the importance of managing computer data and backing up your system daily. Data
consists of things like documents, pictures, music, video, financial information, inventory information and email. "This is important stuff. 70% of companies who suffer serious data loss go out of business within 12 months.
That's how serious it is," Wilson said. "Computers are wonderful tools, but they do break. It's not the question of will the
hard drive fail, it's when will the hard drive fail, and that's the approach you need to take."
"I have the best job in the state because I get to see the future," Neuman said. Incubators like Target Technology help businesses by providing physical space under one roof with shared office
services, access to equipment, meeting space, flexible leases, as well as hands-on management assistance, and access to financing,
business or technical support services. Neuman extended an open invitation to New Brunswick entrepreneurs and business to spend a day or a week at
Target's International Desk where they will help you connect with the right people and resources to break into the U.S. market
via Maine. "Without the forward thinking, initiative and support of the National Research Council's Industrial Research
Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP), this important relationship between Target Tech Group, Debbie Neuman and Silicon East would
never have come about," Stairs said. "We look forward to fostering further growth between our organisations."
Mighty Community launched its full-service technology and Internet product at the Silicon East conference. "We're very proud of our special tradition of helping people, businesses, government organisations, communities
and educational institutions by providing Internet marketing solutions," said Terry Matchett, President of Mighty Community.
"We've taken the time to develop a product that prepares New Brunswick business and communities to move forward and lead the
way in connectivity for the rest of the nation." A staff of professional consultants, technicians, programmers and designers provide web-based systems and
applications tailored to unique business needs. Mighty Community includes e-business solutions; user-friendly websites; marketing;
education; an online magazine; public relations, multimedia, and more. In the global marketplace, as communities compete to attract new investment, jobs and tourists, not keeping
up with technology becomes a disadvantage. Mighty Community helps provide an advantage to New Brunswickers. "We believe that a community Internet strategy should be about people – learning, creating, sharing
information and resources, and working toward a common goal to improve their lives, their businesses and their community,"
Matchett said. "Our goal is to assist New Brunswick to be the highest Internet savvy community in the country." Mighty Community franchises are available at affordable start-up costs. Silicon East is a commercial not-for-profit company dedicated to developing and growing the Northern New Brunswick
technology industry. Their second annual conference was held at the Rodd Miramichi River Hotel in mid-October.
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