Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission
Metro Orlando has long been established as the nation’s epicenter for modeling, simulation and training (MS&T) technology. The MS&T sector in Metro Orlando features:
* 100+ companies
* 16,847 workers
* Gross Regional Product of $2.5 billion
As the largest MS&T cluster in the country, it has evolved over the past 40 years from its roots in military training to provide applications in such diverse fields as:
* Aviation and aerospace
* Education
* Emergency services
* Entertainment
* Homeland security
* Information technologies
* Medical technologies
* Microelectronics
* Optics and photonics
* Transportation
Backing the MS&T industry in Metro Orlando are a number of renowned research, support and educational facilities, such as:
* National Center of Excellence in Simulation
* University of Central Florida’s Institute for Simulation and Training
* Embry Riddle Aeronautical University’s aviation simulation programs
Metro Orlando’s strong MS&T standing has earned the region the distinction of being designated a National Center of Excellence in Simulation and Training. The extensive resources and expertise available in Metro Orlando, through the convergence of prominent MS&T organizations, reinforce the region’s position as an unmatched locale for new and expanding companies within the industry.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
UF study: Temp jobs not a dead end
South Florida Business Journal
Those temp-to-perm jobs may not be so bad, after all.
In fact, a new University of Florida study finds that those hired by temporary agencies actually earn higher hourly wages and are better educated than permanent employees.
“There has been concern by some advocacy groups that the temporary help industry is creating an entire class of people who are churning through temporary-help jobs and can’t escape from that cycle,” said Sarah Hamersma, a UF economist and lead author, in a news release. “We find no reason to believe that a large number of temp workers are ‘stuck’ in a secondary labor market.”
Hamersma and Carolyn Heinrich, a University of Wisconsin public affairs professor, studied occupational records, wages and earnings for 5,877 Wisconsin workers between 1995 and 2004.
Of the 3,964 employees who held at least one temporary job, 3,947 held a permanent job at some time in those 10 years, the study found. Further analysis found that, of those who changed jobs over a four-month period, more than three-fourths of those in temporary positions moved into traditional jobs, while only 23 percent took another temporary job.
The study also found temporary workers received about 15 percent more pay than those in traditional positions. The study suggests they are paid more because job conditions are less desirable.
“Paying temp workers more is consistent with having to handle the insecurity and other characteristics that are inferior to a regular job,” Hamersma said in the news release.
One of the biggest drawbacks of temporary work is its short duration, which makes it difficult for employees to build a foundation of experience necessary for job security, Hamersma said.
More than half of all temporary jobs in the sample – 56 percent – lasted no more than three months, and an additional 25 percent lasted no more than six months, she said.
“While I was surprised at how short those jobs were, what was even more surprising is that 45 percent of non-temporary jobs lasted less than three months,” she said. “Unfortunately, we don’t know why – whether workers quit or were fired, got sick or had child care issues.”
Those temp-to-perm jobs may not be so bad, after all.
In fact, a new University of Florida study finds that those hired by temporary agencies actually earn higher hourly wages and are better educated than permanent employees.
“There has been concern by some advocacy groups that the temporary help industry is creating an entire class of people who are churning through temporary-help jobs and can’t escape from that cycle,” said Sarah Hamersma, a UF economist and lead author, in a news release. “We find no reason to believe that a large number of temp workers are ‘stuck’ in a secondary labor market.”
Hamersma and Carolyn Heinrich, a University of Wisconsin public affairs professor, studied occupational records, wages and earnings for 5,877 Wisconsin workers between 1995 and 2004.
Of the 3,964 employees who held at least one temporary job, 3,947 held a permanent job at some time in those 10 years, the study found. Further analysis found that, of those who changed jobs over a four-month period, more than three-fourths of those in temporary positions moved into traditional jobs, while only 23 percent took another temporary job.
The study also found temporary workers received about 15 percent more pay than those in traditional positions. The study suggests they are paid more because job conditions are less desirable.
“Paying temp workers more is consistent with having to handle the insecurity and other characteristics that are inferior to a regular job,” Hamersma said in the news release.
One of the biggest drawbacks of temporary work is its short duration, which makes it difficult for employees to build a foundation of experience necessary for job security, Hamersma said.
More than half of all temporary jobs in the sample – 56 percent – lasted no more than three months, and an additional 25 percent lasted no more than six months, she said.
“While I was surprised at how short those jobs were, what was even more surprising is that 45 percent of non-temporary jobs lasted less than three months,” she said. “Unfortunately, we don’t know why – whether workers quit or were fired, got sick or had child care issues.”
Monday, December 21, 2009
Put Your Career on the Fast Track
Tech Careers
Achieving impressive, but consistent, career growth is every professional's dream. Yet, many believe that aiming for professional success is a difficult undertaking that often requires complex Machiavellian strategies or political tact. Not true. The best recipe for long term success is plain old PHP (planning, hard work, and persistence). Speaking of success, what actions if taken now will fire up your career and take you a step closer to your dreams? We have outlined a few simple tips.
Realize that you are in charge
Many individuals I come across are bright, talented, hard working professionals. Despite their tremendous potential, however, they are very passive when it comes to their career. When I ask them about their next career move or strategy, I often get a blank stare or a cold response: "I don't know." These individuals appear to be waiting, as if, for their boss or superior to grant the next promotion or to catalyze the next big thing, a wait that often translates into many wasted years -- precious years. It is very important to realize that you are in charge of your career, not someone else. Once this realization sinks in, the rest will follow automatically.
Develop an action plan
Where do you want to be in the next five years? ten? What can you do to take you closer to your long term goals? Answering these questions in detail will provide building blocks for your Action Plan.
Caveat: A plan that is conceptualized but not written will, most likely, [let's admit] not be executed, so it is critical for you to put the action plan on paper, on the wall, on the bulletin board -- wherever it will scream at you to take ACTION.
Take stock
During all my coaching sessions I stress on doing a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis. What are your strengths and weaknesses? What opportunities do you anticipate (or can create) in the coming year? And how can you grab them (literally)? Do you perceive any threats to your professional ambitions?
Get the dust off your resume
How often do you update your resume? Once every few years, right? Not a good strategy. At the end of every work week you must make a list of achievements for that week. These regular reports will be a big help when it is time to actually update your resume.
Establish a PD (professional development) budget
We are living in the Information Age, an age where knowledge moves faster than fashion. Unless you participate in ongoing professional development, your skills will soon be, well, obsolete. Continuously investing in professional development -- training, professional associations, education, certifications, professional literature, etc. -- will help you stay abreast with the latest advances in your field, and also a step above the competition. Set aside an annual budget (if your employer doesn't sponsor) for your professional development and growth. This will be your wisest investment ever.
Challenge yourself
Achievers constantly compete with themselves, always pushing the bar to deliver more with each attempt. Push yourself to perform better. Aim for 110%, 120% ....
Become a valuable resource
Do people come to you for advice? If not, take steps to become an expert in your profession or area of interest. From internal employees to the media, you must be looked upon as a valuable resource. Regularly seek out publishing (articles, books, etc.), networking, and public speaking opportunities.
Achieving impressive, but consistent, career growth is every professional's dream. Yet, many believe that aiming for professional success is a difficult undertaking that often requires complex Machiavellian strategies or political tact. Not true. The best recipe for long term success is plain old PHP (planning, hard work, and persistence). Speaking of success, what actions if taken now will fire up your career and take you a step closer to your dreams? We have outlined a few simple tips.
Realize that you are in charge
Many individuals I come across are bright, talented, hard working professionals. Despite their tremendous potential, however, they are very passive when it comes to their career. When I ask them about their next career move or strategy, I often get a blank stare or a cold response: "I don't know." These individuals appear to be waiting, as if, for their boss or superior to grant the next promotion or to catalyze the next big thing, a wait that often translates into many wasted years -- precious years. It is very important to realize that you are in charge of your career, not someone else. Once this realization sinks in, the rest will follow automatically.
Develop an action plan
Where do you want to be in the next five years? ten? What can you do to take you closer to your long term goals? Answering these questions in detail will provide building blocks for your Action Plan.
Caveat: A plan that is conceptualized but not written will, most likely, [let's admit] not be executed, so it is critical for you to put the action plan on paper, on the wall, on the bulletin board -- wherever it will scream at you to take ACTION.
Take stock
During all my coaching sessions I stress on doing a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis. What are your strengths and weaknesses? What opportunities do you anticipate (or can create) in the coming year? And how can you grab them (literally)? Do you perceive any threats to your professional ambitions?
Get the dust off your resume
How often do you update your resume? Once every few years, right? Not a good strategy. At the end of every work week you must make a list of achievements for that week. These regular reports will be a big help when it is time to actually update your resume.
Establish a PD (professional development) budget
We are living in the Information Age, an age where knowledge moves faster than fashion. Unless you participate in ongoing professional development, your skills will soon be, well, obsolete. Continuously investing in professional development -- training, professional associations, education, certifications, professional literature, etc. -- will help you stay abreast with the latest advances in your field, and also a step above the competition. Set aside an annual budget (if your employer doesn't sponsor) for your professional development and growth. This will be your wisest investment ever.
Challenge yourself
Achievers constantly compete with themselves, always pushing the bar to deliver more with each attempt. Push yourself to perform better. Aim for 110%, 120% ....
Become a valuable resource
Do people come to you for advice? If not, take steps to become an expert in your profession or area of interest. From internal employees to the media, you must be looked upon as a valuable resource. Regularly seek out publishing (articles, books, etc.), networking, and public speaking opportunities.
Friday, December 18, 2009
The Top 5 Resume Killers and How to Avoid Them
By: Roger Lear
In today's job market, when you apply for a job you have a lot of competition. What will make your resume stand out and get the employer to call you for an interview? What will get your resume or online application noticed? After 22 years of reading and screening resumes I have developed a list of 5 top resume killers that guarantee that you will be put in the back of the line. This list takes into assumption that you already know how to spell and are qualified for the job in which you are applying.
1. No clear objective. If you are applying to a homeowners claims adjuster position at an insurance company, your objective should be "Homeowners Claims Adjuster". It should be bold and at the very top of the resume. The majority of resumes have too much information at the top. Make your objective clear, concise and to the point.
2. One resume fits all. No two companies are alike and therefore, no two resumes should be the same. No matter what job you are applying to, make sure you format your job responsibilities to match that position. Most people have many skills they perform in their jobs. Highlight the skills that fit the job you are applying to so the resume screener can easily see keywords that match.
3. No cover letter. Technology has made it so easy to just click and send your resume to 50 jobs in the matter of minutes. If you are doing this, you certainly are not going to get a lot of responses. Each job you apply to should have a well written cover letter that summarizes your experiences (matching the job requirements). It also should ask for an interview and have clearly defined contact information.
4. Not showcasing accomplishments. If you want to write a great resume, indentify the skills in the job you are applying to and clearly define your actual accomplishments in your previous jobs. Many resumes are just bad job descriptions. If you are a general manager at a restaurant, talk in numbers on how you saved food cost, liquor cost or labor costs by using actual numbers. "Responsible for saving the company $123,000 in food cost by..." Paint your picture with your actual accomplishments.
5. Missing Dates/Confusing Dates. Use months and years in all dates in a resume (June 2007-March 2009). This becomes complicated if you have a lot of short stays, but always get your time line correct. Put reasons for leaving (like layoffs or moves) for short stays only. If employers have to fill in the blanks on your career timeline, most will pass.
After years of reviewing resumes I can offer you this advice. Once you complete your resume, anyone (neighbors, family members) should be able to read it quickly, know what you do and how good you are at doing it! This is done by simple and clear objectives and listed accomplishments in each previous and current job. Does your resume pass this test?
In today's job market, when you apply for a job you have a lot of competition. What will make your resume stand out and get the employer to call you for an interview? What will get your resume or online application noticed? After 22 years of reading and screening resumes I have developed a list of 5 top resume killers that guarantee that you will be put in the back of the line. This list takes into assumption that you already know how to spell and are qualified for the job in which you are applying.
1. No clear objective. If you are applying to a homeowners claims adjuster position at an insurance company, your objective should be "Homeowners Claims Adjuster". It should be bold and at the very top of the resume. The majority of resumes have too much information at the top. Make your objective clear, concise and to the point.
2. One resume fits all. No two companies are alike and therefore, no two resumes should be the same. No matter what job you are applying to, make sure you format your job responsibilities to match that position. Most people have many skills they perform in their jobs. Highlight the skills that fit the job you are applying to so the resume screener can easily see keywords that match.
3. No cover letter. Technology has made it so easy to just click and send your resume to 50 jobs in the matter of minutes. If you are doing this, you certainly are not going to get a lot of responses. Each job you apply to should have a well written cover letter that summarizes your experiences (matching the job requirements). It also should ask for an interview and have clearly defined contact information.
4. Not showcasing accomplishments. If you want to write a great resume, indentify the skills in the job you are applying to and clearly define your actual accomplishments in your previous jobs. Many resumes are just bad job descriptions. If you are a general manager at a restaurant, talk in numbers on how you saved food cost, liquor cost or labor costs by using actual numbers. "Responsible for saving the company $123,000 in food cost by..." Paint your picture with your actual accomplishments.
5. Missing Dates/Confusing Dates. Use months and years in all dates in a resume (June 2007-March 2009). This becomes complicated if you have a lot of short stays, but always get your time line correct. Put reasons for leaving (like layoffs or moves) for short stays only. If employers have to fill in the blanks on your career timeline, most will pass.
After years of reviewing resumes I can offer you this advice. Once you complete your resume, anyone (neighbors, family members) should be able to read it quickly, know what you do and how good you are at doing it! This is done by simple and clear objectives and listed accomplishments in each previous and current job. Does your resume pass this test?
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Orlando: Home of Medical Simulation
Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission
From the creation of simulated trauma patients used to train military medics, to virtual 3D people used to diagnose and treat patients, the place to be for some of the latest gaming and digital media technology for health and medical applications is Orlando, Florida.
Orlando is one of the top 12 clusters in the country for digital media, as well as one of only two cities in the world with a large-scale 'medical city' complex underway. The digital media and medical sectors are converging, bringing new innovations to life. Numerous people and organizations are leading the way.
* 360Ed has teamed up with the Florida Department of Health and the University of Florida College of Medicine to develop Burn Center, an interactive, 3D, game-based technology used to train medical professionals at trauma centers, hospitals and universities across the country. The purpose of the program is to improve the triage and care of critically injured victims of burn, bomb and blast disasters.
* To become better doctors, the new University of Central Florida College of Medicine is engaging its first class of medical school students in playing games. A web-based avatar program developed by UCF Assistant Professor David Segal is helping students learn how to properly evaluate and diagnose a variety of patient ailments. The digital patients can respond to questions, sneeze, cough, age and even call students in the middle of the night with an illness.
* Engineering & Computer Simulations Inc. (ECS) developed a virtual world called Nexus to help first responders train and collaborate during natural disasters. The company also has a contract with the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM) to train military medical professionals.
* Emergency Medicine Learning & Resource Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and advancing emergency medicine, disaster management, pre-hospital emergency care and public health by providing annual continuing medical education and research activities. Its 45-foot Mobile Simulation Lab (motor coach) trains emergency providers around the state. The Lab utilizes simulation technologies to train real lifesavers on everything from ER care, to pandemic flu, nerve agents, blast
injuries and more.
* Virtual Reality Medical Center (VRMC) merges special effects with simulation technology at its Center for Injury Creation Science. Attracted to Metro Orlando because of the strength of the region's simulation and training industry combined with the University of Central Florida College of Medicine, the company develops prosthetic tissue and wounds for medical training purposes, among several other focus areas. These prosthetics can be adhered to mannequins or human actors and create a realistic training environment for combat medics or first responders.
From the creation of simulated trauma patients used to train military medics, to virtual 3D people used to diagnose and treat patients, the place to be for some of the latest gaming and digital media technology for health and medical applications is Orlando, Florida.
Orlando is one of the top 12 clusters in the country for digital media, as well as one of only two cities in the world with a large-scale 'medical city' complex underway. The digital media and medical sectors are converging, bringing new innovations to life. Numerous people and organizations are leading the way.
* 360Ed has teamed up with the Florida Department of Health and the University of Florida College of Medicine to develop Burn Center, an interactive, 3D, game-based technology used to train medical professionals at trauma centers, hospitals and universities across the country. The purpose of the program is to improve the triage and care of critically injured victims of burn, bomb and blast disasters.
* To become better doctors, the new University of Central Florida College of Medicine is engaging its first class of medical school students in playing games. A web-based avatar program developed by UCF Assistant Professor David Segal is helping students learn how to properly evaluate and diagnose a variety of patient ailments. The digital patients can respond to questions, sneeze, cough, age and even call students in the middle of the night with an illness.
* Engineering & Computer Simulations Inc. (ECS) developed a virtual world called Nexus to help first responders train and collaborate during natural disasters. The company also has a contract with the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM) to train military medical professionals.
* Emergency Medicine Learning & Resource Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and advancing emergency medicine, disaster management, pre-hospital emergency care and public health by providing annual continuing medical education and research activities. Its 45-foot Mobile Simulation Lab (motor coach) trains emergency providers around the state. The Lab utilizes simulation technologies to train real lifesavers on everything from ER care, to pandemic flu, nerve agents, blast
injuries and more.
* Virtual Reality Medical Center (VRMC) merges special effects with simulation technology at its Center for Injury Creation Science. Attracted to Metro Orlando because of the strength of the region's simulation and training industry combined with the University of Central Florida College of Medicine, the company develops prosthetic tissue and wounds for medical training purposes, among several other focus areas. These prosthetics can be adhered to mannequins or human actors and create a realistic training environment for combat medics or first responders.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
One of the Fastest Growing Economies in the U.S.
Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission
FEATURE: Despite the national economic slowdown, Metro Orlando's economic engine continues to hum. That’s because in terms of economic vitality, Orlando tends to lead the State of Florida and the state tends to lead the nation. A Global Insight study predicted that job growth in Orlando during the next five years will occur at the fastest rate in the country. Each year, Metro Orlando appears among the top 25 metros in the nation for economic strength; a ranking compiled by Policom Corporation based on economic growth and stability. If Florida were a country, it would have the 19th largest economy in the world.
BENEFIT: Business leaders in Metro Orlando can rest assured that they are in a region with a solid economic base and room to grow. This also provides a sense of security that family members will find plenty of job opportunities in their respective fields. The strong economy in Metro Orlando has also allowed local companies to look at ways of expanding their options by adding new product lines or services.
FEATURE: Despite the national economic slowdown, Metro Orlando's economic engine continues to hum. That’s because in terms of economic vitality, Orlando tends to lead the State of Florida and the state tends to lead the nation. A Global Insight study predicted that job growth in Orlando during the next five years will occur at the fastest rate in the country. Each year, Metro Orlando appears among the top 25 metros in the nation for economic strength; a ranking compiled by Policom Corporation based on economic growth and stability. If Florida were a country, it would have the 19th largest economy in the world.
BENEFIT: Business leaders in Metro Orlando can rest assured that they are in a region with a solid economic base and room to grow. This also provides a sense of security that family members will find plenty of job opportunities in their respective fields. The strong economy in Metro Orlando has also allowed local companies to look at ways of expanding their options by adding new product lines or services.
Tips for Job-Hunting During the Holidays
by Susan Johnston,
While the holidays might seem like a slow period for hiring, career experts say the season also presents an opportunity for job applicants to make an impression.
"Around the holidays, many job seekers are preoccupied with family gatherings and other distractions that keep them away from their searches," says Shawn Graham, author of "Courting Your Career" and director of MBA career services at the University of Pittsburgh. "As a result, the volume of applications for non-seasonal work is often lighter -- and that gives you, as a candidate, a greater chance of being seen."
Adds Mary Rosenbaum, a career coach and personal branding strategist at Your Career by Design, "Most companies work on their strategic plans during the fourth quarter and tend to be more open to a variety of potential hires that might fit with their strategic goals for the coming year."
Industries that use a bonus structure, like legal or financial firms, also anticipate turnover during the first quarter, because some employees leave after collecting their annual bonus.
So, how can job seekers stand out during the holiday season? Here are four ways to start:
Call during off hours.
"As the holidays approach, people are in and out of the office, and those who are at work often use that time to play catch up," says Graham. "Recruiters could use that time to give applicants of interest a longer look."
Since support staff may be out of the office, job seekers have a better chance of reaching an actual hiring manager or recruiter. One of the ways Graham suggests reaching managers when they aren't running in and out of meetings is to call before the start of the business day or after 5 p.m.
Avoid holiday gimmicks.
Some job seekers use cutesy ideas like sending a plate of Christmas cookies along with a cover letter or printing their resumes on holiday paper in the hopes that they'll get noticed. But Graham and Rosenbaum warn that these gimmicks can backfire.
"I'm not a fan of the holiday-inspired gimmick ploys," says Graham. "It's better to be more conservative. Make sure the content of your email is written persuasively and impactfully." By focusing on your skills rather than gimmicks, you also won't have to worry about offending people who celebrate different holidays.
Use events to build relationships, not beg for a job.
Holiday parties, end-of-the-year conferences, and other events all afford opportunities for networking. But job seekers can also organize holiday drinks with people they want to connect or reconnect with, since people tend to be more open to socializing during this time of year.
"Get people together for holiday drinks at Joe's Pub or something," suggests Rosenbaum. "The idea right now is to have more face time and build a relationship. What you should be doing now during the holiday time is contacting them in a way that puts them on a more equal footing." She adds that if you're unsure about someone's holiday traditions, you can simply offer their family your best.
Don't lose focus.
Staying motivated during the holidays could give you can edge over those applicants who put their search on hold. According to Graham, "The biggest thing is to keep at it. Around the holidays, it's easy to get caught up in all the distractions. Set aside that time every day and continue to look for opportunities."
Says Rosenbaum, "The idea is for people not to assume that because it's the holiday season that they shouldn't redouble their efforts. This is a really good time of year. People are much more willing to go out for drinks and spend a little more time. Use this time to forge relationships, not just look for the job."
While the holidays might seem like a slow period for hiring, career experts say the season also presents an opportunity for job applicants to make an impression.
"Around the holidays, many job seekers are preoccupied with family gatherings and other distractions that keep them away from their searches," says Shawn Graham, author of "Courting Your Career" and director of MBA career services at the University of Pittsburgh. "As a result, the volume of applications for non-seasonal work is often lighter -- and that gives you, as a candidate, a greater chance of being seen."
Adds Mary Rosenbaum, a career coach and personal branding strategist at Your Career by Design, "Most companies work on their strategic plans during the fourth quarter and tend to be more open to a variety of potential hires that might fit with their strategic goals for the coming year."
Industries that use a bonus structure, like legal or financial firms, also anticipate turnover during the first quarter, because some employees leave after collecting their annual bonus.
So, how can job seekers stand out during the holiday season? Here are four ways to start:
Call during off hours.
"As the holidays approach, people are in and out of the office, and those who are at work often use that time to play catch up," says Graham. "Recruiters could use that time to give applicants of interest a longer look."
Since support staff may be out of the office, job seekers have a better chance of reaching an actual hiring manager or recruiter. One of the ways Graham suggests reaching managers when they aren't running in and out of meetings is to call before the start of the business day or after 5 p.m.
Avoid holiday gimmicks.
Some job seekers use cutesy ideas like sending a plate of Christmas cookies along with a cover letter or printing their resumes on holiday paper in the hopes that they'll get noticed. But Graham and Rosenbaum warn that these gimmicks can backfire.
"I'm not a fan of the holiday-inspired gimmick ploys," says Graham. "It's better to be more conservative. Make sure the content of your email is written persuasively and impactfully." By focusing on your skills rather than gimmicks, you also won't have to worry about offending people who celebrate different holidays.
Use events to build relationships, not beg for a job.
Holiday parties, end-of-the-year conferences, and other events all afford opportunities for networking. But job seekers can also organize holiday drinks with people they want to connect or reconnect with, since people tend to be more open to socializing during this time of year.
"Get people together for holiday drinks at Joe's Pub or something," suggests Rosenbaum. "The idea right now is to have more face time and build a relationship. What you should be doing now during the holiday time is contacting them in a way that puts them on a more equal footing." She adds that if you're unsure about someone's holiday traditions, you can simply offer their family your best.
Don't lose focus.
Staying motivated during the holidays could give you can edge over those applicants who put their search on hold. According to Graham, "The biggest thing is to keep at it. Around the holidays, it's easy to get caught up in all the distractions. Set aside that time every day and continue to look for opportunities."
Says Rosenbaum, "The idea is for people not to assume that because it's the holiday season that they shouldn't redouble their efforts. This is a really good time of year. People are much more willing to go out for drinks and spend a little more time. Use this time to forge relationships, not just look for the job."
Friday, December 4, 2009
Feds Offer $235 Million For Health IT Leadership
A new grant program will help leading communities advance and track their use of health IT to improve quality of care and become role models to other communities.
By Marianne Kolbasuk McGee, InformationWeek
The U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services announced a $235 million grant program to fund communities strengthening their health information technology infrastructures and data exchange capabilities.
In a press teleconference on Tuesday, U.S. health secretary Kathleen Sebelius said the new Beacon Community Program grants will help communities of healthcare providers "get a handle" on improving care through the meaningful use of IT. The grants will help these communities -- including non-profit healthcare providers and government entities in rural and urban settings -- to advance and study improvements gained in patient quality of care through meaningful use of health IT.
The awards will be made to approximately 15 non-profit organizations or government entities representing geographic healthcare communities.
The grants will not be awarded to healthcare providers to start up health IT initiatives, but rather to communities that are already national leaders in their use of IT to advance healthcare quality, safety, efficiency, and population health. The establishment of the 15 cooperative agreements in designated regions "will be awarded based on merit," said Dr. David Blumenthal, national coordinator for health IT.
These "communities [will] become models for the rest of the country," said Sebelius. They will help other communities "look at the benefits of using technology and how to get those benefits," she said. The Beacon Communities will provide valuable lessons about the meaningful use of health IT to improve performance and quality of care, she said.
The Beacon Communities will be asked to track goals and measure improvements in efficiencies and quality of care that can be traced to the meaningful use of e-medical records and other health IT, said Blumenthal. Those improvements could include reductions in hospitalizations, smoking rates, blood pressure in patients with hypertension, or blood sugar in diabetics, he said.
Beacon Communities will also be asked to coordinate their efforts with state health information exchange programs and regional extension centers, which are "boots on the ground" assisting local healthcare providers in their deployment of health IT systems, said Blumenthal. The Beacon Communities will also be expected to maximize their efforts by leveraging other federal programs and government entities -- like the VA and Dept. of Defense -- that are also focused on promoting the exchange of health data. The Beacon Community Program funding comes from the $2 billion allotted for discretionary program spending in the $20 billion federal stimulus HITECH legislation signed into law as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act earlier this year.
So far, about 75% of the $2 billion HITECH discretionary funds have been allocated, said Blumenthal. That includes the Beacon Communities Program, as well as other recent initiatives, including the $80 million health IT workforce training program announced by HHS just before Thanksgiving.
President Obama was adamant about including health IT funding in ARRA because "improving quality of care is too important to wait for [healthcare] reform passage," said Sebelius. The new grants announced today, as well as other HITECH initiatives, are "all building blocks" of healthcare reform, she said.
Of the $235 million allocated for the Beacon Communities Program, $220 million will go toward grants for the 15 Beacon Community cooperative agreements for projects that include clinical decision support, creating infrastructures for goal setting, and governance in the use of e-medical records, said Blumenthal.
Of the reminder, $10 million will be used for an independent evaluation of the program and $5 million for technical assistance to the communities.
Applications to the government for the Beacon Community cooperative agreement grants are due in February 2010.
The new program's moniker is symbolic. Beacons "shed light locally and provide a point of location and guidance to those seeking direction," said Blumenthal. The new Beacon Communities "will be of service to others for meaningful use [of health IT]" and improving quality of care, he said.
By Marianne Kolbasuk McGee, InformationWeek
The U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services announced a $235 million grant program to fund communities strengthening their health information technology infrastructures and data exchange capabilities.
In a press teleconference on Tuesday, U.S. health secretary Kathleen Sebelius said the new Beacon Community Program grants will help communities of healthcare providers "get a handle" on improving care through the meaningful use of IT. The grants will help these communities -- including non-profit healthcare providers and government entities in rural and urban settings -- to advance and study improvements gained in patient quality of care through meaningful use of health IT.
The awards will be made to approximately 15 non-profit organizations or government entities representing geographic healthcare communities.
The grants will not be awarded to healthcare providers to start up health IT initiatives, but rather to communities that are already national leaders in their use of IT to advance healthcare quality, safety, efficiency, and population health. The establishment of the 15 cooperative agreements in designated regions "will be awarded based on merit," said Dr. David Blumenthal, national coordinator for health IT.
These "communities [will] become models for the rest of the country," said Sebelius. They will help other communities "look at the benefits of using technology and how to get those benefits," she said. The Beacon Communities will provide valuable lessons about the meaningful use of health IT to improve performance and quality of care, she said.
The Beacon Communities will be asked to track goals and measure improvements in efficiencies and quality of care that can be traced to the meaningful use of e-medical records and other health IT, said Blumenthal. Those improvements could include reductions in hospitalizations, smoking rates, blood pressure in patients with hypertension, or blood sugar in diabetics, he said.
Beacon Communities will also be asked to coordinate their efforts with state health information exchange programs and regional extension centers, which are "boots on the ground" assisting local healthcare providers in their deployment of health IT systems, said Blumenthal. The Beacon Communities will also be expected to maximize their efforts by leveraging other federal programs and government entities -- like the VA and Dept. of Defense -- that are also focused on promoting the exchange of health data. The Beacon Community Program funding comes from the $2 billion allotted for discretionary program spending in the $20 billion federal stimulus HITECH legislation signed into law as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act earlier this year.
So far, about 75% of the $2 billion HITECH discretionary funds have been allocated, said Blumenthal. That includes the Beacon Communities Program, as well as other recent initiatives, including the $80 million health IT workforce training program announced by HHS just before Thanksgiving.
President Obama was adamant about including health IT funding in ARRA because "improving quality of care is too important to wait for [healthcare] reform passage," said Sebelius. The new grants announced today, as well as other HITECH initiatives, are "all building blocks" of healthcare reform, she said.
Of the $235 million allocated for the Beacon Communities Program, $220 million will go toward grants for the 15 Beacon Community cooperative agreements for projects that include clinical decision support, creating infrastructures for goal setting, and governance in the use of e-medical records, said Blumenthal.
Of the reminder, $10 million will be used for an independent evaluation of the program and $5 million for technical assistance to the communities.
Applications to the government for the Beacon Community cooperative agreement grants are due in February 2010.
The new program's moniker is symbolic. Beacons "shed light locally and provide a point of location and guidance to those seeking direction," said Blumenthal. The new Beacon Communities "will be of service to others for meaningful use [of health IT]" and improving quality of care, he said.
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