March, 2003
Another Day at the Zoo for SMUG
by Adam Bush
Kalamazoo, that is. Our first event for 2003 was held at the Fetzer Center of WMU and was sponsored by everyone's favorite Pro/E reseller, NASCO Technologies. NASCO was even so generous as to provide a lunch buffet, with plenty of food for everyone. All attendees received a PTC travel mug and there were 7 vendor exhibits which resulted in a lot of great door prizes. To top off this grand affair, NASCO also hosted a post-meeting cocktail reception which gave everyone an opportunity to mingle and network.
Presentation Synopses
Bob Miller from WMU presented "Parkview Campus Overview". He gave an overview and update on Western Michigan University's new Parkview Campus including the new College of Engineering and Applied Sciences facility as well as the new Business Technology and Research Park. The "BTR Park" is one of the fastest growing projects of its kind in the nation and has been honored as an example of a "best practice" for university research parks.
Andy Meinert from NASCO Technologies presented "Intro to Top Down Design". What it is; Why do it; Intro to tools and methods.
Todd Piccuillo from PTC presented "Funds Available for PTC Training". He explaind how PTC is working with our state and local officials to help displaced workers receive valuable training in Pro/ENGINEER under the Workforce Investment Act and Michigan’s Dislocated Worker Program. The WIA is a federally funded program that distributes millions of dollars to the individual states to fund training for displaced workers. The Dislocated Worker Program is the distribution channel for WIA funds in the state of Michigan. Todd also discussed funds that are available to companies for PTC training.
Bill Schlund from PTC presented "Simple-Powerful-Connected". Bill demonstrated why we will no longer have to compromise. The new Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire is:
- Simple. An all-new user interface that's a breeze to master, from the novice to the expert
- Powerful. Any product of any complexity, designed from art to part
- Connected. The peer-to-peer Web inside to keep everyone on the same page
Door Prizes
Vendor door prizes were awarded to the following people:
Steve Birman won a PDA; donated by Kaysun
Jason Rewa won a crank radio; donated by Systar
George Nyeste won a crank radio; donated by Systar
David Byrne won a crank radio; donated by Systar
Alex Garcia won an Xbox; donated by TechRim
Marshall Proulx won a GPS; donated by Landmark Systems
Andre' Mathews won a digital camera; donated by Onward Technologies
Phil DeRuiter won a PDA & $100 credit for services; donated by Eagle Design