The first meeting of the Consultant's Group was held on Tuesday, April 27th, at Park's Landing in Westminster. The group was small, but represented a diverse background including project management, RF design, embedded designs (both hardware and software) and network security.
Discussion touched on many aspects of the group and where we'd like to go. It was agreed that the group should move towards becoming an affinity group of the IEEE. However, because the group was small and there were not enough members present to sign the petition at this time. It was agreed that we would continue to meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month at Park's Landing. By providing a consistent meeting time, it is felt that others will join the group eventually becoming large enough to meet the requirements.
Although Westminster was acceptable to all those present, those attending will investigate other possibilities. A more central location should be conducive to a larger attendance. All present felt that an environment that provided casual dining in a quiet atmosphere would be preferred.
Discussion touched on the various needs of the group. It was agreed that there is enough material to provide interesting meetings over an extended time period. Common topics included health insurance, liability insurance, contracts, finding work, partnering, etc.; issues that are of concern to all entrepreneurs.
The next meeting will continue addressing the issues of organization with specific focus on naming the group and forming requirements for an internet presence. (The specific topic of a logo was not addressed at this time.)
Those present were:
Paul Hupfer, IEEE Member
Eric Maiwald, IEEE Member
Roy Stehlik, IEEE Member
Roger Fitzgerald
David Pfaltzgraff, IEEE Member