Culminis

Dutch Messaging & Collaboration User Group (DMCUG)
"Culminis provided us with a lot of support for starting up the community. The templates available were of great help, and also the continuing support, often on a daily basis, has been excellent."

 

Steven van Houttum, Leader
Microsoft Certified Trainer

I just wanted to express my appreciation for the support our Chapter has received from Culminis over the past year.  In particular, I'd like to recognize Lani Fraizer and John Paul Parker -- both of whom have contributed to the success of our Chapter.

 

When Lani first approached us on the idea of a partnership with Culminis, our Chapter really didn't have means for a "partnership".  Of course, our Chapter had sponsors, but a partnership was a new concept that we had to work out.  I had the opportunity of exploring our partnership when Culminis invited us to partner at an "SQL Roadshow" in San Francisco.  While I wasn't able to take full advantage of the presentations, I did make new contacts -- even some who were from back home in Sacramento.  That made me realize there are many groups in Sacramento that should be working together rather than competing for attention.  The experience gave me an understanding of what Culminis is all about -- "Bringing IT Together".

 

From a less philosophical perspective, our Chapter has benefited by having a reliable source of raffle items for our monthly meetings -- and real software, not just shirts and coffee cups.  Even though our Chapter had to work through leadership and scheduling changes, members now look-forward to chapter meetings.  Having something fun, like a raffle, helped boost member morale, as well as meeting attendance.  While this year has been chaotic for ISSA Sacramento, contributions from Culminis provided that added incentive for our members to actively seek out where we were meeting and what we were presenting.

 

Culminis was a great deal of help when it came down to our annual Symposium.  Planning a 3-day symposium is no easy feat.  Lani energized our advertising campaign when she came on board with our planning committee.  From a near stand-still, our advertising reached commercial, industry and academic markets we didn't even know we had.  Lani and John Paul also came through with an awesome speaker - Kai Axford of Microsoft - who discussed "Security in Microsoft SQL Server 2005".  John Paul came through with even more give-aways that have been so popular all year long.  Culminis helped make our Symposium very successful.

 

Overall, a partnership with Culminis has worked out extremely well for our Chapter.  I also understand that other local professional associations are following our lead, for example the Microsoft Project Association.  I hope we can both continue to benefit from a long-lasting partnership with Culminis.

Thank you so very much.

 

Best regards,

Dean Hipwell, CISSP
President, Sacramento Valley Chapter
Information Systems Security Association

The IT User group I belong to (www.witpro.ca) recently became a Culminis member.  Wow, the initial package we received from them was full of great FREE stuff including a lot of giveaways we can use to attract and build our membership base.
 
If you run an IT User group I'd recommend getting on board with Culminis.
 
- Rodney Buike, MVP Windows Server - Directory Services
 
http://thelazyadmin.com

Vlad {Mazek, Orlando SBS} can probably recount the experience that many of us have had.  I wish we had prepared 1500 pieces. I got the word that here in Denver, despite the snow storm; we had over 2800 attendees at the SQL server launch. Our table was positioned right in the first cluster of tables -- right on the foot path of 80% of attendees who entered the Community Hall. Sounds like Vlad had a similar table.
 
As far as what was provide by MS and Culminis... A launch package for the group. Possible funding for the group if 25 members of the group attended. Training for the group coordinator. A table in an ideal spot with Internet and power -- probably the highest priced tables in the house -- with a nice big sign so you couldn't miss who we were. The opportunity to be at the show that other local groups had tried to get into and told space wasn't available.
 
Culminis absolutely rocks. They have the interests of the groups, for the groups and by the groups.  From all indications Culminis has not shown that they have any hidden agendas have been friendly and honest while providing an open dialog and understanding on many issues.
 
We have had invites and other things that cost exhibitors and other companies big money, or just can't be had. For those of you that haven't listened to what Ron had to say have done yourself and huge disservice.
 
I’m hoping Vlad had done what I wanted to do and would have done if I knew the numbers. Techies and others are drawn by pretty stuff or free things to fill the gullet.  Offer them those two things draws them into the table from that point people want engaging people - someone that will talk to them in a pleasant manor answer their questions, provide them tidbits of information, and a way to connect with other geeks to solve common problems or just for a sense of community. If you do this in a manor that people feel doesn't waste there time or resources they will at least come.
 
From that point on the meetings and how they are conducted is what keeps them coming back. Got to have a good consistent message(s) presented in a decent format to keep people interested, engaged, and coming back for more.

 

- Frank Clark

I recently attended the Active Directory hands-on lab and it was excellent. The instructor, George Clay, was excellent. Part of what made him so good as a trainer is that he also had real world experience. I heard many comments from other attendees that were also impressed with the lab. If all of the New Horizons instructors have similar expertise and backgrounds, then this is indeed a certification resource that NTPCUG members should look at. Thanks again for providing this opportunity to NTPCUG members.

 

– Linda Moore

 

That is AWESOME news!!!  :-) I posted the announcement to our user group and to my blog, because this is a special event for us!  We're adding new members every month, so hopefully we'll hit the 50 member mark at our one-year anniversary (April/May '05)! [in response to being accepted as a member]

 

– Tim Barrett

 

 

*A note from Culminis: This user group reached 71 members by the beginning of May 2005, making them surpass their membership goals.

We have great and valuable giveaways for our next meeting from Culminis

 

- Cynthia Slade

 

Thank you to you and Culminis for your support and partnership with AITP, we greatly appreciate it up here.  

 

- Tony Aukland

 

We discussed quite a few things ranging from the MVP program to Culminis and the state of Microsoft in general. Very good call [in response to a call from the Director of Membership].

 

- Liam Colvin

 

Thank you for all the prizes for the golf outing.  What you sent will really make this a successful event.   Thank you very much. 

 

- Stan Hoffman

 

It was great to talk to you. You were extremely informative and it really opened up what Culminis is offering and where it is going. 

 

- Liam Colvin