[rtpnet-tact] DRAFT: Conference News Release

[Judy Hallman]

Do you see any problems with this news release? -- Judy

FOR RELEASE FEBRUARY 12, 2004

Contact:
Judy Hallman
919-933-3931
E-mail: hallman at rtpnet.org
Conference Web site: www.rtpnet.org/conf

Conference on Bridging NC's Digital Divide

Chapel Hill, NC - Effective use of Information Technology is necessary to
succeed, particularly in today's challenging economy. There is a gap
between those people and communities who can make effective use of
information technology and those who cannot.

RTPnet's 5th Annual Conference, March 19, 2004, at the William and Ida
Friday Center in Chapel Hill, will focus on the wide variety of programs
aimed at bridging North Carolina's Digital/Human Divide. Individuals and
representatives of nonprofit and social services groups that provide
access to computers and training are encouraged to attend, as well as
educators, librarians, computer specialists, and representatives of
grant-making foundations, who want to learn how they can contribute to
this effort. This event provides an opportunity to build a personal
network of people and organizations active in using computers and Internet
technology to build a better, stronger community in North Carolina and
beyond.

For the first time, RTPnet Community Technology Awards will be presented
at the conference. These awards recognize and honor individuals,
organizations, institutions, and businesses that have made significant
contributions to North Carolina communities in the area of information and
computer technology. Nominations for the 2004 RTPnet Community Technology
Awards will be accepted through February 23, 2004.

Conference highlights include:
 - Online Fundraising Strategies
 - Learning Technologies
 - What Role for Wireless?
 - Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools: Lessons Learned
 - WinstonNet: Building a Community-Based Technology Infrastructure
 - Meeting Needs for Recycling	`	``
 - Future for NC Information Infrastructure Networks
 - Tech LinkUp: Linking technology needs and resources to support
     nonprofit organizations
 - Drawing for Door Prizes (including an IBM ThinkPad R30 Laptop,
     Model 2656-20U)
 - Community Technology Awards Reception

RTPnet is a community network for the Triangle area (www.rtpnet.org).  For
conference information visit www.rtpnet.org/conf/ or e-mail
info at rtpnet.org. For awards information and a link to the nomination form,
visit www.rtpnet.org/awards/.