Tech Council of Central PA

Hey Digizens! Happy Thursday, and welcome to your weekend! As the summer sun shines across Central PA, from the banks of the Susquehanna to the shadow of Mount Nittany, we're here to help you plug into the energy of our local tech scene. This edition is all about connection and opportunity, designed to keep you informed and empowered as you build your career right here at home. This weekend, we’re putting the spotlight on the Technology Council of Central PA, the folks working hard to weave our community together. We've also curated a fresh list of can't-miss local and remote job openings calling your name. And if you're ready to sharpen your skills, be sure to check out our development corner. Let's get to it!

Meet the Connectors: Why the Tech Council of Central PA is the Indispensable Backbone of Our Community

Ever feel like you're on a tech island, coding or managing projects miles away from your nearest peer? In a region as spread out as ours, stretching from the bustling corridors of Harrisburg and Lancaster to the academic hub of State College, that feeling of professional isolation is all too common. For nearly three decades, however, one organization has been dedicated to bridging those geographical and professional gaps, serving as the essential connective tissue for our entire tech ecosystem: The Technology Council of Central Pennsylvania (TCCP).  

Founded in 1996, a time when the modern internet was just taking root and the phrase "Y2K" was on the horizon, the TCCP was born from a forward-thinking vision to unite a nascent but promising tech community. While the tech landscape has transformed dramatically since then, the Council's core purpose has remained steadfast. It functions as a 501(c)(6) business league, but its impact feels much more like that of a community builder, a career catalyst, and a regional champion all rolled into one. Its mission is clear and powerful: to connect members and organizations to promote technology and fuel economic development across Central Pennsylvania. This isn't just a slogan; it's a comprehensive strategy that guides every program, event, and partnership the TCCP undertakes.

At the heart of this strategy are five guiding priorities that demonstrate the Council's holistic approach to ecosystem development. First, it seeks to Collaborate to Solve Strategic Problems, encouraging the co-creation of solutions where technology can address key industry issues. Second, it is fiercely dedicated to helping employers Recruit & Retain Diverse Talent, with a special focus on underrepresented groups. Third, it provides timely, lifelong learning opportunities so professionals can Stay Sharp with Peers in a constantly evolving industry. Fourth, it creates pathways to Grow the Business, helping members cultivate leads, improve practices, and raise their profiles. Finally, the TCCP is committed to Promoting the Region, playing a leading role in showcasing the innovation and opportunity that exists right here in our backyard.

This mission comes to life through a vibrant and diverse array of programs designed to empower every member of our tech community. Perhaps the most tangible examples of the "Stay Sharp with Peers" philosophy are the TCCP's Peer Learning Groups. These are not stuffy lectures; they are dynamic, virtual forums where professionals can connect with subject-matter experts and colleagues to tackle real-world challenges. The groups cover some of the most critical fields in today's market, including dedicated sessions for Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Project Management, and Agile methodologies. The value of this peer-to-peer model is immense; it fosters a collaborative environment where participants can share best practices, gain insights from different perspectives, and build trusted professional relationships that last long after the session ends. It’s where a developer from York can troubleshoot a problem with an engineer from State College, creating a powerful network of shared knowledge.  

The TCCP’s commitment to building a more inclusive and supportive ecosystem shines brightly through its dedicated initiatives for underrepresented groups. The Women In Tech (WIT) program is a cornerstone of this effort, working to create a level playing field for women across the industry. The annual WIT Awards are a testament to this, celebrating the trailblazing women who are innovators and role models in our community. The event doesn't just recognize established leaders; it invests in the future by awarding scholarships to exceptional female students pursuing STEM disciplines at regional colleges. Looking at the list of past winners—like 2024's Next Gen Award recipient Christina Milano-Damaskos of Athlon, Inc. or Moxie Award winner Stephanie Blanda of Lebanon Valley College—provides a powerful snapshot of the incredible female talent shaping our region. Similarly, the Veterans In Tech (VIT) program provides a crucial support system for those transitioning from military service to civilian tech careers. Facilitated by fellow veterans, these sessions offer a space to share experiences and learn from peers who have successfully navigated that journey, turning shared service into a shared professional future.

Of course, the TCCP is also renowned for its large-scale events that serve as the region's premier "town square" gatherings. Co-hosted with Harrisburg University, PA TechCon stands as the largest governmental tech conference in Pennsylvania, bringing together over 750 leaders from government, education, and the private sector to explore digital solutions and secure our digital infrastructure. For those focused on the cutting edge of commercial innovation, the annual CentralPA Innovate! event offers a thrilling showcase of the groundbreaking technologies being born and nurtured right here at home. And for pure, unadulterated networking, events like the upcoming Ctrl+Alt+Chic on August 20th provide an invaluable opportunity for the region's women in tech to connect and collaborate in a supportive setting.  

Looking ahead, the TCCP is guided by a clear and ambitious 2024-2026 Strategic Plan, ensuring its work remains aligned with the evolving needs of the community. Key objectives include enhancing the value of its programming, celebrating the achievements of its members through broader marketing and media, and solidifying its role as a central resource hub for information, education, and training. This forward-looking vision is stewarded by a dedicated leadership team, headed by President & CEO Alexis Gosik. A transformational leader with deep roots in Central PA and a passion for facilitating collaboration, Gosik is focused on executing the Council's mission by strengthening partnerships across business, government, and academia.

Ultimately, the Technology Council of Central Pennsylvania is far more than just a professional organization. It is a community-driven engine for growth, connection, and empowerment. It’s the force that turns a collection of disparate tech professionals into a cohesive, thriving ecosystem. For anyone working in tech in our region, getting involved with the TCCP isn't just a good career move—it's an investment in the collective success of our entire community.

Ready to find your people, sharpen your skills, and help build the future of tech in Central PA? The TCCP is the place to start. Learn more and become a member at www.tccp.org.  

Open Roles: Remote & Local

Ready to make your next move? Here are some of the most exciting local and remote opportunities that have crossed our desk this week.

Skills & Development Corner

Investing in yourself is the best investment you can make. Here are a few upcoming opportunities to sharpen your skills, learn something new, and get ahead in your career.

Digizenburg Dispatch Community Spaces

Hey Digizens, your insights are what fuel our community! We've been diving deep into the world where AI meets BI, and we know many of you have firsthand experiences and brilliant perspectives to share. Let's keep the conversation flowing beyond these pages, on the platforms that work best for you. We'd love for you to join us in social media groups on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Reddit – choose the space where you already connect or feel most comfortable. Share your thoughts, ask questions, spark discussions, and connect with fellow Digizens who are just as passionate about navigating and shaping our digital future. Your contributions enrich our collective understanding, so jump in and let your voice be heard on the platform of your choice!

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Our exclusive Google Calendar is the ultimate roadmap for all the can’t-miss events in Central PA! Tailored specifically for the technology and digital professionals among our subscribers, this curated calendar is your gateway to staying connected, informed, and inspired. From dynamic tech meetups and industry conferences to cutting-edge webinars and innovation workshops, our calendar ensures you never miss out on opportunities to network, learn, and grow. Join the Dispatch community and unlock your all-access pass to the digital pulse of Central PA.