TechTalk enews: April 2020 edition

Intel launches $50 million pandemic response technology initiative to combat the coronavirus, PADT, Inc. shares five tips on adapting to COVID-19, Universal Avionics provides assembly-line space to manufacture medical face masks and shields, Acronis joins #OpenWeStand movement to support small businesses, Benchmark plays a crucial engineering and manufacturing role against COVID-19, WSI Digital Marketing provides 10 tips to help businesses survive, Virtuosity helps businesses remain productive during the COVID-19 outbreak, Integrity Outsource pledges $50,000 to help Arizona small businesses, and more. Read the complete update.

Message from the CEO: Helping you to stay connected + engaged
Pivoting in response to the public health crisis, the Arizona Technology Council has worked hard to help Council members and the community at large to stay connected and engaged. From virtual tech events, leadership roundtables and bootcamps, to amping up public policy efforts and launching a laptop donation drive for Arizona students, together we are strengthening Arizona’s business and technology community for a brighter tomorrow. Read more here >>

Council launches laptop drive to help close the digital divide for students The Arizona Technology Council is partnering with AZ StRUT to secure unwanted laptops and chargers that can be refurbished for use by students. If your organization would like to donate laptops for students to continue online learning during school closures due to the pandemic, AZ StRUT representatives will pick up quantities of 40 or more laptops. Individuals may also donate laptops at Batteries Plus stores throughout the Valley. Visit here to learn more.

Arizona Technology Council launches new podcast: AZ TechCast
AZ TechCast, the new podcast of the Arizona Technology Council, is dedicated to covering innovation in Arizona and beyond, success stories, news and analysis about the region’s leading startups, companies and emerging technologies, as well as the latest industry trends and critical issues propelling Arizona’s growing technology ecosystem. Listen to the April 2020 episode featuring guests from UArizona College of Medicine, UArizona College of Public Health, PADT, Inc. and the Arizona Technology Council.

Make your voice heard: Participate in the Business Impact Survey
To better understand the challenges to help your business survive and thrive, please take a few minutes to participate in our Business Impact Survey. This feedback will provide elected officials, policymakers, business executives and community leaders with a greater understanding of the technology industry’s and business community’s current and future needs. Take the survey >>

COVID-19 resources to help you and your business
The coronavirus is causing financial difficulties for businesses, employees and communities across the United States. Here are valuable resources that can help you and your business navigate during this difficult situation: 
www.aztechcouncil.org/about-us/covid-19-resources.

Virtual Breakfast Speaker Series featuring Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego
Tuesday, May 5 | 9:00AM | Virtual Event
“When Crisis Hits: “What Phoenix is Doing to Help Small Businesses Weather COVID-19.” Register to attend this virtual event >>

Virtual Speaker Series: Arizona’s Advanced Manufacturing Initiatives
Tuesday, May 12 | 9:00AM | Virtual Event
Join us as we explore current initiatives and efforts in Arizona’s advanced manufacturing sector, and what Boeing is doing to address present needs in the community and beyond. Register to attend >>

Virtual Speaker Series: Maintaining Critical Infrastructure 
Thursday, May 14 | 3:30PM | Virtual Event 
Join BigData Southwest CEO Kirk Busch moderates an expert panel of municipal, healthcare, data center, telecom and energy leaders as they discuss the current and future initiatives to facilitate the economic engine of our society. Register to attend >>

Virtual Breakfast Speaker Series: Cybersecurity Working from Home
Tuesday, May 19 | 9:00AM | Virtual Event
Join cybersecurity expert Frank Grimmelmann on Tuesday, May 19, as he shares strategies and best practices to curtail the efforts of hackers to access valuable data under the current circumstances. Register to attend >>

How MarTech and Internal Communications Help Companies Thrive
Thursday, May 21 | 11:30AM | Virtual Event 
Join us to hear firsthand how Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona’s internal communications team plays a vital role in its success. Attendees will learn how technology is leveraged, what employees expect from top-notch companies and the future of internal communications. Moderated by KEO Marketing and Slake Consulting. Free event for members. Register to attend >>

MedTech 2020 Conference | AI in Health Care
June 17 | Venue8600 | 8600 E Anderson Drive | Scottsdale AZ 85255
This unparalleled gathering of healthcare professionals, innovators and medtech experts will discuss the future of medtech and the role of AI and machine learning in health care. Attendees will hear industry thought leaders share how advanced technology is disrupting and evolving health care as we know it to vastly improve patient assessment and treatment. Register to attend >>

Stay connected and engaged in the tech community
Some Council events have recently been rescheduled or shifted to virtual events. Visit www.aztechcouncil.org/tech-events for the most up-to-date tech events in Phoenix and Tucson.

Valley technology firms respond to a call for action

As we all work to make it through what could be called one of the most troubling periods in modern history, there are those who walk among us that already are meeting these new challenges head-on. In particular, members of the Arizona Technology Council and others are rising to the occasion, even reinventing themselves in some cases to meet the needs of others struggling to deal with the effects of ongoing health crisis. Read more about these amazing companies who are making a difference to combat COVID-19.

Know a great Arizona company making a difference in the community? 
Email [email protected] so the Council can feature their efforts.

Affordable health care is of the utmost importance, now more than ever.

The Arizona Technology Council understands that many companies, startups and small businesses cannot afford health insurance. That is exactly why the Council’s new association health plan with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona is a perfect fit for employers with less than 100 employees. Request a quote to find the right plan for your company and get the health care you deserve. Visit www.aztechcouncil.org/ahp or contact [email protected].

April 2020 Preferred Business Partner: R3eWaste

As a member of the Arizona Technology Council, you have greater access to R3eWaste, a premier electronics and technology recycling provider based in Phoenix, Ariz. Visit www.r3ewaste.com to learn how R3eWaste’s services and commitment to the environment can help you responsibly dispose of or repurpose your computers and electronic devices.

Preferred Business Partners Program 
Your business has daily challenges…finding the right vendors shouldn’t be one of them. Don’t waste time collecting quotes around town—we’ve done that for you. Visit www.aztechcouncil.org/pbp for valuable discounts to help your business or tech startup grow.

PLATINUM SPONSORS