Free Meeting of itSMF Houston February 19

#1

IT Service Management Forum to Hold Free Meeting Focusing on IT Jobs in the Houston Area

HOUSTON, TX (FEBRUARY 13, 2009) — The Houston Local Interest Group of the Information Technology Service Management Forum (itSMF USA), a non-profit, national organization dedicated to advancing IT management through use of best practices, will hold a complimentary meeting from 8:30 A.M. to noon in the Westchase District on February 19, 2009, themed “Steering Careers through Uncertain Times.” The meeting is open to all Information Technology professionals. There is no charge and attendees need not be members of the itSMF, but seating is limited and advance registration at the group’s Website is required (http://www.itsmf-houston.org). Registration will close at noon February 18.

While itSMF Houston’s meetings typically focus on applying best-practice frameworks and standards to the operation of IT departments and companies, the global recession has pressed human resource issues to the forefront. Houston has not yet been hit as hard as other cities in the country, but the area certainly feels the effects on its jobs and anticipates more to come. “We probably will be losing jobs throughout 2009. This also means that each month, there will be fewer people buying the goods and services that our local economy is producing,” said Joel Wagher, noted labor analyst with Workforce Solutions and one of the speakers at the February 19 meeting.

The meeting at the BMC Building at 2101 Citywest Boulevard will feature four experts representing different aspects of the current environment for IT jobs. Joel Wagher is a well-known Houston labor analyst who is featured regularly in both print and broadcast media. Dag Blokkum, formerly of the BMC Thought Leadership Council, is an authority in IT training, continuing education, and consulting. Jim Yoshimura is the Texas Regional Vice President for COMSYS, an international staffing and professional services firm. Ed Bacon is co-chairman of Between Jobs, and has worked in employment transition support in the Houston area for 12 years. Each will give a short presentation, and then will convene as an open panel for questions from the audience. The meeting will also allow ample opportunity for attendees to meet and network.

Complete information and registration is available on itSMF Houston’s Website at http://www.itsmf-houston.org.
About the itSMF USA

Founded in 1997, the Information Technology Service Management Forum (itSMF) USA (http://www.itsmfusa.org) is a rapidly growing non-profit membership organization dedicated to the advancement of best practices and standards in the provision and management of IT Services through knowledge sharing, education, and networking opportunities. Current membership is approaching 10,000 individuals, with affiliated Local Interest Groups (LIGs) serving 42 regions nationwide, as well as Special Interest Groups (SIGs) with domains including healthcare, higher education, ISO/IEC 20000, and a student SIG. itSMF USA is affiliated with the itSMF International, which was formed in 1991.
About itSMF Houston

Serving the 10 counties of the Greater Houston metropolitan area, itSMF Houston (http://www.itsmf-houston.org) is the Local Interest Group of the Information Technology Service Management Forum. Founded in 2004 and operated by volunteer officers, the group’s purpose is to provide local organizations and individual IT professionals with a forum in which to exchange and share experiences that will assist them in managing their IT services in accordance with global best practices like ITIL®, ISO/IEC 20000, and COBIT.

ITIL® is a Registered Trademark of the Office of Government Commerce in the United Kingdom and other countries.