On October 5, the SoCal North Chapter of the International Association of Microsoft Channel Partners (IAMCP) hosted an “Advocacy Kickoff” event at the Microsoft Store at the Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park, California. Thank you to IAMCP and VFI leaders Bill Hole and Veronica Place for pulling this together.
It was a great event, with many new Voices for Innovation members in attendance. Guest speakers included California State Assembly Member Matt Dababneh (D-45), Microsoft’s head of Government Affairs in California Robyn Hines, and VFI Director Jonathan Friebert.
Assembly Member Dababneh discussed the value of technology and innovation to the California economy. He said that government had a key role to play in helping keep data and online communications private and secure. He also said that elected officials need to hear from more technology leaders and encouraged those in attendance to get involved.
Robyn Hines highlighted the importance of tech professionals being advocates for innovation with elected officials. She also discussed some of the activities of Microsoft in California to support technology education as well as informed the group about upcoming community opportunities for local partners to participate in.
Jonathan Friebert provided an overview of what VFI does, and how participation helps tech partners make professional connections and foster positive public policies. He also discussed key federal issues that will impact tech businesses and future innovation, including trade, patent reform, investing in STEM education, cloud computing taxes, and online privacy and security.
Would you like to host a similar event at a Microsoft store or learn more about VFI? Drop us an email at voicesforinnovation@outlook.com to let us know.
