Local Speakers

The following local speakers have indicated a willingness to give presentations to user groups. Those listed are mostly in the east valley and we’d like to add speakers from other parts of Arizona as well. So please tell us who you would like added to our listing.

We’ve found that all presentations don’t have to necessarily be about computers, software or hardware. Therefore, there are some other speakers listed who discuss other educational topics.

Please send additions and deletions to Sandra Hart.

CMIT Solutions, Les Blodgett
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Mesa Police Department

Carey builds, repairs, and upgrades computers. He gives excellent presentations, tailored to your specific user group. It isn’t a canned speech. Carey says, “My specialty is a unique presentation based on the questions each User Group members have. Most recently my discussions have been on free software alternatives to paid software’s.

COI Computers (Captain of Industry)
www.coicomputers.com

Joe DeMichael
9127 W Union Hills Dr Suite 302A
Peoria AZ 85382
Phone: 602-863-3377
Fax: 623-376-6476
joe@coicomputers.com

Business card reads: Custom Computers, Networking Services, Home Theatre/Automation, Parts, Service & Upgrades, High Speed Internet Access, Web Site Design, and Award Winning Support.

Joe provides an excellent custom presentation. He prefers to talk about new technology but is good on many topics. His presentation talents are limited to the west valley as he has a thriving business that rightfully claims his time

7/22/07 Updated

Eric Jensen - Office Manager
9911 E. Baseline Rd. Suite 105
Mesa, AZ 85209
480-661-5000
Eric.jensen@datadoctors.com

Eric Jensen manages several Data Doctor Franchises in the east valley. His presentations are limited to the east valley.

Eric’s presentation is general information about computers and the latest in software, but says he is game for anything with advanced notice!

Katie Gertz
Mesa
480-330-2547
kmgertz@cox.net

TOPIC: Computer repair, upgrades, and private instruction in your home. She is knowledgeable, interesting and most willing to answer questions.

Katie works full time… therefore restricts her travel area to the east valley.

Taylor Scott
7975 N. Hayden Rd # C-320
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
1-877-629-6972
602-635-6148
480-240-9800
tscott@mycomputerworks.com

TOPIC: My Computer Works is a leading provider of help desk and personal computer support services for thousands of small businesses and home consumers nationwide. The company’s friendly, Phoenix based technicians connect directly and securely to your Microsoft Windows PC using a high-speed internet connection to answer your questions and solve your computer problems immediately. With a number of affordable service plans, including one-time support and unlimited support memberships, you too will remain stress-free with My Computer Works.

Our presentation will be brief, no more than 15 minutes. We will hand out flyers and then describe our service after which we will answer any questions and see if anyone would like to sign up.

Serving On-Line Seniors (S.O.S.) is a company dedicated to providing low-cost computer assistance, repairs and training to seniors.

We have been giving presentations at computer clubs in the East Mesa area for over 6 years now. There is no sales pitch, just one or two hours of fun, information and entertainment!

Our main intention with presentations is to teach. Most of the time a Q & A works well. We also do specific subjects if requested by the clubs.

Social Security Administration

James Pavletich
Public Information Officer
Social Security Administration
250 North 7th Avenue, Suite 210
Phoenix, AZ 85007
(602) 379-4518 ext 202 or (602) 379-3000
James.pavletich@ssa.gov

Topic: Social Security (SSA) is always looking for opportunities to share information about our programs and services. This is of special interest to those who are computer literate as we are rapidly expanding our internet and online services. Specifically, we are interested in explaining our benefit programs (Retirement, Survivors, Disability, Medicare and Supplemental Security Income) and how our public can access those programs. Knowing there are a huge number of "Baby Boomers" who could file their own claims over the internet this offers them a more convenient way to obtain their benefits. We also offer internet services for those who are already eligible. We offer services to employers and tax professionals to assist in filing W-2 information.

8/01/08 Updated

Peter Nolan , Owner
62 N. Stapley Drive
Mesa, AZ 85203
480-834-1318
info@softque.com

Peter says, “SoftQue is the oldest full service computer store in the East Valley, specializing in computer repair (including Laptops).

Presentations can include any topic to do with the PC… security being the subject of greatest importance”

L. D. S. Mesa Regional Family History Center

John Oliver
41 South Hoboson
Mesa. AZ 85204
480-964-1200

TOPIC: Can be anything from getting organized, to the basics & advance files, or searching the Internet and using the US Census, Vital records Land Records and etc. Most of these topics are PowerPoint presentations and will require projection equipment.

Internet Access - Broadband / Cable / DSL

COX Communications
www.cox.com

Chuck McQuarrie
623-328-3813
Chuck.McQuarrie@cox.com

Cox Communications is bringing high speed Internet to a computer near you! Cox representatives are available to present the features and benefits of our J.D. Powers Award winning internet service and answer any questions that you might have. Special offers and savings will be made available.

To arrange a presentation, please email Chuck McQuarrie at chuck.mcquarrie@cox.com or call at 623-328-3813.

7/22/07 Updated

Qwest Communications
www.Qwest.com

Robert Blumm
Community Focus Representative
Robert.Blumm@Qwest.com
(602) 576-3935
(480) 768-4546

Robert is part of the "feet on the street" team to enrich the Spirit of Service for Qwest residential customers. His expertise is high-speed Internet connections; i.e. difference between cable and DSL, security and performance, and the different types of modems that are used. Presentations are 15 - 30 minutes in length

7/22/07 Updated

12/2007 - Updated

Online Investing, Financial Planning, & Taxes

Geoffrey Hebert
717-649-5441
geofhebert@gmail.com

Topic: Online investing…Geoffrey is an investor that has spent thousands of hours learning about stock market investing and enjoys sharing what he has learned. He is not a broker, nor financial advisor nor a mutual fund salesman. He just likes to share his knowledge of Online Investing.

Equipment needed: Projector & screen, microphone and table. Internet access would be very helpful but not necessary.

Travel Restrictions: None

(Added 8/1/08)

8/1/12008 Added

H & R Block

Dick Andrews
(480) 776-6036
www.andrewsdick@peoplepc.com

(480) 768-4546

Dick is the Community Relations Marketing Coordinator for H & R Block and will be the one to schedule a presenter to come to your club.

Topic: The speaker will cover most any topic regarding taxes in general, preparation of your Income Taxes even when you are away from your main home. They will show how access and utilize the online service. H&R Block software is Tax Cut. They may have some software for sale at a reduced price.

Equipment: The presenter will have their own laptop computer and projector, but will need a table to set it up and a screen and microphone. Internet access will be necessary to show that portion of the presentation.

Travel Restrictions: Will travel throughout Arizona

8/1/12008 Added

Arizona Attorney General's Office
Crime and Fraud Prevention Unit

Tom Reade
Program Manager for Community Services
communityServices@azag.gov
602-542-2123

Topic: Identity Theft: This PowerPoint Presentation provides useful tips to help reduce the risk of identity theft and minimize the damage if an identity thief strikes. An “Identity Theft Repair Kit” is available on the Attorney General’s Office Web site www.azag.gov.

Equipment needed: Computer, Project, screen, microphone and table. They do have most of their own equipment so just let them know what they need to bring. Internet access helpful but not necessary.

LifeLock is a proactive identity theft protection agency, specializing in prevention of identity theft rather than the reporting of it.

Charyle Calvert, Owner
3029 N. Alma School Road #121A
NE Corner Alma School & Elliot
480-756-8615
ccfxink@wydebeam.com

Topics: Printer recommendations, service, troubleshooting and repair. Inkjet and laser cartridge refill and remanufacturing trends.
Everyday printing and the rise of digital printing. How to get the most out of your printer investment.

Prefers East Valley, but willing to travel throughout the Phoenix Metropolitan area.

Tim Rockwell
17173 N. Litchfield Rd Ste 39
Surprise, AZ 85374
623-214-1115 –Store
623-910-8903 - Cell
cwsurprise@cox.net

Tim says, “My presentation is a straight-forward description of who Cartridge World is, what we do, and how it differs from the "squirt and a prayer" fillers like Walgreen’s and Office Max. I also give a brief technical explanation of what a cartridge really is and how it works, using cartridge cut-a-ways to illustrate”

Tim will also touch on what to look for in a printer according to your needs and which ones to avoid because of issues like poor workmanship or high operating cost.

CCS Presentation Systems
17350 N. Hartford Drive
Marketing Department
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
480-483-0100

Topic: an educational presentation for club Officers and or board members when a need arises for new Visual or Audio Equipment. The Co. has training classes for their equipment as well.

GPS

Don Cook

Mesa, AZ

480-832-9628

js129s@yahoo.com

Don is available from approximately October 15 through April 15 for a one hour presentation on how a GPS functions. He will also describe its many uses.

Equipment Don needs from your Group or Club is a projector and a PA system. He will bring his own laptop computer and uses a PowerPoint presentation.

Travel restrictions: Don prefers to stay within 25 miles of Mesa, unless the club is willing to compensate for the extra mileage. He is not selling any product nor getting any income from these presentations, just sharing his knowledge with GPS’s.

Updated 10/25/07

Steve Miller
9333 E Main Ave #117
Mesa, AZ 85206
480-986-3042
stevem848@hotmail.com

TOPIC: Card4Life is a USB device that plugs into any computer running Windows XP and higher and has a built-in program that allows you to enter your health information. It is password protected so the information entered is as secure as the cardholder desires. This device is compatible with any medical facility. Go to www.card4Life.com for more information. The presentation is a PowerPoint about 15 minutes long, then will do a Q & A.

The Card4Life website states: We are dedicated to providing a product that will benefit the individual user by giving you and your loved ones piece of mind. With Card4Life your medical information is always with you. In case of an emergency the medical staff will know how to give you the most effective treatment possible

Equipment: The presenter will have their own laptop computer and projector, but will need a table to set it up and a screen and microphone.

Travel Restrictions: East Valley. However he will consider the West Valley if meetings are late morning or afternoon

Ashley is an Intel employee with a degree in and enthusiasm for music. Ashley discusses how he converted his extensive CDs, records and tapes collection into computer files and organized his library so he can find any piece.

Kelly will present the Creative Memories “Memory Manager software” to organize, categorize and personalize your pictures. From the creation of digital images to the completion of keepsake albums, this software is a one-of-a-kind tool specially created for the album maker. She will finish up with the Story Book Creator. This free download software lets you create storybook pages online or offline. When complete you will be able to order a professionally printed, hardbound photo book. Kelly says,” I try to stay focused on what is the safest way to preserve precious memories.”

Dave is based near Boston and is willing to do a live webcast explaining his theories and his book. His presentation is witty and enlightening and makes some great observations about programmers!

Equipment you will need for a live Webcast: Hardware – Windows PC with Projector, speakers, microphone and webcam. Also Broadband Internet connection or consumer grade DSL or cable.