'The Executive Coach' Joins Elite Group at NCTA Leadership Conference.

RALEIGH, N.C. -- The North Carolina Technology Association (NCTA), the primary voice of the technology industry in North Carolina, announced today that international bestselling author and accomplished executive trainer Dr. Michael J. O'Connor will share his expertise in the areas of personal, group and organizational behavior and the powerful role leadership plays in today's corporate culture at the NCTA Leadership Conference on Aug. 15 and 16 at the Pinehurst Resort & Country Club.

Dr. O'Connor is recognized throughout the world for his accomplishments in the fields of leadership, conflict resolution, behavioral management, values development and organizational development. He is described as a master consultant to consultants, and the nature of his continuing contribution to corporate success and leadership development is reflected in the reputation he has gained as "The Executive's Coach."

"In today's turbulent economy and world, the effective use of technology to solve problems and capitalize on opportunities is more critical than ever. And, to do so, technology organizations will require strong, vibrant business cultures driven by winning performers at all levels and in all areas," explains Dr. O'Connor. "The NCTA's mission and services to both its members and the marketplace are a vital resource for accomplishing this result."

The culmination of more than 30 years of O'Connor's research is his numerous authored and co-authored national best-selling business books, such as The Leader Within (2005), Developing Leadership & Character (2000), Managing By Values (1997), The Platinum Rule (1996) and People Smart (1990, now in its ninth printing). O'Connor has produced more than 50 formal training workshops, seminars, extended training programs, learning tapes, behavioral inventories, research articles, and more than 150 different business and human resource tools being used throughout the world.

NCTA also is pleased to welcome Major General Herbert L. Altshuler, Special Assistant to the Commanding General, U.S. Army Special Operations Command (Airborne) at Fort Bragg, N.C., who will speak on embracing change in a globally engaged world. The two-day leadership event also boasts an interactive panel discussion on K-20 education in North Carolina. Moderating the panel is Kathy Lee, General Manager of the SAS Institute Education Practice, who will be joined by Dr. June Atkinson, N.C. Superintendent of Public Instruction; Martin Lancaster, President of the N.C. Community College System; and Dr. Kenneth E. Peacock, Chancellor at Appalachian State University. Finally, to share leadership lessons from an emergency management perspective, Dr. William K. Atkinson II, President and CEO of WakeMed Health and Hospitals, will share his first-hand knowledge on challenges, opportunities and best practices for success in this critical area.

NCTA's Leadership Conference title sponsor is EMC Corporation and is a prestigious membership-only event that brings together the highest echelon of technology leaders to look at issues and trends in our industry and provides a more personal setting for our members with access to cutting-edge ideas, key decision makers and unparalleled executive networking. NCTA is delighted to offer this special executive engagement event at the Pinehurst Resort & Country Club - home of the 2005 U.S. Open.

The Annual NCTA/Time Warner Cable Business Class Open Championship corresponds with Leadership Conference on Aug. 15 in beautiful Pinehurst on Courses No. 3 and No. 4. The tournament scoring format will be Captain's Choice, therefore fitting all skill levels - from novice to the expert. A team consists of four players. You can register as a complete team or as an individual, and we will create a team for you. Each player will receive greens fees and a cart, a new sleeve of golf balls, continental breakfast and lunch. Drinks will be available on the course. During the tournament there will be contests such as longest drive, closest to the pin, the hole-in-one challenge and a putting contest. A silent auction and awards ceremony will follow. NCTA would like to thank this year's Open Championship sponsors: Time Warner Cable Business Class; Bank of America; EMC Corporation; ACS; Embarq; Extrinsic, LLC; Cherry, Bekaert & Holland; Resolvit Resources; Solectron; Capstrat; WRAL Local Tech Wire; Alphanumeric Systems; Altiris; AT&T BB&T Asura; Business Wire; Capitol Broadcasting; Intersouth; Jenkins, Wilson, Taylor & Hunt, P.A.; Lenovo; N.C. China Center; PricewaterhouseCoopers; Smith Anderson; SunCom Wireless; Vaco Technology; The Revere Group; TCDI; Smith Barney; Frontside Networks; and Pikaboo Design.

Registration and Sponsorship

Advanced registration is required. For more details on registration or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Jamai Blivin at [e-mail] or call [phone]. For more information on membership and to explore more opportunities with NCTA, contact Michelle Calton at [e-mail] or call [phone], ext. 223. NCTA would like to thank all of the generous sponsors who contributed to this year's Leadership Conference: EMC Corporation, TPS, Inc., Lenovo, Time Warner Cable Business Class, SAS, Progress Energy, Cisco Systems, Inc., Pikaboo Design, The Whitlock Group, and Business Wire.

Multimedia

The Conference Agenda is available for download at www.nc-tech.org.

About NCTA

The North Carolina Technology Association (NCTA) is a not-for-profit, membership-driven trade association and the primary voice of the technology industry in North Carolina. NCTA is the intersection of leadership and technology, fueling the growth of North Carolina through Executive Engagement, Public Affairs, and a Knowledge Workforce. For more information, visit our website at www.nc-tech.org.