“…the last thing I need is to inspire my team to become entrepreneurs.”

During the outreach efforts, one representative from a large, locally-based technology company stated that he was concerned about “inspiring [his] team to become entrepreneurs;” therefore, the company would not be attending the conference. This is strange. Is this a mindset that is shared in the community? He says the company is concerned with the flight of talent, but what about the demise of innovation and stifling internal entrepreneurship? We live in an era that welcomes innovative thinking and an entrepreneurial mindset from the lowest level on the oragnization chart to the top of the food chain. So it is odd when a company fears innovation. We know there are companies out there that strive to innovate. There are companies that create ways to inspire the troops to play. We need those companies to participate in59DaysOfCode next week. The above quote is not the sentiment of those at the City of Clovis. Clovis, a proponent of innovation, is a huge supporter of 59DaysOfCode for the second year in a row. 59DaysOfCode is the region’s only web and mobile application showcase, competition and conference. The target audience stretches beyond tech-heads and geeks. While there are nearly 20 teams showcasing innovations they have feverishly worked on during the 59 days of the competition, the event will also host technology firms from traditional tech-hubs like the Bay Area and a few of our own local tech companies. The conference appeals to people who just like technology or people who want  to believe that Fresno and Clovis can produce innovations on par with the big boys from the Bay. So we now think that 59DaysOfCode might be perfect. If you do not want your team to be inspired to do great things, take chances, look for way to innovate within your company, then you should keep them away. Keep them away from the workshops that will broaden their skill set. Keep them away from the keynote speakers who will share important point and mistakes to avoid during the development and innovation process–it’s probably better that your employees “discover” this on their own. Oh, and please, please, please keep them away from their local peers and, heaven forbid, competing firms who might snatch them away; we wouldn’t want them to find strength in numbers. 59DaysOfCode was created to build community, showcase talent and celebrate innovation. If your boss is afraid of you attending a conference that might make you a better employee, you might consider taking a sick day. For the innovative and progressive firms out there across sectors, register your employees to attend 59DaysOfCode on June 21-22, 2011. It’s FREE and it will be amazing. Agenda (great program) Videos from Teams (cool products) Prizes (over $100k total) The Rules (taking it seriously) Reserve a Booth (be seen…only 2 left…gotta do it by 4pm 6/17/11)