December 1, 2002
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| Spotlight: The Chicago Software Association |
By Brian Pelletier
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The challenge of being a software association is that it’s hard to tell when a prospective member is truly a software company.
“The industry has changed, and what was once considered a software company might now be an organization that delivers software, among other products and services,” explains Candace Renwall, executive director of the Chicago Software Association. “We’re in an expansion phase, working more and more with non-traditional software companies who have a large software component.”
The CSA began in 1993 as a means of helping entrepreneurs build the software business in Illinois. The association focused on building an infrastructure of business resources, creating educational forums, and bringing people with problems and solutions together.
By the time Renwall started in 1998, CSA had made its mark with its unique conferences and networking events. The growth continued with more knowledge sharing, and continues with community affairs and government advocacy.
“My goal was to enhance networking events and help build a collection of best practices to help small software companies grow,” says Renwall. “The next piece was to bring CSA to the table as an advocate for community affairs and skills standards. Now we’re working with the mayor and the governor and recognized as a voice of the industry for government.”
In addition to being included in government meetings, CSA and Renwall now get invitations to speak at commencement addresses. According to Renwall, what started as a small group of entrepreneurs has now become a professional organization that’s recognized accordingly.
CSA now represents 400 member companies with over 15,000 employees. About 60 percent of member companies are 15 employees or fewer, although larger companies are entering the fold as well.
“Companies join CSA to find ways to operate more efficiently and productively,” says Renwall. “As larger companies face more ‘buy-or-build’ decisions, they’re looking for innovative small companies who can help them, and benefit from the support of the larger companies. Our goal is to be a reflection of the industry.”
In addition to the matchmaking and networking, CSA provides a number of educational opportunities, many of which are members only. Roundtable meetings explore technology topics of interest to CFOs, human resources execs and IT managers. CSA Explains, a new offering of the association, takes on complex topics like wireless networking or intellectual property and brings it home for attendees. CSA members also receive the organization’s newsletter, and can take advantage of group-discounted computer and office products and the expertise of a dedicated insurance broker.
For more information on the Chicago Software Association, visit www.csa.org.
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Brian Pelletier is a freelance writer specializing in
high-tech and business-to-business communications. He can be reached
at blp@chi1.com.
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