DM&A’s President Addresses Economy

As we head into the second quarter of 2009, the shock of 2008 has faded, and our desire to build an even stronger economy increases, we continually assess our objectives, values, and contribution both professionally and personally.  Over the past several months, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with numerous colleagues, clients, consultants, industry and community leaders, and overall job seekers, about where we are today and expectations for the future, and it never ceases to impress me how motivated and realistically optimistic most people are about the path of our community and economic prospects for the future.

In February, I was fortunate to be included in a delegation of local leaders accompanying Mayor Crotty on a Metro Orlando EDC on a trip to Dubai.  Similar to Orlando, Dubai’s main industry is tourism, with an additional focus on building a health care city to provide world class medical services in the Mid-East.  Some of the trip’s highlights included meeting with the head of transportation in Dubai and learning about the rapid implementation of a rail system, which transports tourists, residents, and business people throughout the city via a modern, convenient commuter rail system.

We were present when Anne Chinoda, The CEO of Florida’s Blood Centers, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Minister of Health for the United Arab Emirates, which initiates the first-ever collaborative blood cell research effort between her organization and the UAE Health Administration.  Additionally, we met with Central Florida executives currently doing business in the Middle-East, as well as numerous other leaders of health care and hospitality organizations.  The common comment by many of those that we met with was how surprised and impressed they were by the depth and breadth of Central Florida’s industry diversity; specifically health care, biomedical research and training, digital media, and engineering/construction.  These economic missions are critical in expanding the awareness of our region’s repository of talent and expertise to attract economic investment in the Orlando area.

Locally, DM&A has certainly felt the impact of the economic slowdown like many of our contemporaries, but remain committed to providing value to our clients and community to help others get through these tough times to reposition enterprises for competitive advantage and success.  Now is the time to look ahead, invest wisely today for a prosperous economic rebound.

DM&A continues to work with clients as they transform their businesses, and IT functions.  Specifically, engagements in 2009 have included Corporate Strategic Planning, Risk Mitigation, Governance, Portfolio/Project Management and Business Process Efficiency and Execution.

I want to personally thank our consultants, colleagues, clients and community partners for their continued confidence and partnership with DM&A and look forward to a year of growth and prosperity.  Diane Meiller

DM&A Staff

Serena Frank Presents to SIM

Serena Frank, Principal of Governance and Strategy of DM&A, was the guest speaker at the Central Florida Chapter of SIM’s March meeting. The topic of her presentation was “IT Governance, Project Portfolio Management, and Business Alignment through Relationship Management”.  If you would like to see this presentation, please contact Diane Meiller or Serena Frank at dmeiller@meillerassociates.com or sfrank@meillerassociates.com

UCF Internship at DM&A

DM&A welcomed Eric Kami , a UCF student, who joined our staff in October of 2008 to observe our consulting business and shadow both Diane and Cheryl throughout the-day-to-day operations of the business.

Eric currently a junior at UCF is preparing for his LSAT’s while also leading several organization.  Eric’s busy schedule has required him to return to his academics full time.  While at DM&A Eric demonstrated a strong work ethic, a commitment to excellence and a professional demeanor.  We wish Eric much success in his endeavors!

Diane Meiller Joins SIM Central Florida Chapter Board of Directors

The Central Florida Chapter of SIM, recently appointed Diane Meiller to their Board of Directors as Director of Communications and Publicity Chair.  For more information on SIM and the local chapter, please go to www.simnet.org

SIM (Society of Information Management) is a professional non-profit society that provides Central Florida’s Chief Information Officers and other IT leaders the opportunity: To give back to the community, to further create opportunity for others and enhance Central Florida’s reputation nationwide as a community of outstanding technology leaders.  This is accomplished through mentoring, scholarships and speaker programs; To learn from contemporaries, business executives, technology experts, and community leaders by leveraging shared experiences; To enable career development through increased knowledge and greater exposure in the community and help develop the next generation of IT leaders; To network among peers who become confidantes, advisors, and friends; To act as the voice of the IT community on critical issue.

BioFlorida

Diane Meiller co-chairs with Anne Chinoda, CEO of Florida’s Blood Centers, on BioFlorida conference, scheduled for November 2009.

2008 Holiday Party

DM&A hosted its’ annual holiday gathering with clients, friends and colleagues.  With the changes in the economy that impacted so many, the holidays were a perfect time to remind us of hope and good will.  Thank you for celebrating with us!