High-tech companies are sprouting up throughout the region, helping to revitalize our local economy. Rising Stars, a quarterly event, showcases the entrepreneurs who are building some of Rochester’s most successful technology companies. It offers an opportunity to hear their personal stories and meet the individuals behind Rochester’s “rising stars.”

For twenty years, Rochester has been celebrating its Top 100 fastest growing private companies. The award is given by the Rochester Business Alliance to businesses that have over a million dollars in revenue, ranking them by revenue growth as a percentage of overall growth over a three year period, and celebrating the year's Top 100. The two tech companies ranked at #20 and #21 on this year's list feature serial entrepreneurs with some shared experiences, but two very different tales of their steps to success. Join us to meet Andre Godfrey of Entre Computer Services and Joe Oster of Structured Technologies. We congratulate them and celebrate their growth as we invite them to share the stories of their rise to the 2006 Top 100.

Once again, Digital Rochester offers you the opportunity for an up close and personal session with Rochester success stories. Join us on January 18th for Rising Stars!

[Register below]

SPEAKERS:

• Andre Godfrey, President and CEO, Entre Computer Services
• Joe Oster, President and CEO, Structured Technologies Inc.

AGENDA:

7:30-8:00 am	Refreshments and Networking
8:00-9:00 am	Presentations
9:00-9:30 am	Q&A and Meet the Speakers

SPONSORS:

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:

Andre Godfrey

Andre Godfrey, President and CEO of Entre Computer Services, has long been involved in the information technology industry. His solid management background in technology has allowed Andre, along with partner Mark Lucas, to lead Entre's transformation into the area’s leading full-service technology products and services provider. Under his direction, the Rochester, NY-based information technology firm - Entre Computer Services- has a strong focus on web and application development, IT outsourcing, network services, as well as procurement management. Entre Computer Services currently employs more than 75 very technical people in the Rochester area.

In his 30 years of professional experience, Andre has served on a number of industry boards and presently participates in the Rochester Executive Roundtable.

Andre Godfrey is a Rochester native involved in a number of community activities. Entre Computer Services annually awards Rochester Women's Council's choice of Young Woman of Distinction with a $1000 college scholarship. The IT Woman of the Year Award, given to the local area's outstanding woman IT professional, is an event in which Andre is closely associated. Andre is a member of Rochester Rotary and currently serves on the board for Rochester Hearing and Speech.

Joe Oster

Joe Oster founded NetWorks, Inc. in 1990, and retained the role of President/CEO when NetWorks merged with Structured Technologies in 2001. Joe began his career in 1983 at The Computer Store, then spent the next several years at Bausch and Lomb and First Federal S&L in various technology management positions. His knowledge of centralized Information Technology systems spans platforms from desktop to mainframes, as well as the management methodologies that support them.

Joe graduated from college in 1983 with concentrations in Business, Economics, and Chemistry. He serves on several corporate and charity Boards, including the Lifetime Assistance Foundation.