How I'm spending
some of my time lately...

FastRoot is my primary business focus... helping to transform the $350 billion dollar software industry, delivering the platform for technology-enabled service providers. As Chairman, the Illinois Technology Association -- and related community involvement, channels my attention.

Chicago Public Schools
Career Academy of Advanced Technologies

I'm co-chairing the advisory board and creating a new high school, opening in Fall 2009. CAAT is a charter school for CPS that will teach technology and entrepreneurship. I'm excited to work with Mayor Daley's office and a broad group of local executives that are committed to support this Academy.

 

CAAT is a new kind of high school based on an apprenticeship and mentoring model: each student will be paired with a local technology professional that takes an active interest in the student’s success. More than 600 local volunteers are lining up to play an important role in the education of tomorrow’s tech leaders.

 

 

FastRoot Agility

A FastRoot business, with data centers in Chicago and Milwaukee and engineers that manage complex hosted environments.

managed hosting
Illinois Technology Association

The Illinois Technology Association champions the interests of 500 tech companies based in Chicago and the region, building a more connected, collaborative economy for entrepreneurs, investors and executives. I am the founding Chairman of the association, and work with a great Board and management team.
Some other companies I'm interested in or a part of at the moment...

IL-CELERATE

Incubating five early stage companies within TechNexus in partnership with ITA and Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Security.

 

ContextMedia

Builds patient education media platforms that educate and inform patients as they make decisions about their clinical treatment.

 

TechNexus

I cofounded TechNexus, a shared office, conference and incubator space for the technology community in downtown Chicago. TechNexus is now home to 18 early stage companies and used by more than 1,500 local execs each month.

The concept for Phase III expansion of TechNexus into a 300,000 sq ft new construction facility in downtown Chicago:
Zealous Venture Partners

I am a partner in Zealous Venture Partners, a venture development and capital partnership focused on early stage and emerging growth software and technology companies.
FastRoot Software Labs

With offices in Chicago and Kiev, Ukraine and started in 2002, FastRoot software engineers provide R&D for FastRoot businesses and our clients.
Other groups that I serve...

Board Member, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce

 

 

 

Welcome to my little corner of the web, a place to post some of what I'm up to at the moment, random thoughts on random subjects and generally be more pretentious than I have any right to be.

Students from Chicago Tech Academy reflect on their first months

Just over a year ago we came together to found the Chicago Academy of Advanced Technology, and the school became a reality for 150 freshmen in September. We drew kids from all across Chicago, there were no entry requirements, except a motivation to work hard and learn.

CAAT Students

This is a new kind of high school in the inner city of Chicago, where kids have a chance to develop an aptitude that will transform their lives. The volunteers and donors of the Chicago tech community are critical to the success of this school, and will soon discover more opportunities to engage with the students.

9:00 am, November 24th, 2009


Boy Soldier, a photo essay

In honor of Veteran’s Day, a captivating photo essay from the Denver Post that follows the enlistment, training, service and struggles of a young man joining the US Army. It’s easy to forget that the warriors we send to battle are often just other people’s kids, and how great their sacrifice could become. 

The United States military is full of heroic men and women that defend our country and liberate freedom around the world… people who choose to put their lives and families on hold in the name of service.

But sometimes it includes kids who simply have no alternative, who lack the family and skills or opportunity and direction in life to succeed. In the best cases, the military becomes the family, provides the skills and direction, and is the opportunity those kids need. 

Some battles are born of necessity, some lurch from the poor choices and failed policies of politicians. Regardless, the American warrior has been a force for good throughout our history, and deserves the support of a grateful nation today.

11:30 am, November 11th, 2009


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© Terry Howerton
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