TruVote CEO Athan Gibbs dies in Interstate rollover after collision, Tennessean, March 13; obituary, March 14. AP via Commercial Appeal, March 15.

[UPDATE] Nashville Technology Council's annual Technology! Nashville IT Leadership & Innovation Conference, April 8th,?Hilton Suites Nashville, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Scheduled speakers include Mayor Bill Purcell; Ray Capp, CEO, Conduit Corporation; Michael Fischer, President-Application Services in the Americas, EDS; Ryan Wuerch, President, PalmGear; Dr. William W. Stead, Associate Vice Chancellor for health affairs, Vanderbilt University; Tony Holcombe, President, WebMD; Cliff Duffey, President, Cybera; John Jones, Vice President, Asurion; George Argodale, Vice President-IT, Tractor Supply; Chris Pair, Asst. Vice President-enterprise reporting, HCA; Linda Rebrovick, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, BearingPoint; Jeff Duncan, Vice President-IT, Louisiana Pacific; Jonathan James, Vice President-Marketing, Syntel Inc.; Eric Cromwell, TN ECD Director of Technology; Tom DePauw, Global Program Director-IT, CAT Financial; David Condra, President, Nashville Technology Council, and others pending confirmation. Event Sponsors:? CGI, CompUSA, XO Communications, BellSouth, Cisco, Novell, Mayor's Office of Economic and Community Development. Event details, here. Early registration?discounts end March 29th.

Nashville Technology Council President David Condra earlier this month launched another NTC special-interest group, the NTC Network Managers RoundTable. The group's preliminary charter explains "membership in the NMRT is open to individuals who have management responsibility for the support of computer-based infrastructure, including networks and/or servers and who are not vendors to other NMRT members. NTC membership is not required, initially, but some level of dues may be assessed for non-NTC members." Firms currently represented in the group include Ardent Healthcare; American Color Graphics; Shoney's/Captain D's; Bass, Berry and Sims; Pathgroup; Associated Packaging; Partner2Partner; and, EDS/Saturn. For further information, contact NTC's Kyle Cooksey.?

Vic Hatridge's decade as vice president and CIO for Nashville Electric Service followed 18 years that were nearly evenly divided between senior-exec duties with Accenture (then Andersen Consulting)?and Citicorp's Nashville-centered Insurance Services startup.

Today, Hatridge oversees both Information Services and telecommunications for the TVA power reseller, which is an independent operating agency of Metro/Nashville Government. His IT budget is $8-10 million, annually. As CIO, Hatridge prides himself in wringing operational savings out of outsourcing contracts, including agreements with incumbent Indus Utility Systems (Indus International, since Indus' 2003 purchase of incumbent SCT Corp.), and previous contractor SCB Computer Technology -- enabling NES steadily to upgrade infrastructure, while maintaining a lean five-person IT departmental staff. In summer '02, NES blessed Transforming to Excellence (T2E), the utility's business process and work-management transformation strategy. Hatridge plans to go live July 1 with an ERP implementation using latest-generation Ellipse Work Management software from Mincom, replacing NES' current Distribution/Construction Information System, Materials Management Information System, and Flexi Accounting System. NES this week released an RFP for IT staffing, leading to a contract award (incumbent: Indus). The work is valued at a projected $5 million per year, and involves 40 fulltime-equivalent staff. See details under government, below. Hatridge also projects an April release of an RFP for data-center processing (incumbent: Affiliated Computer Services of Charlotte), producing a new contract by Dec. 1. Farther down the road: transforming NES legacy software to a graphical user interface using IBM Websphere/EGL (NES is currently conducting beta testing). Noteworthy: Hatridge serves on the Mincom North American Advisory Council. All in all, at 51, Hatridge has plenty of targets for his three decades' experience, as well as for his MBA and his Industrial Engineering and Management degree, both earned at Oklahoma State. Though sympathetic to IT vendors, Hatridge says he "is seldom able to return vendor phone calls," due to sheer volume, and encourages reps to send materials by surface mail or via e-mail to vhatridge-at-nespower-dot-com.

Conduit Corporation CEO Ray Capp and Hal Willis, President/CEO and Founder of AmericanMusicChannel.com,?announced March 1 they've partnered to leverage ConduIT technology to establish American Music Channel as "country music's premiere portal for the digital age." Release here. NashvillePost.com, March 4.

WSM Radio moves to charge for online programming, March 9, City Paper. Tennessean, March 13. Earlier, related coverage of Gaylord digitization of content, Feb. 11, scroll down here.

BMI licenses catalog to San Francisco's eCast location-based broadband network, Nash. Bus. Journal, March 11.

Monster Labs, Incorporated, announced March 9 its release of SiteMason 3.0, its web-based software system designed for non-programmers to manage a complete range of site-related commerce and content tasks. Release here. Monster Labs is a founding member of the NTC Software Developers RoundTable.

Centresource Founder Nicholas Holland says?that tomorrow his firm?begins operations from?its new downtown address, 112 2nd Ave. North, and is serving new clients, including Glendale Baptist Church, Telecom Consulting; the Steine and Gooch Company; Holland Medical Equipment; United Wheel Industries, JR Portman Photography, and CASA, with assignments ranging from Web design to full IT outsourcing. Centresource is a founding member of NTC's new Software Developers RoundTable.

(further) Nashville Capital Network adds sponsors, drawing interest from Angels and Entrepreneurs, Nash. Bus. Journal, March 12, not on web. Earlier NCN release, here. Feb. 18 summary items, scroll here.

eBay Plays: In Nashville, Snappy Auctions builds eBay-linked franchise from Green Hills base, City Paper, p. 11, March 10. In Knoxville, NuMarkets, an eBay consignment selling center, announced capital funding for NuMarkets Centers franchise expansion, March 15 release.

Former Service Merchandise chief Bill Murrin starts home-inventory and data storage business, Nash. Bus. Journal, March 3.

Service Merchandise redux: Zimmerman draws on former customers, vendors to launch online Service business, Tennessean, 1E, March 11.

BioMimetic Pharmaceuticals Inc. considers IPO, NashvillePost.com, March 3.

BellSouth and Direct TV prepare to launch bundled voice, video, Internet in middle Tennessee, 2E, Tennessean, March 4.

Comdata Corporation, the payment-solutions provider for transportation and retail, announced March 15 its launch of BusinessLink?, aimed at reducing costs in business processes, including fleet management, purchasing, T&E, payroll distribution and authenticated identification. Release here.

Trico Products allies with Autosense to refine SideEyes crash-aversion technology, with automaker encouragement, Tennessean, 1E, March 9.

Tennessee bloggers Reynolds, Sensing and Hobbs?gaining ad dollars, Knox. News Sentinel, March 8.

Cendant, Progeny, Trilegiant moves could hit local commercial real-estate in Cool Spring, Nash. Bus. Journal, March 5, p. 1. Cendant IPO would spin-off another financial-services unit; folding of Progeny and Trilegiant under Cendant Marketing Group continues, p3E, Tennessean, March 16.??

CAT Financial lauded by President Bush for Baldrige win, City Paper, p. 11, March 10. CAT release, March 9.

Bytes of Knowledge lands CCA system-upgrade work, p. 5, BizWomen, Nash. Bus. Journal, March 5, here.

Doug Pettit says Majestic Systems acquired Richard Hance and his IT company's consulting portfolio, Release March 16, here.

Vanderbilt University announced March 11 it has appointed Matt Hall, formerly of Bank of America, to the post of assistant vice chancellor, Information Technology Services and associate chief information architect for Enterprise Infrastructure. He reports April 1 and will supervise an organization with more than 100 staff. The post has been vacant about a year.

Pamela Pitts has been named director-health information management, Baptist Hospital, Nash. Bus. Journal, p. 21, March 5, not on web. Tennessean, Feb. 28, here.

Jerry Brantley to CIO, Baptist Mem'l Health Corp., Commercial Appeal, March 6.

Beacon Technologies names Randall Dennis senior process-improvement coordinator, Nash. Bus. Journal, March 5, p. 21, not on web. Earlier coverage, Feb. 18, scroll down here.

Robert Chaput, president of American Technology Group to Hands On Nashville Board, Tennessean, March 7.

Russ Higgins named sales director for Crosslin Vayden Technologies LLC, Tennessean, March 14.

Pomeroy IT solutions, generating $600 Million revenues per year, inks Softek partnership, March 8.

Rhonda Lijoi joins SRC Network and Software Solutions (Henderson Hutcherson & McCullough affiliate) as tech and business solutions consultant, Times Free Press, C2, March 13.

Evans Internet Construction Company (E.I.C.C.) is providing technology infrastructure for Nashville independent music website http://www.indieheaven.com/ .

Chemring's subsidiary in Toone, Tenn., Kilgore Flares Company LLC, says it is the international?leader in expendable decoys used to protect military aircraft from heat-seeking missile attack, and that its products have been protecting coalition forces in Iraq. Kilgore opted for Algore Multiphysics Software to trim manufacturing costs through the reduction of rejected material during production and to improve product reliability. Release March 8.

Universal Solutions (Charleston, SC) has named Curtis Sullivan head of their new regional office in Franklin, Nash. Bus. Journal, p. 21, March 5, not on web. Universal also has been named Platinum Business Partner by Avaya, one of 22 companies so designated in U.S., Nash. Bus. Journal, March 5, p. 10, not on web. Related release, 6/03, here.

NotifyMD, with grown driven by WebMessenger, expands HQ in Cool Springs, Nash. Bus. Journal, March 12.

HealthTrio announces pact with Affinity Health System's Network Health Plan for Internet-based health management system, BW release March 16, here.

HealthSpring opts for ViPS' MedMeasures to streamline data analysis and reporting, March 11 release.

Affinity Health Systems adopts HealthTrio connect, an Internet-based health management system, release March 16, here.

BioImaging, Inc of Franklin, TN has selected PointDx to support their structured reporting and virtual endoscopy needs. March 8 release.

Bush Administration litigation is redefining limits of medical privacy; abortions a focus, NY Times, March 6.?

Gov. Bredesen pursues pilot healthcare information technology program similar to VUMC's to save millions under TennCare, Tennessean, The City Paper, Commercial Appeal, March 11.

Legislators, Metro Schools director Garcia and others question metrics embedded in SAS Institute software that some say has 'monopoly' as a result of the way state k-12 testing law is crafted, Tennessean, March 4.

Metro Government invites proposals (RFP 04-10) for providing the software, integration, implementation, and training for an Emergency/Crisis Management System and related tasks. Proposal deadline March 30.

Nashville Area Chamber outines legislative priorities, Nash. Bus. Journal, p. 3, here.

Electronic voting in Tennessee may hinge on paper-trail, City Paper,?March 10.

TDOT applies GIS to map roads, avert conflict among road projects' scheduling, Tennessean, 1B, March 9.

TN Hope Scholarships supported by new website at TNScholarDollars.com, City Paper, p. 5, March 10.

Tate urges dispute resolution between BellSouth and other telecom companies, Tennessean, 6E, March 12. Tennessee Telecom hearing to proceed this month, Knox. News Sentinel, March 6.

TennCare withhholding $900K per month in payments for EDS work, while state says system is not "fully tested and operational," City Paper, p. 9, March 12.

Probation-Parole kiosks help Tennessee track parollees, City Paper, p. 7, March 16. Knox County increases offender tracking via bracelets, GPS, Knox. News Sentinel, March 11. Tennessee tests new prisoner radio-tracking technology, Tennessean, March 9. Legislation would use GPS technologies to track sex offenders, Tennessean, March 11.

Vanderbilt research won through peer-reviewed contacts hits record $339.4 Million, with VU Medical Center accounting for 75 percent of extramural funding. Release March 4 here.

VU Engineering professor Davidson cited: Diamonds will mitigate rising heat of transistor-laden chips, NY Times, March 11.

Vanderbilt Medical Center to build $110 Million bio-medical research facility, announcement March 8; City Paper, March 8. Nash. Bus. Journal, March 8. Tennessean, March 9. Nash. Bus. Journal, March 12.

Evans Internet Construction Company (EICC) founder Cal Evans, offers?tips on improved websites, spam, viruses, return visitors and more.

IHL of Franklin forecasts further strong growth in POS technologies, March 9 release.

Belmont University and MDE Enterprises offer the IT Management course, here.

Reflecting on the blue-collarization of software development, and the slow return of senior technology jobs, NY Times, March 9.

More on the spread of RSS, Washington Post, March 13.

BearingPoint CEO Rand Blazer discusses commercial tech spending and the tech economy, Washington Post transcript, March 15.

NBJ launches website aimed at business women, Nash. Bus. Journal, March 5,?here.

(March 18) BioBreakfast, U. Memphis Biosurface Center and the Integrated Microscopy Center, with Andrew Meyers, Vice Provost for Research and Director of the FedEx Institute of Technology, and briefings on Biomaterials, Analytical Facilities and Sensors; and, Microscopy, Biology and Related Research.

(March 18) Prof. Wayne Wolf discussed "Smart Cameras in High-Performance embedded systems," 3 p.m. Featheringill Auditorium. VU Engineering. Other lectures.

(March 18) NE TN Technology Council and Kingsport Imaging Systems co-sponsor "New Technology of Document Management and Distribution," 8-10 a.m., Centre at Millennium Park, Johnson City. No fee. Pre-register via vcrymble@netntech.org or (423) 279.9000.

(March 22) Nashville EPSCoR forum Vanderbilt University. Exploring leveraging research for economic development.

(March 23) Tennessee Biotechnology Assn Annual Legislative Luncheon, Hermitage Hotel.

(March 24) BioWorks Series, Jerre Minor Freeman, M.D., Founder-World Cataract Foundation, "Can Basic Scientific Research and Clinical Practice Coexist?" Holiday Inn, U. Memphis, Noon.

(March 24) WesTech Community Technology Center in Chattanooga is subject of Dr. William Henry, project manager. Details here.

(March 24) East Tennessee Technology Council (Oak Ridge), with Scott Spaid of Mediapulse and Richard Matlock of Woolf, McClane, Bright, Allen and Carpenter, discussing federal anti-spam legislation. $15 members, $25 non-members, $10 students. RSVP by March 22 to rsvp@tech2020.org, pre-pay online here or call (865) 220-2020.

(March 24) John Searle, professor UC - Berkeley, renowned and controversial AI researcher, discusses "Consciousness, Causation and Reduction," FedEx Institute of Technology. 1:30-3 p.m. Space is limited. Eric Mathews by March 19, (901) 678-5736.

(March 26) "Laws of the Jungle: Innovation, Regulation and Competitive Advantage," 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., presentation by Larry Downes, author of "Unleashing the Killer App: Digital Strategies for Market Dominance." Sloan Center for Internet Retailing, Averbuch Auditorium, Owen GSM, Vanderbilt. Free, open to public, no registration required.

(March 30) WiTT Tennessee Technology Job Growth: Preparing for the Future, Eric Cromwell, Director of Technology, TN Dept. Economic & Community Development, 11:30 a.m., BellSouth Tower, $20 members, $35 nonmembers, $20 students, rsvp via Colleen Grissom or (615) 876-6699. Details here.

(April 1) PROJECT PAYCHECK, middle Tennessee's largest job expo, Gaylord Entertainment Center.

(April 8) Technology! Nashville, Nashville Technology Council's annual IT leadership and innovation conference, Hilton Suites, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Details here.

(April 8) AITP Nashville, Titans Football IT operations tour, details here.

(April 13-14) Clinical IT Bootcamp for non-IT Executives & Board Members; Vanderbilt Center for Better Health, 3401 West End Avenue, Suite 290. Details, registration online here.

(April 13-14) 10th Annual Tennessee Geographic Information Council (GIS), Cool Springs Marriott, details here.

(April 16) Technology Explosion career fair and tech expo, Hillsboro High Schools, Nashville, for further information here.

(April 27) Wireless LAN security and audit, daylong course, Information Systems Audit and Control Assn., local chapter, details here. CPE credits.

(May 6) NTC Tech Roundtable dinner - Mike Dunne, President of Quanta US, University Club, Vanderbilt.

(May 7) PayMaxx is subject of Nashville Chamber's "Behind the Business" program, 8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m., preceded by networking, details here.

(May 13) AITP Nash., Starting Your IT Business, Bob Chaput -American Tech'y Grp, details here.

(May 18) "NTC Tech After Hours," Marriott Franklin Cool Springs, 4:30 p.m., details here.

(May 19-21) Management skills for IT professionals, with Jay Ress, Tenn. Economic Development Center (BellSouth Tower). Details here.

(May 20) 41st Annual State of Metro Address by Mayor Bill Purcell, Mayor of Nashville, Convention Center, 7 a.m. registration and networking, 7:30 - 9 breakfast and program, info and registration here.

(May 25) GovTech Tennessee Government Technology Summit, details, here.

(May 31-June 2) Knoxville/Oak Ridge Summit, Tennessee Valley Corridor, here.

(June 3) NTC Tech Roundtable - Loren Chumley, Commissioner - Revenue, State of Tennessee - The Streamlined Sales Tax Project, electronic commerce, etc.

(June 4) Chamber Behind the Business, Robert Henry, CEO, American Endoscopy Services, details here.

(July) NTC Tech Roundtable - "Open Source" panel discussion, University Club, Vanderbilt.

(Aug. 2-5) Synergy 2004: IT education-program reform conference in Nashville, led by Center for IT Education at Nashville State Community College, covering improvement of teaching and learning, and alignment of IT education with changing workforce and workplace demands. For more information, write David McNeel, director, CITE.

(Aug. 5) NTC Tech Roundtable, Tim Stafford, CIO, EdgeNet, University Club, Vanderbilt.

(Aug. 24) 3rd Annual Nashville Technology Council - ISSA "Information Security Conference," Nashville Convention Center.

(Sept. 23-24) 8th Ann' Tenn. Venture Forum - hosts: Tech2020, City of Chattanooga.

(Sept. 28-30) 2004 Governor's Conference, Nashville Convention Center.

(Sept. 28) Nashville Area Chamber annual "Future 50" event, Franklin Cool Springs Marriott Hotel. Reception 5 p.m., dinner/presentation, 6 p.m. Details to be announced in May.

(Oct. 5-7) Memphis Musculoskeletal New Ventures Conference, Memphis Biotech. Fdn, here.