
Both the American Manufacturing Association and the Professional Aviation Maintenance Association report a shortage of skilled technicians of hundreds and thousand of jobs. They are just two industry sectors facing this challenge and with thousands of older technicians reaching retirement age, the trend may even accelerate. Workers needed to fill these positions typically require a two -year degree or less and hands-on training on specialized equipment. Other skills sets are also required, but these can also be met by community and technical colleges. So why the shortfall?

- Details
- Written by: Norman Smit
- Category: Projects
- Published:
- Hits: 1596

Coherent Marketing would like to wish all its clients happy holidays. The company has had an eventful first year in business and has would like to thank it's clients here in the United States, the United Kingdom and China for the work we've been able to do for you in these past twelve months.
We've launched multiple websites, helped build social media presences for several clients here in the U.S. and U.K., and assisted two Chinese companies with their English-language marketing.
- Details
- Written by: Norman Smit
- Category: Projects
- Published:
- Hits: 1606

Coherent Marketing has been assisting the Advanced Manufacturing Alliance for the past few months with their branding and helping them establish their communications infrastructure. The alliance's website made a significant leap forward at the end of August, with the addition of most of the content to the site.
The alliance is an ambitious initiative using $18 million in DOL funding to significantly upgrade the quality of training for the advanced manufacturing industry in North Carolina. It comprises 10 community colleges offering a range of certificate, diploma, and associate degrees aimed at producing graduates who can be hired by companies using advanced manufacturing for their products. The website acts as an important bridging tool for the 10 community colleges, which are scattered statewide across North Carolina, as well as a powerful marketing tool for the state and a recruiting site to students interested in a career in advanced manufacturing.
- Details
- Written by: Norman Smit
- Category: Projects
- Published:
- Hits: 1643

A powerful, integrated media, public education campaign I led that cost-effectively reached more than 80% of North Carolina has received a write-up by the NC Department of Commerce. It's being held up as a shining example of a ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment) energy project.
The biofuels education project was accomplished on a relatively tight budget and ran for a year. At the time, I was the Communications Director of the Biofuels Center and I was responsible for concept, budget development and management, and implementation of the campaign.
One example is embedded below.
- Details
- Written by: Norman Smit
- Category: Projects
- Published:
- Hits: 1680

About 1,500 people I know received an email about my planned departure from the Biofuels Center at the end of June.
Four and a half years ago, I helped start up the organization. Earlier this year, I led the search for my replacement and provided transition support and change management assistance to the communications team and the Center. Since its startup, the Center has grown to maturity and strategic communications efforts have resulted in its being widely seen as a credible, technical and economic development agency for biofuels globally.
- Details
- Written by: Norman Smit
- Category: Projects
- Published:
- Hits: 1449

As we embark on a journey into the realm of content management systems, one name stands out prominently: Joomla. In this article, we delve into the roots of Joomla, its etymology, and its significance in the digital landscape.
Let's commence our exploration with the name itself. While Joomla may seem like a coined term to some, its origins trace back to the Swahili language, particularly the word "jumla," meaning "all" or "as a whole." This linguistic connection not only adds depth to Joomla's identity but also reflects its inclusive nature, catering to diverse communities across the globe.
- Details
- Written by: Mohamed Abdelaziz
- Category: Learning
- Published:
- Hits: 2106
- Cost-effective content marketing
- Host injects JavaScript causing Google to throw flags
- Do an annual password audit
- Seminars on online security
- Small business seminars
- Reputation ransomware - beware business 'directories'
- Hacks and your relationship with passwords
- SEO Snake Oil
- Simple steps to protect yourself against fake social media connections
- Memes skewer PR & branding #Fails