At CCS, we are constantly working on new projects for our clients in local communities across the country. This week’s news focuses on the Southwest region so we turn the spotlight on several exciting developments from CCS offices in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Texas!

Arizona:  CCS Scottsdale has just completed a major project for Casino Arizona's new Talking Stick Resort and Conference Center. CCS is responsible for all audio systems, visual displays and digital signage throughout the 15-story hotel, state-of-the-art casino and fully equipped conference center.  Visit: www.ccsprojects.com/az 

Colorado:  CCS in Colorado (offices in Denver & Colorado Springs) is proud to announce that Ed Kern has joined their growing team as the Systems Design Engineer.  Ed brings over 25 years of experience in the audio visual industry to CCS.  Ed’s background includes broadcast television, installation services, control system and DSP programming as well as extensive system design.  Visit: www.ccsprojects.com/co

Texas:  CCS Texas recently held an Open House event at their new Dallas location on Thursday, April 22nd. Manufacturers, vendors, customers and members from the local Dallas and Fort Worth business community were in attendance.  CCS in Dallas provided training session for its educational clients and showcased some state-of-the-art technology from manufacturers NEC, Samsung, SMART and Crestron.  Visit: www.ccsprojects.com/tx 

 New Mexico:  Cynthia Molnar recently joined the new CCS Albuquerque office as an Outside Sales Representative covering government and corporate accounts.  Cynthia has worked in the Albuquerque area for the past 20 years starting with her own marketing company then moving to computer sales, federal contract/grant coordination and audio/video sales. Cynthia’s knowledge, experience and long-time connections will be a great boost to the launch of the new office. Visit: www.ccsprojects.com/nm

By Julie Solomon, CCS Arizona

CCS Presentation Systems announced our second annual “Design the Ideal Classroom” grant opportunity.  Any eligible K-12 educator in Arizona can apply for the chance to win a technology infused classroom and training worth thousands of dollars!  Last year’s winner, a first-grade teacher from Superstition Springs Elementary School in Gilbert Public Schools, received a grant worth $20,000.  CCS provided interactive education technology for her classroom that included (list key equipment).

The deadline is approaching fast – all submissions must be received by April 30, 2010*.  The application can be found online at www.ccspresentationsystems.com/az.  Below is a list of eligibility requirements that applicants must meet:

•    Hold a valid Standard Arizona K-12 Teaching Certificate.
•    Currently teach in grades K-12 with a permanent classroom assignment
•    Currently teach in a public, non-profit charter or non-profit private school

The educator response to the RFP that offers the best integration of educational technology to improve teaching methods, while introducing new programs in the classroom, will win the grant for the 2010-2011 school year.  CCS, along with our manufacturer partners will provide all technology, A/V installation and A/V training for the winning teacher.  CCS will select the winner and award the grant in May 2010 – so stay tuned for an exciting announcement!

* All applications are due by April 30, 2010 at 4:00 pm to CCS, 17350 N. Hartford Drive, Scottsdale, AZ  85255.

by John Godbout, Founder and CEO of CCS Presentation Systems

After starting CCS Presentation Systems 19 years ago and seeing it grow into one of the largest A/V systems integrators in the nation, I’ve learned many things about the way people work and what they need in order to perform at their best.  The place they work and the tools they have are a big part of that performance.  People help business get done and they work directly with your customers.  Creating positive employee and customer experience is vital to the long term success of any organization.  Designing the work space in your building is the first step.  Incorporating technology into that design makes it all the more challenging.  That’s where an A/V expert comes in.

Look around. Shopping malls, your doctor’s office, corporate board rooms, restaurants, places of worship, and student classrooms all feature engaging audio visual technology that most users take for granted - much like an everyday utility that they can depend on.

In our digital age, A/V consultants and integrators have become a significant resource for architects and designers. Increasingly they are thought of as integral members of the design team. In the early days of A/V, building planning always included the four main utilities: water works, electric, gas and telecommunications.  Integrating audio visual equipment was often an afterthought and typically addressed after the building was completed instead of included when wiring and other connections were made at the onset of a project.  Today designers wouldn’t dream of planning the installation of Internet or phone connections after the business was fully operational, right? It makes sense to preplan for the essentials. Audio visual technology is virtually a given for most companies and has become an important part of their success. A/V presentation systems provide the platform needed to share ideas and create meaningful connections. Why not think of A/V as the fifth utility? 

If you are interested in learning more about integrating A/V in the planning of your buildings’ architecture, our integration experts are available for consultation in markets across the country.  Help your organization maximize its potential by integrating A/V technology into your everyday business practices.

Top five ways A/V helps your business:
1.    Save some cash: If your organization is trying to save money on travel expenses, you can have “face to face” meetings through videoconferencing systems from all corners of the world without ever stepping onto an airplane.
2.    Leave lasting impressions: Through digital signage, HD presentation technology or new communication tools, the latest A/V can enhance your organization’s reputation with prospective customers and employees.
3.    Think outside the flat screen box: Audio/visual design can be more than hanging a couple of flat screen displays in your lobby.  Think about how you operate as an organization and have an A/V consultant design more useful and effective work spaces.
4.    Collaborate: Using the latest interactive collaboration tools can save time, increase productivity and encourage creativity.
5.    Reduce your carbon footprint: Room control systems can not only merge multiple remote controls into one central touchpanel for ease of use, but can tie into HVAC and lighting systems to lower energy costs and reduce consumption.

Welcome to the new CCS Presentation Systems blog!  Stay tuned for blog posts from CEO, John Godbout and other CCS partners from around the country.  We look forward to sharing our perspective about the audio visual industry and how technology is helping companies become more effective so they can deliver better experiences for their customers.

Also, keep checking back for CCS news, announcements and insight on the latest A/V system installations that CCS has completed.  We invite your comments, suggestions and questions about A/V and hope that our blog inspires you to use A/V in your business or organization to accomplish your goals.

Thanks for stopping by our new blog!

~ The CCS Team