The new year is upon us and its the traditional time for new beginnings. Im involved in one here in Central Oregon where the nascent tech community is trying to get organized and, I assume by acclimation, I was asked to be the treasurer of our new group. I guess they figured since M&A guys have to deal with financials I could balance a checkbook. Why is this important? Most of the people involved and the people they represent work for really small businesses. A one, two - ten person business, trying to make their mark needs outside resources to survive we hope long enough for them to become a Corum client. Some buy those resources with investor money, a commodity that will be in short supply in 2009. Some cant. They must network to get the help they need and associations like the Software Association of Oregon and Washington Technology Industry Association provide the structure to help them do that. Unfortunately, not all tech companies have an alliance that can make a difference. You might for your 2009 resolution, try to get one started.