about AO : latest news
3/3/08 - Pietro's Italian Restaurant Launches Website
When
local business owner Jim Murdaca decided to have a presence on the
internet, he turned to Applied Office on referral from Lodi House.
A meeting to plan the website's purpose made it clear that the site should focus on the restaurant's menu, private parties and banquets, and large parties to go.
Murdaca and website designer David Diskin know that photography would be the most effective way to portray the beauty of the banquet rooms and the delicious foods that Murdaca serves. Pietro's hired local photographer Ken Sato to capture every aspect of the restaurant.
The resulting website features a complete dine-in menu, to go menu, banquet information, and more.
2/15/08 - AO Joins Friends of Downtown Lodi
In support of the Downtown Lodi Business Partnership and all that it does for the city of Lodi, CA, Applied Office has become a "Friend of Downtown Lodi" today. Its annual membership will help sustain the downtown region and continue events such as the Farmers' Market and Parade of Lights.
2/9/08 - Home-Based Businesses learn about Technology
Applied Office owner David Diskin was asked to talk to local home-based businesses this morning as part of an ongoing series of workshops hosted by the Lodi Public Library.
Diskin's presentation covered topics from internet access to computer hardware and software, and also touched on marketing tools and techniques that small and home business owners could use to help improve their business.
2/5/08 - American Master-Tech Scientific Database
Work was completed today on a new application created for local business American Master-Tech Scientific. The database, created using Microsoft Access and Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), was designed to replace an aging Lotus database that tracked the company's issued Quality Assurance tests.
Creating a brand new interface for AMTS will improve data entry accuracy and efficiency, and finding historical data is now faster than ever.
1/9/08 - AO Exhibits at Human Resources Conference
Over a hundred human resources professionals gathered today at the recently-opened Stockton Sheraton to hear the latest news in labor law. Applied Office was thrilled to be an exhibitor and table host, introducing local businesses to its services.
Congratulations to Julie Whittock, Food Service Director at Head Start, who won the drawing for a $50 gift card to Chili's.
1/1/08 - Happy New Year!
Applied Office would like to wish all of its clients and visitors to this site a happy and successful new year.
11/26/07 - Oak Valley Hospital receives Excel Training
This hospital in Oakdale, CA (near Modesto) recently underwent two half-day Excel classes from Applied Office. The first class was designed for users who had never used Excel before while the second class was for intermediate users seeking to learn shortcuts and better ways to automate their spreadsheets.
Additional time was spent with the hospital's financial controller to find some complex, time-saving solutions to a variety of existing workbooks.
10/31/07 - Lodi Services Heat and Cooling Website Launched
Lodi's
decade-old HVAC service company underwent a website facelift and
launched their new website today, designed by Applied Office. The
new website focused on a better presentation of their key services and
products, while keeping the content mostly the same.
As a dealer for American Standard air conditioning products, they wanted to showcase a variety of lines on their new website to improve their search-generated traffic and increase their web-based sales. The website uses the latest in SEO techniques, and as a result when searching Google for "lodi air conditioning" they are the first non-sponsored link in Lodi, California.
10/22/07 - CDSS and Office 2007
The California Department of Social Services was the first state department to upgrade its 3000+ employees to Microsoft Office 2007. To help their employees prepare for the new changes and features in Office 2007, CDSS hired Applied Office to train its eight dozen PCAs -- employees throughout the organization who are tasked with helping other employees with their computer questions.
Curriculum for the full-day class was designed specifically for those with existing Microsoft Office experience but who needed to learn the differences between Office 2003 and 2007. Topics included using the Ribbon, customizing the Quick Access Toolbar, the new Smart Art tool, enhanced styles in Word, new Conditional Formatting and Table features in Excel, and a variety of new Outlook features. The class also discussed best-practices with the new file formats and a general overview of security. The IT department also requested the groups be given a refresher on tasks that not everyone was familiar with, such as Pivot Tables in Excel and Calendar Sharing in Outlook.
Applied Office travelled to Sacramento and Carlsbad for a total of five full days' worth of training and helped over 100 people.
10/15/07 - Applied Office awarded CMAS
Applied Office today received notice that it has been approved for
California Multiple Awards Schedule (CMAS) from the State of California.
This achievement allows State departments to purchase from Applied
Office with ease and bypass the timely RFP and multiple-bid process.
As a pre-approved service provider, agencies throughout the state can
hire Applied Office for training services with minimal effort.
With thanks to the consulting firm Clear Coast USA, Applied Office's CMAS contract allows for a variety of training services to be offered including the majority of the Microsoft Office suite.
9/23/07 - Classic Heritage Tours Website Launched
Leisure
travel agency Classic Heritage Tours out of Clements, CA hired Applied
Office to create their first website and broaden their business by
attracting new customers.
The website features descriptive listings of the tours and trips offered by the agency in a variety of formats, letting visitors decide how they want to browse. The site also allows visitors to sign up for a newsletter, called the Gold Pages, that Classic Heritage mails out on a quarterly basis to its customers.
9/19/07 - UoP Circulation Department Trained on Office 2007
Employees from the Circulation department of the University of the Pacific library concluded the last of four training sessions today to help with their use of Microsoft Word and Excel 2007.
The four two-hour sessions consisted of basic to intermediate skills and features mostly new to the new applications. The group of seven employees used their own workstations centered around the instructor with a projector and screen for demonstration.
8/29/07 - Wine and Roses Excel Training
Local bed and breakfast, spa, and restaurant facility Wine and Roses employees spent the day improving their skills with Microsoft Excel, facilitated by Applied Office and trainer David Diskin.
8/19/07 - DLBP Contact Database
The Download Lodi Business Partnership has to keep track of a lot of people and businesses. They're responsible for the organization and promotion of downtown events and the stores in the area, as well as being involved with the collection of fees in the area.
Jaime Watts, Executive Director of the DLBP, hired Applied Office to create a simple but effective contact database for the organization to help them keep track of everything in a single place. What used to be a variety of mismatched Excel spreadsheets and Word files was consolidated into a single Microsoft Access database.
The new application, accessible to all users via the office network, maintains a single list of businesses and allows users to assign multiple contacts to each business. Further, businesses can belong to any of a number of groups to facilitate a variety of mailing lists and other functions. The system tracks BID dues, service categories, and many other aspects of the DLBP's functions.
8/16/07 - New Teachers' Reception
For the third year in a row, Applied Office is proud to be a sponsor of the Lodi Unified New Teachers' Reception. A big welcome is extended to all of the new teachers to the area.
8/1/07- SJCOG Office 2007 Training
The San Joaquin Council of Governments represents a collective planning agency between Stockton, Lodi, Manteca, Ripon, Tracy, Escalon, and Lathrop. Their primary function is to improve transportation in and around the county, but their involvement with the county goes far further.
Recognizing how important technology is to communication and productivity, SJCOG IT Manager Calisse Volz upgraded the office to Microsoft Office 2007 to take advantage of its many new features. She then hired Applied Office to provide onsite training to SJCOG employees on each of the Office applications.
Applied Office created a self-survey for each employee to gauge their existing knowledge of Microsoft Office and what their needs for training would be. Through the month of August, trainer David Diskin will offer the 30 employees of SJCOG classes of varying skills on Word 2007, Excel 2007, PowerPoint 2007, Project 2007, and Expression Web.
7/29/07 - CertainTeed Database
CertainTeed, a Saint-Gobain company who manufacturers building materials with a large facility in Lodi, CA, recently contracted with Applied Office to provide a unified database tracking system for its Human Resources and Quality Control departments.
The database application, made available to approximately twenty users throughout the facility, was created in Microsoft Access 2003 and utilizes Visual Basic for Applications (VBA).
For Human Resources, the software tracks repair requests and safety risks, and helps the department with CalOSHA reporting. It ensures that safety issues are not neglected, and automatically informs the right managers for a timely resolve.
For Quality Control, technicians use the software to log precise measurements throughout the 24-hour production cycle so that management can review the operation and track consistency and performance. The application uses a variety of diagrams to visually aide technicians as they enter production data.
6/1/07 - University of the Pacific Migration to Outlook from Groupwise
University of the Pacific made the decision to change their email platform from GroupWise to Microsoft Exchange and Outlook. The Office of Information Technology (OIT) knew that their employees (nearly 3000 spread among Sacramento, San Francisco, and Stockton, California) would need training on Outlook 2003 in a timely manner they migrated to the new system. Find Out More
4/13/07 - Applied Office Returns to Comcast, Advanced Formulas
A second group of Comcast employees today learned advanced skills in Microsoft Excel. In their own training room, employees gathered to sharpen their Excel knowledge with formulas that help automate their spreadsheets and reduce errors.
Prior to the class, instructor David Diskin asked each participant what they hoped to learn from the four-hour session. Responses were varied, but all of them knew there was more to learn and were eager to do so.
The group, led by Diskin, learned how to lock-down worksheets, create drop-down menus, manipulate dates and text with functions like LEFT and WEEKDAY. The group also learned how to create and edit a Pivot Table. Throughout the class, shortcuts and other time-saving tricks were thrown in. The employees indicated that they truly enjoyed the session.
4/2/07 - Lodi Unified School District
Today marked the first of a year-long agreement between Lodi Unified and Applied Office to provide a number of two-hour sessions on Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook to its administrative staff and faculity.
3/15/07 - CalSTRS Employees Learn Microsoft Project
Nearly
a dozen California State Teachers' Retirement System
employees finished a day long, hands-on workshop on Microsoft Project
today, at their training lab in Sacramento. Participants used
real-world examples as they learned about basic project management
concepts, creating Gantt charts, allocating resources, and tracking
project costs.
David Diskin, owner of Applied Office, provided the class through a partnership with Los Rios Community College.
Reviews of the class were more than favorable, citing a comfortable training approach with practical examples. Every participant indicated they enjoyed the class and left with a working knowledge of Microsoft Project.
2/28/07 - Lodi Chamber of Commerce Launches The Lodi Channel
Congratulations to the Lodi Chamber of Commerce for launching The Lodi Channel, a view into Lodi with streaming video clips offered to tourists, relocating businesses, and potential home buyers.
Applied Office was proud to be a consultant for the project, and for having helped present The Lodi Channel to a room full of Lodi business owners and officials.
2/23/07 - Comcast Employees Learn New Excel Tricks
A small group of Comcast employees today learned intermediate and advanced skills in Microsoft Excel. The training took place in their own Stockton office, allowing employees to ask questions that pertain to specific worksheets they had issues with.
Topics in the class covered advanced use of formulas, formatting techniques, keyboard shortcuts, and more.
2/2/07 - Mortgage Source Spreads the Word with Publisher
When employees of The Mortgage Source lost their in-house graphics designer, they knew it was time to learn how to use Microsoft Publisher. The newsletters their former employee had created were sent to hundreds of the company's clients and friends, a key piece of marketing used to help promote the business and keep in touch with everyone they knew. Without knowledge of Publisher, they would lose this opportunity or have to pay and have it outsourced.
The Mortgage Source owner, Sharon Morgan, learned about Applied Office through the Lodi Chamber of Commerce. She scheduled a short two-hour session at her office and Applied Office showed up with a projector, laptop, and screen. Her employees were able to use their own desks and follow along hands-on with their existing newsletter as skills were demonstrated.
After the class, Morgan was excited to start on their next newsletter with their newfound Microsoft Publisher skills. Plans are in the works for additional classes on Microsoft Excel.
1/26/07 - Hormel Foods and Microsoft Excel
When the Stockton plant of Hormel Foods learned about Applied Office's computer training, their personnel manager Bill Harr jumped on the opportunity. Harr met David Diskin, owner of Applied Office, through the San Joaquin Human Resources Association. After a short meeting to discern what skills his employees needed to learn, the date was set.
Because Hormel's plant didn't have adequate facilities for on-site training, Diskin arranged for the rental of a nearby computer lab, just 10 minutes from Hormel. The lab provided a comfortable atmosphere with modern computers and a large projection display for employees to follow Diskin as he demonstrated skills in Excel. Employees came in two waves, each for a four-hour session, covering intermediate Excel topics such as formulas and spreadsheet formatting.
1/14/07 - Mexican Restaurant Orders Up New Website
The
new website of La Serenata de
Garibaldi launched today, created by Applied Office.
The restaurants (three in the Los Angeles and Santa Monica area) are renown for their fish tacos and exquisite sauces. In fact, La Serenata is consistently rated as one of the best restaurants in Southern California by the L.A. Times.
The website, a major facelift from their prior internet presence, includes beautiful photos of their entrees, desserts, and appetizers. Photos were taken by both Applied Office and a local L.A. photographer.
The website also includes each restaurant's menus, hours, contact information, maps and directions. Future plans for the website include an online "shopping cart" ordering system so busy diners can have their food waiting when they arrive (or for carry out).
1/11/07 - Applied Office Interviewed by Stockton Record on Vista
Applied Office owner David Diskin spent the morning with Stockton Record reporter Bruce Spence, showing him some of the new features users can expect with the release of Microsoft Windows Vista and Microsoft Office 2007.
Among the features demonstrated were Vista's mobility center, backup center, new security settings, and the Media Center previously included only with XP Media Center Edition.
Read the article here.
1/4/07 - Pacific's Conservatory of Music and Microsoft Access
What does a database program have to do with music and education? Plenty, when you're responsible for tracking admissions and auditions! Sensing that their current database solution could be made more efficient, Assistant Dean David Chase contacted David Diskin for help.
Over the course of a week, Diskin was able to rework their two existing database into one linked system. Using Visual Basic, routines were created for importing new records from Excel the click of a button. And a new feature was added which allows data to be sent via email using their GroupWise system in just one step.
1/4/07 - Women's Center Computer Classes
David Diskin, owner of Applied Office, started the first of three free classes made available exclusively to employees and volunteers of the Women's Center of San Joaquin.
Today's class introduced employees to Microsoft Word and offered tips and techniques to make their word processing more efficient with proper use of tables, styles, and tabs. Next week's class is aimed at PowerPoint, followed by a class on Excel on the third week.
Kate Macek, development director of the Women's Center, thanked Diskin after the three classes ended. "I just wanted to thank you again for holding the Microsoft Office classes for the Women's Center. I think everyone really appreciated the opportunity to learn more about those programs."
These classes are all part of a larger project by Applied Office to bring this wonderful organization "into the current century" with technology.
1/1/07 - Applied Office New Website Launched
Starting off the new year, Applied Office launches its newly redesigned website. Focusing on its new color scheme of teal hues, the new website is easier to navigate, has improved content, and is developed using the latest CSS techniques.
12/30/06 - Grand Oaks Inn Website Launched
Bed and breakfast Grand Oaks Inn launched it's website today. Designed by Applied Office, this website features a warm, inviting look and offers a number of photos of their beautiful rooms and properties to would-be guests.
12/13/06 - City of Lodi Developers Learn CSS
Employees of the IT department at the City of Lodi spent the day with Applied Office owner David Diskin to learn how to enhance their website with Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). Through use of CSS, web developers can create more-efficient page layouts and enable their pages to be standards-compliant, including Section 508.
11/22/06 - OpenDoor Services Website Launch
OpenDoor Services launched its website today, designed by Applied Office. The website features a bold look to match their attractive color scheme and simple, appealing logo.
11/8/06 - Sponsored SJHRA Meeting
Through its continued support of the San Joaquin Human Resources Association, Applied Office sponsored this month's meeting held at Le Bistro in Stockton, CA. Applied Office also donated $150 to the SJHRA Scholarship Fund.
11/1/06 - Los Rios Community College Trains CalSTRS on Office
The California State Teachers' Retirement System brought Los Rios Community College (LRCC) on board to help their employees become more efficient with their computers. One such class was on
Microsoft Office 2003 held at their facility today near CSU Sacramento.
The instructor hired for the full-day class was Applied Office owner David Diskin. Diskin met staff from LRCC during a training conference earlier this year and was asked by LRCC to deliver the course. "The group at CalSTRS was great and very eager to learn, and I'm happy to have shown them all the great things you can do with Outlook when you're on an Exchange server."
The staff enjoyed the class, too, with evaluations averaging 4½ out of 5. One participant particularly enjoyed the session on keyboard shortcuts and the use of Word's AutoText feature while composing emails.
10/26/06 - Local Mental Health Care Provider Shown Excel
Employees of local heath care company Crestwood Behavioral Health added training to their monthly meeting this morning when Applied Office arrived to show the group of 25 employees how
to be more efficient in Microsoft Excel.
The one-hour session covered techniques ranging from simple to advanced, so that every employee would learn something new including seasoned Excel users. Tips included AutoSum, series fill, freezing a split window, using formulas such as IF and the formula helper, formatting tricks, and keyboard shortcuts.
Following the class, instructor David Diskin met privately with a small number of employees to provide help with Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) programming in Microsoft Excel.
10/5/06 - Pacific Staff Shown Dreamweaver
Through an ongoing set of classes provided to University of the Pacific staff, David Diskin demonstrated Adobe Dreamweaver today. The three-hour hands-on class at a lab in the School of Engineering and Computer Science covered beginner concepts including using templates, hyperlinks, adding images, marking up text, and usability.
In addition to Dreamweaver, Diskin also teaches classes to the staff on Microsoft Office applications. Diskin is also a part-time professor at University of the Pacific, teaching an introductory computer class to students.
10/4/06 - Realty World Shown Outlook and BCM
Employees of Realty World were excited to be shown features of Outlook 2003 and the new Outlook Business Contact Manager (BCM). BCM is an application tied directly into Outlook that helps sales professionals follow-up on their leads, track opportunities, and prepare reports on their funnels, activities, and neglected contacts.
Joyce Petrolla of Realty World wrote back, "It was helpful for me to ask specific needs questions since I will be the one that will help both of them as we move forward in the next few months. I know it was good for Christy because she received a good overview of the key features she needs to use. I picked up several short cuts and tidbits too."
10/2/06 - Maloney and Bell
When general contractors Maloney and Bell needed assistance with Microsoft Outlook, they turned to the internet and found Applied Office ready to help. Owner David Diskin spoke with the business's controller Kristie Kotaska and soon planned a custom course for their 15 employees.
Diskin drove to their Rancho Cordova office to provide training on-site, using a laptop and projector for demonstration while employees watched and asked questions as they progressed through the two-hour session. Kotaska wrote, "Thank you for the training that you performed yesterday. It was very beneficial to our employees, and I have received a lot of good feedback."
10/1/06 - Lodi Street Faire
Continuing his twice-a-year tradition, Applied Office owner David Diskin spent the afternoon volunteering at the Lodi Street Faire, shuttling around exhausted shoppers and helping them take merchandise back to their cars. "It's such a great thrill to be helping so many people, especially the ones who are from out of town."
9/28/06 - National Association of Government Webmasters Conference
The fourth annual conference for the National Association of Government Webmasters was held this weekend in Reno, NV. Being a volunteer web designer for the City of Lodi, he attended the conference to learn about new trends in government web development, accessibility, content management, and future products such as Microsoft Expression Web Designer and Microsoft SharePoint.
9/27/06 - Women's Center Website Launched
After nearly nine months of planning, a logo change, all new content, and several 30th Anniversary celebrations, the Women's Center of San Joaquin County has launched their new website designed and maintained by David Diskin of Applied Office.
"This new website features a wealth of information for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Our hope is that victims will visit the website to learn how to seek help for the situation they are in." said Diskin, a supporter of the Women's Center.
Portions of the site are also aimed to students doing research on violence and abuse, and to potential donors looking for more information on the Center's involvement. Later this year, donors will be able to place a donation securely through the website using PayPal.
Diskin also plans to provide free computer training to employees of the Women's Center later this winter.
9/12/06 - Preparing for Windows Vista and Exchange 2007
Applied Office owner David Diskin attended a Microsoft-hosted seminar for IT professionals in Dublin, CA today. The seminar offered tips and tricks on configuring Microsoft Exchange 2003 followed by previews of Windows Vista and Exchange 2007.
David has been running Microsoft Windows Vista and Microsoft Office 2007 for some time now as a beta tester, and providing groups the opportunity to see the software with hands-on demonstrations.
9/8/06 - Lodi Chamber Business Showcase and BBQ
The Lodi Chamber of Commerce held its annual Businesses Showcase and BBQ this evening. Food and entertainment was enjoyed by all among perfect weather at Micke Grove Park. Congratulations to Natasha Chapman of Farwest safety who won a 512MB USB storage device. Applied Office was a proud sponsor of this event.
9/8/06 - Councilman Using Applied Office for Slideshow
Lodi Councilman Larry Hansen kicked off his campaign for re-election this evening with a slideshow presentation designed by Applied Office. The presentation featured photos of his family and community involvement, intermixed with video clips from his appearances on Oprah Winfrey and Geraldo, and testimonials from community leaders.
9/2/06 - World of Wonders BBQ Fundraiser
The World of Wonders Science Museum held its first public fundraiser today at Lodi Lake, and Applied Office was there taking photos of the occasion to include on their website. Applied Office is proud to work with the World of Wonders and provides their website and graphics services free of charge.
8/29/06 - First Day of School
David Diskin, owner of Applied Office, began a new semester at University of the Pacific teaching Comp25 to a classroom of 27 eager students. This nighttime class is a requirement for many majors including Business Management and Sports Therapy. The class covers computer hardware, software, website design, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Access. It is four units and includes a weekly lab session.
8/28/06 - Offer for Seismic Clients
Applied Office has extended a special offer for clients of Seismic Computer Management. Based out of Davis, CA, Seismic is a managed technology service provider focusing on businesses with ten or more PCs. Their clients will receive a 10% discount on all training services booked before the end of the year. Get more information.
8/26/06 - Pacific Tigers Fundraising Slideshow
Applied Office has again helped the Pacific Tigers with their annual Orange and Black Ball. A slideshow was created to feature seven magnificent live-auction prizes for an audience of over 200 supporters.
Executive Director of the PTAA, Tod Bannister, wrote: "On behalf of our coaches, student athletes, and the Board of directors of the PTAA, I want to say thank you for your contribution to the 2006 PTAA Membership Dinner. I am happy to report that you helped the PTAA raise $81,000 at this year's Orange and Black Ball."
All proceeds for the event were given to various Pacific Tigers teams and the PTAA. The slideshow was provided free of charge.
8/3/06 - Small Business Certification
The State of California has granted Applied Office certified Small Business status, entitling it to special preference on bids.
8/1/06 - Vino Farms
Local grape grower has hired Applied Office to provide Microsoft Excel training to its employees. Two sessions of different skill sets were scheduled so that all attendees could feel comfortable and learn at their own pace.
Vino Farms employee Craig Ledbetter discovered Applied Office after attending an Applied Lunches workshop at the Lodi Chamber of Commerce.
7/31/06 - More Applied Lunches Announced
In partnership with the Lodi Chamber of Commerce, Applied Office owner David Diskin is proud to announce six new classes scheduled to help people make the most of their computer software. These classes are 45 minutes in length and are presented with lunch at the chamber conference room.
- Demystifying Mail Merge (Aug 14)
- The Magic of Excel's Pivot Tables (Aug 28)
- Searching the Web Quickly (Sep 11)
- Using Microsoft Publisher (Oct 10)
- 25 Computer Shortcuts that Every Business Person Should Know (Oct 24)
- Microsoft Excel Shortcuts (Nov 13)
For class descriptions and more information, visit the Applied Lunches page.
7/20/06 - Pacific Employees
As part of University of the Pacific's commitment to excellence, members of the faculty are being offered a variety of continuing training classes during the summer. Four of those classes will be taught by Applied Office owner David Diskin. Those classes include two on Microsoft Excel, one on Microsoft Access queries, and another on using Microsoft Publisher.
Diskin is also a part-time professor at University of the Pacific, teaching an introductory computer class to students.
7/6/06 - Pro-Active Media
When media buyer Pro-Active Media upgraded their network to include Small Business Server 2003, they knew they needed a little help learning the new features of Microsoft Outlook with Exchange.
Their computer consultant, Compass Computing's Matthew Meltzer, recommended computing training professional Applied Office. While visiting Los Angeles, CA on business and pleasure, instructor David Diskin spent three hours with the five-employee staff and demonstrated features such as shared calendars, organizing email, and archiving old items.
6/2/06 - California Dept of Social Services
To help test their new conference room and training project, David Diskin was asked to provide a short lecture on Microsoft Outlook for twenty employees of the California Department of Social Services.
Immediately following the lecture, employees were asked to evaluate the facility, materials, and instructor. Applied Office is happy to report a glowing review and that additional lectures have been scheduled.
6/7/06 - California Dept of Education in Talks with Applied Office
Applied Office owner, David Diskin, met today with employees of the California Department of Education. Planned for later this fall, Applied Office will be providing weekly classes to the thousand employees of this state department.
Classes will include intermediate skills on Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Word. The department has a new training room with ten PCs so that employees can practice lessons hands-on while they are provided via projector.
6/1/06 - WOW
David Diskin is thrilled to announce his involvement with the World of Wonders Science Museum, taking on the role of the volunteer marketing director. The museum, set to launch in early 2008, will be built in Downtown Lodi and draw students from as far north as Sacramento and as far south as Turlock. The hands-on museum will be a family-friendly location for enthusiasts to learn about a variety of science disciplines such as physics and life science.
"I have always loved visiting the San Francisco Exploratorium, even as an adult. The opportunity to bring that to the central valley was too good to pass up, so I knew this was something I wanted to be a part of," said Diskin on why he wanted to volunteer.
Diskin's duties will include the drafting of a marketing plan for the museum, creating print and online materials, and consulting with the board of directors on positioning and market reach.
Visit the website at www.wowsciencemuseum.org.
5/24/06 - Applied Office Exhibits at California Network of Learning Professionals
With the interest of branching out to State government, Applied Office was an exhibitor at the California Network of Learning Professionals (CNLP) conference this May held at Sacramento State University.
Through the conference, owner David Diskin was introduced to the training coordinators of over 50 state departments and agencies. "Meeting so many professionals dedicated to training was a great experience. Not only were agencies interested in Applied Office's on-site services, but the insight gained from other trainers was invaluable."
Applied Office is in the application process to be a certified California Small Business and have a California Multiple Award Schedule (CMAS) contract.
5/19/06 - San Joaquin County Public Authority Learns Access
When San Joaquin County agency Public Authority realized they needed assistance with Microsoft Access, they called the company they met at a recent SJHRA conference: Applied Office. Over three weeks, David Diskin provided six hours of hands-on training in their conference room and six hours of custom application development and one-on-one assistance. When finished, their tracking system was easier to use, provided more meaningful results, and reduced month-end processing time dramatically.
5/15/06 - SSB Agents Close the Deal on Computer Training
Real estate agents and staff of Schaffer, Suess, and Boyd completed three sessions of training today on a variety of Microsoft Office applications. Working closely with Kevin Suess, instructor David Diskin created custom agendas for Publisher, PowerPoint, and Excel that were geared towards the real estate industry.
5/5/06 - City of Lodi Staff Learns PowerPoint the Easy Way
Applied Office owner David Diskin provided two sessions of PowerPoint training for City of Lodi staff at Hutchins Street Square today. Employees were grouped based on their familiarity with PowerPoint and learned hands-on how to create compelling presentations.
4/18/06 - Lunchtime Computer Workshops Announced
In an announcement with the Lodi Chamber of Commerce, Applied Office will begin a series of lunchtime computer workshops aimed at business professionals in the Lodi area. These short classes, with lunch included, will offer tips on Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Windows XP and cover general and specific tasks.
For more information on this series of workshops, visit the Applied Lunches webpage.
4/6/06 - NeighborCare Gets Prescription for Outlook Training
Recently acquired pharmaceutical company
NeighborCare decided a little training never hurt anyone.
Upon their yearly planning retreat at Lodi's Wine & Roses Inn, executives from across the country spent two hours learning how to maximize their proficiency of Microsoft Outlook provided by local business Applied Office.
Although the business's leaders had used the software for sometime, many did not know of its finer features and collaborative functions. Their time learning those features, shortcuts, and other skills was well spent.
4/1/06 - Bay Area Optometrists Covert to Microsoft Word
This group of Bay Area optometrists needed to modernize and standardize their medical transcription process and workflow. Applied Office created a macro-driven (VBA) Microsoft Word template which linked in with their VPN services and dramatically increased their turn-around time. Find Out More3/29/06 - Applied Office Participates in County ROC/P Improvement
Coming back for his second year, Applied Office owner David Diskin and a number of other business owners, educators, and faculty, met to discuss and improve the county's Regional Occupation Centers and Program (ROC/P).
ROC/P brings education, business, and industry leaders together to develop job training programs that match employer needs. Employer advisory committees, like the one this evening, assure that there is a strong labor market for skills taught. Courses provide meaningful career training and pathway opportunities through relevant training.
Diskin chaired tonight's meeting, leading participants through the agenda to review curriculum, books, and educational methods that next year's ROC/P participants will be undertaking. The classes seek to improve the "hire-ability" of graduating students.
2/19/06 - Lodi Turns 100, Gets New Website
Turning 100 is a milestone for any city, and this year Lodi is recognizing its centennial birthday with a year-long celebration that is sure to be something to remember.
Applied Office owner
David Diskin met with City Clerk Susan Blackston and other staff to plan and develop the centennial website which launched today. Features of the site include a historic photo album, random trivia, a calendar of centennial events, and lists of sponsors and volunteers
who are helping out in a variety of ways. One of the more touching features is a section devoted to passages from fellow Lodians who have memorable moments of our town and want to share their Lodi Pride with others.
Upon announcing the website at a city council meeting, Blackston recognized Diskin by saying, "David generously donated his time and talent to update [the site]; he did a wonderful job."
Diskin was recognized by Lodi Mayor Susan Hitchcock during the same council meeting. "We want to recognize you for the great work you've done on the website. Thank you very much," said Hitchcock while presenting to Diskin a certificate of appreciation.
The certificate reads: "On behalf of the Lodi City Council, we present this certificate in recognition of your contribution of time and talent in designing the official website for the Lodi Centennial celebration. Your effort, creativity, and attention to detail are evident within the design of the website , which reflects Lodi's community pride and festive spirit in its event calendar, stories, and photographs. We appreciate your generosity and community spirit!"
Upon accepting the certificate, Diskin thanked Blackston as well as Janet Hamilton and Jennifer Perrin for their assistance in providing content for the website. Also recognized was Steve Mann for his contribution of dozens of historical photographs.
"As an eleven-year resident of Lodi, it was an honor to give my time to develop a website that will mean so much to the people of this town and spread the word about its one-hundredth birthday," said Diskin.
The Lodi Centennial Website can be viewed at www.lodi.gov/100.
2/12/06 - Lodi House Continuing Education
Graduates of the local women's shelter
Lodi House are continuing their computer classes from last year and learning more about Microsoft Word and Excel, and soon PowerPoint. Hoping to find more than just entry-level
positions, these women are attending hands-on two-hour sessions on Microsoft Office software, provided by
Applied Office.
2/10/06 - Western Care Construction Learns Microsoft Visio
Through a contract with
Sierra College,
Applied Office was called in today to provide a full-day session training over a dozen employees on Microsoft
Visio. Covering the basics to complex Gantt charts and organizational chart, each
Western Care employee learned hands-on and by the end of class felt comfortable in using software that they hadn't even heard of before today.
Sierra College provides technical training to a number of local organizations, and facilitated today's training through powerful laptop computers that enabled employees to try the software while it was being demonstrated on the big screen. Books from Microsoft Press rounded out this full-service training solution, allowing employees to have an at-hand resource for any questions they might have in the coming months.
1/31/06 - Ranchwood Homes Educated on Microsoft Project
Thanks to a tip-off from online advertising, residential developer
Ranchwood Homes out of Merced has provided beginner MS Project training for its top project managers.
Applied Office instructor David Diskin gave the two-hour class today and provided study materials and sample templates, and the company plans a follow-up session in the near future.
1/25/06 - Project Managers Learn Microsoft Project
The project managers at Teichert spent their time today learning how to use the most powerful project-management software around - Microsoft Project.
Applied
Office brought laptops to their Turlock branch office to train sixteen PMs and administrative staff on the beginning features of Project and Microsoft Outlook.
With these new skills, this company will find itself to be far more efficient and resourceful than ever. They will be able to easily manage the aspects of the dozens of projects they simultaneously work on, while controlling costs and improving communication.
Further training is planned in a few months after the staff has "gotten their feet wet" and installed Microsoft Project Server.
1/23/06 - Applied Office Teams Up with Sierra College
Through a purely coincidental meeting,
Applied Office is now an authorized independent trainer of Sierra College's Training and Development program, which delivers custom
performance solutions to Placer and Nevada County employers. Business consultant for
Sierra College, Judy Schmidt, recognized Applied Office's skills immediately to help one of her clients learn Microsoft Visio.
1/18/06 - SJHRA Promotion Announced with Scholarship Donations
Working with the San Joaquin Human Resource Association,
Applied Office has pledged to donate $75 towards their scholarship fund for each Training Package sold between now and the end of
February. Members of SJHRA can not only save money while learning to be more efficient on their computer, but they can help out a great cause.
Learn more here.
1/17/06 - Applied Office Owner Teaching at Pacific
owner David Diskin has been invited to teach at University of the Pacific's School of Engineering, providing a introductory computer class that touches on everything from hardware to programming to website design to Microsoft Excel. Course professor Cathi Schuler is excited to have Diskin as part of the team, looking forward to updating the curriculum with a new perspective. Diskin's class is two nights a week in a new hands-on computer lab.
The additional section to Comp 25 was created due to high demand for the class's curriculum and prerequisite requirements for a number of majors. Go Tigers!
1/9/06 - Microsoft Office 2003 Upgrade Promotion
Microsoft, in conjunction with partners like Applied Office, has created a special promotion to encourage upgrades to Microsoft Office 2003. Purchase 5 or more licenses of Microsoft Office Professional 2003, and earn a minimum of $25 credit towards Applied Office training services per license.
1/1/06 - It's Been a Great Year!
ends 2005 on a high note being fortunate enough to have plenty of valued customers supporting it. In just a short amount of time, Applied Office has the leading choice of on-site computer training in the central California area with clients like Teichert Construction and Lodi Memorial Hospital, and even traveling as far as Los Angeles to help accounting firm Wayne, Gaynor, Umanoff, and Pollock. Database development has touched local companies like Duran Homes and Rydel's Vacuums, and environmentalist group Community Conservancy International. Tech firms Sendio and ServePath have seen the benefits of an MS Office specialist at work enhancing their documentation and electronic forms. And this is just the beginning with websites and make-overs in progress for Alegre Trucking, The Duncan Company, REI-Success, MX Resources and others.
But helping commercial entities was only part of the focus for Applied Office. Dedicated to helping our community, the Lodi Public Library now boasts a beautiful website, the Animal Friends humane society now enjoys DSL service and networked PCs, and work is in progress for other groups like the Women's Center and Kiwanis of Lodi. Most notable, however, is the free training that has been given to the public at the Lodi Public Library -- over 60 hours!
In 2005, Applied Office logged 281 hours donated to various organizations in the area. As a result of his work in the area, owner David Diskin has been named Volunteer of the Year by the Lodi Chamber of Commerce -- a recognition that will be presented later this month in front of hundreds.
Thank you to all of our clients, partners, and vendors, for making 2005 successful. Here's to another year.
11/18/05 - Leadership Lodi Class of 2005 Graduates
is thrilled to congratulate this year's class of Leadership Lodi, and welcome in the new class. "Being a sponsor of the graduation event, and having the opportunity to announce the upcoming class was a great experience," recalls owner David Diskin. "Having just recently been elected to co-chair the Steering Committee means I can help give back to a program that has helped me in so many different ways."
11/14/05 - Lodi Memorial Hospital Learns Microsoft Office
Training began today for the staff of
Lodi Memorial Hospital to help them be more proficient in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
Applied Office
provided on-site instruction for RNs, accountants, HR professionals, and clerks in their computer-equipped training room.
Courses were customized to LMH's needs to include specific information about Microsoft Outlook and their Exchange server, internal email policies, and graphics design standards while creating PowerPoint presentations.
Students surveyed enjoyed the class and cannot wait to sign up for more. Another full-day session for 40 more employees is scheduled the following week.
11/10/05 - City of Lodi Gets Web Advice on New Look
owner David Diskin met again with the City of Lodi in discussions for its new website, set to launch the beginning of 2006 -- matching the 100th anniversary of the city's incorporation.
11/7/05 - Los Angeles CPA Firm Trained on Excel
owner David Diskin traveled 350 miles to southern California this weekend, it wasn't just to spend some time with his family and escape the rain. Through a referral from Los Angeles computer consultant Compass Computing, the CPA firm of Wayne, Gaynor, Umanoff, and Pollack contacted Applied Office in request of a customized training course for its accountants.
Though the firm has long been using computers to process tax returns, statements, and budget forecasts, they recently abandoned Lotus 1-2-3 in favor of Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft software. They knew their employees would need training -- especially with the tips and tricks that many Excel users take for granted -- and that's exactly what they got in this two-day employee training session.
Firm employee David Wayne commented: "The staff and partners extend a thanks for the training and I personally want to express my gratitude for your advice and patience."
10/25/05 - State of the City, Sponsored by Applied Office
Applied Office was proud to be among the sponsors of today's State of the City luncheon. Highlights of the afternoon were a presentation by the Hispanic Business Committee, Mayor John Beckman, and Leadership Lodi student Kelly Higgs with a PowerPoint slideshow created by Applied Office.
Applied Office held a business-card drawing for a $50 gift certificate to Peitro's, won by Paul Haley of F&M Bank. Congratulations, Paul!
10/23/05 - Job Seekers Trained on MS Word
As part of an on-going arrangement with women's shelter
Lodi House,
Applied Office has provided the first of a series of job-prep classes to its women graduates. Hoping
to find more than just entry-level positions, these women attended a hands-on two-hour session on Microsoft Word to learn document formatting, time-saving tips, and more. Future classes include Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
10/2/05 - Applied Office Helps Shoppers at Faire
David Diskin of Applied Office, along with dozens of other volunteers, helped out at this weekends bi-yearly Lodi Street Faire. Diskin was handed the keys to a speedy golf cart, and made his way around the downtown area helping tired shoppers to their cars with their bags of newfound treasures. "It's great to talk to the shoppers and find out where they come from and what brings them to the Faire. One family came as far as Fremont, and there were plenty from Sacramento." Their favorite reason to come to the Faire? "The Lockeford Sausage."
9/29/05 - Applied Office Sponsors Local Teachers
Every year the Lodi Chamber of Commerce and local businesses sponsor new teachers hired into Lodi Unified School District. Applied Office was proud to be among other businesses such as State Farm Insurance.
9/16/05 - Free Public Training on Microsoft Excel
In an on-going effort to help the community, Applied Office has announced three additional six-hour training sessions available to the public and given at the Lodi Public Library's computer lab. Each class will help users with Microsoft Excel from beginning concepts to intermediate skills like formulas and charts. For more information about these classes, visit Applied Office's website.
9/14/05 - Women's Shelter Gets Help from Two Local Techs
Two local technology companies,
Applied Office and
EZ-Network Systems, met with Joelle Gomez of the
Women's Center of San
Joaquin County. Owners of the companies, David Diskin and Raymond Smith, have pledged to help the Women's Center upgrade every corner of their technology.
Conducting a walk-through of the building today, the two researched optimum locations for enterprise-level wireless equipment that would enable all 20 employees to share a single internet connection, printers, and file shares. Smith was able to find equipment from manufacturers at a special discounted rate available only to non-profit organizations.
Diskin is eager to begin helping the Women's Center revamp their website, with an expected launch later this year.
8/24/05 - Free Quick Reference Cards Available for Download
Applied Office has made new
quick-reference cards for Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and Windows XP to download and print!
These two-sided, color cards show common keyboard shortcuts, icon meanings, common tasks, and more.
8/1/05 - Concrete Company Gets Solid Excel Training
Applied Office announced today a deal with local concrete construction professionals,
Teichert. Applied Office's owner, David Diskin, will be providing one-on-one
and classroom-style training to Teichert employees. Diskin says, "I am excited to help raise their productivity with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, and with general Windows/Internet training."
7/16/05 - Lodi Chamber BBQ gets Computer Training Sponsor
Amongst the local real estate companies, vacuum repairmen, staffing agencies, and printing services was a new company with a familiar face making its first public appearance. David Diskin, formerly of InReach Internet for over nine years, began his new business just a few months ago. After carefully writing a business plan and putting together his own marketing materials, Diskin used this year's Lodi Chamber Annual BBQ as his launching point to the public.. and Applied Office was born.
Applied Office sponsored the BBQ along with local businesses the Penny Saver and Eagle Credit Union. As part of his sponsorship, Diskin designed and printed the tickets to be used at the event and greeted visitors at the entrance with a familiar smile, red licorice, and a new business card.
A big winner at the event was local insurance salesman Casey Pechin, who walked away with a Microsoft Office keyboard just for entering his business card at Applied Office's booth.
7/15/05 - Human Resource Professionals Focus on Computer Training
The
San Joaquin Human Resources Association, led by president Nicole Welch, heard from meeting sponsor
Applied Office today on the benefits of providing
training computer to employees. While safety and sexual harassment training courses are required by law in California, few companies invest in software training. As a result, their employees may not be as productive and skilled as they could be.
Applied Office provided free Excel Quick Reference Cards and offered a significant discount to SJHRA members for on-site training courses on any Microsoft Office product. A lucky winner that day was Marsha Rodriguez of Guntert Steel. Rodriguez won a free two-hour training session which she plans to share with her employees at her office in Ripon.
5/25/05 - Lodi gets Free Excel Training
Applied Office owner David Diskin has committed to the people of Lodi by providing a series of free Microsoft Excel training sessions, using the computer lab of the Lodi Public Library. Interested individuals can review the list of class dates and sign up at the Reference Desk.
4/6/05 - Local Shelter for Women, Children Get New Newsletter
As part of an on-going commitment to the community, local business
Applied Office met today with non-profit executive director Suzanne Mangum of
Lodi House. Lodi House
is a shelter that provides food, advocacy, counseling, and workshops to the women who have been displaced from their homes that need a second chance.
This time last year, Applied Office owner David Diskin, in cooperation with Stockton-based InReach Internet, provided Lodi House with a custom designed website at no charge. In October, Diskin added ecommerce to the website, allowing patrons to donate to Lodi House through the internet, and even purchase their fundraising CD "coming.home".
Now, Applied Office hopes to take Lodi House's visual image one step further by redesigning its newsletter with over 2000 recipients. The new design will more closely match the style of the website, bear the new Lodi House logo, and be easier to read with a bolder, friendlier look. The finished product, which will be available for download off the website, will be available at the end of the second quarter.
4/1/05 - New Business goes Online
Applied Office officially opens its online doors today, as owner David Diskin uploads the first few pages of the company's website. The company will focus on helping small businesses and non-profit organizations make
the most of software applications such as Microsoft Excel and Outlook.
Owner David Diskin is a Microsoft-certified "Master" in all primary Microsoft Office applications, and after working for InReach Internet for over nine years has decided to start his own business. "This is an exciting time for me -- not just because I'm own my own and will be learning a new experience, but because I'll have more freedom to help local organizations." In the past, Diskin has volunteered numerous hours to groups such as the Lodi Chamber of Commerce, Lodi House, and the Pacific Tigers Athletic Association.
Diskin's services include on-site training, custom development, and design of print and web pieces. For more information, visit www.appliedoffice.net.