We can be pretty cynical about the kinds of technical arrogance we see in the computer world. But, in this case, Microsoft got it right in a big way at their Worldwide Partner Conference in Washington D. C.

So, let me ask you – when was the last time the Chief Operating Officer of Microsoft went ape about your company? And, when did it happen in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center? Yeah, happens every day, huh?

What was Kevin Turner so excited about that he closed his keynote speech with a video and salute to this particular company?

It’s Never 2 Late – Never!

He was excited enough about the potential of a Microsoft partner company called It’s Never 2 Late. He was excited about Jack York’s vision of changing the lives of older adults.

You see, as long as Sheryl and I have known Jack (gosh, over 10 years now) he’s had a single-minded drive to help senior citizens connect, enhance and empower their lives by connecting to the computer world.

Jack would never say it’s been easy. In fact, if most of us went up against the odds he’s encountered, we’d have thrown in the towel long ago.

Not Jack.

“I just know this is a good thing to do. It really does change lives and you can just see it when it works. We just need a little more technology juice behind us to make it work.”

Um, so, do you think Microsoft might just have the juice?!

Take a look at the video above. If you want to skip right to the place where Mr. Turner introduces the video about It’s Never 2 Late, just skip to the 1 hour and 39 minute mark.

With Your Head In the Cloud

The Microsoft Partner Conference was often about something called “Cloud Computing.” But, Kevin Turner ended his speech, in front of over ten thousand of their most important partners, reminding all of us that technology just has its head in the clouds if it’s not about truly serving people.

As one of the seniors, Milton Greidinger, says in the video:

“It’s like a godsend. That’s a good word, godsend.”

And, that’s a good job, Kevin. And that’s a godsend, Jack.

To be eligible for the Mercury awards, you have to be a Boulder or Broomfield private, locally owned company. Then, you have to have stratospheric growth rates like 400% and 500%.

To get some of the great wine, beer and yummy food, though, (and to hob-knob with these fastest growing companies) all you had to do was sign-up, pay a ridiculously small fee and show-up.

The winners were recognized with awards, champagne, photo-op’s and even 30 seconds of microphone time (thank goodness for short speeches). Companies like Cloud 9 Living, Eco-Products, Boulder’s Best Organics and Goozmo walked away with the top honors. (download an Excel list of all the Mercury 100).

However, it was a different short speech from Tom Keller that may have meant the most to those gathering at this prestigious event.

Keller calls himself a serial Internet entrepreneur, and he has the successful credits to prove it. He recently sold his latest venture, Intense Debate, for a nice wad of money – and when he did, he gave a healthy portion of that wad to some of the folks who are doing good work in the community,

He challenged the award winners (and those of us enjoying the goodies and beer) to do the same:

“Take time tonight to go visit with Chris and Gretchen at the Community Foundation booth – or take 10 minutes out of your busy work day tomorrow to visit the Community Foundation web site. You’ll find out how they are helping your community – and you’ll find out what you can do to help them.”

Following up on Tom’s instructions, we made our way over to talk to Chris and Gretchen.

Chris is Chris Barge, an award winning Boulder Daily Camera and Rocky Mountain News reporter, who is now the Director of Philanthropic Services for The Community Foundation. Gretchen is Gretchen Minekime, a past President of Boulder Business Professional Women, and now the Community Foundation’s Director of Advancement.

From Mr. Barge and Ms. Minekime we learned that The Community Foundation is out to “improve the quality of life in Boulder County, now and forever, and to build a culture of giving.”

They are a lot like an organization you are likely to find in your own community, wherever you live, as there are over 600 such foundations around the globe.

Take a peek at the Grants Archives section of their web site to see how extensive their reach is. They’ve distributed over $30 million in grants to Boulder/Broomfield organizations – covering education, health, environment, the arts and more.

Yes, it was a night where the Mercury 100 winners were honored in Boulder. But, it was also a night where everyone in the community will be a winner, if they do what Tom suggests and take the time to talk to Chris and Gretchen.