Leaders of small- to mid-sized places of worship in Detroit have a unique opportunity to develop effective business skills through TechTown's Faith-Based Business Forum.

Speaker: Dwayne Carson, Director of Operations, IC Data Communications

Topic: How non-profits can take advantage of technology in a down economy

Carson's talk will cover the following points:

• Google Apps for non-profits--Get e-mail and word applications
• TechSoup clearinghouse--Software and hardware at discounted prices
• Managed Services--Software as a Service, Hosted applications, On-demand services

Dwayne Carson is co-founder and Director of Operations of IC Data Communications, LLC (IC Datacom), a full-service Detroit-based information technology firm. IC Datacom focuses on three core areas, computer networking, video security and telecommunications. The company supports small to medium-sized businesses, and clients range from professional service companies, non-profits and medical facilities, to churches and K-12 schools.

Carson, a serial entrepreneur, has owned and operated several businesses over the past 19 years. He has considerable experience in business operations and how technology enhances the function and overall success of companies. IC Datacom has grown in the past five years from two to 11 full-time employees. Carson has a B.A. in pre-law from Michigan State University.