The North Carolina Technology Association is pleased to announce its new Leadership Series of programs for 2010, presented with title sponsor Grant Thornton. The first program in the series will be held Friday, January 22 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Embassy Suites in Cary, N.C. and will feature Don Yaeger (www.donyaeger.com) presenting "Characteristics of Greatness: What Makes the Great Ones Great."

The Leadership Series is a forum NCTA created for members who strive to be informed and inspired on how to be a more effective professional leader. This series will feature candid discussions with top technology & business leaders, media opinion leaders and motivational speakers, and other thought-leaders.

"This series is designed to capitalize on occasional signature speakers who become available to NCTA," said Brooks Raiford, NCTA's president and CEO. "We're grateful that Don Yaeger will kick off the series, given that his message on characteristics of leadership is especially timely as we begin a new year."

As a four-time New York Times bestselling author and long-time associate editor of Sports Illustrated, Don Yaeger has developed a reputation as one of America's most provocative journalists. Using the lessons learned over his extensive career as both a journalist and an entrepreneur, Yaeger has become an award-winning keynote speaker. He has shared his personal stories of motivation to a wide array of audiences, including Fortune 500 companies and cancer survivor groups. Yaeger will share from his book "Sixteen Consistent Characteristics of Greatness." Over his many years of working with icons in the sports world, Don has compiled a list of sixteen characteristics that are associated with winners who exhibits greatness. At the event, he will discuss those characteristics that are most applicable to the technology community.

NCTA would like to extend its appreciation to the Leadership Series sponsors: Grant Thornton as title sponsor, and Peak 10 and Vaco Raleigh, LLC as table sponsors. To register for the event or inquire about additional sponsor opportunities, visit www.nctechnology.org.

About NCTA

The North Carolina Technology Association's mission is "Making North Carolina #1 in Technology and Technology #1 in North Carolina." The organization does this through three main focus areas: executive engagement, public affairs, and knowledge workforce. For more information, visit our website at www.nctechnology.org.