New England Solution Provider Snags Invite To Obama's Final State Of The Union Address

Tim Hebert nearly declined the phone call that would allow him to meet President Barack Obama.

The number was unlisted, but it turned out the voice on the other end of the line was that of Rep. Jim Langevin (D-R.I.).

Langevin, who represents Rhode Island's second congressional district, has worked very closely with Hebert on strengthening the state’s cybersecurity and workforce development initiatives; to thank Hebert for his hard work, the congressman extended his only State of the Union invitation to the CEO of Warwick, R.I.-based solution provider Atrion.

[Related: Solution Provider Atrion Networking Merges With Sister Company To Ramp Up Services Push]

"I didn't realize that regular, ordinary citizens could go to the event," Hebert told CRN from Washington, D.C. "I saw people in the gallery, but I always thought they were celebrities."

Hebert will be listening carefully Tuesday to see if Obama talks about cybersecurity or workforce development during his final address to a joint session of the U.S. Congress. Specifically, Hebert said, he would like to hear Obama commit to bolstering investment protecting America's digital assets as well as talent with a background in cybersecurity.

Hebert said he's pleased with the work Obama has done to raise awareness around cybersecurity threats, especially as it relates to the joint task force created by former speaker of the House of Representatives John Boehner.

That task force ended up advancing legislation that would enhance the ability of various U.S. government entities to share information to combat cybersecurity threats, which Hebert considers a good first step but cautioned that a lot more work needs to be done.

From a workforce training perspective, Hebert said, he has seen both the federal government and the state of Rhode Island make huge strides in initiatives both specific to IT and broadly focused on getting more skilled workers prepared for the economy of tomorrow.

Hebert will leave the Hotel Palomar late Tuesday afternoon wearing a contemporary light navy suit jacket, a checkered blue shirt and a "wicked cool" navy blue tie for a look that's both professional and offers "a dash of flair."

His first stop will be a reception hosted by House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, where he expects Langevin will introduce him to a lot of congressional movers and shakers so that Hebert can pick their brains. Then it will be off to the House chamber, where Hebert hopes to get a good seat so he can see and hear a lot of Obama's final State of the Union address.

"Everyone's really excited for me," Hebert said. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime thing."

For any solution providers looking to land an invite to a future State of the Union address, Hebert urged them to look beyond their businesses and figure out ways to make a difference where they live.

"This opportunity wouldn't ever have happened if I didn't invest in my community and my state," Hebert said. "It's important to give back."

PUBLISHED JAN. 12, 2016