Asked how the ad hoc CIO group ranks as a source of information compared with alternatives such as conferences, trade publications, consultants and research firms, Dramis says, "They are all valuable, but what's interesting about a group of local CIOs is that their information is relevant to the marketplace we are working in."

"There is no amount of consulting you could pay for that's worth that face time with your peers," Blalock adds.

Says longtime CIO Lucia, "It fills a niche I've never had the opportunity to fill before."

Side bar

Their own space