This newsletter is sponsored by GTA. The items contained herein are published as submitted and are provided for general information purposes only. This information is not advice. Readers should not rely solely on this information, but should make their own inquiries before making any decisions. GTA works to maintain up-to-date information from reliable sources; however, no responsibility is accepted for any errors or omissions or results of any actions based upon this information. If you have any questions regarding any of these items, contact the organizational representative of that source.

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The Gorge Technology Alliance regularly meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month with the exception of August and December. Next meeting of the GTA will be on January 27th.

Click here for the GTA calendar.
 
These meetings are free for members. Non-members pay $10 or may apply their attendance fee toward GTA membership.

Please help welcome these new members to the Gorge Technology Alliance:

Northwest NAV Propulsion Systems - Northwest ULD Inc., doing business as Northwest UAV Propulsion Systems, was founded in 2002 and has produced over 1,500 turnkey propulsion systems for Insitu Inc. of Bingen, WA. NWUAV coordinates closely with the customer to ensure manufacturing and design criteria are achieved. Engine run-in stations/dynamometers ensure performance criteria prior to shipping. Through various industrial skill sets and partners in manufacturing, NWUAV provides excellence in all aspects of production of propulsion systems. Circuit card manufacturing, machining, aluminum castings and rapid manufacturing, using the in-house EOS P390, are a small sampling of the company's capabilities. NWUAV is on track to achieve AS9100 certification in the fall of 2008. Visit www.nwuav.com for further information

Networking Members:

Mary Beth Rogers - Mary Beth recently moved to the Gorge after  20+ years in operations and project management with Portland high tech companies. She is interested in either full time or contract work, and looks forward to networking through the GTA.

Linda Vigesaa - Linda is an IT Professional with over 20 years experience in IT Management and Operations.  Linda moved to Hood River about 6 months ago and joined our group to become more familiar with the technology industry in the gorge. 


You can learn more about these members by visiting the GTA website and clicking on "current members". We'll also be providing more detail in upcoming member profiles.

Your responses will help Columbia Gorge Community College determine if there is enough need to justify a new workforce training program to help meet the anticipated need for a skilled workforce. It will help determine one of two possible courses of action:

• The regional workforce need fully justifies the creation and implementation of a new program by CGCC to help produce a skilled local workforce to support continued growth of the region's high-tech sector. 
• CGCC could consider adding a limited number of new classes, while making use of other educational resources if the workforce need does not yet justify implementation of a new program.

Have a business idea, plan, or other concept that you think has potential? PubTalkT is an opportunity for you to present your idea to an audience including potential investors. Each PubTalkT includes two presentations by area businesses seeking funding to take their business to the next stage.
 
Organizers of PubTalkT are currently soliciting gorge area businesses interested in presenting at future events.  PubTalk events will be held on January 13, 2009, March 10, 2009 and April 14, 2009.  Events begin at 5:30 PM. Click here for more details. 
 

Exporting offers opportunities for companies to grow and prosper in the global marketplace. International Trade Services withing the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department (OECDD) helps Oregon businesses become export-ready and equipped to explore new markets. OECDD's team of professionals has extensive international trade experience. They are committed to helping Oregon businesses, especially small -  and medium-sized business, to export by using their expertise and a global network of contacts, including Oregon's own overseas representatives based in Asia and Europe. For information on how to access these free services call 503-229-5625 or visit their website.