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.

This newsletter may contain links to websites that are created and maintained by other organizations. GTA does not necessarily endorse the views expressed on these websites, nor does it guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information presented there. Furthermore, visitors should be aware that other sites linked from this newsletter may use persistent cookies that track visitor viewing habits.

 

We hope you'll join us for our May meeting featuring Overlooked Tax Credits!
 
When: Tuesday, May 26, 2009. 6:30 p.m.
Where: CenterPointe Community Bank, 2500 Cascade Avenue, Hood River, Oregon
Cost: free for GTA members, $5 for non-members
Light snacks and beverages provided.
 
Business Energy Tax Credits and Research and Development Tax Credits are not just for software or manufacturing companies! These tax credits are available for a wide variety of businesses, including real estate companies, beverage companies, food processors, wood and lumber companies, retailers, wholesalers, financial institutions, hospitals, etc. The tax system in the United States is used as much for incentivizing growth and investment as it is for collecting revenue.
 
Choose to invest your tax dollars in a long term financial asset and become part of Oregon's solar future. Ken Pearson, a Commercial Solar Consultant from Advanced Energy Systems, will be providing an introduction that outlines the tax benefits of going solar, the various avenues for acquiring grant money and what to consider when choosing a systems integrator.
 
Proper utilization of the research and development credit program can add tens of thousands of dollars of immediate cash flow to your business. Tony Hnyp of RnD Consultants will explain why companies typically claim less than a third of what is available and how your company can claim the optimal amount.
 
As always, the discussion will be followed by an opportunity to meet and network with GTA members and guests. 

Click here to go to the GTA events calendar for details.

On May 19 at the Gorge Angel Conference, eProduce Sales Inc. was awarded a $105,000 investment from GAIN II LLC (Gorge Angel Investor Network). eProduce Sales touts itself as the eBay of the fresh food industry. Its website serves as a central sales and marketing site for growers, distributors, brokers and retailers who buy and sell produce in large scale. As part of his pitch to GAIN, eProduce Sales President Randy Morrow said the company's corporate headquarters would be moved to Hood River.

Other finalists who made presentations Tuesday were Hood River company Outside Baby, LLC and Gorge software company 4Tell, LLC.

TechStart is a nonprofit that promotes wider access to technology education for K-12 students in order to strengthen the skills they need to thrive in the global economy. This great organization offers workshops for educators, program support and many other opportunities based on its mission.

Upcoming events include a Teacher Training on June 29-July 1 at Hillsboro High School that includes workshops on LEGO NXT robotics and flash-driven website design. They are also currently accepting applications for the 2009 Oregon TechStart Educator of the Year.

To learn more about TechStart, visit techstart.org.

GTA partner organization the Software Association of Oregon has declared June 3 as Advocacy Day in Oregon. On this day, you're encouraged to visit Salem and/or contact your legislators to stress the importance of the technology sector to Oregon's economy.

The user conference is free to both current and prospective Intel Partner members. For more information or to register, visit the Engage 2009 website.