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We want the GTA meetings to be valuable to you - GTA members and others interested in technology in the Gorge. So we'd love to hear what you think about a few possible topics and even hear your own suggestions. This one-question survey will take 20 seconds to complete - we promise! Just click on this link:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=QKXRAXSvnDNFLkqQzrRW3A_3d_3d

AND THANK YOU!

The GTA was recently awarded a Google community grant for the GTA's Technology Education Program. The majority of grant funds will be used in partnership with the Gorge Robotics Club to purchase robotics kits and laptops for loan to youth robotics programs throughout the Gorge. The grant will also help support semi-annual robotics competitions in the Gorge. The adult portion of the Technology Education Program will draw four higher profile speakers to address Gorge audiences over the next year in technology-related topics. Stay tuned for more details as both the youth and adult programs are further developed! 

To get away from the stress of January 1 membership renewals, the GTA revised its membership calendar to run from October 1 to September 30 - that means that the annual membership drive is going on now!

GTA Members enjoy a variety of benefits, from business listing on the GTA website to free entrance to GTA events to special member-only invites. Only GTA members will have a chance to mingle with the speakers brought in through the Google grant over the next year. And if you join in the Membership Plus category, you'll receive discounted membership with the Software Association of Oregon, the GTA's partnership organization which offers group healthcare and discounted business services!

Here is a full list of membership benefits and costs. And joining is easy with PayPal through the GTA's website - just click here.

For more information, contact Jessica at jessica@crgta.org.

Nichole Stein joins the Board as Information Systems Director at La Clínica del Cariño. She's been in the Gorge for almost two years, having moved from the East Coast. One of Nichole's priorities in joining the GTA Board is to give healthcare organizations in the Gorge a place to discuss how technology is evolving in the industry and how best to leverage those changes.

Dave Karlson joins the Board as Site Manager at Google's data center in The Dalles. Dave has lived in the Gorge since 1993. Prior to joining Google, Dave served the school districts of Wasco and Hood River Counties as the Information Technology Director for what is now known as Columbia Gorge ESD. Dave joins the GTA Board as a long-time advocate for local technology projects, including the Q-Life and HREC fiber networks and the Students Recycling Used Technology (StRUT) program.

Thank you to everyone who participated in our online survey or phone interviews! Information from the 72 businesses and organizations surveyed shows that, since 2005:

• Few respondents lost employees
  
• No respondents lost "technology employees"
• There has been an increase in the number of start-ups
  
• Few respondents reported decreased revenue - and in fact, combined revenues increased from approx. $140 million in 2005 to approx. $400 million currently
• Local supplier spending for a few GTA member companies grew from $4 million in 2006 to $45 million in 2008

Click here for a pdf of the White Paper.

We also collected a lot of great information about how the GTA can better support the tech sector of the Gorge, information we're feeding directly into our workplan. Expect more details soon!

The Oregon Consortium and Oregon Workforce Alliance is recruiting regional business leaders in Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, Wheeler and Gilliam Counties (WorkSource Gorge service area) to participate as Board Members to the Oregon Workforce Alliance (OWA) serving 24 counties in rural Oregon.  Board Members have an opportunity to share their voice in coordinating workforce development activities; learn about available workforce training and education services and network with workforce professionals and county commissioners. 

OWA serves as the voice for rural Oregon by coordinating workforce development leadership and resources with federal, state, and local workforce agencies, organizations and programs.  One Board opening is available.  Click here for more information or contact Elisha.

Are you interested in presenting at the next PubTalk? We're seeking Business Presenters immediately for the Nov 17 PubTalk in The Dalles at Erin Glenn Winery.
 
Have a business idea, plan, or other concept that you think has potential? PubTalk is an opportunity for you to present your existing business or idea to an audience including potential investors. Each PubTalk typically includes two presentations by area businesses seeking funding or expertise to take their business to the next stage. In order to qualify as a presenter, a firm is required to submit an application, and one page executive summary of their business plan.  All event presenters will be selected by the PubTalk review team based on their readiness to seek funding.  Companies chosen to present at PubTalk may have an opportunity to present at the Gorge Angel Conference on April 27, 2010, where an anticipated $100,000 investment prize will be awarded to a winning gorge area business.
 
Email Jessica@crgta.org today if you're interested in presenting your business.