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{Current Projects}
The Gorge Technology Alliance Board of Directors has approved proposals to move ahead on projects related to our mission. We are seeking input, suggestions and volunteer time from GTA members who may have an interest or specific skills in an area related to any of these projects. Note: Click on the title to open and close the description of each current project:
Branding the Gorge| Project Lead - Amanda Remington
Branding the Gorge has been a focus of the alliance since day one. As such, through this initiative we have:
- Produced a DVD to represent the GTA, member companies, and the Columbia River Gorge. Video was produced by Lightwave Communications, an active GTA member. View the video on our homepage.
- Published a brochure illustrating the value of locating a business in the Gorge. Brochure was designed by GTA
member, Nayland Wilkins Commercial Photography and Design and can be viewed in our "publications" section.
- Designed "Po-cards," which have been distributed throughout the Gorge. Po-cards was produced with the assistance of Lightwave Communications.
We are currently working on increased marketing with
our available resources to
increase our visibility as an emerging business center for technology based businesses.
Data Collection | Project Lead - Mark Flaming
The data collection project focuses on gathering information from GTA members and various technology and industry sector companies. The aggregate information is used to better understand our impact and resources as a technology cluster in the Gorge. A white paper documenting the intial results from this study was released on March 30, 2007. To view this first white paper click here.
Using this white paper, the GTA has been conducted outreach efforts to communicate the impact of technology businesses on the economy of the Columbia River Gorge. In addition, we have begun working on a formal business count to identify the number of high tech firms located in the Gorge to pursue our research further. This project was started in July 2007.
Website Development | Project lead - GTA web committee
We have selected a website developer to improve the GTA website. Frazier Business Services has been providing support for updates to our website including immediate changes to the homepage, menu, and membership process. Additional updates may include an RFP portal, survey generator, GTA community page, and online member payments.
Intern Coordination | Amanda Remington
One of the GTA's goals is to create jobs and intern opportunities for youth in the area.
North Wasco County School District #21 has designed a program of pre-engineering courses at The Dalles High School using a program called "Project Lead the Way." Connecting with that program, there are opportunities for GTA member companies to become involved as mentors, host student interns, or provide tours of their facilities.
White Salmon School District also has opportunities for GTA members to play mentorship roles. Last year, the school debuted a robotics curriculum. Student particpation in this pilot program more than tripled in the 2007-08 school year. In addition, the school is seeking to set up a curriculum on computer programming and machine perception.
Hood River High School has presented to the GTA in the past about their electric car curriculum. In 2007, GTA members volunteered to assist with the electric car races.
Interested in providing interships or acting as a mentor? Contact the GTA to learn more.
Outreach to Local Organizations| Project Lead Amanda Remington
We are currently making presentations to local organizations to communicate the impact technology is having on the Gorge. Organizations we have reached to date include:
- Klickitat County Commissioners
- Skamania County Commissioners
- Hood River County Commissioners
- Wasco County Commissioners
- Goldendale Chamber
- White Salmon-Bingen Rotary
- Hood River City Council
- Columbia River Gorge Commission
GTA members John Hardham, Lee Ast and Mark Flaming are participating in this project. If you are interested in volunteering to make a presentation, please contact us.
Networking and Educational Events | Project Lead - Amanda Remington
We are developing quarterly networking events for our membership. The first networking event, Connect to Your Career, connected job seekers with potential technology employers.
Currently, we feature monthly educational presentations. View our "calendar" section to learn more.
Business Support Resources | Project Lead - Kent Heighton
The newest initiative of the GTA involves collecting and disseminating information about resources available specifically for high tech companies. Once complete, resources will be posted on our website.
Hosted in the Gorge - We are now hosted at Gorge Networks! Gorge Networks expressed an interest to broaden their participation and have become our hosting provider! They are currently hosting our sites and servicing our other Internet system needs. We are very appreciative of their increased contributions and a very special thanks to Josiah and of course Dan & Glenn!!
Remember: If you have a 'project' idea for us to review or know of an initiative you feel we could assist with, please forward those to us. We encourage you to look at the GTA workplan to get a sense for the types of goals the GTA pursues. The three main thrusts of the organization are to 1) provide networking opportunities for members 2) brand the Gorge for high tech and 3) educate members.
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