Branding the Gorge has been a focus of the Alliance since day one. We are always working on marketing with our available resources to increase our visibility as an emerging business center for technology-based businesses. Through this initiative we have:

• Produced a video to represent the GTA, member companies, and the Columbia River Gorge. The video can be viewed here and was produced by GTA member Light Wave Communications.
• Published a brochure illustrating the value of locating a business in the Gorge. The brochure was designed by 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 Light Wave Communications.
• Connect with regional and metropolitan news sources to generate articles about the Gorge and member companies.

We're always working on ways to improve our website for benefit to our members and the Gorge community. Frazier Business Services provides support for updates to our website. We are currently working to improve the searchability of our website, particularly in relation to information about our members. This will enable members to easily utilize each others' services. We also developed a group on LinkedIn and are working to promote use of that site as a way for members to connect socially and professionally. Non-members are also welcome to join the group.

We launched the Member Spotlight in 2010 to further develop our member business promotional efforts. This weekly email will provide information about one regular member: what they do, why they're in the Gorge, who's the leadership behind the business, and other interesting information.

In April, we also will host a table at the annual Columbia Gorge Job Fair for members to highlight open positions at their businesses. This saves money and time for members and promoted businesses that wouldn't otherwise participate in the job fair.

We host monthly networking and educational events for our membership on the 4th Tuesday of each month. View our calendar to learn more. We also issue an e-newsletter at the end of each month that highlights events and items of interest to the Gorge tech community. Click here to view past newsletters.

In 2010, we launched the Leading Edge of Technology Speakers Series with the assistance of a grant from Google. These four events are bringing speakers to the Gorge to present on ways technology is and will be changing our lives. Topics are chosen to interest the general public and all events are free.

With the assistance of a grant from Google and in partnership with the Gorge Robotics Club, the GTA has developed a program to loan Lego Mindstorm NXT robotics kits and laptops to youth groups and schools around the Gorge. Although robotics education teaches kids valuable skills in physics and computer programming, the cost of kits and laptops can prohibit some from getting involved. Youth groups and schools can sign up now for the program. Visit the robotics page to learn more.