Tacoma Represented at the WSA IAA

This last Wednesday, the WSA held it's annual Industry Achievement Awards. I am on the WSA board and was one of the category judges at this years event. This was my third time as a judge and for an event that I have been attending since the 90's.

Two things struck me about the evening. One was that there was a palpable buzz around the Westin and in the ballroom. Some real excitement about the technology industry and the economy was present. I ran into a number of people starting companies, growing companies and generally feeling upbeat about the innovations that continue to arrive in the marketplace.

Secondly, it was great to run into Bill Kaufmann of http://www.imprintstore.com/ who was manning the http://www.tacomagoodwill.com/ table in the VIP reception area. Tacoma Goodwill's Online Sales was a one of three finalists in the category of "Best Use of Technology in the Government or Non-profit Sector".

As described in the program, "Tacoma Goodwill’s online ShopGoodwill.com service contributes increased resources for community jobs and job training, which helps people with disabilities and disadvantages go to work."

Though PTSO of Washington--Physician Practice Management and Electronic Medical Records--took the eventual honors, its second award of the night, it was great to see an organization such as Tacoma Goodwill among the eighteen companies who were celebrated for their innovation at the event.