The TTC has provided networking for local firms and a focus for collective efforts in areas such as marketing, workforce development and access to venture capital for start-up firms. In 1999, the TTC hosted Washington’s Governor Gary Locke as he proclaimed eBusiness Day statewide, “starting in Tacoma”. In 2000, the consortium helped sponsor the first annual South Sound Technology (SST) conference, which added to the impetus to establish an Institute of Technology at the new University of Washington branch campus.
In 2001, TTC produced an annual census of technology firms that helped point the way to the City of Tacoma’s adoption of “America’s #1 Wired City” as a national marketing slogan.
Today, the TTC provides a vital focal point for the technology industry in the South Sound. Participant’s investment of time, money and energy are further leveraged through strategic partnerships such as:
- Alliance with the North West Entrepreneur’s Network to help emerging firms tap into regional sources of venture capital;
- Affiliation with the Technology Alliance as one of several local groups across the state;
- Affiliation with the WSA, the premier association for the software industry.
In a recent discussion paper for The Brookings Institution, researchers Paul Sommers & Deena Heg suggest that given “the importance of building bridges between New Economy and Old Economy companies; [the Tacoma Technology Consortium] may be headed down exactly the right path in this respect.” The consortium will continue to provide that bridging, and will also serve to broaden local business leaders’ awareness of emerging trends in areas such as nanotechnology, life sciences, and Cybersecurity.
Contact Gary Brackett or Paul Ellis at (253) 627-2175 for more information!
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