Hansen Passes the Torch

Bjorne Hansen, the TacomaAngel Network Screening Committee Chair was honored before the group of 50 including TAN members, UWT Institute of Technology faculty and Tacoma & Pierce County economic development dignitaries with a commemorative plaque in honor of his exemplary service from 2008 to 2009.

TAN Co-founder Larry Kopp (l) honors Bjorne Hansen as incoming Screening Committee Chair Diane Dolstad presents his plaque. TAN Co-founder John Dimmer (r) looks on during TAN's June meeting.

During the past year, Hansen’s Screening Committee reviewed hundreds of new NW companies, individually scored almost 100 from among those applying for funding to select the almost 50 which were interviewed and coached in person by the full Committee.

Of these, 23 were selected by the Committee to present to the full TacomaAngel Network membership at the monthly meetings such as the one this Wednesday. Since its inception in 2006, members of the non-profit TacomaAngel Network have invested over $3 million in new companies as a result of these presentation forums, and the selection and coaching provided by the TAN Screening Committee.

Hansen will remain on the Screening Committee as an active member. Applications to TAN are only accepted on its website. Its next meeting is scheduled for September 9, 2009.