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News Room: News & Announcements |
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New Tech Alliance Brings Together Central Oregon's Technology Community
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
AUGUST 18, 2009
SAO’s Newest Chapter Focused On Building Economic Opportunities And Support For Technology Companies In Bend And Central Oregon
PORTLAND, Oregon - The Software Association of Oregon (SAO) today announced the launch of the Tech Alliance, Central Oregon’s new technology association and the latest charter member organization of SAO. Made up of companies and individuals within Central Oregon, the Tech Alliance offers local technology professionals a significant new way to pool resources and share the energy and expertise needed to support the region’s growing tech community.
The creation of the Tech Alliance was made possible, in large part, by the efforts of local community business leaders and existing technology groups in the region. SAO also played a support role in the group’s formation, working together with EDCO, Central Oregon’s local economic development organization.
A key component of the Tech Alliance is its connection to several existing technology groups in the Central Oregon region including COISUG (Central Oregon Information Systems User Group), COWPU (Central Oregon Web Professionals Users Group), WoTech (Woman in Technology), and Project Managers Roundtable.
"Over the last several years, the technology community in Bend and the surrounding Deschutes County region has grown to include some of the most active and dynamic technology experts in the nation,” said Lewis Howell, president of the 100+ member group, COISUG and practice director for Cinetix Solutions. "By organizing this community into an alliance, we hope to strengthen our ability to create real growth opportunities for our technology community.”
"Central Oregon has deep tech talent and the formation of the Tech Alliance helps create connective glue between the diverse groups,” said Roger Lee, executive director of Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO). "The Tech Alliance also signals to companies interested in relocating to Central Oregon that the region is serious about supporting high tech growth.”
As charter members of SAO, Tech Alliance members are eligible for the same comprehensive set of benefits other SAO chapter members enjoy, including SAO’s health insurance coverage, discounts to professional training workshops and eligibility to participate on forum leadership committees. Membership will help unify the technology community in the region and financially support the existing groups in the area.
"This is really an exciting development for both the Tech Alliance and the Software Association of Oregon,” said Bryce Yonker, SAO’s director of membership. "Central Oregon has an impressive group of technology companies, experts and innovators. Together with the rest of the SAO community, we create a driving force within Oregon’s business environment.”
Kickoff Celebration Event
In celebration of its formation, the Tech Alliance will host a speaking event and concert featuring innovator and technology investor, Roger McNamee as guest speaker. Best known for his key investments in Palm and Move technology, McNamee will talk about the current innovations in mobile web technology.
Following the talk, attendees will be treated to a live performance by McNamee’s band Moonalice, featuring McNamee, GE Smith (former band leader of Saturday Night Live and guitarist for Bob Dylan), Pete Sears (keyboardist for Rod Stewart, Jefferson Starship and Hot Tuna), Jack Casady (Jefferson Airplane, Hot Tuna) and others. Moonalice has been particularly successful at using social network tools such as Twitter and Facebook, to broadcast its music and build its brand.
The event will take place August 21st in the brewing room of Silver Moon Brewing Co., 24 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend, Oregon. The meeting and speaking portion of the event will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with the concert performance beginning at 9:00 p.m. The talk is free to the public and tickets for the concert will be available for $10 purchase at the door. Space is limited to the first 60 people.
For more information on the Tech Alliance, visit www.techallianceco.org. For more information on the Software Association of Oregon, visit www.sao.org or call (503) 228-5401.
For more information on the August 21st event at Silver Moon Brewing Company click here or contact Julie at julieanderson@hotmail.com.
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