Raise your hand if you’ve heard of Vermont Technology Alliance (vtTA). If your business isn’t in the tech sector it’s possible you aren’t familiar with this nonprofit that serves as the voice of Vermont technology. Or maybe you know about it and think it’s for a bunch of scientists and techies who gather for geek talks. Not true says Executive Director Jeff Couture, “we bring people together to help the technology business sector grow and succeed.” By promoting and growing technology businesses and jobs, vtTA is vital to Vermont’s economy. Started in 2004, vtTA is mainly supported by membership dues and currently has over 200 members.
Which of these vtTA missions would benefit your business?
- Create reports including the recent “Vermont’s Tech Employment: The Hidden Driver of Our Economic Growth” which shows that more Vermonters have jobs in tech occupations and in tech industries than any other business sector. Because 25% of all employment takes the form of tech jobs this report should be of interest to every company in the state.
- Host or participate in seminars, lunch & learns and forums around the state to give employers and tech workers the opportunity to meet, learn and discuss how technology continues to impact the way Vermonters do business.
- Partner with other organizations in the broader conversation about technology. Vermont Tech Jam, held each October, is a joint effort with Seven Days and others. As a job fair and tech expo attended by students, job seekers, and employers, Tech Jam is a great place to recruit and learn about new technology.
- Advocate for continued investment in broadband connectivity, enhanced educational programs to build a strong tech workforce and vigorous promotion of the state to attract high-tech businesses and the well-paying jobs they bring.
- Publish reports including “Tapping Tech” that looks at how technology impacts many types of businesses including health care, advanced manufacturing and education. The most recent issue features stories about Logic Supply, Biotek Instruments and Middlebury Interactive Languages.
vtTA has something to offer nearly every Vermont company.
Their current initiatives include developing a tech job recruitment plan, assisting with education and job training initiatives, advocating for legislation, policies and programs that support tech businesses and promoting Vermont as a home for tech businesses and tech jobs. Membership is open to all technology-focused companies, individuals, and organizations that support, work with or benefit from the technology business sector. Check out the details at:
