Tacoma Tech Connect

ISSA: Mobility and Multiplicity

2012-01-31T16:58:00.000-08:00

Click on Image for Larger View

Clean Tech Defense Symposium Set

2012-01-30T14:01:00.000-08:00

Tacoma's new BizTech Talk Radio Show

2012-01-24T08:56:00.000-08:00

Just in case you haven't caught it, the Tacoma area now has it's own technology focused radio show: BizTech Talk hosted by Chamber member Darrel Bowman, CEO of mynetworkcompany.com.

The BizTechTalk show launched a few weeks ago and can be heard on Tacoma’s own KLAY 1180 AM radio station every Tuesday from noon to 1pm. It's streamed live online on KLAY 1180′s website or you can listen to past broadcasts at www.biztechtalk.net

The show format includes interviews of local, state and national businesses professionals to discuss the latest technology and business trends, with tips how to improve your technology ROI, tune up your technology, or safeguard your business. The show promises to help you find out "what’s hype and what’s hot".

Today's show will be discussing real time data backup, business continuity and disaster recovery solutions for small and medium business with representatives from Axcient.

Darrell is a graduate of Pacific Lutheran University, received the Chamber's 2010 “Top Gun” Veteran Owned Business of the Year Award, and went on to be recognized nationally in 2011 by the SBA as the Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year nationwide. He is also a member of Congressman Adam Smith’s Technology Advisory Council.

Bill Kaufmann, CEO

Kaufmann Kreative, e-Commerce & Marketing

Alternative to SOPA

2012-01-20T14:19:00.000-08:00

Now that Congress has withdrawn the SOPA, attention has turned (in other forums), to the bill introduced by Washington's own Sen. Maria Cantwell (and others) that seeks to protect IP while supporting the exchange of ideas via the Internet.

Here is Sen. Cantwell's press release of Dec. 17, 2011, on the day she and her colleagues introduced the bill:

WASHINGTON, D.C.– As the House Judiciary Committee considers a bill that sacrifices innovation and an open and secure Internet, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and a bipartisan coalition of Senators including Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) introduced legislation to use import trade laws to protect intellectual property without catastrophic effects to the Internet.

The Online Protection and Enforcement of Digital Trade Act (OPEN) will build on the existing legal framework for resolving trade infractions of tangible goods to enforce copyright and trademark infringement of digital goods such as music, movies and other intellectual property. Through the International Trade Commission, violations of digital trade can be investigated and websites found to be “willfully” and “primarily” infringing on copyright material can be shut down. The ITC will create a transparent and adversarial process where all parties would receive due process and IP rules can be consistently applied. Neither the Stop Online Piracy Act in the House nor the Protect IP Act in the Senate allow for similar due process.

“The Internet allows entrepreneurs in America and around the world to create ground-breaking companies and fuel economic growth,” said Cantwell. “That’s why we’re leading a bipartisan effort to pass the OPEN Act. The OPEN Act addresses the same challenges as the PROTECT Act, while protecting freedom of speech, innovation and security on the Internet. This new bill will crack down on online counterfeiting and copyright violations in a way that is consistent with existing law for illegal imports that violate intellectual property rights.”

“The OPEN act meets the same publicly-stated goals as SOPA or Protect IP without causing massive damage to the Internet,” Wyden said. “I’ve long said that IP infringement is a problem that needs to be addressed, but these other bills tread deeply into online censorship and blacklisting in order to protect intellectual property. There is a better way. The OPEN act expands the ability of the ITC to investigate IP infringement -- providing a forum for due process without messing with the inner workings of the Internet. The same goals are met, without the collateral damage SOPA and Protect IP will leave in their wake.”

“The internet continues to be a driving force for innovation and economic growth in our country. Any legislation affecting the internet must be carefully considered – we cannot afford unintended consequences,” Sen. Moran said. “The proposals currently under consideration by Congress raise serious Constitutional and security concerns and include provisions that effectively chill investment in innovation. Unlike Protect IP and SOPA, the OPEN Act provides a clear and consistent system of due process and does not compromise the secure operation of the internet through filtering. The OPEN Act also utilizes the expertise of the ITC to make certain monetary resources to rogue foreign websites are shut down upon violations of intellectual property rights. Whether you are a high-tech entrepreneur, a small business owner, or simply an American with a good idea, an open web facilitates innovation as an open marketplace for goods and services.”

The OPEN Act embraces remedies against true foreign, “rogue” sites that are the most effective: shutting off the money. The OPEN Act does not include controversial provisions that empower rightsholders and the government to upset the architecture of the Internet, upon which cybersecurity infrastructure resides, or to impose a censorship regime.

SOPA and IP Protection

2012-01-18T13:46:00.000-08:00

The Tacoma-Pierce Co. Chamber has not yet taken a policy position on SOPA, although the Chamber has supported protection for IP. Nonetheless, as an outreach to increase the comprehensive dialogue, their information is presented for your consideration:

"The

United States

Chamber of Commerce, along with other Chambers, guilds, studios, and networks are supporters of Creative America, a grassroots coalition created to allow your individual voice to be heard in the fight against one of the biggest threats we as an industry face: content theft. The entertainment industry has already lost tens of thousands of jobs, and there are numerous other damaging effects as a result of content theft.

"What Google and Wikipedia are fighting against is ANY regulation over the Internet. The bills debated in Congress are very narrow, carefully tailored pieces of legislation that will address the worst of the worst online thieves. With rogue websites receiving up to 59 billion visits per year (9 visits for every single person on Earth) something must be done to stop online theft.

"Talk of censorship and loss of Internet freedom has nothing to do with the actual substance of the bills."

And more in the interests of information exchange, today's press statement by Congressman Adam Smith:

“I am committed to finding ways to more effectively protect American innovation that helps drive our economy, but I do not support the Stop Online Piracy Act as it currently stands. Intellectual property theft and piracy undermines our competitive advantage within the global economy, negatively impacts multiple sectors within Washington State and the national economy, and costs individuals and U.S. - based businesses of all sizes billions of dollars each year.

“It is vitally important that we protect the intellectual property of content providers in the United States from serious threats posed by online piracy, but it is also important to ensure innovators have the ability to continue creating, producing and sharing new ideas. SOPA, as it stands, would significantly prevent that from happening.

“Though intellectual property protection is critical, the policies proposed by the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the PROTECT IP Act (PIPA) are troubling. There is great concern among technology professionals and Internet users that these measures, if enacted, would place unacceptable limitations on the accessibility of online information and content, impose undue burdens on small and innovative websites and applications, and would not be the most effective way to curtail overseas illegal piracy and theft of intellectual property.

“I appreciate the attention this issue has received and the focus on finding better ways to protect American innovation and creativity without impeding the historic strengths and benefits of the Internet. I look forward to working with my colleagues to balance these important priorities in future legislation.”

SOPA: Start Over Please Again

2012-01-18T09:25:00.000-08:00

Although the Tacoma Tech Connect hasn't gone black today, I have blacked out my Tumblr blog in an appeal to more sensibly address copyright infringement.

The pending SOPA bill is like blaming newsboys for content in the newspaper. Simply the wrong solution to the problem. Please repost this ask your legislators to start over and get it right.

For more info, see the post on my blog: http://kreativejuices.tumblr.com/

Bill Kaufmann, CEO / Kreative Director,
Kaufmann Kreative E-Commerce and Marketing

SST Announces Keynote Speaker

2012-01-17T17:29:00.000-08:00

The South Sound Technology Conference is scheduled on Friday March 9th.

The keynote speaker will be Howard Schmidt, White House Cyber Security Coordinator.

Andrew Frye is once again putting together a packed agenda ranging from mobile computing to Infrastructure and Information Assurance. Hope to see you there!

Registration Site.

Tech Predictions for the New Year

2011-12-21T14:15:00.000-08:00

As we approach 2012, it wouldn't be a new year without sharing some predictions of where tech might be going.

We'd love to hear your thoughts about the future, and in the meantime, share some especially interesting predictions on Social Media from Jeffrey L. Cohen, the Managing Editor of SocialMediaB2B.com

12 B2B Social Media Predictions for 2012

By Jeffrey L. Cohen

Tue, Dec 20, 2011

2012 is going to be a big year for adoption of social media for B2B companies. We expect that early adopter companies will move even further out in front by becoming social in many areas of their business, while more of the second wave adopters will begin to see value in social media and move forward with planning and execution. This means that there will be a greater spread of B2B social media activities than ever before. More resources are available for B2B marketers, as well as more experienced practitioners, both of which will make the previously steep learning curve more manageable.

The following predictions for 2012 reveal many of the ways B2B companies will leverage social media for their business success.

1. B2B Websites Become the Ultimate Social Destination
In the consumer world, many companies send their visitors directly to Facebook. This strategy seems to be based on the fact that people are already on Facebook and why should companies encourage them to leave the environment. B2B companies will understand this year that it is more productive to drive traffic to their owned property, their website. This is where they control the environment are not subject to the whims of others. Many B2B companies not only need to update their websites, but add social components like Facebook and LinkedIn shares to allow visitors to spread the word about a company’s solutions to industry issues.

2. Blogging Accepted as Hub of B2B Social Media Success
A blog goes hand in hand with the B2B website as a social destination. Companies that post valuable, educational content to their blogs at least once or twice a week will drive traffic to their blogs (and websites) through a combination of search and social media. Many B2B companies are challenged by the idea of creating content, but there are enough resources and examples of compelling content that marketers running blogs will publish posts that make a difference in their traffic.

3. Social Media Lead Generation Taken Seriously
Many B2B companies will launch dedicated programs to generate leads through social media, and they will succeed. As more B2B companies take this approach to adding real, measurable results to their social media efforts, the easier it is for C-Suite executive to take social media seriously. This doesn’t just need to apply for direct sales, but companies that have well-established processes for sharing leads in a variety of sales channels can also benefit from social media lead generation. Every stage of the buying process benefits from the kind of better educated customer that results from significant social media content efforts.

4. Email Grows Despite Its Reported Demise
As the platform that keeps getting called out for its continued expiration is stronger than ever. Email newsletter drive traffic and results and will do more of the same in 2012. Marketers who send email will get better results by sending email more frequently. Email is still a viable content sharing option with your colleagues. And inboxes support growing social networks with both a LinkedIn plug-in for Outlook and one for Gmail by Rapportive.

5. B2B Marketers Expand Social Media Followers
Traditionally B2B marketers kept their social media follower counts to a minimum, due to their limited customer base and prospect profiles. This coming year they will discover the benefits of building greater reach through their social profiles. Between the benefits of social search, a wider social graph and the necessity of a broader audience in adjacent industries will be apparent.

6. Social Media Treehuggers Lie Down in Front of Bulldozers
One sign that social media is maturing for B2B companies is that softer social media activities and metrics will no longer be tolerated. Brand awareness through social media is not a sustainable activity. The social media purists, or treehuggers, will lie down in front of the business bulldozers and try to insist on softer approaches to social media execution. Don’t listen to them. Conversation, engagement and sharing are great, but generating leads and sales are okay too. They allow a business to continue to stay in business.

7. Measurement of ROI Can No Longer Be Ignored
Just because it may be hard doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it. Measuring the ROI of social media requires you to adequately bucket the expenses required to drive the results. This also means you need to have results that can be measured in dollars. Leads, which is a proxy for sales, can be used for the return portion. These calculations can be different for every B2B company, and you need access to data that you may not have access to now, but in the end it will demonstrate the success of social media, in business terms, in 2012.

8. Mobile Strategies Catch Up to Reality
As each mobile device is released, it sells more than its predecessor. This will continue in 2012 and we will get closer and closer to the day the mobile web dominates B2B site traffic. B2B companies are on course to develop their mobile strategies so they can move forward with their customers. If every B2B marketer took their smart phone out of their pocket and suffered through their own website, this really would drive the creation of mobile-friendly sites.

9. It is the Beginning of the End for Twitter as a Social Network
The role of Twitter will change in 2012. This is the beginning of its reduction of importance for B2B companies and their customers and prospects. Partly driven by its limited adoption (8% of US Adults) and partly driven by its new focus as a discovery platform for new users, Twitter will become more a place to go for news and information and less a social network. It’s minimalistic approach and reluctance to add features will ultimately be its undoing.

10. Social Media Advertising Gets Results
All social platforms have advertising components that let B2B marketers expand their reach and get their content in front of their prospects and customers. As more B2B companies show success with these methods, these auction style bids will get more expensive. They will still be affordable in 2012, and will gain popularity.

11. Social Media Adoption No Longer Driven by Hobbyists
A funny thing happened on the way to social media adoption for B2B companies. Marketers who were passionate about social media and had fun keeping up with the latest platforms and over-shared with all the other early adopters have moved on. Many work for agencies, technology companies and startups. The irony is that those currently responsible for managing social media at many B2B companies are those who initially didn’t care about this communication revolution. They got left behind by those that did. And in 2012 these are people who will be most responsible for the broad support of social media in their businesses.

12. Social Media Supports Offline Activities
As social media becomes a key component in the marketing mix in 2012, it will become an important driver for offline activities like trade shows and direct mail. They will not be competing for the same budget resources, but will be part of a coordinated plan to improve results of these traditional tactics.

Let us know what you think of Jeffrey's predictions, and if you have any of your own. No matter what happens in 2012, it promises to be an awesome year for marketers who expand their use of technology and social media to provide business value.

Bill Kaufmann, CEO

Kaufmann Kreative E-commerce and Marketing

Courtesy link: http://socialmediab2b.com/2011/12/b2b-social-media-predictions-for-2012/

@ Tacoma Science Cafe

2011-12-20T12:39:00.000-08:00

January Tacoma Science Café -

"The Physics of Music: Using Light to Study Sound"

FREE for everyone.

6:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 10, at The Swiss Pub, 1904 Jefferson Ave., Tacoma

Featuring Rand Worland, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Physics Department, University of Puget Sound

From clarinets and violins, to drums and cymbals, vibrations create the complex sounds that we hear from musical instruments. At the January Tacoma Science Café, join the University of Puget Sound's Rand Worland, Ph.D., to discover how he uses lasers to produce images of these vibrations and how differences in vibrations alter how we perceive sounds.

Miranda Hayes | PACIFIC SCIENCE CENTER

Special Events Coordinator | P (206) 443-2937 | mhayes@pacsci.org

ISSA: Anatomy of a CyberAttack

2011-12-16T13:52:00.000-08:00

Click on image for a larger view.

SST 2012 Scheduled

2011-12-14T11:56:00.000-08:00

Save the Date

for the

South Sound Technology Conference (SST):

March 9, 2012

How Are You Decking the Halls With Tech This Year?

2011-12-13T22:35:00.000-08:00

Here's an opportunity to get in the spirit with some fun 'Holiday Tech' exposure for Tacoma!

CNN wants to know: How is your business decking the halls with technology this holiday season? Have you wired up an amazing holiday village complete with model train? Made some social media themed ornaments to hang on the tree? Maybe you programmed an impressive "Angry Birds" light display? How about our own local "Tacoma Elf Storage" center?

CNN want to see whatever cool and creative ways you’ve incorporated technology into your holidays this year. Let's let them see we still are a wired city that gets technology!

Upload your best photos or videos to the CNN iReport page by clicking the blue button at this link on Mashable's website: http://mashable.com/2011/12/12/techy-holiday-decorations/ If you’re a Twitter, Instagram or PicPlz user, you can share them there as well with the hashtag #holidaytech.

Please submit your photos or videos by Friday, Dec. 16 at 12 p.m. ET. The best submissions could be featured on CNN and Mashable.

Shared with thanks by Mashable reporter Alex Fitzpatrick

Bill Kaufmann, CEO
Kaufmann Kreative E-Commerce and Marketing

Cyber Monday Linkup on E-Commerce

2011-11-29T11:04:00.000-08:00

Bricks and Clicks:

The Cyber Monday
Linkup -
Exploring
E-Commerce
in Tacoma

A panel of experienced E-Commerce leaders led an engaging and educational discussion yesterday on e-commerce and how it fits into their local business today.

The Linkup, hosted by the William Factory Small Business Incubator in Tacoma, included both large and small businesses in the South Sound area. Some were doing business both online and offline, others were pure online businesses only. One was literally started in a garage, while others started as extensions of an existing business. The panel also included a local e-commerce developer, consultant and college offering E-Commerce classes.

With online sales growing at record rates, nationally, local business leaders, including both the Tacoma-Pierce Co. Chamber and City of Tacoma, are concerned with how much of that business is happening locally.

Online shoppers in the United States spent $36.3 billion in the third quarter of 2011, up a huge 13.1% from the same period a year ago. This was the eighth consecutive quarter of year-over-year growth for e-commerce spending, according to data released this month by ComScore Inc., a provider of global Internet information.

For over two hours, the panel discussed the state of local e-commerce, and brainstormed ideas on how to increase local e-business, e-jobs and e-educational resources in our area. The discussion was appropriately streamed online, and broadcast live by co-sponsor KLAY Talk/News Radio, drawing listeners from throughout the region. A live 'Remote Tweetcast' was also sponsored by the Business Examiner.

The panelists included a broad cross-section of local businesses:

- Retail: The Pacific Northwest Shop – Bill Evans, CEO

- Tools: Carbide Processors - Tom Walz, CEO

- Jewelry: ArtBeads.com – Devin Kimura, CEO

- Books: Thrift Recycling – Phil McMullin, CEO

- Non-profit: World Vision - Kile Rury, E-Commerce Manager

- Software: Skoot / Business Internet Services - Janine Terrano, CEO

- Consulting: Kaufmann Kreative - Bill Kaufmann, CEO

- Education: DeVry University (e-Commerce MBA program) - Bob Bunge

Each participant was invited to discuss their online program today, how they started, challenges they’ve faced, and where they’re going (or hope to go) in the future. Conversation also included operational e-commerce topics such as the cloud, web platforms, development, security, staffing, international sales, online marketing, staffing and shipping challenges.

It was apparent that there are some exciting success stories in the area. Lakewood based Thrift Recycling sells over 5 million books online annually, with a staff of only 2 people locally. Tacoma’s Pacific Northwest Shop generates about 25% of its sales online. ArtBeads.com in Gig Harbor is 100% online, and sells over 27,000 different items – imported from all over the world.

Both challenges and opportunities remain. Tacoma’s Carbide Processors CEO Tom Walz was particularly concerned about the challenges of finding e-Commerce savvy employees locally, and recently recruited two people from out of the area to help manage his operations.

Although the UW Institute of Technology in Tacoma doesn’t offer any courses on e-Commerce, there are programs at PLU and DeVry that may help to start filling the gap. The recent opening of Amazon’s fulfillment center in Spanaway, and the e-Commerce training program at Tacoma Goodwill created by Bill Kaufmann may help provide staffing solutions also.

The growth of local e-Commerce may well be described as a chicken-or-egg dilemma. Without local e-commerce businesses, Tacoma isn’t attracting local e-commerce support. Yet without such “go local” support, e-commerce business in the Tacoma area lags behind the national growth trends.

An exciting go-local economic e-growth opportunity is waiting to happen here in America’s formerly Most Wired City.

Bill Kaufmann, CEO / E-Commerce and Marketing Director,
Kaufmann Kreative E-Commerce & Marketing

ISSA Spots Cybercrime

2011-11-29T10:04:00.000-08:00

NW Startup Demo

2011-11-23T11:56:00.000-08:00

Click on Image for LARGER VIEW

2011-11-21T21:56:00.000-08:00

The Cyber Monday E-Commerce Linkup in Tacoma is just 1 week away! Admission is free, and a few lucky Exhibitor spots are still available.

Join us for an exciting, engaging and educational Forum where an experienced panel of South Puget Sound E-Commerce leaders will lead a discussion on e-commerce and where it fits in local business today.

The panelists include a broad cross-section of online businesses:

- Retail: The Pacific Northwest Shop – Bill Evans, CEO

- Tools: Carbide Processors - Tom Walz, CEO

- Jewelry: ArtBeads.com – Devin Kimura, CEO

- Books: Thrift Recycling – Phil McMullin, CEO

- Non-profit: World Vision - Kile Rury, E-Commerce Manager

- Software: Skoot / Business Internet Services - Janine Terrano, CEO

- Consulting: Kaufmann Kreative - Bill Kaufmann, CEO

- Education: Tacoma Community College (Online Learning Program) - Dr. Timothy Stokes, and DeVry University (e-Commerce MBA program) - Brian Dunncliffe

The discussion will be streamed online and broadcast live by co-sponsor KLAY Talk/News Radio for listeners from throughout the region.

November 28, 2011 at 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

William Factory Business Incubator, Tacoma

1423 E 29th St,Tacoma, WA 98404

For more information contact organizer Bill Kaufmann at 253-572-5221 / Bill@KaufmannKreative.com or go to the Linkedin event page at: http://t.co/Gg30VBBk

Congressman Adam Smith's Technology Issues Update

2011-11-21T16:18:00.000-08:00

News from Congressman Adam Smith
November 21, 2011
Technology Issues Update

USDA Announces Funding to Expand and Improve Broadband Services in Rural Areas of Washington State

Last week, the United State Department of Agriculture announced it will be providing funding for telephone utilities to build, expand and improve broadband service in rural areas. Much of these funds will be used for “last mile” Fiber to the Premises (FTTP) broadband systems. These projects are critical to connecting new subscribers to high speed broadband systems.

For example, the Toledo Telephone Co., Inc. will receive $18 million in load funds to install 292 miles of buried fiber optic cables for their FTTP system. This will enhance service for all Toledo, WA subscribers.

“Expanding broadband infrastructure is great news for Washington’s rural families. Enhanced services helps rural businesses and entrepreneurs create job opportunities for people who want to live, work and raise their families in rural communities,” Adam stated.
More information about USDA Rural Development can be found at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/.

_________________________________________

Technology Funding in FY 2012 Appropriations Agreement

Last Thursday, the House of Representatives passed the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2012, HR 2112. Even in the current economic climate, funding research and technology is important for growing the economy and creating jobs. Here are some of the highlights:

· National Science Foundation: Provides $7 billion for the National Science Foundation, an increase of $173 million above FY 2011. NSF’s core research program is increased by $155 million to enhance basic research critical to innovation and U.S. competitiveness.

· Patent and Trademark Office (PTO): Provides PTO with $2.7 billion – the requested level and 29% above last year. These funds assist in streamlining the patent review system and help inventors move from an idea to creating a product more quickly.

· National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST): NIST is funded at $751 million, including an increase of $33.5 million above last year to support core NIST scientific research programs that help advance U.S. competitiveness, innovation, and economic growth. The Manufacturing Extension Partnership to provide training and technical assistance to U.S. manufacturers is maintained at last year’s level of $128 million.

“Funding research and technology is crucial to our innovative and economic growth. Growth in the technology industry will increase our global competitiveness and foster a stable and growing economy,” Adam stated.

If you have questions or comments, please contact Linda Danforth, District Director, at: 253-593-6601 or via email at: linda.danforth@mail.house.gov

Interested in more information? Follow Adam online:
adamsmith.house.gov Facebook YouTube Twitter RSS

2011-11-08T15:48:00.000-08:00

Cyber Monday Linkup: Tacoma's E-Commerce Forum
http://linkd.in/tUUElz
An opportunity to Explore E-Commerce in Tacoma

Join us for an exciting, engaging and educational Forum where an experienced panel of South Puget Sound E-Commerce leaders will lead a discussion on e-commerce and where it fits in local business today.

Whether you have an existing business or are a budding entrepreneur, you'll gain invaluable insights on how these companies grew their e-Commerce business, the challenges they've faced, lessons they've learned, and where they're going in the future.

The Forum will also explore what can be done to help incubate more e-business, e-jobs and e-educational resources in the Tacoma and South Sound area.

Sponsors include the Tacoma-Pierce Co. Chamber, Click! Network, and KLAY AM Radio. KLAY AM News/Talk Radio will broadcast and stream the discussion live.

E-commerce exhibitor displays will also be available during the Forum to help companies or entrepreneurs interested in ecomm with questions on security, logistics, connectivity, education, development, etc. The cost is just $300 and includes a significant radio promotion package the week prior (Thanksgiving week, including Black Friday!).

If you're interested in being an exhibitor, contact Bill Kaufmann at: Bill@KaufmannKreative.com or 253-572-5221

If you're interested in attending, please add a comment to this page or on Linkedin (see URL above) so we have a count.

Thanks, and we hope you can join us!

When: November 28, 2011 at 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Where: William Factory Business Incubator, Tacoma
1423 E 29th St,

Tacoma, WA 98404

http://williamfactory.com/events.php

Congressman Adam Smith's Small Business Forum

2011-11-04T13:37:00.000-07:00

The Port of Seattle and I will be co-hosting a small business forum on Thursday, November 10, 2011 to give you the opportunity to hear from, and meet face-to-face with, experts from selected federal agencies, state agencies and industry associations to learn more about how to access capital today. There is a new reality in business lending and these speakers will offer advice on how to be successful in this new environment. There is no cost to participate. Some of the agencies attending include:

· US Small Business Administration
· Export Finance Assistance Center
· US Department of Commerce
· WA State Department of Financial Institutions
· Office of the Insurance Commissioner
· Enterprise Cascadia
· Procurement Technical Assistance Centers
· Washington Bankers Association
· Northwest Credit Union Association
· Region X Small Business Advocate
· Small Business Development Center
· Washington State Department of Commerce

Thursday, November 10, 2011

9:00am – 12:00 p.m.

The Conference Center

SeaTac International Airport

17801 International Boulevard, Seattle, WA 98158

Forum participants will have their parking validated.

Please RSVP to Roel van der Lugt, Director of Military Affairs, Business & Defense Programs at roel.vanderlugt@mail.house.gov.

Seattle Interactive Conference

2011-11-03T16:38:00.000-07:00

Tacoma, Pierce County and the Chamber were all well represented this week at the Seattle Interactive Conference. http://www.seattleinteractive.com/. Hope you didn't miss it.

There were great speakers on technology, creativity, and emergent trends, including Microsoft, Facebook, Amazon, T-Mobile, Yelp, RIM, AT&T, Google, and numerous other companies doing amazing things in the web, cloud, mobile, TV or social media space.

Hopefully some of the local attendees will see this and post some of the interesting things they learned here...

Verizon Data Breach on ISSA Agenda

2011-10-28T09:06:00.000-07:00

Congressman Adam Smith speaks at Rotary this week

2011-10-18T18:55:00.000-07:00

Congressman Adam Smith, a long time supporter of technology and high tech jobs in our area, will be speaking in Tacoma at the Rotary 8 luncheon this Thursday, October 20th, at the Landmark Convention Center. His timely presentation will be on The Economy and the Federal Budget. If you're not a member and interested in attending, reservations are suggested. Contact the Rotary office at 253-473-7723. For more information, visit: http://www.rotary8.org/index.php

Internet Sales Tax. Yesterday the US Congress introduced a law with bipartisan support allowing all states the ability to collect sales tax from large online sellers - regardless whether they have a nexus location in the state. This will be an issue to watch. Aside from the obvious state benefit, it could reduce sales - and jobs - for Washington-based companies who sell online around the country. What are your thoughts on this issue?
http://www.internetretailer.com/2011/10/13/new-take-national-web-sales-tax

SiteCrafting Honored

2011-10-14T11:14:00.000-07:00

Puget Sound Business Journal announced that SiteCrafting was ranked among the 100 Fastest-Growing Private Companies at an awards event at the Washington State Convention Center on Oct. 12.

The event, which drew nearly 500 people, announced and honored all 100 companies on the list and revealed each company’s ranking. The 100 Fastest-Growing Private Companies are listed, with select companies profiled, in a special publication of the Business Journal on Oct. 14.

The Fastest-Growing Private Companies program was launched 17 years ago by the Puget Sound Business Journal to identify and recognize companies speeding to the top of their industries. To be eligible, companies must: be privately held and headquartered in Washington; have at least $500,000 in net revenue in 2008; show an overall growth from 2008 to 2010 fiscal years; and agree to have their CPA confirm their net
operating revenues with Puget Sound Business Journal.

"The companies that make this list are, by definition, among the most dynamic in our region," said Business Journal Publisher Gordon Prouty "Especially this year, they have beaten the odds imposed by the Great Recession, making membership on this elite list all the more impressive. These companies are showing all of us what qualities it takes to grow in challenging times."

SiteCrafting President Brian Forth said, “I have always been, and continue to be proud of this company. We have thrived during challenging economic times by focusing on our people and providing outstanding customer service.”

The 100 Fastest-Growing Private Companies program is presented by the Puget Sound Business Journal and sponsored by Lane Powell, Robert Half International, BDO, Comcast Business Class and Sound Mental Health.

Cyber Monday Linkup: Exploring E-Commerce in Tacoma

2011-10-10T09:55:00.000-07:00

A LinkedIn Event

Cyber Monday Linkup: Exploring E-Commerce in Tacoma
Mon, Nov 28 4pm-6pm
William Factory Business Incubator, Tacoma, WA, US

A panel of South Puget Sound E-Commerce leaders will discuss the critical components of e-commerce in business today, how they grew their own e-business, and what can be done to help both existing businesses and entrepreneurs incubate e-business, e-jobs and e-educational resources in the Tacoma area

Sponsors and supporters include the Tacoma-Pierce Co. Chamber, Click! Network, and KLAY AM Radio. KLAY will broadcast and stream the discussion live.

The following Monday, Dec. 5th, a One-Stop E-commerce Vendor Fair will enable companies or entrepreneurs interested in ecomm to easily meet one-on-one with a variety of local service providers to help them with questions on security, logistics, connectivity, education, development, etc. More information to follow as it becomes available.

NW Startup DEMO Calls for Entries

2011-10-06T15:38:00.000-07:00

NW Startup DEMO Fall 2011: Call for Entries Now Open
Deadline for submissions: October 28

Northwest Startup DEMO is back with its Fall 2011 edition!

Some of the hottest start-ups have made their debut on previous NW Startup DEMO events. If your startup can DEMO its product or service in front of a live audience and panel of judges, they want to hear from you, but be sure to read their submission tips and tricks first to provide the best application possible!

Based on your submissions, 10 to 12 companies will be selected to present to the screening committee on November 10. From there, the committee will select the finalists that will participate in the Northwest Startup DEMO – Fall 2011 event to be held at One Union Square Boardroom on December 1st.

ISSA Meets Tonight

2011-10-04T17:38:00.000-07:00

INFORMATION SYSTEMS SECURITY ASSOCIATION
Rainier Chapter

University of Washington Tacoma
Tacoma Room (GWP 320)
Tuesday October 4, 2011
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

(Different guest speaker EVERY 1st Tuesday of each month)
FREE Open to all

Topic for Tuesday Oct. 4th, 2011
The 2012 Threat Landscape and Advanced Persistent Threats

Speakers provided by McAfee
Dan Wolff and Steve Peoppe
Bios:
Dan Wolff is on the McAfee Solutions Management team responsible for Endpoint Security and NAC products. He has fifteen years of engineering and product management experience in the areas of information security and web analytics. He was the product manager for Entercept (now McAfee HIPS) and the Desktop Firewall.

Steve Poeppe, CISSP, is on the McAfee Gov/Ed Solution Engineering team responsible for technical pre and post sales activities for the West. Steve hails from 12 year of public sector experience having been the Deputy CISO for State of Idaho and SSO for Superior Court Arizona. Steve’s private sector experience includes managing projects and software deployment for Server Access Control at Hewlett-Packard.

A Full Ride, Living Stipend and a Job in Information Assurance

2011-09-30T16:29:00.000-07:00

How does a full ride scholarship, a living stipend (because the funding organization wants you to work on research and studies) and employment once you’ve earned your degree sound? That’s what the Information Assurance Scholarship for Service program does, and is doing for two graduate students currently at the Institute of Technology. And there is more to come in the next three years.

To create a powerful incentive for students to enter the Information Assurance field, the Department of Defense is offering the program described above. As they put it:

Nearly every day, the United States faces growing threats and attacks against our critical government systems. DoD’s mission is to address the Nation’s urgent security challenges and to proactively seek solutions to protect and defend our information and information systems. One of the key security challenges DoD faces daily is assuring that the Department's information, information systems, and information infrastructure are protected and available in order to support the Department's transformation to a secure net–centric environment.

To continue to provide the growing number of trained personnel needed, DoD is working with universities across the country, known as, often referred to as CAEs, to develop and expand IA–related curricula and to offer programs of study for future IA professionals.

In order to provide the scholarships you have to qualify as an educational institution. So if you are interested, you need to attend one of the nation’s universities that have been designated as National Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance. Then that university has to pass muster during an NSF (National Science Foundation) site visit to be vetted to provide that opportunity.

As it happens the University of Washington has qualified as one of the universities to offer it. Last June, led by Dr Barbara Endicott-Popovsky, the Director of Center for Information Assurance and Cybersecurity at the UW, the site visit by the NSF was conducted and included visits to the Institute of Technology at the University of Washington, Tacoma.

The visit was such a success that they asked that Barbara increase the budget in her proposal.

Three months later Barbara sent out the announcement:

The NSF has officially awarded us $2.1M to fully fund 18 graduate-level scholars over the next 4 years to fully immerse in information assurance (IA) studies! Further, we received an additional $ ½ M on top!! This truly launches us on the national scene as a significant IA presence in the Northwest and in the field at large!
There are only 30+ schools in the US who have had similar awards, our sister iSchool—Syracuse University—being one of them, along with CMU, Johns Hopkins and Purdue. There are only 200+ such scholars in the US at any one time—we’ll have 4 this year—we are in elite company!!

Once again I am reminded of the strengths we have in the South Puget Sound to help generate success in research and technology in the area of Information Assurance and Cybersecurity. With our partners in academia to the North, and in particular UW Seattle’s Information School, we can be part of future solutions to the challenges described on the CISC (Center of Information Assurance and Cybersecurity) site:

The challenges of information assurance are not going to be solved easily, quickly, or independently. Solutions will require new research, new capabilities, new products and services, a spectrum of broadly and specially educated professionals, a much more aware public, and much innovation and broad collaboration. Washington is a convergence of international commerce, military defense, and network-based software development. As such, it is both vulnerable to disruption, and is the home of a spectrum of professional talent and organizations that can be well served by the presence of a national center of excellence.

If you are interested in applying for the program, consider applying to the graduate program at the Institute of Technology at the UW Tacoma or the Information School at the UW Seattle.

ISSA Tacoma Programming

2011-08-24T20:23:00.000-07:00

The ISSA (Information Security Systems Assn.) puts on free monthly workshops featuring a guest speaker each month.

It is held on the first Tuesday of each month and they will start back up in September after a summer break. The next is Tuesday, Sept. 6th in the Tacoma Room from 6 - 8 pm. Anyone can come that is interested.

Program Information: Abstract:

Congratulations, your edge is secure and your users have Security and Privacy policies to guide their activities. So why is it that according to Carnegie Mellon more than 30% of electronic crime is committed by insiders and the ACFE estimates that 4% of total revenue is lost to fraud? That’s more than many company’s total IT budgets. What we are hearing from banks, hospitals, state and local government, etc is that their limited visibility to what credentialed users are actually doing limits their ability to proactively identify and investigate suspicious user activity.

What can be done about it? You will see the End User Behavior Tracking & Analysis technology that Gartner named “Cool Vendor – Security & Privacy”. Local ISSA leadership who has seen this technology has said “this could challenge how we think about monitoring."

The goal for the night is to use the demonstration as a jumping off point to discuss why the Internal Threat is so challenging for you to detect inappropriate activity as well as share successful strategies to address this risk. What effective strategies have you seen or implemented? Your Monitor, Fraud and Incident response colleagues will want to be here.

With NIST taking comments for better Internal Threat controls, FFIEC recently adding customer behavioral analysis and Healthcare Accounting of Disclosure rules in review this topic is getting lots of attention. As one organization stated “This can take us from playing Pin the Tail on the Donkey blind-folded to being Tom Cruise in Minority Report.”

Program Speakers: Mark Benoit & Tony Luque

Tony Luque, CISSP - Security Solutions Engineering Manager
Tony Luque has worked in the information security industry for more than 10 years. Most recently joining Attachmate from Symantec where he worked with large enterprise accounts across the risk spectrum of solutions. Today, his work is focused on Fraud Management, monitoring and investigations. He received his bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Washington. Luque's past speaking engagements have included Linux World, HP World, and Washington Technology Group across solutions such as DLP and secure communications.

Mark Benoit – Security Specialist
Over the last 15+ years Mark has worked for global providers of network, managed and professional services. Most recently prior to Attachmate, Mark worked at Verizon Business - CyberTrust Security supporting the 6th largest US bank. Mark is currently an Attachmate Security Specialist working primarily with Banks, Healthcare and Government across the country focusing on Fraud and Privacy initiatives. He received a BA from Washington State University and completed The Management Program at the University of Washington.

For more information, contact Betty Perry, UW Tacoma Conference Services at 253-692-4676 or via this website.

Reputation & Integrity in the Info Age

2011-08-16T10:16:00.000-07:00

LINK TO REGISTER.

Congressman Adam Smith's Technology Issue Update

2011-07-08T09:27:00.000-07:00

Smith Active in Patent Reform

Congressman Adam Smith continues to stay actively involved in patent reform, co-signing a letter in support of the legislation and joining a bi-partisan group of his colleagues in voting for H.R. 1249, the America Invests Act. The bill, which passed the House of Representatives on June 23 by a vote of 304-117, moves the patent system from a “first to invent” to a “first inventor to file” system, a decision that received wide support from industry groups, the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council and the National Academy of Sciences, and will provide needed stability and predictability to the patent process. The bill also ensures that prior users can continue to utilize methods patented by others, provides a one-year grace period to protect innovators’ rights to their invention from the date of first disclosure, and modifies post grant review proceedings. Finally, H.R. 1249 provides for structural changes to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, modifying its authority to set fees, while implementing additional measures for proper oversight.

The House and Senate have both passed versions of the bill. The two versions will now move to a Conference Committee with the aim of resolving differences between the bills.

_________________________________________

Smith Supports Satellite Export Reform

Earlier this year during debate over the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Adam voiced his support for H.Amdt 331, an amendment to reform satellite export policy. Speaking in support of the amendment, Adam challenged the notion that inaction was the safest policy, noting “the risk of excessive restrictions on U.S.companies' ability to export technology.”

By reforming satellite export policy, the amendment would help American companies that manufacture satellite components remain competitive and on the forefront of satellite technology. The amendment, which keeps safeguards to ensure that satellite technology stays in the right hands, is also a national security issue, helping to maintain American technological superiority.

The amendment, introduced by Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, was withdrawn at the request of the chair, Rep. Buck McKeon. Adam’s comments can be viewed in full here.

_________________________________________

Smith Advocates Rebalancing Trade Relationship with China

Recently, Adam joined a number of his colleagues in asking the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science and Related Agencies to increase funding for the office of United States Trade Representative (USTR) to address industrial practices by China that violate World Trade Center (WTO) rules. While the USTR has made considerable progress in pursuing these unfair trade practices, funding for the office has not been sufficient to properly carry out its mission. The letter, which acknowledges the current financial constraints of the federal budget, reinforces the importance of the USTR’s mission, and the notion that the “American people expect Congress to defend U.S. manufacturing and service companies, workers, and farmers”, a mission made more difficult with resources that Trade Representative Ron Kirk described as “woefully short.”

_________________________________________

Smith Supports Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms

Earlier this year, Adam joined a number of his colleagues in asking the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science and Related Agencies to support the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms (TAAF) for Fiscal Year 2012. TAAF provides vital assistance to businesses negatively impacted by foreign competition, helping companies develop strategies to find new markets, improve external communication, and address internal inefficiencies. The assistance, delivered through federally funded Trade Adjustment Assistance Centers, is estimated to have helped retain or create more than 50,000 jobs in the past five years.

_________________________________________

Grants and Procurement Opportunities

National Science Foundation

Computing and Communication Foundations (CCF): Core Programs
Funding for research and education projects that develop new knowledge in three core programs: The Algorithmic Foundations program; The Communications and Information Foundations program; and The Software and Hardware Foundations program. For more details on this program, click here

Computer and Network Systems (CNS): Core Programs

Funding through Division of Computer and Network Systems (CNS) supports research and education projects that develop new knowledge in two core programs:
Computer Systems Research (CSR) program; and Networking Technology and Systems (NeTS) program. For more details on this program, click here

For more information on grant opportunities that may benefit your organization, please visit www.grants.gov.

Tech Personnel Exchange with DoD

2011-07-05T11:45:00.000-07:00

The Department of Defense announced last week the availability to participate in a new pilot program that provides an avenue for information technology professionals to exchange best practices with the private sector.

Authorized by the fiscal 2010 National Defense Authorization Act, the Information Technology Exchange Program (ITEP) pilot permits the DoD to assign information technology civilian employees to private sector organizations and to accept information technology employees from the private sector.

"The Defense Department recognizes that sharing information and leveraging best practices are critical components of education and continuous learning," said Teri Takai, DoD Chief Information Officer. "Under this collaborative learning venture, DoD and private industry organizations have a unique opportunity to share best practices through the exchange of high performing information technology professionals in areas such as service oriented architectures and cyber security. ITEP provides an opportunity for both industry and DoD to learn from each other -- to enhance employees' IT competencies and technical skills."

The personnel assignments will be from three months to one year in length. The first opportunities range from work regarding mobile devices to cloud computing and infrastructure management within the DoD.

Interested participants should visit http://cio-nii.defense.gov/sites/itep for more information about the ITEP pilot.

Local Firm Scores in Top 100

2011-05-23T16:17:00.000-07:00

The Initiative for a Competitive Inner City and Fortune Magazine released the 2011 Inner City 100 list of the fastest-growing inner city companies in the U.S. SiteCrafting, Inc. from Tacoma, Washington ranked 51 on this year’s list.

The Inner City 100 program recognizes successful inner city companies and their CEO’s as role models for entrepreneurship, innovative business practices and job creation in America’s urban communities. The full list can be viewed here.

The rankings for each company were announced at the Inner City 100 Awards Dinner on Thursday, May 12, 2011 in Boston, MA. Winners attended a two-day event featuring seminars for Inner City 100 owners and managers at Harvard Business School, a procurement symposium and an awards gala that drew more than 500 guests.

The Inner City 100 list provides unmatched original data on the fastest growing inner-city businesses in the U.S. In the last 13 years, 661 different companies have earned positions on the Inner City 100, collectively generating more than $2.2 billion in annual revenues and creating nearly 70,000 new jobs. Chevron Corporation, Staples Foundation and Goldman Sachs are long-time sponsors of the program.

For the 2011 list, a record number of two thousand nominations were received. Winners represent a wide span of geography, operating in 51 cities and 32 states.

“We are delighted to celebrate businesses like SiteCrafting that are playing a critical role in revitalizing America’s urban communities. Through their achievements, the Inner City 100 winning companies exemplify America’s remarkable potential and the future of our urban centers,” Mary Kay Leonard, ICIC president and CEO. “These extraordinary companies demonstrate the market possibilities that exist within our inner cities and the growth that is at the heart of all urban entrepreneurial successes.”

SiteCrafting President Brian Forth said, “SiteCrafting is thrilled to have been named to the Inner City 100 list for the second time. It is an honor to be listed with some of the most innovative and creative companies in America. Each Inner City 100 company has an unbelievable story of perseverance and courage. This list is proof that the American dream is alive and well.”

SiteCrafting is a website design and web application development company that specializes in custom web based solutions for mid- to large-size businesses, counties, and municipalities. The company’s goal is to ensure its clients get the tools and technology they need to work most efficiently. The company has been headquartered in Tacoma since 1995 and has satellite offices in Seattle and Spokane.

To qualify for the Inner City 100 list, companies were required to have:

at least 51 percent of their operations located in an economically distressed urban area;
have at least 10 full-time employees;
and a five-year operating sales history that includes at least $200,000 in revenues in the first year of consideration:
an increase in year five sales over year four sales;
and fifth-year sales of at least $1 million.

Chamber Adds Mobile App for Members

2011-04-19T15:17:00.000-07:00

Local tech firm Sitecrafting has added a new opportunity available to members of the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber. Powered by ChambersEdge, member businesses can market with the smart phone application.

Added Benefits to “going mobile:”

• GPS feature on the app (Map button) allows someone looking for your business to locate you on their phone with either driving or walking directions
• Immediate access to your webpage (if applicable) to find out more about your business
• Call feature (Call button) allows instantaneous access to your business—by automatically dialing your contact number
• Search button (magnifying glass) lets users search for member businesses by company name
• Smart phone users are able to access the Chamber’s mobile membership directory by scanning the QR code as inserted here, to be added to the Chamber's website

• Soon the new membership plaque decal (see left) and our publications will carry the QR code

More value-enhanced features will be added to ChambersEdge in the near future. Those without smart phones can also load the app (if they have web browser capabilities—remember data rates apply) by going to the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber’s ChambersEdge web address: http://tacoma.chambersedge.com/

Note: IPhones, Droids, Windows phones need to download a free QR screening app first to “scan” the code on the left. Blackberry phone users need to input http://tacoma.chambersedge.com/

Two Sides of the Angel's Coin

2011-04-13T16:42:00.000-07:00

Entrepreneurs can be either the inventor or the financier who provides the business acumen to bring new products and new processes to the marketplace.

The TacomaAngel Network is Tacoma's answer to both these sets of entrepreneurs. At today's TacomaAngel Network meeting, three entrepreneurial ventures were presented to the TacomaAngel Network of successful angels. (Angels are SEC-qualified, high net worth individuals who seek opportunity in bringing new products and new companies to profitability.)

This picture is a perfect example of the cross-pollination that occurs. Here Entrepreneur Bob explains his prototype tilting three-wheeled motorcycle to Angel Nick. As one of the three presentations that the TacomaAngel Network heard today, Entrepreneur Bob got to explain his invention, his business plan and make that pitch why Angel Nick and his fellow angels should invest in him.

If you are an SEC-qualified Angel and would like the group dynamics that recruit, screen and present Entrepreneurial opportunities from within the Pacific Northwest region, you could contact the group's administrator Gary Brackett for more information.

If you are that rarest of gifted individuals who have both a great idea and a concept for making it pay off for you and those who invest in you, visit the TacomaAngel Network website and begin the registration process to have your business considered for investment. In addition to grabbing for the golden ring, you'll find resources and contacts to help you prepare and market your enterprise.

SST Conference Agenda Announced

2011-02-28T10:27:00.000-08:00

Click on the image for a full view.

An Energy Teaser for the SST Conference

2011-02-09T11:09:00.000-08:00

As more elements of the March 11th South Sound Technology Conference fall in to place I thought I might mention the morning energy breakout session presentation by Dr. George Mobus.

His current working title is:

The Critical Energy Challenges: Time and Scale

Dr George Mobus will be presenting on how effective alternative renewable energy sources may be as opposed to fossil fuels. He will discuss peak oil and peak net energy with attention to the potential decline rates from these sources. The biggest challenge according to professor Mobus is the time frame for replacing our current level of net energy with renewable/alternative sources, and the various conservation approaches to reduce the scale problem.

His passion for the topic is obvious, as is his straight forward approach. As he has said of his presentation, “ this represents an honest assessment of the challenges ahead as a prod to why we need massive investment in those technologies that stand a chance of meeting the challenges.”

To get a feel for his ideas and passion about energy and systems science, check out his blog "Question Everything".

Following his presentation will be a panel discussion from industry and energy experts, including Graham Evans, former Executive Director at Washington Clean Technology Alliance and current Senior Vice President with EQ².

Also on the panel will be Andy Wappler,vice president, Corporate Affairs for Washington-based Puget Sound Energy, utility subsidiary of Puget Energy.

As head of Corporate Affairs, Wappler is responsible for the company’s ongoing efforts to enhance relationships with communities, government agencies and major customers, as well as the company’s communications. He also is the chairman and president of the Puget Sound Energy Foundation.

According to their website, "Puget Sound Energy is the Pacific Northwest’s largest utility producer of renewable energy and, among investor-owned utilities, is America’s second-largest generator of wind power."

I have a third panel guest on tap, though they may be given a breakout segment of their own depending on how their presentation comes together.

So join us on March 11th for the day. Registration is only 15 dollars and it comes with lunch. Such a deal.

SHIFT Award Nominations Open

2011-02-01T08:55:00.000-08:00

SHIFT is an annual event that debuted on March 10, 2010 at Theater on the Square in downtown Tacoma, WA. This event was created in order to recognize companies in the South Puget Sound that exhibit successful, innovative approaches to utilizing or developing technology for the purposes of business sustainability.

Nominees and finalists were selected by the 2010 SHIFT Advisory Board, made up of local volunteers representing South Puget Sound business and technology. The four companies asked to share their story at the 2010 event were Hotel Murano, MorphoTrak, BCRA, and Internet Identity.

Nominations are now open for the 2011 SHIFT Awards and we would like to invite you to nominate a South Sound company or organization. The idea for this event is not to choose a "winner" above all others, but rather give organizations a chance to share their story and hopefully inspire others.

The SHIFT nomination form can be found at here.

Please feel free to contact Mandi Webster-Martin or 253.272.2248 with any questions. A date for the actual event will be announced later this year.

Mobile Applications and the South Sound

2011-01-26T16:49:00.000-08:00

I had a gentleman come to see me today who talked about the mobile applications he has been developing for the Android. He was doing so because he wanted to sharpen his technical skill set as well as work with technology that was growing in use. He then asked me if there was any mobile application development going on in the South Puget Sound.

The answer is yes. In fact, this years South Sound Technology Conference on March 11th is going to focus on mobile application development as one of its breakout sessions on the technical track (the second track is the business track).

Brian Forth, President of SiteCrafting, a web design and application development company located in Tacoma will be presenting on the topic. He will be discussing not only how mobile applications are creating opportunities and providing unique solutions to his companies customers, but also how the technology is changing the industry landscape.

Following his talk panelists which will include Keven Freitas, a mobile apps developer as well as two companies from the area that have deployed their mobile app solutions. Many of us know Kevin as well from his contribution of FeedTacoma to the Tacoma online community.

Brian came by the Entrepreneurship in Technology class this week to talk about his experience building the company and branching out to include Seattle and Spokane offices. The presentation engaged the students who weren't shy in the least when asking questions about building a company and leveraging technology in business. During the presentation he talked about ChambersEdge just one of the mobile solutions his company has delivered.

A mobile application that provides business and contact info about all your chamber members. It can be accessed by chamber members and visitors alike.

Just a quick search on the topic "mobile application development Tacoma" pulls up several companies in the area who are doing development or offer the service, such as IdentityMine and BigStep Consulting.

It should be a great presentation and a rewarding conversation. Be sure to register.

Clint Nelson of Startup Weekend to Keynote

2011-01-06T13:08:00.001-08:00

As we get closer to Friday March 11th and the 11th Annual South Sound Technology Conference I will post more on the great speakers and panels that we have for the event.

Right now I am excited to announce that Clint Nelson of Startup Weekend is going to be our lunch time keynoter. Startup Weekend is a Seattle non-profit that runs weekend-long brainstorming sessions for entrepreneurs around the world. If you are unfamiliar with Startup Weekend, here is information about them from their site:

What is Startup Weekend?
What We Do:
54-hour events where developers, coders, designers, marketers, product managers and startup enthusiasts come together to share ideas, form teams, build products, and create startups!
Startup Weekends are weekend-long, hands-on experiments where entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs can find out if startup ideas are viable. Most events have about 75 attendees, half of which have technical backgrounds and the other half have business backgrounds.

Beginning with open mic pitches on Friday, individuals and teams are encouraged to bring their best ideas and inspire others to join their team. Over Saturday and Sunday teams code, design, research, develop, create business plans while constantly streamlining their startup vision. Come Sunday evening—which always comes around way too soon—teams come together to watch each other’s demos, listen to judges’ feedback, and even win awesome prizes.
Startup Weekends are specifically designed for entrepreneurs looking for feedback on an idea, are interested in finding a co-founder, would like to learn a new skill, or would like to test the entrepreneurial waters by joining a team. Startup Weekends are risk-free environments where everyone is expected to roll up their sleeves and dive into the exhilarating world of startups.

It is my hope that this will be the launch toward a full out Startup Weekend in Tacoma/Pierce County to be held later in the year.

Clint is a director of Startup Weekend. For more information about Clint, other than his bio from Twitter (I'm an enabler, I run @StartupWeekend, I love harnessing the power of disruptive thinking, new ideas, traveling, flying, snowboarding, and the outdoors!) or from his bio from the DC Startup Weekend, (One awesome dude) I can tell you he is a very busy guy who has been traveling all over the world and we are lucky to have him speaking. He will be coming back from the EU the day before the conference.

IT Salary Survey

2010-12-14T10:14:00.000-08:00

For the fourteenth consecutive year, InformationWeek Analytics (IW) is conducting its U.S. IT Salary Survey. To date, over 180,000 IT professionals have participated in this survey.

Upon completion of the survey, you will be eligible to enter a contest for prizes including a chance to win a first prize of a Sony BRAVIA 60" HDTV valued at $2,700, second prize of a 64GB Apple iPad with WiFi and 3G valued at $829, or third prize of a Sony home theater system valued at $600.

In addition to having a chance to win these prizes, you will also be sent a link to download the 2011 U.S. IT Salary Report once it has been published. This report will provide you insight into how your salary compares with your peers, as well as information on IT skills, training and culture. Download requires completion of a brief registration form.

IW is only collecting compensation information from IT professionals working in the United States.

To take this year's survey, please go here.

SST 2010 Reschedules

2010-11-04T10:20:00.000-07:00

The South Sound Technology Conference has been rescheduled for March 2011. Details will be posted on their website soon.

Friday, March 11, 2011
William W. Philip Hall
University of Washington Tacoma campus
1918 Pacific Ave., Tacoma 98402

SST Webpage Up

2010-10-22T16:11:00.000-07:00

SST 2010 webpage up and running.

South Sound Technology Conference
Friday, November 19, 2010
William W. Philip Hall
University of Washington Tacoma
1918 Pacific Ave., Tacoma 98402

Angels and Small Business Tax Benefits

2010-10-06T16:57:00.000-07:00

Last week, President Obama signed the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, which includes several benefits for small businesses and also a benefit for angel investors. The Angel Capital Association wants to get this information out to you, as this benefit relates to investments made between September 27 and December 31, 2010 and may be of interest to many of you.

The new law includes a 100 percent exemption for gains made in Qualified Small Business Stock, and this new bill effectively means that you pay no taxes on gains from your investments that meet several criteria below and Alternative Minimum Tax does not apply. If you are interested in this program, PLEASE TALK TO YOUR ACCOUNTANT to ensure you have all the information you need to structure your investments to meet all requirements.

Criteria and Limitations:
• Investments must be made by a non-corporate investor (for example, individuals or funds structured as LLCs).
• Investments must be made between September 27 and December 31, 2010 to qualify for no taxes on the gains.
• The company in which you invest must be a C corporation and must be a qualifying type of business (many businesses except financial institutions, farms, professional service firms, hotels, and restaurants)
• The company in which you invest must not exceed $50 million in aggregate gross assets at any time before the investment or immediately afterward. An important issue in this size is that 80% of the assets must be used in the "active conduct" of the business at all times.
• The stock must be purchased by the investor as an original issuance from the corporation, directly or through an underwriter. So, notes and warrants do not count. We're hearing that if you have an outstanding note that converts to stock before December 31st, then the stock would count for this program. (BUT TALK TO YOUR ACCOUNTANT.)
• The stock must be held for more than five years (subject to exemptions for qualifying tax-free rollovers)
• There are limitations on redeeming shares of the company's stock before and after the qualified stock is issued.
• The gains eligible for the zero taxes by any single taxpayer max out at $10 million or ten times the adjusted tax basis of stock issued by the stock
• For just investments made between September 27 and December 31, 2010, the gains are also not subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax.

Other Important Things to Know:
It's confusing, but Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) taxes are actually based on ordinary income rather than what we normally think of as capital gains taxes. So, when you see that QSBS provides a 100% exemption of taxes on gains, the comparison is to the current 75% exemption on gains - which works out to 7% rate on ordinary income.

For any of you or your accountants looking for the actual language to the bill, we link you to the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 here. The relevant sections are 2011-2013 (pages 51-53).

Here are a few of the articles and backgrounders we liked on the subject:
• Wall Street Journal - For New Tax Breaks, Act Fast , September 30, 2010
• Calling All Angels - Donald Jay Korn, Financial Planning Magazine, September, 2009 (This was written when the exemptions for QSBS were only 50 to 75%, but has helpful information, and includes one of the last media quotes from Luis Villalobos.)
• Favorable Legislation Relating to Qualified Small Business Stock, Latham & Watkins, September 27, 2010
• Overall summary of other items in the Small Business Jobs Acts

Mobile App Links Retailers & Consumers

2010-09-17T14:53:00.000-07:00

The Tacoma Metro marketplace is the first market in the country to get access to an exciting new technology being introduced by WhereURnow LLC. The company has developed a robust mobile application platform that will allow businesses of all sizes and scope to link up with consumers, who are interested in their services.

Additionally, the application utilizes the location information for both the consumer and the businesses to deliver information to consumers from businesses, based on what is closest to them. This allows business owners to target consumers who are interested in their services and are in their neighborhood.

The consumer gets relevant information both by proximity and their interests and provides mapping and directions to those businesses. As a consumer, you can also easily change the location of your search from your current location to another location with just a few clicks inside the application. You can select a different zip code, a different neighborhood, city or state.

The WhereURnow platform is a web based application, so it also allows consumers to look for information about businesses from their home or work and then easily save that info to their phone for future use.

The business owner also uses the web platform to manage their content on the WhereURnow platform. This allows the business owner 24/7 access to their content and allows them to change that content instantaneously. A business owner has the ability to have multiple offers in the system. The management system provided in the platform also gives the owner access to a complete redemption tracking system for any offers they put into the system and provides access to a loyalty program managed entirely through the WhereURnow interface.

The company launched the service on September 15th and is currently signing up businesses in advance of the public launch of the application in mid-October, which will be accompanied by a significant media campaign on local TV and internet sites.

Tacoma Has New Science Cafe

2010-09-02T14:38:00.000-07:00

Pacific Science Center has announced a third Science Café, which will be located in Tacoma, Washington.

Science Cafés bring scientists face-to-face with the general public in the comfortable, lively atmosphere of a neighborhood cafe or pub All Science Cafés are free to the public, open to all ages and no science background is required!.

The evening begins with a brief presentation by a scientist, which kicks off an extended discussion session between the scientist and audience. Previous cafés have covered climate science, evolution and religion, robotics, and health care, just to name a few.

A partnership with KCTS-9 Public Television, the Tacoma Science Café will take place the first Thursday of each month at the famous Harmon Brewery in downtown Tacoma. The pub, known as "Tacoma's Downtown Gathering Place" will welcome local scientists and community to discuss current science topics from climate impacts in the Northwest to the science of chocolate.

"We are grateful to the Institute of Museum and Library Services for their generous grant that allows us to expand our Science Café program to the South Sound," says Meena Selvakumar, Acting Vice President for Strategic Programs at Pacific Science Center.

Science Cafés bring scientists face-to-face with the general public in the comfortable, lively atmosphere of a neighborhood café or pub. All Science Cafés are free to the public, open to all ages and no science background is required!

"People attend our science cafés for a variety of reasons," said Wendy Hansen, Ph.D., SCOPE Project Manager for Pacific Science Center. "But most are there to learn something new about current research and to ask questions of the speaker. The appeal of the cafés is that people get to learn about cutting edge research in a fun environment."

The new café will launch Thursday, November 4, at 7 p.m. at the Harmon Brewery in downtown Tacoma. Each Science Café begins with a local scientist presenting a backbone of science related to the night's topic, followed by a short break for table discussion and beverage refills. The highlight of the night is an extended question and answer session with the scientist.

The Harmon Brewery is located at 1938 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98402

Want more science cafes? Click here.

South Sound Technology Conference 2010: Save the Date

2010-08-02T14:09:00.001-07:00

Save the date of Friday November 19th to come and attend the 11th annual South Sound Technology Conference on the University of Washington, Tacoma campus. Last year’s event was a great success with over 165 registrations and over 200 attendees filling the William W. Philip Hall during the course of the all day event.

Like the 2009 event, there will be keynote speakers in the morning and during lunch, technology panels and exhibits in the Kopp gallery. Also, once again there will be dual track breakout sessions, though this year we have reserved larger rooms to accommodate the sessions.

One of the tracks has been identified as Energy, Sustainability and Technology which is a very timely topic. Other parts of the program will be developed as we get closer and will be posted on the South Sound Technology Conference website at www.sstconference.org. Thanks go out to Seamus Holman and Gridworks Design for once again sponsoring the site: http://www.sstconference.org/

The annual South Sound Technology Conference is the technology showcase for Tacoma and the South Puget Sound. For years it has brought together leaders from industry, education, and government from around the state to discuss and demonstrate technological innovations and their ongoing applications.

Panel and keynote presentations — including networking opportunities — provide a venue to discuss, explore, understand and deploy technology as a solution, an opportunity and an advantage. SST is perhaps this region’s best annual event to learn how technology is transforming our business and community life.

Startup Weekend for Olympia

2010-07-20T15:09:00.000-07:00

Tacoma Leaders Close When Cloture Fails

2010-06-29T14:40:00.000-07:00

Earlier, we’ve blogged about the Finance Reform bill and its comparatively minor provisions that relate to angel investors. I say comparatively minor as the Finance Reform bill does many earth-shaking changes in the nation’s/world’s financial market. Those many earth-shaking changes are where the news action is.

However, a new local link is emerging.

CQ News reports today that final action on the comprehensive financial service overhaul remains uncertain. With both the election of Sen. Scott Brown (R-MA) and the death of Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV), sixty Democratic senatorial votes are no longer assured. With only four Republican senators voting “yea” for the Finance Reform bill, the question arises which Democrats are voting “no.”

Chamber delegation visiting with Sen. Cantwell immediately following Senate failure to
vote on her amendment.

Those two Democratic senators voting “no” are said to be Sen. Charles Grassley (D-IA) and our own Sen. Maria Cantwell.

When the Chamber’s delegation visited Washington, D.C. last month, Sen. Cantwell had just had defeated (by Sen. Harry Reid, (D-NV) Majority Leader, pursuing a cloture vote) on the Senate floor her proposed amendment. She was quoted at the time by Jordan Fabian, thehill.com/blogs, that a vote on her amendment was continguent on her voting “yea” for the Finance Reform bill.

Sen. Cantwell’s amendment, co-sponsored by Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), aims to toughen enforcement of complex financial derivatives.

VOB Use Tech in Business Models

2010-06-22T16:42:00.000-07:00

Two firms, honored by the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber as Veteran-Owned Businesses at the annual Spotlight! On Business Awards could just as easily have been so honored for their application of technology in their business models.

Selected to receive the Chamber’s first VOB Spotlight! Award, with a tagline of “Applying Technology and Doing IT Right Since 1988,” is mynetworkcompany.com. Owner and CEO Darrel Bowman, a disabled Veteran, makes hiring Veterans and current active duty IT personnel a priority. He also continues to be involved in the community and serves on Congressman Adam Smith’s Technology Advisory Council Committee; and is current Chairman of the South Puget Sound IT and Emerging Technology Skills Panel, among others. Mynetworkingcompany.com was a major sponsor for technology in the 2008 Tall Ships Festival – supplying computers, printers, phones and a variety of technical expertise.

Also receiving recognition at the Spotlight! On Business Awards was Jordan and Donna Haines, both Vets as retired Air Force, and owners of Coinforce.com Their company is an internet-based promotional product company, focusing on military challenge coins, lapel pins and belt buckles to the military, businesses, schools, government agencies and non-proft organizations worldwide. They support the local community in many ways: annually towards numerous military morale, welfare and recreation opportunities and other family military programs; and last year, helped raise money for the fallen Lakewood Police officers’ families.

James Donaldson, keynoter at the Spotlight! On Business Awards (known to many as “the big man on small business”), is a small business entrepreneur, former NBA player, motivational speaker, and author of a newly published book “Standing Above the Crowd.” (Executing Your Game Plan to Become The Best You Can Be in Sports, Life & Business). Donaldson inspired us with his real life experiences of his years playing professional sports and his work in motivating youth and encouraging business people to achieve their goals and realize success.

WA Leader in Innovation and Entrepreneurship

2010-05-28T15:04:00.000-07:00

Washington’s commitment to investing in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) jobs has placed it among the top states in the country when it comes to entrepreneurship and innovation.

According to a new study from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and National Chamber Foundation (NCF), the Enterprising States study highlights how state and local policies—including those in Washington—play a vital role in spurring job creation and economic development.

“By embracing many of the strategies at the core of our free enterprise system—competitive tax rates, open trade, and commonsense regulation—states are helping to jumpstart our economic recovery and create more jobs,” wrote Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber, in a letter to Governor Chris Gregoire. “Many of the new ideas, new companies, and new jobs will come from local initiatives that allow the free market to do what it does best.”

The Enterprising States study was released as part of a U.S. Chamber event where a group of bipartisan governors from around the country discussed the role of the free enterprise system in job creation. Through this study, the Chamber is highlighting bipartisan state and local policies—including those in Washington—that have proven to help create jobs and that will be key to our economic recovery. The study is part of the U.S. Chamber’s American Free Enterprise. Dream Big. campaign, a comprehensive nationwide effort to create 20 million jobs in the next 10 years.

Specifically, the study highlights how Washington is playing a pivotal role in fostering the conditions for job growth through the Education Legacy Trust Fund program, being a global leader in aerospace research and development, and a strong focus on rail and container port initiatives to drive exports.

“This study provides an in-depth look at the vast and complex network of economies we call the 50 states and territories,” said Margaret Spellings, executive vice president of NCF and former secretary of the Department of Education. “By highlighting lessons learned we hope to create a roadmap to economic resilience and an ongoing dialogue that makes every state’s jobs picture stronger.”

The Enterprising States study highlights six factors that drive job creation: Innovation, productivity through investments in workforce development and training, science and technology, infrastructure, exporting, and competitive tax rates. The study found that states are much more active than the federal government on the job creation and economic development front. For example, the study found that high tax rates do not lead to either healthy economies or budgets.

Similarly, the study looks at how states have implemented initiatives for streamlining red tape to help businesses sort through the many layers of government regulation and have incentivized private-sector investors primarily with tax credits. It also highlights that targeted investments in infrastructure projects at the state-level can create growth‐friendly environments in communities. Science- and technology-based economic development and clean tech initiatives are proliferating amongst virtually all of the states. There is widespread support for doubling exports and there are also states that have made significant headway using strategies for foreign direct investment (FDI). Finally, cultivating people through workforce development will drive economic growth at the state-level, the study shows.

Winners! BPC 2010

2010-05-28T12:45:00.000-07:00

It’s been a terrific Business Plan Competition this year.

There were a record 92 student teams from 15 universities apply to participate in the competition. Over 120 judges devoted a full week-end the beginning of April to screen that group down to 36 teams—and provide feedback. At the Investment Round in late April, those 36 teams pitched their hearts out to 205 judges in the HUB Ballroom—and 16 advanced to the next round. Yesterday the Sweet 16 teams made their full presentations to another set of judges. Six highly credible teams made it to the Final Round, where they presented to seven entrepreneur judges.

The next generation of start-ups are focused on recycled glass for building materials, windows that turn sunlight into energy, helping Korean students learn English, mobile payments, camera systems at mountain resorts to capture and share the activities of enthusiasts, devices for rapid quantitative immunoassays, measuring fat loss, and enhancing the wheelchair-bound person’s ability to walk, and a revolutionary enzyme that can mix with clay to build roads.

Thank to the judges, sponsors, volunteers, faculty, and our colleagues at Bainbridge Graduate Institute, Central Washington, Edmonds CC, Embry-Riddle, Gonzaga, North Seattle CC, Seattle Central CC, Seattle Pacific, Seattle University, University of Puget Sound, University of Washington, UW Bothell, UW Tacoma, Western Washington, and Washington State University.

It takes a community (and a region) to raise an entrepreneur!

$25,000 Herbert B. Jones Foundation Grand Prize: YongoPal, UW
A service for South Korean university students that allows them to practice conversational English with their American peers via webcam, and that also allows university students in America to profit from those interactions. Kyung Hee Yun, BA in Political Science; Jon Hickey, Master of Communication in Digital Media; Darien Brown and Daron Hall

$10,000 Bristlecone-Selamat Challenge Second Prize: Empowering Engineering Technologies, UW
EETech is developing a medical device called ExoWalk that utilizes patented ExoTendon technology to dramatically reduce the muscular force required to walk, enabling people with wheelchairs to stand up and walk their way to better qualities of life. Brian Glaister, PhD in Mechanical Engineering; Katie Mulholland, MS in Mechanical Engineering; Chie Kawahara; and Jason Schoen

$5,000 Fenwick & West Finalist Prize: Febris, WSU
Produces a point of care viral diagnostic, based on patented processes, that can detect a viral infection days before the subject manifests physical symptoms and becomes contagious. Jason Burt, MBA; Alice Lombard, DVM-Doctor of Veterinary Medicine; Andrew Lombard, MBA; and Michael Whittaker, MBA

$5,000 WRF Capital Finalist Prize: Emergent Detection, UW and UWT
Working to solve the worldwide obesity epidemic with its handheld device that immediately and directly measures personal fat loss in the home user. Eric Fogel, Eve MBA; Joel Gjuka, MBA -UWT; Keegan Hall, MBA -UWT; Amanda Mathes, Eve MBA

BEST IDEA PRIZES

The BEST IDEA prizes were created to reward teams in the Business Plan Competition for their exceptional work in several different categories. The teams receiving these prizes were selected by a special group of judges during the Investment Round. This year we gave away SIX $2,500 Best Idea Prizes.

OVP Venture Partners Best Technology Idea: Empowering Engineering Technologies, UW
EETech is developing a medical device called ExoWalk that utilizes patented ExoTendon technology to dramatically reduce the muscular force required to walk, enabling people with wheelchairs to stand up and walk their way to better qualities of life. Brian Glaister, PhD in Mechanical Engineering; Katie Mulholland, MS in Mechanical Engineering; Chie Kawahara; and Jason Schoen

Synapse Product Development Best Consumer Product Idea: Native Roots, WSU and U of Idaho
Positioned to become a major supplier of native plants, the breeding program currently has 40 native plant varieties in position to be patented with plant variety patents (PVPs). Kathryn Leonard, MBA - WSU; Casey Neumeyer, BS Agribusiness - U of Idaho; and Mac Reynolds

Perkins Coie Best Innovation Idea: GreenStone International, Seattle U
Has developed a revolutionary enzyme that when mixed and compacted with clay creates a durable, low cost, waterproof and environmentally friendly road with a lifespan of more than 15 years. James Spaulding, MBA; Heidi Han Yu, MBA; Emily Marshall, MBA; Ping Chee; John Craig; and Dick Polley

DLA Piper Best Service/Retail Idea: Snovision, UW and Seattle Central Community College
Automated camera systems for mountain resorts that allow their terrain park participants to capture, share and further enjoy their mountain experience at home through our online community. Rob Hammond, MBA; Jonas Harris, BA International Business; Josh Scotland, Undergrad Computer Science and Business; Scott Stucker, Associate of Applied Sciences in Graphic Design; Sterling Swigart, Undergrad Computer Science; Eli Rosenberg, MBA; and Robert Capogna

Sensors in Motion Best Sustainable Advantage Idea: WISErg, WSU
Will provide earth-friendly solutions to the growing problems of food waste disposal and energy consumption by offering a unique food-to-fuel solution to the nation's largest consumers, starting with Fortune 500 corporate campuses. Brandon Baker, Undergrad Business; Jaimee Jewell, Undergrad Business; Larry LeSueur; and Jose Lugo

Keeler Investments Best Clean-Tech Idea: EnVitrum, UW
Using the consumer glass waste stream to produce 100% recycled building materials and agricultural products. Serena Batten, TMMBA; Scott Coil, Eve MBA; Grant Marchelli, MS Mechanical Engineering; and Renuka Prabhakar, BS Mechanical Engineering

A special thanks to the sponsors of the 2010 Business Plan Competition!

WA Broadband Summit

2010-05-26T17:29:00.000-07:00

Industry, community and government leaders will meet for an informative and interactive one-day event to explore broadband access and adoption in Washington State.
Interactive afternoon sessions will allow broadband stakeholders to discuss important issues, and vote on the preferred strategy and policy directions that Washington State should take on critical broadband-related initiatives. Make sure your voice is heard in the broadband arena!

Just announced! Featured speakers and panelists confirmed to date include:

~ Mr. Marc Berejka, Senior Policy Advisor, Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of Commerce
~ Mr. Erik Garr, General Manager, National Broadband Plan, Federal Communications Commission
~ Mr. Mario Villanueva, State Director, Rural Development, US Dept. of Agriculture
~ Mr. Dan Reed, Corporate Vice President, Technology Policy and Strategy, head of eXtreme Computing Group (ECG), Microsoft
~ Mr. Ari Steinberg, Engineering Manager, Facebook
~ Mr. Jeff Goltz, Chair, Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission
~ Mr. Edward Wright, Wireless Data Solutions Engineer, Verizon Wireless
~ Mr. Mark Anderson, CEO, Strategic News Service

View the complete event agenda online! Register soon, as seating is limited!

DATE/TIME: Tuesday, June 15 - 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
PLACE: Microsoft Conference Center, Redmond
REGISTRATION: 7:30 – 8:00 a.m. (continental breakfast provided)
RECEPTION: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
COST: Only $40, which includes lunch
Register Now!

New! Follow Washington Broadband (WABroadband) on Twitter for the latest updates!

Questions? Email Alisha Reitan.

Angels Fight! II

2010-05-22T20:25:00.000-07:00

The Puget Sound region played a leadership role in the passage of the Financial Reform Bill, as it was amended.

Our Sen. Cantwell, as an identified principal co-sponsor, joined by others (including Sen. Murray and Sen. Begich-AK) in sponsoring what became an adopted amendment addressing critical changes to the bill much to the delight of the Angel Capital Association.

Sen. Cantwell was on the Senate floor speaking to the subsequent Dodd Bill when visited by the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber's delegation on its 25th Washington-to-Washington, D.C. visit.

Bring New Ideas to Market

2010-05-14T16:49:00.000-07:00

The i6 Challenge is a new $12 million innovation competition administered by the Economic Development Administration (EDA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce, in partnership with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation (NSF).

EDA will award up to $1 million to each of six winning teams with the most innovative ideas to drive technology commercialization and entrepreneurship in their regions. NIH and NSF will award a total of up to $6 million in supplemental funding to their SBIR grantees that are associated or partnered with the winning teams.

We encourage entrepreneurs, investors, universities, foundations, and non-profits to participate in the i6 Challenge. The deadline for applications is July 15, 2010. For more information, email or join the i6 Challenge conference call at 2pm EDT on May 17, 2010.

Regional Innovation & Jobs Summit

2010-05-13T09:48:00.000-07:00

The Washington Economic Development Commission (WEDC) is partnering with Department of Commerce, Office of the Governor, House and Senate Committees on Economic Development and the Washington Economic Development Association for a “Regional Innovation and Jobs Summit” in Tacoma on May 26th.

The event is designed for the state’s top economic development leadership and focused on answering a critical question, “How do we accelerate growth in the state’s innovation clusters and bolster job creation?”

We cordially invite you to participate in this one-day event with regional leaders from business, government, non-profit, research and education. The program will be jam-packed with practical presentations of job creation strategies and break-out sessions designed to foster productive relationships in the state’s “Innovation Ecosystem.”

These summit discussions will be integrated into a proceedings report which will include acknowledgement of your participation. Most importantly the results will be a foundation for the next update of the State's long term economic development strategy and action recommendations to be presented to the Governor, legislature, congressional delegation and public later this fall.

Featured Speakers:
Governor Christine Gregoire, Invited
Bruce Kendall, WEDC Chair
Rogers Weed, Director, Department of Commerce

Keynote Presentation:
Rob Atkinson, President and founder of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation addressing restoring US Innovation leadership in our country and the world;

Legislator's Panel - On the impact of the fiscal crisis on development of economic policies and programs;

Panelists on Talent & Workforce, Infrastructure and Investment & Entrepreneurship—highlighting the latest and greatest innovative projects and strategies across Washington State.

An interactive workshop on leveraging the state’s intangible capital and overcoming barriers for collaborative innovation.

Event Details:
Wednesday, May 26th
Venice Ballroom, Hotel Murano
1320 Broadway
Tacoma, WA

Hotel Accommodations:
Hotel Murano, Tacoma has reserved rooms for the Regional Innovation & Jobs Summit at a reduced rate. Please call: 866.986.8083

More information, see website here or call 360-586-5662

Washington's Innovation Summit 2010

2010-05-04T17:01:00.000-07:00

You can now find video and presentations from the Summit online at:

http://www.watechcenter.org/index.php?p=Program&s=1687

Photos and articles summarizing the Summit are here:
http://www.watechcenter.org/summit

And, as mentioned at the Summit, the Washington Economic Development Commission will convene the Regional Innovation and Jobs Summit in Tacoma on May 26, 2010. More information is available at http://www.wedc.wa.gov/Regional%20Innovation%20&%20Jobs%20Summit.htm

Angels Fight!

2010-04-23T09:34:00.000-07:00

As blogged yesterday, the Angel Capital Association has been working hard to address the issues in the Senate financial reform bill that affect angel investors and entrepreneurs. You can keep track of the issues, overall activity and our progress on ACA's Web site, ACA has posted a WSJ editorial that certainly caught many people's attention.

ACA's Executive Director Marianne Hudson said, I want to let you know that we have made some good progress in Washington, DC including working with the bill's author, Sen. Christopher Dodd - who plans to promote two amendments on the Senate floor to greatly improve the bill. ACA has published its statement of support for these amendments on their Web site for more information.

We greatly appreciate the work many of you have done to contact your Senators and policy makers about these issues. You have made a huge difference!

It is important, though, that angels continue the fight! You can link to our Senators here.

Dodd Needs an Angel

2010-04-21T16:14:00.000-07:00

Lost in the national press’s attention to the Dodd financial reform bill has been any attention to what it does to angel investing. Angels are building the kinds of companies that represent the majority of net new jobs in the United States and this is exactly the wrong time to hinder that in any way.

For those of you who have not yet had the opportunity to review the related materials, look to the ACA Web site. Essentially the bill's current language recommends significantly increasing the thresholds for accredited investors.

Two issues would affect angels and entrepreneurs seeking angel financing:
1. A 120-day waiting rule before money can be put into a small business—good luck surviving,
2. Doubling of the investor requirements to $449,000 income and $2,250,000 net worth, increased for inflation every 5 years.

ACA has been the lead advocate for angels and the entrepreneurs who are REALLY the audience that would be affected and have been very involved in negotiations to improve the provisions of the bill with the Senate Banking Committee.

ACA is cautiously optimistic that the bill will include much improved provisions. Democrats plan to call for a vote to try to block a Republican filibuster that could prevent formal debate from starting on the bill, under development for months now. Sixty votes are needed to invoke "cloture," blocking a filibuster.

Democrats control 59 Senate votes and would need at least one Republican vote for cloture to proceed. It does not currently appear they have the 60 votes for cloture to avoid a Republican filibuster.

Washington's Innovation Summit 2010

2010-04-13T10:25:00.000-07:00

Hope you enjoyed the first time in Tacoma Washington Innovation Summit last Friday.

Here's a link to numerous photos of speakers, panelists, exhibitors - and only one crowd shot for the luncheon address.

Our thanks to the Washington Technology Center and the many hosts and sponsors that brought this special event to our community.

Washington's Innovation Summit 2010

2010-04-08T13:04:00.000-07:00

I look forward to seeing you tomorrow!

There are 272 pre-registered attendees.

Please note the following speaker changes made after our program book went to press:

Added to the morning Welcome: Congressman Jay Inslee, U.S. House of Representatives, State of Washington, First District
New moderator for the morning Aerospace session: Bill McSherry, Director of Economic Development, Puget Sound Regional Council; Special Advisor to Governor Gregoire
Additional speaker added to the morning Defense session: Jayne Shelton, President, Isotron
Speaker replacement in the morning Defense session: Irvine Alpert replaced by Tina Gonsalves, Sr. Director Creative and Brand Strategy, Onvia

An updated agenda and speaker biographies can be found here.

Washington's Innovation Summit 2010

2010-04-05T10:18:00.000-07:00

Washington's Innovation Summit 2010 is Friday! Online registration ends Wednesday April 7.

Register now to avoid the lines for on-site registration April 9th at the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center. Plus, register online and you'll receive the event attendee list* to help you make connections at the Summit.

*The attendee list will be distributed Thursday April 8th to registered attendees; list includes only those attendees who opt in to sharing their contact information.

Comments Open on 2nd WAve of Broadband Applications

2010-04-02T13:18:00.000-07:00

Washington’s Department of Information Services informs us the state’s 2nd wave broadband stimulus review process begins today.

You have an opportunity to submit written comments about an application submitted by a Washington company or organization for federal funding under the National Telecommunications & Information Administration’s (NTIA) Broadband Technology and Opportunities Program (BTOP).

Here is the link to NTIA’s Database of BTOP Applications:

The Deadline is 5:00 pm on Thursday, April 8, 2010.

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT COMMENTS SUBMITTED PRIOR TO OR AFTER THE TIME PERIOD ALLOTTED WILL NOT BE INCLUDED IN WASHINGTON’S STATE BROADBAND REVIEW PROCESS.

Comments are limited to the scope of the questions below. Any comments that exceed the scope of the questions will be redacted and disregarded. The questions are:

If overbuild is an issue, then the commenting party should provide information on the adequacy of service to that area. Please describe in detail the services provided today, or any future plans to provide service, including but not limited to the location, speed, and price of such service and the community anchor institutions currently served or not served.
With respect to the adequacy of the application, please provide a detailed explanation about how the application meets or does not meet the requirements of the 2nd wave broadband stimulus NOFA.

You are limited to 5 pages, on 8x11 paper, double-spaced; not including the cover page. Any additional pages will be removed from the review process.

The cover page should provide the following information:

Name of Commenter
Name of application you are commenting upon
Date of your submission
Contact person, email and phone number for any questions

Group Filings

Parties that decide to file as a group may file comments up to 10 pages, on 8x11 paper, double-spaced; not including the cover page. Please note that an individual commenting party may not also participate in a group filing. In that eventuality, the individual commenting party’s filing will be disregarded.

When comments are accepted, written responses must be either mailed with return/receipt or submitted by hand delivery to the attention of Angela Wu, Broadband Policy and Programs Manager at Department of Information Services, 1110 Jefferson St., SE, PO Box 42445, Olympia, Washington, 98504-2445. The office is closed by 5:00 p.m.

If you have questions about this Notice, please contact Angela Wu or 360-902-2983.

Washington's Innovation Summit 2010 Clean Tech Open

2010-04-01T09:14:00.000-07:00

Richard Gustafson emails to highlight the opportunity at the WA Innovation Summit on April 9 for emerging Cleantech Companies to learn more about the Northwest Clean Tech Open (CTO). CTO will be making a presentation at next Week’s Innovation Summit on what the CTO is about and how to submit promising new clean tech companies into this business competition.

Attached is an overview of the Clean Tech Open and in summary:

• The mission of the Cleantech Open is to Find, Fund and Foster the big ideas that address our most urgent energy, environmental, and economic challenges,
• Clean Tech Open is a growing national program holding regional competitions, and
• Participants in this competition receive a unique blend of Mentoring, MBA level workshops, Opportunities to win a “Start-up in a box” professional services and cash prizes for regional and national winners.

National TeleHealth & Tech Center Est. at JBLM

2010-03-30T17:23:00.000-07:00

The Department of the Army announced today the planned activation of the National Center for Telehealth and Technology at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

This stationing action represents an increase of eight military and 67 civilian authorizations and is expected to be completed in April 2010.

The mission of the National Center for Telehealth and Technology is to foster, develop, research, and deploy technology solutions for psychological health and traumatic brain injury and deliver relevant, evidence-based applications for our warriors, veterans and their families.

This force structure action complies with the recommendations of the President's Commission on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors (Dole/Shalala Report) and the assistant secretary of defense (health affairs) memorandum, Defense Center of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury.

Point of contact for this notification is Lt. Col. Lee M. Packnett, 703-614-2487, Office of the Chief of Public Affairs, Office of the Secretary of the Army.

Pierce County Gets One of 13

2010-03-30T16:37:00.000-07:00

Gov. Chris Gregoire and the Washington State Department of Commerce announced the recipients of more than $16.5 million in grants and loans from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for energy efficiency, clean technology, transportation and bioenergy programs throughout the state.

The 13 private and public projects were selected based on their energy savings, jobs created or retained and matching funds – and support projects across the state, including:

LeMay Enterprises
Applicant: Dan Schooler – 253-537-8687
Category: Transportation
Project: Natural gas refuse truck deployment
Award: $931,422 ($700,000 loan / $231,422 grant)
(Pierce County) LeMay will purchase new diesel waste collection trucks and convert them to compressed natural gas, and install a compressed natural gas refueling station for their fleet. Funding will help cover the incremental cost of truck conversions and help with part of the refueling station cost. Project will enable LeMay to take first step in their strategy of converting most of their 100-truck fleet to compressed natural gas. Project could save about 1 million gallons of petroleum diesel over the lifetime of 10 trucks, while achieving significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Supports 35 jobs during the conversion phase and retain 18 permanent jobs.

To see a full list of Washington projects receiving funding visit here.

Washington's Innovation Summit 2010

2010-03-26T16:03:00.000-07:00

Full Agenda Now Available for first Washington Summit in Tacoma - AND a brace of discount options for Tacoma registrants:

And A Wonderful Time Was Had By All

2010-03-11T08:32:00.000-08:00

Kudos to Sitecrafting for the first annual SHIFT awards. Sitecrafting invented this recognition for South Sound businesses that demonstrate successful, creative approaches to utilizing or developing technology for the purposes of company sustainability.

If you wish to see the visual presentations for each winning company, go here.

Earlier blogs on the winners are available here.

My kudos also to the sponsors that stepped up for this celebratory event: City of Tacoma, Optic Fusion, Business Examiner, Jonz Catering and AA Party Rentals. All the ~100 attendees last night had a wonderful time!

SHIFT Awards Honorees Announced

2010-02-26T12:02:00.000-08:00

Sitecrafting has announced the 2010 SHIFT Awards honorees:

BCRA (Tacoma, WA) - Conservation Technology
Learn how BCRA’s Building Science division uses the latest equipment to evaluate structures during the building process, improving energy efficiency and preventing costly repairs.

Hotel Murano (Tacoma, WA) - Social Media
Rated number 6 by Conde Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Choice Awards, Hotel Murano has become a hub of Tacoma-centric information through their utilization of social networking (blogging, Twitter, Facebook).

Internet Identity (Tacoma, WA) - Online Security
Actively involved in the anti-phishing community, Tacoma-based Internet Identity offers several tools to protect your networks and your brand.

MorphoTrak (Tacoma, WA) - Biometric and ID Technology
Hear the story of a Tacoma company that is a world leader in fingerprint and biometric identification technology, with products serving corporate, criminal justice and forensic markets.

For more information about the SHIFT Awards or to reserve your seat please visit here.

Washington's Innovation Summit 2010

2010-02-22T16:06:00.000-08:00

Register now and take advantage of early-bird, hotel and travel discounts for the Washington Innovation Summit 2010 in Tacoma.

Through March 5, take advantage of the early-bird registration rate of $190, a savings of $40. And don't forget to take advantage of Tacoma hotel, travel and merchant special offers (page 5).

Washington's Innovation Summit 2010

2010-02-18T11:19:00.000-08:00

Washington's Technology Center announced today that Washington Governor Chris Gregoire will deliver the opening speech at Washington's Innovation Summit 2010. The annual Innovation Summit will be held in Tacoma for the first time ever.

The Governor's address sets the stage for a full day of examples from aerospace, defense and energy that are helping companies of every size innovate across a range of sectors. Following her, in the morning is a keynote from former astronaut Dr. Bonnie Dunbar of the Museum of Flight, and a morning panel discussion featuring aerospace, defense and energy leaders, Scott Hamilton of Leeham Co., Congressman Adam Smith and Mike Davis of PNNL.

SHIFT Awards Nominees Announced

2010-02-16T10:28:00.000-08:00

The SHIFT Awards premiere Wednesday, March 10th, 2010, celebrating technology focused stories from innovators spanning the South Sound. Businesses from around the region will share their approach to technology application that opened up new possibilities for service and success.

This event springs from the refrain that was often heard at the South Sound Technology Conference about how we in the South Sound need to get together and create events around technology and collaboration. The reality is that there is a ton of great stuff going on in the South Sound relating to technology, and it's about time we look around and say, 'Hey this is a pretty great place to live, work, and innovate,' said SiteCrafting President, Brian Forth.

The 2010 nominees are:

Avue Technologies (Tacoma, WA)
BCRA (Tacoma, WA)
Department of Transportation (Olympia, WA)
Dillanos (Sumner, WA)
Hotel Murano (Tacoma, WA)
Intel (Dupont, WA)
Internet Identity (Tacoma, WA)
MorphoTrak (Tacoma, WA)
Seasonal View (Tacoma, WA)
Serra Media (Tacoma, WA)
Topia Technology (Tacoma, WA)

The SHIFT advisory board will select four companies to share their stories at the March 10th event.

Each honoree will prepare a brief presentation about their company and/or the technology related innovation to share with the audience. They will have 10 minutes and 10 slides to tell their story. Opportunities to share innovations prior to, during and after the awards will allow local innovators to start discussions to inspire each other to incorporate technology in new ways to propel business goals.

Held at the Theater on the Square in downtown Tacoma, the event will include a cocktail hour prior to the recognition ceremony and light appetizers and desserts following the event. Attendees will have the opportunity to congratulate honorees, share stories and network.

The SHIFT Awards are open to the public, although attendees must pre-register. Ticket prices are $30 per attendee. For more information about the SHIFT Awards or to reserve your seat please visit here.

Grading Small Business Success

2010-02-16T08:56:00.000-08:00

Not surprisingly in the digital age, the importance of technology emerges as the primary difference between small businesses struggling or failing and those that are succeeding, as well as capital access, marketing and innovation, workforce, customer service and compliance.

Small businesses using more technology tools get higher success scores than those who use less – among them online marketing (goods and services offered, ability to order), email capability (and quick response to queries), use of Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc.

How well are small businesses performing? We know that small business owners face challenges to create and operate their businesses successfully. Big companies have numbers of employees to manage the functions that the small business owner does alone or with a very few others.

So what are the biggest challenges to small business owners, and how do small businesses across America stack up? The Small Business Success Index (SCSI) has been created to measure performance on six dimensions found most challenging to small businesses and is intended to track small business performance over time.

The 28 question national survey is conducted twice a year and provides individual success scores for six dimensions, as well as an overall performance score. The most recent overall score is 75% -- a “C” grade. Although small businesses got better individual grades for workforce (78), customer service, (91) and compliance (law, city and county regulation) (89), they do less well in marketing and innovation (70), capital access (69), and computer technology (75).

The Chamber of Commerce is in preliminary discussions about surveying small businesses within Pierce County – to enable us to identify where small business owners “here” need to focus to become more successful, and to engage in programs to help in the process. Stay tuned.

Guest Blogger: Merl Simpson
Associate Professor, School of Business
Pacific Lutheran University

Startup Weekend Tacoma Starts Tonight

2010-01-29T10:32:00.000-08:00

This is a reposting of blog entry I made on my own blog this week, but thought it would be good to include here as well.

Want to join a group of diversely talented individuals in order to suggest, plan and launch a potential business in a 54 hour period?

Here are the logistics to this weekend's get together.

Place: Suite 133 on Pacific Avenue

Derek Young and company are graciously hosting this weekend at their location. There sponsorship for these kinds of grassroots development and business efforts should be fully appreciated. They loaned out their digs for the first barcampTacoma and it worked quite well. Given the loose structure of the upcoming weekend, it is good to have had that experience under out belts.

Time:

Friday at 6:00pm. Arriving to the suite at 5:15pm or so I will have made my way down from my office at the Institute of Technology to the premises. We will hopefully have a critical mass of interested folks by 6:00pm, which is the official start time.

Saturday: We will start at 9:00am, but you are free to come and go as you please.

At 10:00am I will be going over a business plan template. I have started, ran or advised on boards for tech companies in the double digits, so hopefully I can impart some modicum of wisdom on the topic. Other speakers, a la barcampTacoma will be scheduled during the day.

Sunday: We will play it by ear, but at 11:00am, John Dimmer of the Tacoma Angel Network will be giving a talk on financing.

I anticipate Clint Nelson of startupweekend.org one of the organizers of Startup Weekends will be there Saturday or Sunday, if they are back from New York from a similar event.

And that, my friends is about it.

Hopefully, we will launch a company or product at the end of that time.

How many folks will be there, I don't know. I have gotten email responses from at least one dozen folks so far, so that should make for at least two to three teams.

They first year that the 72 Film Festival ran, I remember hoping for at least three teams and even organized one myself. Twelve teams participated with eleven of them submitting films at the end of the weekend. If we managed half that it would be very cool.

What to bring:

Your enthusiasm. Your ideas. Your strengths and your weaknesses.

A laptop if you have one. Paper and pencils if you don't.

I will bring some water and soft drink from Costco for the offset, but we will be going out for meals and drinks on our own dimes. The official events that we will be exploring for late Summer or Fall have entry costs that cover meals and T-Shirts. I am all over the t-shirt idea but they will need to be an individual or group effort on its own as well.

IT WOULD BE EXTREMELY HELPFUL IF YOU COULD REGISTER YOUR INTEREST IN ATTENDING BY EMAILING ME AT droid116@gmail.com.

Tech Support Infrastructure Grows

2010-01-25T12:58:00.000-08:00

The William M. Factory Small Business Incubator is about to open their new wing serving applied sciences and information technology entrepreneurs.

The Factory Incubator, located at 1423 E. 29th Street (just off the Portland Ave. exit of I-5), is an incubator with a record of graduating over 200 successful companies. Their current 30 tenants generate over $30 million in annual revenues.

The new wing is targeted at tech entrepreneurs. The building has its own data and VoIP infrastructure, an internal fiber optic loop and is directly connected to T-3 backbone. Technical support from incubator staff includes an IT engineer.

Additionally, there is free use of conference room, video teleconference capacity and low cost access to cooperating lab facilities.

For more info, contact Tim Strege or 253-722-5800.

Sitecrafting Creates Award

2010-01-21T15:02:00.000-08:00

Today SiteCrafting announced the creation of the SHIFT Awards, an event which will recognize and honor technology application and innovation in the South Sound.
The event will take place Wednesday, March 10th at Theater on the Square in Tacoma. A cocktail hour will precede the award ceremony, followed by light appetizers and desserts. The event will be open to the public, although attendees must pre-register.

Award winners may be nominated by the public and will be chosen by an advisory panel of South Sound professionals. Winners will create and share a brief presentation about their company and/or technology related innovation.

For event updates, please visit here. More information will be posted as it becomes available.

SiteCrafting is an award-winning website design and web application development company headquartered in Tacoma, WA since 1998. With offices in Tacoma and Spokane, WA, the company serves clients ranging from small non-profits to some of the largest, most recognizable brands.

Washington's Innovation Summit 2010

2010-01-15T16:49:00.000-08:00

Where You Stand

2010-01-14T10:48:00.000-08:00

For the thirteenth consecutive year, InformationWeek Analytics is conducting its U.S. IT Salary Survey. To date, over 160,000 IT professionals have participated in this survey.

If you complete the survey by this Friday, January 15th, you will also be sent a link to download the 2010 U.S. IT Salary Report once it has been published. This report will provide you insight into how your salary compares with your peers, as well as information on IT skills, training and culture.

You also will be eligible to enter a contest for prizes including a chance to win a grand prize of a Panasonic 65" plasma HDTV valued at $2,703, first prize of a Garmin nüvi® 850 GPS navigator valued at $727, second prize of a Sony home theater system valued at $484, or third prize of a 32GB Apple iPod touch valued at $298.

Information Week is only collecting compensation information from IT professionals working in the United States.

To take this year's survey, please go here.

Spotlight on Local Tech Companies

2010-01-12T17:31:00.000-08:00

Andrew Fry, UWT Institute of Technology has made real one more idea that came from the SST 2009 held late last year at his university.

During afternoon panels, it was suggested that one tool for the local entrepreneurial community of individuals to network and to know what industry is here, is to build a knowledge base of those companies. Andrew, who had announced earlier that day, suggested a regular blog spotlight on the Tacoma metro companies, would build that base.

Well! Andrew has published his first company spotlight, and he is promising to post a spotlight weekly on his blog, Living and Working in a Virtual World. In just a short year, by the next SST in 2010, the local entrepreneurial and technology sector, should have a substantial knowledge base.

That knowledge base should help our local entrepreneurs, our local tech-savvy personnel and our tech industry. Way to go Andrew!

Puget Sound Small Businesses Are Wired

2010-01-11T09:09:00.000-08:00

Local small businesses are utilizing company websites and other online tools more than the national average.

Puget Sound, good job. You have done something that the majority of businesses across the nation aren’t – marketing their business online. A recent survey conducted by a graduate student at the University of Washington’s Masters in Communications and Digital Media (MCDM) program shows that nearly 82% of small businesses in the Puget Sound have a website. Other surveys conducted nationally show that only 44% of businesses are online(1).

The difference between the sites is not only the industries their businesses represent, but also how they are created. Practically 46% of small business owners hired out the creation of their site, while the other 54% employed various methods. The most popular choice was the help of a website, followed by the help of software, templates, raw programming and help from a friend with experience.

So, what does this mean for you? As a marketing and branding professional, I see two main takeaways from this survey for small business.

First, your website alone is no longer enough. The online listings for businesses through searches on sites like Google, Bing and Yahoo are becoming saturated and making it harder for patrons to find you. Optimize your sites potential by utilizing other online tools like blogs, social networks and micro-blogging. Content on both Facebook and Twitter is now appearing on search results in Google and can no longer be considered a fad or simply a trend. By engaging with consumers through these channels and others will show them you’re authentic and willing to work for their business. The types of conversation to promote through online technologies need to be original and beneficial but do not need to be of expert quality.

Second is that with such a heavy saturation in the Puget Sound of businesses having an online presence, something about your site has to be better then the next guy. How you get there can be done through various strategies. Maybe you need to not only present your companies contact data on your site, but start to contribute informational articles for your customers about new products or “how-to” techniques. Integrate a more solid brand presence by doing a simple redesign with uniform layout, colors and text styles. It could also boil down to being honest with yourself about not having the knowledge base or time to build a presentable website and your ready to hire a professional. Where ever your sites at, don’t neglect it. By not strategizing and brainstorming ways to build your web presence, you are literally turning away customers. You wouldn’tlock your door during business hours would you?

The Puget Sound is unique in a lot of ways, and the way your are doing business is no different. With almost 82% of businesses having a website, business owners cannot afford to think they’re online therefore, they’re covered. Almost half of these sites are being professionally developed, so the need to present your business in a unique and trustworthy manner is more important here then if you were doing business in another part of the country. Don’t let your website or any other online tool sit idle. Employ them daily. By simply setting aside 10 minutes of each day to converse through your chosen channels, a business can increase authenticity, increase their ROI for their web strategy and grow their customer base.

Guest Blogger: Scott Loughran is a Marketing Strategist and local entrepreneur, currently working on a dot com. Having worked with Fortune 500 and small businesses alike, Scott brings a diversified perspective that is based on applied common sense. Dedicated to the success of local businesses, Scott consults companies with various needs and is well networked for those situations outside his expertise. The survey mentioned above was managed by Scott for his graduate work at UW MCDM and can be contacted through his site.

Sources:
(1) Are you really connecting? (2009, March 23). Furniture/Today, 33, 2-2. Retrieved November 4, 2009, from Business Source Complete.

Washington's Innovation Summit 2010

2010-01-08T16:17:00.000-08:00

Washington Technology Center is pleased to present Washington's Innovation Summit 2010 at the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center on April 9, 2010 from 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. The Summit will bring together the region's leading companies and thought leaders -- such as CEO, scientist and astronaut Dr. Bonnie Dunbar -- for a full day devoted to accelerating creativity and innovation. Breakout tracks for 2010 are aerospace, defense and energy.

In recognition of the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber's assistance, the WTC extends to individuals of the member firms of the Chamber a 5% registration discount. Use the discount code: "TacomaPartner10" to apply the 5% savings during registration. Please click on this link to learn more about the Summit and to register.

The Summit's flyer and agenda are also posted immediately below this blog entry for your easiest access.

Washington's Innovation Summit 2010

2010-01-08T16:05:00.000-08:00

WTC Exec Goes South by West

2009-12-17T17:23:00.000-08:00

Washington Technology Center's Executive Director Lee Cheatham has announced that he has accepted the position of operations director at the Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University and will be leaving WTC at the end of this month. He will also serve as general manager of the Biodesign Institute's Impact Accelerator program.

We wish Lee well in his new position and thank him for his service to WTC.

Under Lee's direction, Washington Technology Center has continued as a champion for innovative, growing companies in Washington. In his 11 years with WTC, the center has helped position companies and researchers to generate an astounding $500 million in external support for product development, manufacturing and jobs in this state.

That is a truly remarkable accomplishment made possible by a state investment of less than $3 million annually. Lee leaves WTC in a strong position for further growing its services and the value it provides.

The Executive Committee of the WTC Board of Directors has selected Chris Coleman, WTC's current CFO and director of business operations, to serve as Interim Executive Director for the organization. A search for WTC's next executive director will begin in early 2010.

BioScience Business Roundtable Update

2009-11-25T09:21:00.000-08:00

SST Excels for 10th Time

2009-11-20T17:35:00.000-08:00

The 10th annual South Sound Technology (SST) 2009, ramrodded by Andrew Fry, Institute of Technology, University of Washington Tacoma, produced a resounding success. Beginning with the video presentation by Cong. Adam Smith (staying in D.C. to vote), the program produced an all-round view of the technology field.

Of particular interest was the panel: Entrepreneurship in the South Sound, Creating Connections. This featured, as pictured above: Derek Young/Seasonal View, John Dimmer/TacomaAngel Network, Brian Forth/SiteCrafting, Mark Briggs/Serra Media and (not pictured) Graham Evans, Washington Technology Center.

Other highlights included a breakout session on Sustainability and Energy with John Martin/Clean Tech Open (far left) and Joanne Buselmeier (left) and Arabie-Jaloway Hill (right) from TacomaACTS.

Arabie-Jaloway Hill discussed the potential of innovation and entrepreneurship in regards to building the green economy. Along with Joanne Buselmeier, they highlighted the pivotal role that local business plays in sustainability. Joanne stressed that there is a significant presence of "green" businesses who already provide a local example, meshing sustainability with Tacoma's unique economic environment. TacomaACTS is committed to supporting and advocating for entrepreneurs building upon this foundation."

At the end of the day, a breakout session on Supporting Infrastructure of the South Sound was emceed by (on right) Gary Penley, Alliance Enterprises, Dr. Orlando Baiocchi, IT/UWT, Darin Cyr, Grey Hat Group, Lincoln Ferris, Nuco Consulting and Gary Brackett, Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber who staffs their Tacoma Technology Consortium and administers the TacomaAngel Network.

Brackett offered to begin a new series on this blog spotlighting the South Sound technology companies. To participate, companies may send a short, blog length article and links to him.

During the conference, there was often a call for greater networking opportunities, greater visibility of local tech firms and chances for young professionals to enjoy the community.

Of special note, Andrew Fry talked briefly of a new directory of tech companies in the South Sound his interns have recently completed - counting 88 firms from the largest and most obvious to the small start-ups of beginning entrepreneurs. We hope to hear more from him about this resource soon.

Our thanks and congratulations to the event sponsors which included the Chamber in the presentation of SST 2009: Institute of Technology UWT, City of Tacoma and Gridwork.

Small Businesses on the Web - Or Should Be?

2009-11-12T16:18:00.000-08:00

Small businesses can thank Tacoman Scott Loughran for a better understanding of small businesses and their use of the web for marketing.

Loughran is in the Masters in Communications and Digital Media program at the University of Washington. His project, only available for a few days, is open to you.

Loughran is studying digital media and communications. You can learn more about the program here. The Flip the Media blog (work of the faculty and students here) is also a great resource for the Chamber and those businesses we serve.

Loughran's research is specifically investigating if micro (0-4 employees) & small businesses (5-25 employees) have websites, and if so, how they are using them to communicate and market their goods and services. His theory is that these businesses strongly rely on hiring out the construction of websites, and may not understand how popular tools like social media, blogging and pod casting could help customer retention and word-of-mouth advertising (the two most trustworthy forms of business growth to this sector.)

He hopes his research will accomplish two things:

First, consumers who want to shop local, some reports say 90% of them have started by searching for local businesses online. Other reports are saying that as little as 44% of micro/small businesses even have a website. With the health of our local economy largely being supported by the success of local business, we need to find a way to close this statistical gap.

Second, there are people in the community wanting to help local businesses. If we find there is enough of a need in the community, we can educate local businesses how this technology is beneficial to business. This could be through the Chamber for example, as a workshop, in service or part of a regular meeting.

BioScience Business Roundtable

2009-11-08T17:29:00.000-08:00

Life Sciences Economic Impact

2009-11-08T11:33:00.000-08:00

The Washington Research Council has published an economic impact study of Washington's life sciences industry. To read the full report, click on the link preceding or log onto the Research Council’s website and look under Recent Publications.

SST 2009: Entrepreneur in the South Sound

2009-11-06T15:20:00.000-08:00

South Sound Technology Conference 2009:
Entrepreneurship and the South Sound Technology Cluster

You're invited to the 10th annual South Sound Technology Conference, the technology showcase for the Tacoma and the South Puget Sound region.

On Friday November 20th in William W. Phillip Hall on the University of Washington Tacoma campus civic and industry leaders, government representatives, university faculty and students will come together at a free conference to hear panels speak on building technology companies in the South Sound and leveraging the commonalities of the companies that are here.

A lunch keynote from the CEO of Corporate Privacy Group, Richard Purcell, former Chief Privacy Officer of Microsoft and chairman of the board of TRUSTe will highlight the middle of the day. Breakout sessions that include discussions on sustainability and poster presentations from Institute of Technology students will occur once in the morning and once in the afternoon.

The South Sound Technology Conference, provides a forum that increases the awareness of technology as it impacts our daily personal and professional lives, and even more importantly, the role it can play in the development of our regional economy. The conference charter is to further the continuous growth of technology in the South Sound region and provide information about global technology issues.

Bruce Kendall, CEO of the Economic Development Board of Pierce County will kick things off with a discussion of entrepreneurship and the economic development of the South Sound Region. The morning panel that follows will pick up the topic with Tacoma entrepreneurs such as Derek Young, Mark Briggs and Brian Forth. Graham Evans of the Washington Technology Center and John Dimmer of the TacomaAngel Network will talk about funding and innovation.

The afternoon panel will feature companies from the area that represent the data integrity, information assurance and Cybersecurity cluster that is growing in Pierce County. Breakouts will include discussion of how to support that infrastructure and will also give attendees the opportunity to view student research projects at the Institute of Technology.

The yearly event is made possible by the hard work of many volunteers, the generosity of corporate and community sponsorship such as the City of Tacoma, the Institute of Technology, University of Washington Tacoma and GRIDWORK as well as the support of honorary co-chairs Congressman Norm Dicks and Congressman Adam Smith.

For more information, contact conference chair
Andrew Fry - andfry@u.washington.edu - 253-692-4583
To register, go to http://www.sstconference.org/ and sign up under the “attending” menu.

Tech Demo Show Call for Exhibitors

2009-10-23T14:45:00.000-07:00

CALLING ALL ENTREPRENEURS!

The MIT Enterprise Forum NW is pleased to announce it is partnering with all six of the area’s angel organizations to host the Northwest Startup DEMO – Fall 2009. This partnership is the first of its kind in our area, and represents a truly unique and valuable opportunity for all. Partner organizations are the Alliance of Angels, Keiretsu Forum, Puget Sound Venture Club, Seraph, TacomaAngel Network and Zino Society.

The companies selected to present will be able to DEMO their product or service to all these organizations and more at one time – for FREE!

Judges for the event will include representatives from the angel organizations, as well as VCs and the media.

Northwest Startup DEMO – Fall 2009 provides you with an unprecedented opportunity for exposure that can be leveraged to take your company to the next level.

How to apply
Email a one-page summary describing your company and product or service to Edward Hansen by November 13th. Please note that this is a DEMO event, not a financing pitch. Therefore we ask that you adjust your one-page summary accordingly by telling us why it will be a great DEMO.

Based on your submissions, 10 to 12 companies will be selected to present to our screening committee on November 19th. From there, the committee will select the companies that will demo their product or service at the Northwest Startup DEMO - Fall 2009 event to be held on December 10th.

Click here for more entry details. They look forward to receiving your applications!

Questions? Contact JaRon Snow or (425) 771-4790

Kudos for Tech-Based Economic Development

2009-10-22T17:07:00.000-07:00

Washington Technology Center was named one of six recipients of The State Science and Technology Institute's 2009 Excellence in TBED awards for initiating successful programs to sustain the nation's position as a global leader for innovation and competitiveness.

WTC's Research and Technology Development (RTD) Program was honored as a best-practice model for demonstrating leadership and meaningful impact to state and regional economies.

The WTC has assisted state companies over 17 years. Impressively, the RTD Program's more than 330 funded projects have resulted in almost a half-billion dollars in follow-on support from private and federal sources.

WTC awards $1 million in applied research funding each year to teams comprised of companies and researchers in the state of Washington.

About SSTI: The State Science and Technology Institute is a national nonprofit organization that leads, supports and strengthens efforts to improve state and regional economies through science, technology and innovation.

About WTC: Washington Technology Center channels state, federal, and private resources to help companies develop and commercialize new products and technologies. For more information how Washington Technology Center can help research and development projects succeed, call 206-685-1920.

SST 2009 Conference First Panel Confirmed

2009-10-20T17:03:00.000-07:00

Andrew Fry, in a catch-up meeting this afternoon, announced the first panel is complete for the upcoming SST 2009 Conference.

Panel One: Entrepreneurship in the South Sound - Creating Connections

Brian Forth, SiteCrafting
Graham Evans, Washington Technology Center
John Dimmer - TacomaAngel Network representative
Derek Young, Seasonal View LLC
Mark Briggs, Serra Media

As an addition to keynote speaker, Richard Purcell, and an anticipated second panel and/or additional conference features, Andrew is pulling together another gem.

Not Going Without Wireless at SST

2009-10-16T15:41:00.000-07:00

The SST 2009 conference has a commitment from the University of Washington Tacoma to provide 50 free guest wireless access during the conference. Probably will be a first come..., so get your registration at the front of the line ASAP.

BioTech Gaining Coordination for Advocacy

2009-10-09T13:33:00.001-07:00

Early Days, but look for an upcoming event focused on the biotech industry in the Puget Sound region.

But, mark your calendars for a half-day event with two expert panel sessions addressing how government and business can work together to create a positive climate that will maximize the contributions of the bioscience industries on a state and federal level. The experts will also address the importance of innovation, the regulatory landscape and other issues that can impact the industry.

December 2, 2009, 1 – 5 pm
Seattle, venue to be set
no cost to attendees

This program is being developed by a unified voice of leaders representing the biotechnology, life sciences, and biomedical research industries —collectively known as the bioscience community.

Their mission is to promote public policies that on a local, state, and federal level safeguard and sustain America’s place as the world leader in bioscience. Their three tenets are to promote access, prevention and encourage innovation by building bridges of understanding between government leaders, the business community and academia on key issues facing Washington’s and the United States' dynamic bioscience community.

Sponsoring this program in coordination with the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) are:

the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA)
the Pharmaceutical Research & Manufacturers of America (PhRMA)

and local organizations like:

the Association of Washington Business (AWB)
the Washington Biotechnology and Biomedical Association (WBBA)
the University of Washington (UW)
US Chamber of Commerce
Pacific Technology Alliance
Puget Sound Regional Council
East King County Chambers of Commerce Legislative Coalition
NW Association of Biomedical Research
Technology Alliance
Cancer Society
Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber

Broadband Focus of Commerce Meeting in Tacoma

2009-10-07T20:24:00.001-07:00

The Washington State Economic Development Commission (WEDC) meeting in Tacoma will focus on the State's Broadband policy.

DATE: October 20
TIME: 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
VENUE: See venue change below:

Angela Wu, WA DIS Broadband manager will provide a briefing to the WEDC Infrastructure Working Group of the current state of broadband in the state. The expected discussion will cover mapping of broadband adoption, broadband ARRA applications and current legislation and funding.

This meeting is open to all interested parties. Please RSVP if you will attend.

More info on broadband is available on the Department of Information Services (DIS) website. All the latest and greatest is posted there in a timely manner.

Our apologies for the last minute change, but the venue for tomorrow’s broadband briefing has been changed. New meeting information is as follows:

Date: October 20, 2009
Time: 10-11AM
Venue: The new location is Phil Lelli Conference Room
Port Admin Bldg.
One Sitcum Way
Tacoma, WA 98421.

This particular building will require badges as you enter the location. If you RSVP, we will notify the Port of Tacoma that you will be attending. Thank you.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS - FROM I-5 Northbound:

· Take the Portland Ave Exit (Exit #134)
· Turn LEFT onto Portland Ave
· At 3rd stoplight, turn RIGHT onto 11TH ST and go over bridge
· At the bottom of the bridge, make an immediate, sharp RIGHT turn before the railroad tracks
· At stop sign, turn RIGHT onto Milwaukee and go underneath bridge
· At next stop sign, turn RIGHT onto Sitcum Way
· Take immediate LEFT into parking lot

DRIVING DIRECTIONS - FROM I-5 Southbound:

· Take Exit #135 toward PORTLAND AVE
· Ramp becomes EAST 27TH ST
· At stop light, turn RIGHT onto PORTLAND AVE
· At 3rd stoplight, turn RIGHT onto 11TH ST and go over bridge
· At the bottom of the bridge, make an immediate, sharp RIGHT turn before the railroad tracks
· At stop sign, turn RIGHT onto MILWAUKEE and go underneath bridge
· At next stop sign, turn RIGHT onto SITCUM WAY
· Take immediate LEFT into parking lot

If you have questions, please contact Egils Milbergs or Noreen Hoban or call 360.586.5662.

How Small Business Can Commercialize Technology

2009-10-01T09:45:00.000-07:00

Washington Small Business Development Centers and Washington Technology Center present this seminar, based on Foresight Science & Technology's instruction to SBIR awardees of the agencies Foresight supports as an SBIR Commercialization Support Contractor.

Register online -- Space limited to 35 registrants.

Date/Time Wednesday
October 14, 2009
8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Location
WSU West
Pike Tower Building
520 Pike Street, Suite 1101Seattle, WA
Directions
Parking available: Pike Tower Bldg., Convention Center; Washington Athletic Club.
Registration
$20
Space limited to 35 registrants.
Deadline Oct. 9, 2009.

Speaker:
Phyl Speser, J.D., Ph.D., author of the best selling text book, "The Art & Science of Technology Transfer"

Mandate or a Market

2009-09-29T12:23:00.001-07:00

The CQ Today Midday Update reports that the Senate has joined the House in action to bolster Net Neutrality.

Net Neutrality is a policy of preventing broadband service providers from blocking certain traffic or establishing a tiered pathway for Internet content. The FCC's proposed mandates prohibit selectively blocking or slowing content and applications. For the first time, these provisions would also apply to wireless providers.

Supporters contend it would level the playing field for content providers. Opponents say it would hamper online innovation. Wireless providers are concerned they could not block voice calling services.

The Senate proposal is from Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-So. Dakota) and Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) is expected to cosponsor. The House effort is lead by Cong. Edward Markey (D-Mass.).

Tacoma is the WTC's Summit

2009-09-14T20:45:00.000-07:00

Washington Technology Center has announced the first ever placement of their annual Technology Summit in Tacoma!

Scheduled for April 9, 2010, the Innovation Summit will take place in the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center. Already, Dr. Bonnie Dunbar, Pres./CEO of the Museum of Flight and astronaut, is one of several keynote speakers.

The Summit 2010 will provide an opportunity for attendees to learn about and interact over new trends, current applications and case studies. Breakout tracks will include Renewable Energy and Aerospace.

SST Announces Keynoter

2009-09-11T21:17:00.000-07:00

The annual South Sound Technology Conference is the technology showcase for Tacoma and the South Puget Sound region.

For years it has brought together leaders from industry, education, and government, both locally and from around the state, to discuss and demonstrate innovations and ongoing applications which utilize technology. Panel and keynote presentations, including networking opportunities, provide a venue to discuss, explore, understand and deploy technology as a solution, an opportunity and an advantage. SST is perhaps this region's best annual event to learn how technology is transforming our business and community life."

Keynoting at the event will be Richard Purcell, CEO of the Corporate Privacy Group. Purcell ranks among the original Chief Privacy Officers in the United States. He created the position at Microsoft in the late ‘90’s, becoming a leading voice in addressing consumer privacy and data protection, domestically and internationally.

Smith's Tech Town Hall

2009-08-31T11:09:00.001-07:00

Cong. Adam Smith today faced a baker's dozen of tech industry entrepreneurs and advocates for one of his back-home town hall meetings sited at the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber offices.

Smith, always and continuing as both a knowledgeable tech supporter and a consistent tech supporter, was able to speak directly to tech issues both in his initial remarks and in response to the queries from attendees.

Here, as seemingly everywhere, health care reform entered the conversation. But, tech issues predominated the discussion. When asked about his insights from serving in the House intelligence oversight and forthcoming opportunities, Smith replied that both "yes" there are opportunities and "no" he couldn't tell us what they are. But, he did give a serious response in that he identified two areas of special opportunity and funding availability: energy and medical. Attendees were referred to DARPA and Battelle/Pacific NW National Lab for research that is available for commercialization.

Another topic of special interest was the question of funding availability in the tech industry. Others noted that Washington does well in attracting VC, but there is a growing area of concern about angel investing. With the wealth reduction that has occurred with the Great Recession, where many individuals have also seen their portfolio value decline dramatically, the willingness of angel investors to invest - and the ability of ventures to attract angel funds has suffered.

Fastest in the County

2009-08-25T21:20:00.000-07:00

Today, Speed Matters released its third annual report on Internet speeds around the U.S.

So, what's fastest in Pierce County:

Gig Harbor (98332): upload- 2,837 kbps; download-11,598 kbps
Fort Lewis (98433): upload- 3,502 kbps; download-10,971 kbps

Want to see more, like your business or home speeds as measured by tests (number of tests varies), go to Speed Matters 2009 Report. Overall, 413,000 individuals chose to take Speed Matters speed test. You can on their website, an option on their reporting webpages.

So where does Washington stand? Answer: Above the U.S. average.

And where does the U.S. stand? Answer at 5.1 mbps download speed, good enough for 28th among industrialized nations.