We are the Vermont Technology Alliance

Transcription

1 We are the Vermont Technology Alliance We re the voice for technology in Vermont. We bring people together and make things happen for Vermont s technology business sector. And we need your support and participation Please join with us in our mission to support, promote, celebrate and grow technology businesses and technology jobs in Vermont.

2 Focused on Vermont Technology Vermont s technology businesses are creating innovative products and goodpaying jobs and the Vermont Technology Alliance is the voice for this thriving sector in the state. The vtta is a non-profit business association formed by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs dedicated to supporting and promoting Vermont s technology industry, expanding technology jobs and technology businesses in the state, and advocating policies that strengthen Vermont s technology business sector. We do this by: Promoting the growth of Vermont s technology businesses and workforce Creating opportunities for collaboration and networking Sponsoring technology programs, events and special projects Sharing technology news, information, and resources Advocating on behalf of the Vermont s technology business sector Providing outreach, information and support to government, business, and education leaders Encouraging STEM-based (science, technology, engineering and math) education and careers

3 The vtta Vital and Growing The Vermont Technology Alliance began as the Vermont Software Developers Alliance in 2004 to foster a strong and growing software industry in Vermont. As the organization grew, Vermont companies in other technology business segments identified common needs and interests and joined the Alliance. In 2012, the Vermont Technology Alliance (vtta) name was adopted to better reflect the organization s expanding membership and its mission to represent and support the state s growing number of technology companies that are creating highskilled, high-paying jobs in Vermont. Today, the Alliance has more than 170 members representing companies of all sizes, including Dealer.com, MyWebGrocer, Fairpoint Communications, Logic Supply, Physicians Computing Company, Brandthropology, First Light Communications, Competitive Computing and other innovators. Beyond our core members, we have a network of nearly 1,000 individuals who follow and connect with the vtta through our communications channels and programs.

4 Technology: Vermont s Economic Development Engine Vermont technology companies represent one of the strongest sectors of the Vermont economy representing low impact, high salary employers that generate taxes, revenue and growth for Vermont. Positive Impacts The vtta's members represent about 25% of the tech companies in the state and have more than 2,000 employees. The average salary for Vermont technology jobs is 70% more than the average Vermont wage. VtTA s member companies added more than 800 good paying jobs in 2012 and These 800 new jobs provide over $52 million to Vermont's economy. A typical high tech employee contributes three times more in state income tax than the average Vermonter and twice as much in real estate tax. For every technical position hired, Vermont technology companies typically add an additional 6 to 10 other positions in areas such as sales, marketing, accounting, administration and support. For over six years, high-tech products have accounted for 75% of Vermont exports. High-tech exports brought over $3 billion to Vermont s economy in Vermont s technology companies are creating the kinds of jobs that are in demand by younger employees an important demographic for the state s economic future. Software development and technology jobs are green, with little to no environmental impacts.

5 The vtta A Driving Force for Tech in Vermont The Vermont Technology Alliance makes things happen for its members and the Vermont technology sector through programs and initiatives, influence and outreach. Growing our size and influence New Members The vtta doubled its membership over the past year and continues to add key technology leaders and supporters as members, with recent additions including Champlain College, Davis & Hodgdon, Eastman Benz, Global-Z, Pwnie Express, Middlebury Interactive Languages, and Renewable NRG Systems. MyWebGrocer, Fairpoint Communications, Symquest, PAR Springer-Miller, Windstream and NewEon. New Executive Director The Alliance transitioned its Executive Director to a full-time role in 2014 to enable continued and expanded implementation of the organization s mission and programs. Promoting and Celebrating tech in Vermont Vermont Tech Jam the vtta is a leading sponsor and organizer of the annual Vermont Tech Jam event that showcases more than 80 Vermont technology and bioscience businesses including many vtta members - and promotes technology companies, careers and education. This annual event attracts 2000 attendees from across the state and from Boston, New York City and upstate NY, New Hampshire, Maine and Canada, including nearly 600 Vermont students.

6 Tech Jam Awards - The Alliance organizes and presents the annual Tech Jam awards, highlighting innovative Vermont technology products and a Vermont tech ambassador at a special awards event as part of the Tech Jam. Tapping Tech - VtTA has produced three editions of Tapping Tech, a fullcolor, 36-page print and digital publication that highlights the positive impact of Vermont s growing technology businesses, including facts and statistics on the contributions of tech in Vermont. Approximately 5000 print copies are distributed and thousands more are viewed online. Distribution reaches Vermont legislators and government officials, community and business leaders, educators, the media, and potential employees, companies and investors. Bringing people together for networking and collaboration Lunch and Learn We host monthly Lunch & Learn education and information sessions with guest speakers addressing a range of topics and issues important to Vermont s technology business sector.

7 Annual Cruise The alliance hosts an annual dinner cruise social and networking event that brings together tech employers, clients, political leaders and other supporters of Vermont technology businesses for socializing, networking, collaboration and celebration of Vermont s technology sector. Social events: The vtta hosts social events that bring together tech companies, clients, government officials and others, including a year-end, holiday social event and State of Tech event centered around the State of the Union address BTV. Ignite: The vtta is involved in the organizing and planning of BTV Ignite, part of U.S. Ignite, a program supported by the National Science Foundation that promotes the use of gigabit broadband networks as a springboard for economic development, particularly for tech-related companies. Advocating for Policies and Programs for Tech in Vermont Technology Study Committee: The Vermont Technology Alliance held three seats on a seven-member study committee formed by the Vermont Legislature to make recommendations for how to strengthen the state s technology economy: Enhancing Vermont s Software and Information Technology Economy. The report addresses the areas of education, marketing, financing and networking and legislation based on the report is under development. Legislative advocacy: The alliance and member companies provide testimony to committees and members of the Vermont Legislature on behalf

8 of the tech industry. Our testimony and influence helped bring changes and a one-year moratorium on the cloud tax and the development of legislation to support the tech sector. State Government outreach: The Alliance provides outreach for the tech sector through contacts and collaboration with state government, such as the Agency of Commerce and Community Development and the Department Labor, to promote and market Vermont as a location for technology companies and technology jobs. The Alliance is a leading voice for efforts such tech focused economic development, marketing Vermont as a home for technology companies and jobs, broadband, financing and workforce development. Connecting With the Tech Community Telling Vermont s Tech Story The Vermont Technology alliance delivers news, information, resources, events, trends and connections through its regular communications channels The vtta web site provides news, information and event listings, and is the central listing and resource for vtta members and those interested in the vtta. Our monthly newsletter reaches over 600 subscribers Our LinkedIn Group site has nearly 900 members, one of the largest LinkedIn groups in Vermont. Facebook and Twitter presence share events, news and enable discussion The vtta generates media coverage and publicity for Vermont s tech economy. Elevating the Importance of STEM Education Bentley Award The vtta launched the Bentley Awards to support science, technology, engineering and mathematics projects in Vermont K-12 schools, particularly those that steer students to STEM careers and education. The award program provided funding, ipads, technical support to 21 projects, reaching hundreds of students at schools throughout the state. Initiatives Our support has included promotion of the Vermont Internships program, student engagement at Tech Jam, and participation in the planning of a STEM-based program by the Community College of Vermont.

9 Now We Need Your Help The continuation of these initiatives and programs, and the creation of new ones, can only happen through membership and the financial support of companies and leaders who care about our mission and creating a strong and vibrant technology business sector in Vermont. We offer sponsorship opportunities that provide value to our supporters and help provide the funding needed to ensure the Vermont Technology Alliance can continue to support, promote and strengthen technology businesses and jobs in Vermont. Please join us and financially support the vtta and its mission. Contact Jeff Couture, jeffcouture-vtta@comcast.net, or , for more information. vtta.org facebook.com/vermonttechalliance twitter.com/vermonttechalliance linkedin/vermonttechalliance