Vermont Technology Alliance (vtTA) to better reflect the organizationâ s expanding membership and its mission to represent and support the stateâ s growing number of technology companies that are creating high-skilled, high-paying jobs.
VtTA companies represent one of the strongest sectors of the Vermont economy. They have been adding jobs ‘even during the economic downturn ‘that earn higher than average Vermont salaries. For example, vtTA members Dealer.com added 250 jobs in 2011, Technical Connection placed 200 people in tech jobs in 2011, and MyWebGrocer added 63 employees in the last six months.
The Vermont Software Developers’Alliance was formed in 2004 by entrepreneurs to foster a strong and growing software industry in Vermont, with a focus on common business interests and programs where members can share ideas, expertise and strategies for success. As the organization has grown, Vermont companies in other technology business segments have identified common needs and have joined or expressed interest in joining the Alliance. The name change reflects this expanded role and that the organization welcomes all Vermont technology companies as members.
â VtTA is dedicated to helping and promoting Vermontâ s technology industry, creating technology jobs in the state, and advocating policies that strengthen Vermont technology companies,’said John Canning, president of the board. â Some think of Vermont only in terms of farming, skiing or maple syrup and are surprised to learn it also is home to cutting-edge software and technology companies that are creating innovative products and high-paying jobs. We want this important segment of the Vermont economy to be recognized, celebrated and supported.â
The Alliance recently published the second edition of â Tapping Tech 2.0,’which highlights the positive impact of Vermont technology companies on the stateâ s economy, including these facts:
· The average wage for a software company job in Vermont is $65,000 ‘25% higher than the Vermont median household income $51,841 (2010 U.S. Census).
· The estimated revenue generated in Vermont by vtTA members in 2011 was $280 million ‘representing an 87% increase in just two years.
· For every software developer hired, technology companies typically add an additional six non-technical support positions.
To continue to deliver these results, vtTA has identified three key needs: 1) educated employees with strong foundations in science, math and technology who can fill current and future job openings; 2) continued investment in high-speed Internet broadband connectivity throughout the state as well as traditional infrastructure that enables tech companies to operate and stay in Vermont; and 3) improved access to financing to help Vermontâ s knowledge-based businesses get started and expand.
In addition to promoting tech-friendly public policy initiatives, the vtTA sponsors a number of programs and offerings in support of its mission, including:
Lunch and Learn ‘Monthly information sessions for Vermont technology companies and employees on a range of topics, from company profiles to public policy initiatives to business advice and education.
Vermont Tech Jam ‘The Alliance is a founder of and participant in the Vermont Tech Jam ‘an annual fall conference and exhibition that showcases more than 70 Vermont technology and bioscience companies, and promotes technology careers and education.
Tapping Tech ‘VtTA has produced the second edition of, â Tapping Tech’a 36-page, full color publication that highlights the positive impact of Vermontâ s growing technology businesses.
Bentley Award ‘The alliance has created The Bentley Award, which offers cash, Apple iPads and technical expertise in support of specific projects focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) in Vermont K-12 schools. The awards honor the life of the late Bentley Seifer, who was the 12-year-old son of Julie A. Davis and Bruce Seifer, a founding member of the Alliance.
The Vermont Technology Alliance is welcoming new company and individual members to join the organization. Details and the membership form are available at VtTA.org.
About the vtTA
The Vermont Technology alliance supports and promotes Vermontâ s thriving software and technical business community. VtTA helps its members share ideas, expertise, and strategies for success and works with business, government and higher education to advocate for policies and programs that strengthen Vermontâ s technology-based economy.
More information about the Vermont Technology Alliance can be found at:
· vtTA.org
· facebook.com/VermontTechAlliance
· twitter.com/VermontTechAlliance
· linkedin/VermontTechAlliance
May 17, 2012 â