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GTA Newsletter
October 2008
In This Issue
October GTA Meeting
November PubTalk
Group HealthCare Questionaire
Outlook 2007 Classes
Green on the Go: Alternative Transportation
Selling your IT/Tech Business
PubTalk Seeking Future Presenters
OTBC is moving
Solar Energy Efficiency Workshop
Calendar of Events
Quick Links

Gorge Technology Alliance Mission 
To promote the technology business sector of the Columbia River Gorge and build new alliances to strengthen our surrounding communities.

We focus on "lifestyle entrepreneurs;" individuals who take advantage of the area's recreational resources and business opportunities, combining their drive for recreational activities with an industry cluster that continues to expand.

For more information contact:
jim@crgta.org

541-296-2266


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Disclaimer

This newsletter is sponsored by GTA. The items contained herein are published as submitted and are provided for general information purposes only. This information is not advice. Readers should not rely solely on this information, but should make their own inquiries before making any decisions. GTA works to maintain up-to-date information from reliable sources; however, no responsibility is accepted for any errors or omissions or results of any actions based upon this information. If you have any questions regarding any of these items, contact the organizational representative of that source.

This newsletter may contain links to websites that are created and maintained by other organizations. GTA does not necessarily endorse the views expressed on these websites, nor does it guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information presented there. Furthermore, visitors should be aware that other sites linked from this newsletter may use persistent cookies that track visitor viewing habits.
 
Welcome to the October edition of the Gorge Technology Alliance newsletter.
GTA October Meeting - Trends in Employer-provided healthcare

When: Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2008. 6:30 p.m.
Where: Insitu Park Center, "SuperFortress Room"
170 NW Washington St, White Salmon, Washington (yes, White Salmon).

How will the coming changes at the state and national level affect businesses and employees in the complex and rapidly evolving healthcare marketplace?
 
The panel discussion will be followed by an opportunity to meet brokers and network with GTA members and guests.  Have a topic you'd like to see our panel cover? E-mail jim@crgta.org

Click here for the GTA calendar.
 
This event is free for members. Non-members pay $10 or may apply their attendance fee toward GTA membership.
Hood River PubTalkT SwapMeet- Nov 11

PubTalkT  - November 11, 2008 at White Buffalo, 4040 Westcliff Drive, Hood River 5:30-7:30 PM
 
SwapMeet is purely a social event with a little networking and a little happy hour. . .There is no admission or RSVP required - no host food & drink. For more information call Bill Fashing at 541-387-6863 or Robin Cope at 541-296-8080.

For more information on similar events visit: 
www.GorgeAngelConference.com

PubTalk events are presented by Hood River County in partnership with the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network and local partners including Hood River County Chamber of Commerce, the Mid-Columbia Economic Development District and the Small Business Development Center. 
Group HealthCare Plan Questionaire - Your Input Needed

Software Association of Oregon (SAO) is working to build a new Group HealthCare plan to meet the unique needs of technology companies in Oregon & SW Washington. They would like to be sure that it covers companies in the Gorge and are therefore working with the GTA.

Please have your HR Manager, or the person responsible for making benefits decisions at your company, complete the questionnaire linked below and send the completed forms at the end via email to SAO's selected broker. Click here to complete the questionnaire.

Providing information does not obligate your company in any way and will be kept secure.  Your company's involvement gives information that will help negotiate with major carriers. Your support ensures more choices of higher quality, better coverage Healthcare plans and (hopefully) a lower price to decide from as you plan for 2009.

Feel free to forward this to other companies that you think might be interested in the group plan.

If you have question please direct them to sao@crginsurance.com
Outlook 2007 Class
Outlook 2007 for the Corporate User
DATES:  Nov 6th & 7th, '08  or Dec 4th & 5th, '08  
TIME: 9am - noon 
LIMIT:10  COST: $ 210.-/student

Offered by: Gorge Technology - Heidi Ribkoff
541-490-5528 www.gorgetec.com
Green on the Go: Alternative Transportation Technology Show
Sponsored by the Gorge Technology Alliance

WHEN: Nov. 8, 2008, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
WHERE: Hood River Expo Center, West Pavilion
COST: Free and open to the public

Interested in the latest in green and high-tech transportation? Want to see the latest hybrids and plug-in electric vehicles? More details on the GTA events calendar
Selling your IT/Tech Business

Who: Bob Chalfin, author of "Selling Your IT Business"
When: November 11th, 4:30-6:00pm
What: Step by step, practical suggestions for selling an IT business.  
Location: CenterPointe Community Bank, Hood River, OR
Cost:  $10 SAO and GTA Members, $25 non-members
Visit the Software Association of Oregon website for more information and to register.
PubTalkT - Seeking Gorge Area Business Presenters for Upcoming Meetings

Have a business idea, plan, or other concept that you think has potential? PubTalkT is an opportunity for you to present your idea to an audience including potential investors. Each PubTalkT includes two presentations by area businesses seeking funding to take their business to the next stage.
 
Organizers of PubTalkT are currently soliciting gorge area businesses interested in presenting at future events.  PubTalk events will be held on November 11, 2008; January 13, 2009, March 10, 2009 and April 14, 2009.  Events begin at 5:30 PM. Click here for more details. 
 
PubTalk events are presented by Hood River County in partnership with the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network and local partners including Hood River County Chamber of Commerce, the Mid-Columbia Economic Development District and the Small Business Development Center.
Oregon Technology Business Center is Moving
As of November 1, OTBC's new office will be in The Round in central Beaverton (on Millikan near Cedar Hills Blvd), on the first floor of the Coldwell Banker building. Click here to go to the OTBC website for more information.
Solar Energy Efficiency & Sustainable New Buildings: Government Can Lead the Way - Workshop on Oct 29th

Rising energy costs and generous cash incentives have made solar and energy efficiency attractive options for public entities seeking to manage energy costs. The workshop offers counties an opportunity to learn more about solar technology and energy efficiency. Complete information about the workshop to be held in Salem, Oregon is attached. Participants may register by clicking here.
Calendar of Events

October 2008
  • Oct 28 - October GTA Meeting, 6:30 pm, Insitu Park Center, White Salmon, WA
  • Oct 29 - Solar Energy Efficiency & Sustainable New Buildings Workshop, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, Salem, OR
November 2008
  • Nov 6 & 7 - Outlook 2007 class, 9 to noon, Gorge Technology
  • Nov 8 - Green on the Go: Alternative Transportation Technology Show, 1 - 5 pm, Hood River Expo Center, Hood River, OR
  • Nov 11 - Selling your IT/Tech Business, 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm, CenterPointe Community Bank, Hood River, OR
  • Nov 11 - Hood River PubTalkT, 5:30-7:30 pm , White Buffalo, Hood River, OR

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