Guest Blog: A Look Ahead by TAO’s Lobbyist, Beth Cooke

After being involved with the Technology Association of Oregon for over a decade as both a member and sponsor while with Portland State University and Babson College, I am excited to be your voice in Salem this session. The region’s technology industry is a vital and important source of economic growth and innovation for Oregon – we must be active in shaping the policies affecting our members.

The Advocacy Committee has identified several key priorities this session and the Board will determine what actions we will take next week. Priorities include:

· Enhanced Access to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education. We will be working with the Oregon STEM Employers Coalition on this effort – the lack of available talent is a significant threat to our industry.

· Reauthorization and development of the Oregon Growth Board. This is a follow-up to the work we did in 2012 on the Oregon Investment Act. The Oregon Growth Board is focused on aligning our economic development strategies and tools while improving access to early-stage capital in the state

Along the way, we will be working to educate leaders in Salem about TAO and the economic impact and needs of our industry. As part of this effort, TAO has scheduled Tech Industry Day 2013 in Salem on Monday, February 25. There will be events throughout the day, and an evening reception that will offer the opportunity to highlight our industry and the benefits TAO offers. To receive complete details regarding the agenda for the day, as well as legislative updates throughout the session, please visit http://www.techoregon.org/?page=advocacynews2.

Your voice is important. I urge you to engage and become part of the process. Please feel free to drop me a line at beth@innovaresnw.com.