FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Anna Ehnmark
Technology Alliance Group for Northwest Washington,
360-647-4220, aehnmark@tagnw.org

Technology Alliance Group to feature presentation on Bellingham's Grassroots campaign for Google Fiber

Bellingham, WA July 8, 2010 -- On July 16 TAG will host a presentation on Bellingham's grassroots campaign for Google Fiber: A Case Study In Irregular Social Media.
Bellingham joined in with several hundred other communities across the United States in a bidding war for Google's Fiber For Communities project. Among those interested in being a part of this locally were Nathan Carnes, Scott Pierce, David Wiggs and Chris Donaldson. Together, they helped to drive a grassroots effort to develop community interest in this project. As an example the Putting the G in Bellingham video created by Hand crank films received widespread acclaim locally, regionally and around the world on social networks as well as by traditional media.  Nathan, Scott, David and Chris will share their story of how they helped to rally the community around this project and how each individual contributor did a little part to help create a great campaign for Bellingham. This will be a panel discussion and questions are encouraged.

Date: Friday, July 16, from 12:00 - 1:15 pm Show up early (11:30am) to network!
Location: DIS Building, 1315 Cornwall Ave, Bellingham
Cost: Members $10, Non-Members $15. Lunch is included.
RSVP: Register and pay online at  http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/119364 or call Anna at 360-647-4220.

About Nathan:
Nathan Carnes is the principal at Carnes Media, a web agency based in Bellingham, Washington. With more than a decade of experience in web design and development, he geeks out about clean design and clean code, and has been known to correct people on the proper usage of "font" versus "typeface". Carnes Media is responsible for the BellinghamAtlas website, which was created to aid in the Google Fiber For Communities bid from Bellingham. It is an "interactive atlas of Bellingham to show Google that Bellingham is the perfect mix of big city and small town, urban and rural — it’s just right."

About Scott:
Scott Pierce is a content strategist with over 13 years in branded entertainment, media production, design and editorial experience. Over the years, he has fostered a working knowledge of user-centered design processes, information architecture, and best practices. Due to his background as a creator, a vendor and a client, he brings a fresh perspective to projects that require a business case for content.

About David:
David Wiggs is the owner of Hitch, a marketing consultancy focusing on strategy and resource development.  He has a  background in advertising, but don't hold that against him. He's also an entrepreneur, nice guy and enjoys penning his own bio. David advocates developing a niche and doing it well.
One of his philosophies is "Follow your heart, trust your gut, and do what makes you happy."

About Chris:
Chris Donaldson is currently producer over at Hand Crank Films, the company that created 'Put the G in Bellingham'. His background includes working with prominent companies in Los Angeles, such as Coppos Films, Ridley Scott Associates, Vivendi/Universal and Fox Studios - to name a few.  He also has been a Marketing Executive for two Independent film distributors, as well as founder of streaming media company RadicalMail, which he sold moments after the Dot 1.0 implosion (yes, his timing could have been better).

About Technology Alliance Group for Northwest Washington (TAG)

The Technology Alliance Group for Northwest Washington connects technology businesses to resources by offering educational programs, networking opportunities and other business services to the technology sector and its service providers. Our mission is to promote, educate, and advocate for technology businesses in Whatcom, Skagit, Island and San Juan counties to help accelerating the development and growth of innovation driven and technology based industries in the region. For more information, please visit www.tagnw.org.

TAG Members and Friends,

Whatcom Community College is considering expanding its Computer Information Systems security program and would very much appreciate if you would take the time to answer this short (6 question) needs assessment survey.

Whatcom Community College will use your answers to determine which direction they should take in grant applications and in developing their curriculum.

For more information about the WCC Computer Information Systems program click this link. If you have questions please contact Corrinne Sande, CIS Program Coordinator, 360.383.3552, Whatcom Community College. 

Thank you very much!

Anna Ehnmark
TAG
360-647-4220

Bring Google Fiber to Bellingham - how you can help!

Google recently announced plans to test ultra-high speed broadband networks in one or more trial locations across the country. Google officials have asked interested municipalities to provide information by March 26 to help them decide where to build their networks.

The City of Bellingham will ask Google to consider Bellingham for its Fiber For Communities initiative, after receiving overwhelming community support from citizens and businesses who are enthusiastic about this opportunity to bring high speed internet and bandwidth to our community.

Google is now asking local governments and residents to express their interest in the fiber optic trial, and to provide information about their community by completing their request for information.

The City of Bellingham has also asked TAG for a letter of support, which we have drafted and will be available on our website this week.

What Can You Do?

Submit to the 'Bring Google Fiber to Bellingham blog'

Show your creative side, and your need for Google Fiber by posting a video, graphic art, poem or song to the newly launched collaborative community blog called 'Bring Google Fiber to Bellingham'. Individuals, civic groups, non-profits, school (K-12 & University level) and businesses are welcome to participate. This is also a chance to plug your organization in a high profile campaign that promises to attract worldwide attention. A winner in each category will be picked!

How can you help?  There are three ways:

• We need creative businesses and individuals in town to participate by submitting their reason why Bellingham should be chosen for Google Fiber.  The submission must be submitted digitally.  Other than that, the creative submission can be anything: a web page, flash, video, traditional ad/pop, animation, an interpretive dance—the choice is yours—show Bellingham, Google, and the world what you can do!
• We need sponsors [read: prize money].   There will be five $500 awards for best submission in the five categories.  There will also be a $100 prize for the first one to post a piece on the site so we’re raising $2,600 from area businesses.  Please contact David Wiggs if you’d like to sponsor a category.
• We need to spread the word.  Even if you can’t submit, chances are you know someone who could.  So help us out by spreading the word.

If you have questions or are interested in sponsorship opportunities please contact David Wiggs, Volunteer of Bring Google Fiber to Bellingham.

TIPS ON SUBMITTING:
The best place to start your submission is on the "Nominate Us" tab.  This will enable you to link the content you upload here with your official response to Google.

Be sure and pick a tag for how to categorize your response as well.

We highly recommend you read Google's blog post about why they're doing this and what they hope to learn.

So while our community response is important to show broad support and involvement, it's equally, if not more important to hear from universities, businesses and individuals about what kind of future Google Fiber in Bellingham could help you imagine!

Nominate Bellingham now

Google invites community residents to nominate their communities independent of government responses.

Sign up for “Bring Google to Bellingham” on Facebook 

This fan page is hosted by community members.

More Information

• Google Fiber For Communities website
• City of Bellingham News: Pike to Google: Bring it to Bellingham (Feb. 25, 2010)
• City of Bellingham Survey results: Should Bellingham apply? (PDF)

Contact:
Anna Ehnmark
TAG, Executive Director
360-647-4220

Contact: Debbye Omlie, Center for Economic Vitality Communications Manager, (360) 733-4014 or e-mail Debbye.Omlie@wwu.edu.

BELLINGHAM – Western Washington University’s Center for Economic Vitality (CEV) and the Technology Alliance Group for NW Washington (TAG) are holding the second Social Media Conference NW, Evolving Marketing Conversations, March 25 at McIntyre Hall Performing Arts and Conference Center in Mount Vernon.

Anyone interested in the business applications of social media is invited to attend; the early-bird deadline ends March11.

The conference builds on the success of the 2008 conference to continue the dialogue around using social media for marketing, customer service, and public relations.

“We are bringing together speakers from companies blazing the trails for others to follow and the thought leaders who are suggesting best practices,” stated Tom Dorr, director for the CEV. “The specially chosen speakers are presenting on a wide range of social media topics for beginners and for those wanting to take their efforts to the next level.”

A few of the topics include: trends in social media; strategies for two-way communication; successful corporate blogging; importance of video; finding the time; product and market improvement; importance of listening and building trust; and managing negative feedback online. The final session will feature social media brand building at Starbucks. A Tweetup is planned after the conference.

For the first time, a Social Media Rockstars contest is being held. Businesses and organizations that are participating in social media activities and want to share their story are encouraged to apply. Entrants must be registered for the conference. For contest details go to social media conferencenw.com/rock-star. Deadline for entry has been extended to March 11

Early registration is $198 for CEV clients and TAG members and $225 for all others until March 11; the price jumps to $275 after that date. To register for the conference or to learn more go to http://www.socialmediaconferencenw.com or contact Jenny MacQuarrie at (360) 733-4014, ext. 134

For more than 20 years, the Center for Economic Vitality (CEV), formerly the Small Business Development Center, has enabled Western Washington University's College of Business and Economics to give back to the business community and has helped to shape the economic future of Whatcom County one business at a time. The CEV provides free, confidential counseling and technical assistance combined with business intelligence research to business owners and managers throughout Whatcom County. For more information, go to http://www.cevforbusiness.com

Technology Alliance Group for Northwest Washington (TAG) connects technology businesses to resources by offering educational programs, networking opportunities and other business services to the technology sector and its service providers. As a technology trade organization their mission is to promote, educate, and advocate for technology businesses in Whatcom, Skagit, Island and San Juan counties to help accelerate the development and growth of innovation driven, technology-based industries in the region. For more information, go to http://www.tagnw.org.

For Immediate Release

TAG seeking to link technology businesses with research and technical expertise at Whatcom County’s university and colleges

Bellingham, WA 02/3/10 - TAG, the Technology Alliance Group for Northwest Washington is leading a project funded by the Port of Bellingham that seeks to promote university-industry partnerships and opportunities for companies to access technical expertise, research and development resources at Western Washington University, our local colleges and private R&D resources. 

Our goal is to enable companies to leverage their research and development funding by gaining access to faculty expertise and specialized equipment. It also will benefit the schools by encouraging faculty and students to engage in commercially relevant research, developing new technologies and enhancing the local technology labor pool, states Anna Ehnmark, Executive Director of TAG

Technology Alliance Group (TAG) has launched a survey targeted to technology-based companies in Whatcom County to learn more about companies’ products and technical capabilities and needs for research and development expertise and other R&D resources.

Companies who are interested in this project are encouraged to contact Anna Ehnmark at TAG at 360-647-4220. 

The Port of Bellingham has engaged TAG to support the development of technology-based industries and the development of the Technology Development Center in the Waterfront Innovation Zone.  As a trade organization for technology companies, TAG’s role is to act as a liaison with local technology industry, and help link businesses and entrepreneurs with researchers/experts at local colleges and other service providers.

About TAG

Technology Alliance Group for Northwest Washington is a non-profit with a mission to promote, educate, and advocate for technology businesses in Northwest Washington and to help accelerate the development and growth of innovation driven, technology-based industries in the region.   TAG connects technology businesses to resources by offering monthly meetings, educational, networking opportunities and other business services.

Nationally known futurist, technology expert now showing on BTV10

Posted: January 21, 2010 15:27:58 PST

A local presentation by nationally known futurist and technology expert Mark Anderson is now showing on BTV10 and the City website.

The presentation is available for anytime “on-demand” viewing on the City’s website. It airs on BTV10 and the City website live stream on the schedule below, through Feb. 20:

9:00 a.m. Tuesdays
1:30 p.m. Sundays
7:00 p.m. Fridays

Mark Anderson is one of the most influential technology futurists in the nation and is particularly noted for his annual predictions. In last week’s presentation to Bellingham business and technology leaders, he turns his keen predictive eye toward technology and the economy. He makes interesting and sometimes surprising predictions about oil pricing, cloud computing, currency wars, micropayments, a tectonic fault-line opening in the computer world and more.

Anderson is the author of the long-running newsletter, Strategic News Service (SNS), which counts among its readership Bill Gates, Steve Ballmer and Michael Dell.  Anderson regularly comments on NPR and CNN, and is a frequent contributor to the Wall Street Journal, the Financial Times and the New York Times. He writes the "Future In Review" technology column for Fortune magazine, and is the founder of several software companies and non-profit organizations.  He holds graduate and undergraduate degrees from Stanford University and has taught at Stanford, Harvard and the University of Washington.

Anderson’s local presentation, held Jan. 15, 2010, was hosted by the Technology Alliance Group for Northwest Washington and co-sponsored by Whatcom Community College and FiberCloud.  Technology Alliance Group for Northwest Washington is funded by the City of Bellingham, the Port of Bellingham and private contributions to connect technology businesses to resources by offering educational programs, networking opportunities and other business services to the technology sector and its service providers.

Media Contacts:

Janice Keller, Communications Manager, City of Bellingham, 360-778-8100 or jkeller@cob.org

Anna Ehnmark, Executive Director, Technology Alliance Group for Northwest Washington, 360-647-4220</

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Anna Ehnmark
Technology Alliance Group (TAG) for Northwest Washington
P: 360-647-4220
aehnmark@tagnw.org

Technology Alliance Group for Northwest Washington and Whatcom Community College Announce "Predictions" Talk by noted speaker/writer/entrepreneur Mark Anderson

BELLINGHAM, WA (December 17, 2009) -  Mark Anderson, noted technology visionary, will enthrall the Whatcom County business and technology audience with his concise view of what's to come; noon, January 15th, Syre Auditorium at Whatcom Community College, in Bellingham, WA.

Mark Anderson is one of the most influential technology futurists in the nation. His long-running weekly newsletter, Strategic News Service (SNS), counts a stellar readership, including the likes of Michael Dell, Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer. Mark regularly comments on CNN TV, NPR, the Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Wall Street Review and the New York Times. He writes the "Future In Review" technology column for Fortune magazine, and chairs the annual FiRE Conference and SNS Project Inkwell.

Meeting fee includes lunch. We recommend that you bring colleagues/clients/friends for what is sure to be a thought-provoking and insightful hour with a leading mind. As seating is limited we recommend advance registration - this event has sold out every year!

Date and Time: Friday, January 15, 2010, from 12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
Location: Syre Auditorium, Whatcom Community College, 237 West Kellogg Road, Bellingham, WA  98226

Cost: TAG members and students $20.00; Non-members $30.00; 2-for-1 Bring a Friend Special $35.00
Register online at: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/93052
Questions: Contact Anna Ehnmark at aehnmark@tagnw.org or 360-647-4220.

About the Speaker - Mark Anderson

Founder & Publisher of the Strategic News Service® (SNS), President of Technology Alliance Partners (TAP), and Chairman of the Future In Review (FIRe) Conferences.

SNS was the first subscription-based newsletter on the Internet, and is read by technology industry leaders and investors worldwide. TAP, founded in 1989, provides trends and marketing alliance assistance to countries and companies interested in the convergence of telecommunications and computing. The FIRe Conferences are international meetings of leaders in technology, global economics, bioinformatics, and policy, for the purpose of generating an enhanced understanding of future markets.

Mark holds graduate and undergraduate degrees from Stanford University and has taught at Stanford, Harvard, the University of Washington, and other universities. He is a Seybold Fellow and the founder of two software companies and the Washington Software Alliance (WSA) Investors' Forum, Washington's premier software investment conference. Mark is a past director of the WSA and currently chairs its Presidents' Group. He has also participated in the launch of many software startups.

A member of the Merrill Lynch TechBrains Advisory Board, Mark is also an advisor and/or investor in Space Exploration Inc., Voyager Capital, Mohr Davidow Ventures, Ignition Partners, and others. He is the founder and chairman of SNS Project Inkwell, a global consortium of vendors dedicated to the accelerated deployment of appropriate technology onto pre-University desktops. He is the founder and president of Orca Relief Citizens' Alliance, a nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation created to reduce Orca whale mortality rates.

About the sponsoring organizations:

Technology Alliance Group for Northwest Washington (TAG)

The Technology Alliance Group for Northwest Washington connects technology businesses to resources by offering educational programs, networking opportunities and other business services to the technology sector and its service providers. Our mission is to promote, educate, and advocate for technology businesses in Whatcom, Skagit, Island and San Juan counties to help accelerating the development and growth of innovation driven and technology based industries in the region. For more information, please visit www.tagnw.org.

Whatcom Community College

Whatcom Community College takes a comprehensive approach to course and program offerings, including liberal arts, professional/technical, basic education and personal/professional enrichment. Whatcom is recognized for its strength in preparing students for transfer and its emerging professional/technical programs. Whatcom is a state supported college, serving approximately 6,750 students per quarter through the efforts of talented faculty and staff and a student-centered philosophy often referred to as "The Whatcom Way". The College takes pride in a 41-year history and is accredited by The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. For more information on Whatcom Community College, please visit www.whatcom.ctc.edu.

Fibercloud

As a privately owned Class A data center, FiberCloud offers distinctive, high quality colocation services. Our infrastructure and network connectivity are best of breed. Multiple high-capacity Internet feeds connect to both US and Canadian Tier 1 backbones. With a faster network than most northwest data centers, our location in Bellingham offers better survivability. Yet the most important factor that sets us apart is our unparalleled customer service - flexible, competent and responsive.