CompTIA, the Computing Technology Industry Association, based in the Chicago, IL area, is one of the WTIA's advocacy partners.  We work with a wide range of  associations and organizations that share similar public policy goals. CompTIA focuses...

This topic is top of mind and one I find myself drawn to in picking what articles, blogs and books to read amongst the mountain of selections, amidst the demands to stay current.  The interest is heightened because of the WTIA’s unique vantage point...

Today in the House Education Committee, http://www.leg.wa.gov/house/committees/ED/Pages/default.aspx, in Olympia, the committee ground to a halt as committee members were voting on proposed laws.    Legislative committees hold public hearings...

Below is a cut and paste letter from AG Rob McKenna and King County Prosceutor Dan Satterberg on laws protecting consumers from identity theft and other information about protecting personally identifiable information (PII). January 27, 2012 Dear Business,...

Today in Olympia, WTIA testified against HB 2231, a bill to eliminate student assessments in writing, math and science as high school graduation requirements.   The original education reform legislation that was passed in 1993 (HB 1208) still has...

Today in Olympia, the WTIA testified in favor of a proposal to allow individuals who have been victimized on social networks or online bulletin boards sue for harm caused by being impersonated online. Substitute House Bill 1652, sponsored by Sen. David...

The state legislature convened today in Olympia for the 60 day session.  As has become customary, the primary task facing lawmakers is cutting the state operating budget.  Since the economic downturn hit in earnest in 2009, the legislature has...

Closing out a past year and ringing in a new one is an opportunity for reflection, celebration and goal setting. 2011 was a good year at the WTIA for broadening and deepening connections across Washington’s tech sector and raising its national and global...

Your scribe wishes to thank you for reading this blog and my ramblings.  I feel blessed to live in the state of Washington, in the Puget Sound region and to represent the state's technology industry. I am humbled and inspired by the growing...

Washington’s most recent revenue forecast for the current 2011-13 biennium was lowered once again.  The state legislature uses this quarterly forecast to craft their two year budget, which runs from July 1, 2011 until June 30, 2013.   While...

My final 2011 piece for our last newsletter of the year should be substantive, or at least I thought so when I sat down to write it, but outside my office a group of staff are working, laughing and generally in good spirits together.   This...

Today, the WTIA and ther Master Builders of King and Snohomish Counties are teaming up to protect the health insurance you have access to through our respective associations. These are known as "Affinity Group Health Plans" or "Association Health Plans"....

Congressmen Dave Reichert (WA-R-8) and Adam Smith (WA-D-9) are hosting a job fair in Kent on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2011.  Below is a cut and paste announcement about the event.  If you are interested in being a vendor, see information below. ...

Washington's Employment Security Department released employment/unemployment numbers for September yesterday.  You can read ESD's press release here:  http://www.workforceexplorer.com/article.asp?ARTICLEID=11448&PAGEID=148&SUBID= While...

Tuesday, October 11, 2011, Bell Harbor Intl. Conference Center, Seattle www.washingtontechnology.org/technw2011. The greater Seattle area represents the hub of tech innovation in the Pacific Northwest, and the WTIA’s second annual TechNW conference...

Think you know the Northwest tech scene? Then follow us on Twitter (@WTIA) and submit your answers to our #TNW11 trivia contest. Details and official rules below@WTIA #TNW11 Trivia contest rules. Eligibility The @WTIA #TNW11 Trivia Contest (the...

Sen. Maria Cantwell has signed on as a co-sponsor of federal legislation that would make permanent and simplify the federal R&D tax credit.  See attached statement from Sen. Cantwell's office that provides additional details about the GROWTH...

Marian Wright Edelman is a virtual icon in America for her work on behalf of children and civil rights.  She will be the keynote speaker at Stand for Children's October 20 fundraising event at the Bell Harbor Conference Center in Seattle. You can...

In an announcement released today, Gov. Chris Gregoire is calling a special legislative session to start Monday, November 28.  Special sessions can last up to 30 days. The latest state revenue forecast is lower than expected, reducing planned revenues...

On September 1, the federal Health and Human Services Department released updated rules pursuant to PPACA, the controversial federal health care reform law that goes fully into effect in 2014. Between now and full implementation in 2014, HHS must...

The federal Small Business Administration, www.sba.gov, is holding a federal grants and resources workshop this Friday, Sept. 16 at the SBA's office on Fourth Avenue in Seattle. Please see attached flyer for more information and to register. The SBA...

Hello Readers, This Thursday (9/15) is the Washington Policy Center's annual Small Business Conference being held at Bellevue College.  http://www.washingtonpolicy.org/events/details/2011-small-business-conference You can find a detailed...

With the stiff competition for top talent in the tech sector, career fairs are an excellent way for employers to begin to build their recruiting efforts on-campus. These events provide opportunities to reach full time employee prospects and interns and...

By Sales Result Inc.In sales, the main objective is to WIN the deal. In our experience working with many great sales teams, we’ve found one overarching commonality: If you want to win, you must always know where you are in your organization’s sales process,...

This past month has been quite busy but satisfying for your scribe. On August 16th, the WTIA, along with four Seattle tech companies, hosted a group of state legislators who visited their offices, met and talked with employees of the companies and discussed...