Welcome to 2019. We are looking forward to continuing our efforts to promote, support and help grow Vermont's tech-focused businesses, organizations and jobs in the New Year.
January brings the start of the Legislature, and once again the vtTA will be the voice for Vermont's tech sector during this year's session. As in the past, we will share information, perspectives and input from our members with committees and the administration, and advocate for programs and policies that support Vermont's tech economy.
The vtTA has five broad public policy priorities:
1. Expand Vermont's brand and marketing
tohighlight the state's tech and innovation economy to attract tech employees and businesses to the state.
2. Address infrastructure needs
,includinghigh-speed broadband, cell phone coverage, and housing.
3. Expand the support ecosystem for entrepreneurs
, including business financing and leveraging the strengths of Vermont's academic institutions.
4. Support the workforce and education needs of Vermont's tech sector,
including aligning educational institutions with the state's tech employers.
5. Ensure legislation that supports and encourages the growth of Vermont's tech economy,
preventing obstacles to the development of the tech business sector.
Behind these priorities are a number of specific opportunities and issues that the Vermont Technology Alliance addresses. We were pleased to see the Governor include broadband, employee recruitment and housing as priorities in his inauguration address. Some of the issues we addressed last year have returned or continue into this year, including bills on Right to Repair and Standard Contracts that could impact some Vermont tech businesses, as well as the potential impact from data broker and follow-on legislation and automatic contract renewal requirements. If these or other issues will impact your business, feel free to share via [email protected].
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As you look ahead to the New Year, we encourage those who are not part of our organization to add membership in the Vermont Technology Alliance to your plans. We can only exist with the support of our members, and we are thankful for the many that have been part of the Alliance year-after-year.
Why not join them? We welcome annual memberships from individuals and businesses that make up or support Vermont's tech economy - including businesses and organizations, tech employees in non-tech businesses and remote workers. You can find more about membership in this
vtTA overview
and can sign up on our
registration page
.
Jeff Couture
Executive Director, Vermont Technology Alliance
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Useful Links
We have sponsorship opportunities in our newsletter, for our Lunch & Learn and social events, on our website, and much more.
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Speed Mentor Meetings for Entrepreneurs
(January 23, 2019 - South Burlington Public Library)
 Take advantage of this opportunity to network and sit down with a variety of SCORE Vermont mentors to help you with your small business idea or to ask specific questions for your small business.
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Vermont Women's Fund/Change the Story Breakfast of Champions
(February 5, 2019 - Davis Center, UVM)
 The Vermont Women's Fund and Change The Story VT host a breakfast with Ted Bunch, internationally recognized activist, educator and co-founder of A CALL TO MEN, an organization dedicated to changing the story for women by promoting healthy, respectful manhood.
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AIV Annual Meeting: Energy and Vermont's Economy
(February 6, 2019 - Capitol Plaza, Montpelier)
 The Associated Industry of Vermont's annual meeting will focus on energy costs, trends, and opportunities to address their competitive impact and feature addresses by Governor Phil Scott and Secretary of Commerce and Community Development Michael Schirling.
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VMEC Manufacturers Forum at Logic Supply
(February 27, 2019 - Logic Supply, South Burlington)
 The Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center (VMEC) is hosting a Manufacturers Forum for VMEC members and manufacturers at Logic Supply, where the company will discuss its process and quality improvement methodology,
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Vermont Technology in the News
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State Wireless Coverage Survey Contradicts FCC Data
(January 18, 2019 - WCAX-TV)
 A remedy for Vermont's spotty cell phone coverage is in the works. A new state study aims to highlight the gaps in coverage, possibly bringing federal dollars to fix the state's wireless woes. Clay Purvis, the state's telecommunications and connectivity director, is challenging the FCC's map saying Vermont was well-covered for cell service. At stake is $4.5 billion in federal money that will go to building out wireless broadband nationwide.
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Dealer.com Launches New Capabilities to Help Dealers Personalize Digital Marketing and Car-Buying
(January 15, 2019 - Press Release)
 Dealer.com, will unveil new capabilities this month at the North America Dealers Association (NADA) Show. The new innovations will provide dealers with cutting-edge data and technology to create a more personalized online shopping and buying experience, unlock digital marketing efficiency and cater to emerging consumer needs. The new offerings include a redesigned Dealer.com website platform, new advertising enhancements, expanded and enhanced Managed Services and secure and integrated digital retailing offerings.
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Vermont Agencies Collaborate on Captive Insurance Blockchain Pilot
(January 11, 2019 - Press Release)
 Secretary of State Jim Condos and Department of Financial Regulation Commissioner Michael Pieciak signed a memorandum of understanding to explore emerging blockchain technology and its use in the digital record-keeping practices of the captive insurance industry. They jointly issued a
Request for Information (RFI)
to identify vendors that may work with the State to launch a pilot program allowing new captive insurance companies to register with the Secretary of State using blockchain technology.
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Attorney General and State Agencies Launch Working Group to Study Blockchain Technology
(January 10, 2019 - Press Release)
Attorney General T.J. Donovan announced that four State agencies established a working group to study the opportunities and challenges presented by Blockchain technology. In addition to the Attorney General's Office, the Department of Financial Regulation (DFR), the Secretary of State, and the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) will make up the working group. The working group will engage stakeholders and interested industry experts.
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Statehouse Preview: What's on Deck for Tech
(January 10, 2019 - VTDigger)
 The 2019 legislative session comes as tech companies and interest groups hope to brand Vermont as a hotspot for innovation. But some say the state the needs to improve broadband infrastructure, bolster access to affordable housing, and modernize its regulations to ease the way for technology companies. VTDigger talked to the Vermont Technology Alliance and others on some of the Vermont business community's priorities for tech policy in the upcoming legislative session.
Read more
here.
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Pay to Move Attracts People, Not Employers
(January 19, 2019 - Pew Stateline)
 For decades, cities and states have tried to create jobs and boost their economies by luring out-of-state employers. Now some areas are trying to attract workers - one worker at a time. Starting in January, programs in Vermont and Tulsa, Oklahoma, will pay people to relocate to those places if they work remotely. Other resident recruitment strategies in Florida, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota and Vermont include weekends that tempt tourists to stay, discounted rent, student loan assistance and free land. "It's a departure - very much a sharp departure" from Vermont's traditional programs, said Joan Goldstein, commissioner of the Vermont Department of Economic Development. "We need people."
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NuHarbor Security named one of the 'Best Entrepreneurial Companies in America'
(January 7, 2019 - Vermont Business Magazine)
 NuHarbor Security of Essex Junction was recently recognized as one of the "Best Entrepreneurial Companies in America". NuHarbor is the sole company in Vermont to receive this accolade from Entrepreneur magazine's Entrepreneur360™ List, a study delivering the most comprehensive analysis of private companies in America. Based on this study, NuHarbor Security is recognized as a well-rounded company that has mastered a balance of impact, innovation, growth, leadership and value.
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Making it in Vermont: Logic Supply - Technology that packs a punch
(January 3, 2018 - VTDigger)
 When Middleton Spectral Vision needed to put cameras on a 50-foot tower over an Iowa cornfield for a plant-monitoring project, then needed computer equipment that could tolerate very hot, sometimes rainy conditions all summer - they bought the computers from Logic Supply in South Burlington. Logic Supply, started in 2003 by Lisa and Roland Groeneveld, specializes in creating compact and hardy hardware that can withstand conditions such as dust, vibration, small dimensions, and temperature extremes that are found outdoors, on factory floors, or as part of machinery.
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Want $10,000 to move to Vermont? Get Your Application Ready
(January 1, 2018 - Burlington Free Press)
Last spring, the state said it would offer $10,000 to remote workers who put down roots in Vermont. Do you want that money? Then get your application ready. The state began accepting applications on New Year's Day. The grants will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis, according to an Agency of Commerce and Community Development spokesman, Nate Formalarie.
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Vermont Receives Top Rankings for Raising a Family, Health
(January 2019)
 Vermont was named the 4th best state to raise a family by WalletHub and the 4th healthiest state by America's Health Rankings.
WalletHub compared the 50 states across 49 key indicators of family-friendliness, ranging from median family salary to housing affordability to unemployment rate. Read more
here
.
An annual report called America's Health Rankings released by the United Health Foundation has named Vermont the fourth healthiest state in the nation in 2018 in its state-by-state evaluation of health, environmental and socioeconomic data. Read more
here
.
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Featured Member - Physicians Computer Company (PCC)
Physicians Computer Company develops and supports pediatric-specific practice management and medical record software, provides pediatric practice management consulting, and advocates for independent pediatric practices. The company serves a broad, national pediatric community, from single practitioners to large, multi-practice groups. They help pediatric practices achieve clinical and financial excellence by providing the tools and services that foster true independence and efficiency.
Unlike other vendors, PCC is an electronic health records (EHR) and medical billing software company focused solely on pediatrics, devoting all its resources to the issues that matter most to independent pediatricians. They regularly engage with its Pediatric Advisory Board, stay current on the latest developments in pediatrics, and offer world-class resources to their clients. Their singular focus has led to the highest client satisfaction ratings in the healthcare IT industry.
Since opening in 1983, PCC has put its clients, employees, and community first by providing unmatched pediatric expertise and service, contributing to the community, and creating a positive employee culture. In 2013, PCC formalized this mission by becoming a Benefit Corporation, legally making the welfare of pediatric practices, the health of the community and the well-being of its employees its primary objectives. PCC also is a Leadership Member/Sponsor of the Vermont Technology Alliance.
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Useful Information & Links
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Applications Open for Comcast NBCUniversal Lift Labs Accelerator
 Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs Accelerator, powered by Techstars, is now accepting applications for its second class. Founders from around the world developing the next generation of connectivity, media and entertainment companies are encouraged to apply now through April 7 for this year's program. The class will begin on July 15, 2019.
Comcast NBCUniversal and Techstars will select up to 12 startups to participate in this immersive 13-week program and position the companies for possible partnerships with Comcast NBCUniversal's partners and brands.
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vtTA Career Center
Vermont Technology Alliance member companies are hiring, and when you visit the
Career Center
on the
Vermont Technology Alliance website
you can browse and search for these job openings
. The Career Center regularly lists between 100 - 200 tech and non-tech jobs. Jobs available from vtTA members are listed at no charge in the Career Center as a member benefit.
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vtTA's Resources List
Find the resources page
here.
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The vtTA Thanks Its Member/Sponsors
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© 2018 Vermont Technology Alliance | 70 South Winooski Ave., Box 270, Burlington, VT 05401 | (802) 735-0840
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