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20 Years of the Vermont Technology Alliance
Time flies when you’re working on behalf of Vermont’s tech businesses and economy: 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the Vermont Technology Alliance.
It was June 30, 2004 when 35 representatives of software businesses gathered at a Burlington hotel to discuss how to grow and support the region’s emerging software development business sector. The largest company represented was Dealer.com, which at that time had 35 employees.
The representatives attending the event decided to create a new business association. From that meeting the Vermont Software Developers Alliance (vtSDA) was born, forming a business association to help these tech businesses connect, find employees, share resources, network, get noticed and more.
As the organization grew, it changed its name to the Vermont Technology Alliance (VTTA) in 2012 to better reflect its expanding membership and its mission to represent and support the state’s growing number of technology companies that are creating high-skilled, high-paying jobs.
When the VTTA was formed 20 years ago, Vermont as a home for tech businesses and entrepreneurs seemed more like wishful thinking. But through its efforts and that of others, Vermont has become recognized as a place with a growing tech-based economy. See more here.
Cloud Tax and Data Privacy Bill
In a special session held June 17, the Vermont Legislature overrode six of Governor Scott’s vetoes, including a property tax bill that includes a Cloud tax, but sustained the veto on new data privacy legislation.
The Governor had objected to H.887, the property tax bill, because it increases property taxes by an average of 13.8% across the state.
To help reduce the increase, the bill adds the sales tax on Software-as-a-Service, the so-called Cloud Tax. The VTTA has been fighting this tax for more than 10 years because of the cost impact to Vermont businesses, particularly tech businesses that tend to use these services the most. We were able to convince lawmakers to remove adding the tax to Platform-as-a-Service and Infrastructure-a-Service, which was proposed when the bill was originally introduced. These services are used extensively by many Vermont tech businesses.
The Legislature’s Joint Fiscal Office estimates the tax will generate $14.7 million in additional revenue in fiscal year 2025 and $16.0 million annualized, beginning in fiscal year 2026, primarily coming from businesses. The JFO says that revenue may increase year-over- year due to the strong projected growth in the cloud-based services market.
The law became effective July 1, 2024. However, the Vermont Tax Department will likely need to take some time to define what exactly will be taxed and to provide outreach and other information to businesses. The VTTA will be sure to share that information.
The override of the veto of the data privacy bill, H.121, was narrowly defeated in the Vermont Senate. While a well ntentioned bill, the Senate responded to concerns raised by businesses about provisions that lacked clarity and would have unintended consequences for businesses. In particular, the inclusion of a private right of action, which could generate lawsuits designed to force a settlement for even inadvertent mistakes were a concern.
Data privacy legislation will be back next year, with businesses hoping to see a bill that aligns with those in other states, particularly New England states.
Tech Hub Update
The V-GaN Tech Hub, focused on building an ecosystem around Gallium Nitride semiconductor technology in Vermont, is not one of the first twelve Hubs that have been selected for funding by the Economic Development Administration (EDA). While a setback, the Vermont Tech Hub participants look to continue the collaboration and determine what can continue to advance this fall, with the hope for potential future funding. Regardless of the outcome, the Tech Hub designation has already attracted businesses and organizations interested in the potential opportunities in Vermont.
Jeff Couture
Executive Director
Vermont Technology Alliance
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VTTA’s Annual Summer Event
(September 5, 2024 – Basin Harbor Club)
Save the date for our annual summer Sunset Networking Event, Thursday, Sept. 5. This year we’ll be at the Basin Harbor Resort in Vergennes.
It’s a great opportunity to close out the summer with VTTA members, friends and supporters for food, drink, and networking as the sun goes down on Lake Champlain.
Details and registration will be announced soon.
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AI for HR Professionals
In Artificial Intelligence for HR Professionals, you will learn about different kinds of artificial intelligence (AI), and explore how AI impacts talent acquisition, talent development, compensation and benefits, employee relations and engagement, and performance management. This course will explain the benefits and challenges of using AI, which HR responsibilities are best assisted by AI tools, and the importance of human oversight. You will also explore ethical behavior and legal compliance of AI use in the HR field, as well as how AI affects bias and the achievement of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
See more details and register here.
AI for Marketing Professionals
Artificial Intelligence for Marketing Professionals explores how AI has become instrumental and ubiquitous in the field of marketing. This course covers the phases of AI, such as rule-based AI, machine learning, deep learning, and generative AI, to provide a solid foundation of AI principles. Marketing professionals will learn the impact of AI systems and tools on the workplace and how to leverage these tools to perform marketing tasks such as persona development, search engine optimization (SEO), and content generation and personalization. The course also delves into the benefits, challenges, and ethical issues that arise from utilizing AI programs.
See more details and register here.
See all VTTA MindEdge course offerings here.
VTTA members receive 10% off all MindEdge classes
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Rigorous Technology Introduces Flexible Robotic Solution to Support Vermont Manufacturers
(July 11, 2024 – VermontBiz)
Rigorous Technology, a Williston, Vermont based robotics company, has announced the development of a new collaborative robot solution tailored towards first-time robotics operators. The Box Order Bot, or B.O.B. for short, is designed for ease-of-use and flexibility to empower small to medium-sized Vermont manufacturers in their automation journey.
Rigorous Technology has a mission to increase access to automation for small to medium-sized businesses, making robots accessible, affordable, and easy to implement. B.O.B. is the first in an upcoming line of fulfillment automation products.
Recognizing that even simple robotic systems can be a significant investment, Rigorous is trialing a Robotics as a Service (RaaS) financing model with select partners. This subscription-based model allows companies to use robotic automation without upfront investment or long-term commitment, paying a monthly fee for the task itself.
Read more here.
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A Biodegradable Material for Baby Diapers? Zymochem Has the Solution
(July 9, 2024 – Zymocem)
ZymoChem, a leading biotech company dedicated to creating sustainable materials for everyday products with a location in Burlington Vermont, has announced the launch of a new offering BAYSE™, which promises a biodegradable alternative for products such as baby diapers.
Zymochem says BAYSE™ is the world’s first scalable, 100% bio-based, and biodegradable Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP). This groundbreaking innovation could revolutionize the $145 billion global hygiene industry and pave the way for a more sustainable future.
BAYSE™ is a drop-in replacement for traditional, fossil fuel-based SAPs, which are a key component in disposable, absorbent hygiene products such as infant diapers. Unlike petroleum-derived, polyacrylate (plastic based) counterparts, BAYSE™ is made from renewable resources, maintains a lower carbon footprint, and is readily biodegradable. The material addresses the environmental concerns associated with the 300,000 diapers that enter landfills or are incinerated every minute.
Read more here.
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GlobalFoundries Acquires Tagore Technology’s GaN Technology to Accelerate Disruptive Power Management Solutions
(July 1, 2024 – GlobalFoundries)
GlobalFoundries announced that it has acquired Tagore Technology’s proprietary and production-proven Power Gallium Nitride (GaN) IP portfolio, a high-power density solution designed to push the boundaries of efficiency and performance in a wide range of power applications in automotive, internet of things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) in datacenters. As the digital world continues to evolve with technologies like Generative AI, GaN stands out as a pivotal solution for sustainable and efficient power management particularly in datacenters.
The announcement reinforces GF’s commitment to large-scale manufacturing of GaN technology. The acquisition expands GF’s power IP portfolio and broadens access to market-leading GaN IP that will enable GF customers to quickly bring differentiated products to market. As a part of the acquisition, a team of experienced engineers from Tagore, dedicated to the development of GaN technology, will be joining GF.
GaN technology is the focus of Vermont’s Tech Hub efforts.
Read more here.
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Green Mountain Semiconductor Receives NASA Grant for AI Semiconductor Design
(June 26, 2024 – Green Mountain Semiconductor)
Green Mountain Semiconductor has been awarded a contract by NASA to develop a semiconductor circuit design for use in AI systems in space environments.
Green Mountain Semiconductor is a Burlington, VT-based semiconductor design business involved in AI-related circuit design since 2014 and has been focusing on the development of ultra-low power in-memory processing circuits for AI. This represents the second contract the company has received from NASA.
Under this new Phase I NASA agreement, Green Mountain will develop a Resistive Random Access Memory (RRAM) architecture, a type of non-volatile memory storage, that will use RRAM’s unique properties to enhance the efficiency and robustness of AI systems in space environments.
Read more here.
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Benchmark Space Systems Awarded NASA Grant to Fund Small Spacecraft Propulsion Development
(June 14, 2024 – Benchmark Space Systems)
Benchmark Space Systems has received a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Grant from NASA to develop a preliminary design of a hybrid propulsion system.
NASA’s SBIR and STTR programs invest in a diverse portfolio of American small businesses and research institutions to support NASA’s future missions.
Benchmark was selected to develop a preliminary design of a hybrid propulsion system that will include many of its flight-proven offerings, including its “green” propellent system and software.
Read more here.
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Green Mountain Accelerator Fund Makes First Investment
(June 20, 2024 – Center on Rural Innovation )
The Green Mountain Accelerator Fund (GMAF), an investment fund dedicated to supporting rural Vermont tech startups, has invested $75,000 in Rutland-based Tacitly, Inc. This is the first investment made by the recently launched GMAF, which is managed by VTTA member Center on Rural Innovation, and aims to spark scalable entrepreneurship and tech job creation in rural Vermont by investing in early-stage tech startups.
Tacitly, a company with a team of five, specializes in creating augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technology for training purposes. Their innovative solution provides immersive training experiences, ideal for situations where hands-on equipment is either costly or easily damaged. Their debut product is an AR training environment designed for nurses to practice using code carts. Recently, they secured their first sale with Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center.
Read more here
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OhMD Joins Healthie Harbor Marketplace to Transform Patient Communication
(June 14, 2024 – OhMD)
OhMD, a leading patient communication platform, announced its entry into the Healthie Harbor app marketplace. The integration allows healthcare providers to streamline operations and improve patient experiences by leveraging OhMD’s conversational patient communication software with Healthie’s comprehensive EHR system.
OhMD specializes in HIPAA-compliant two-way text messaging, providing healthcare providers with the ability to enhance the patient experience through conversation while reducing the time spent on administrative tasks. This Healthie integration is beneficial for both providers and patients as healthcare practices can now experience seamless communication without added manual data entry into the patient record.
Read more here.
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Myti Launches Updated Website for its Community-based Shopping Platform
(June 2024 – Myti)
VTTA member Myti has refreshed its online shopping website, taking customer feedback to make changes, and upgrading the overall look, feel, and navigation of the site. Myti provides a platform for customers to shop online from local businesses and have their purchases delivered.
The navigation bar has been updated to make shopping by category easier, and a search bar has been added to make searching for products easier. The home page has been expanded to include shopping categories relevant to the season and trending collections, and shopping by store, collection, and popular categories like pet supplies and home & entertainment is easier. The site also will highlight the stores and shopkeepers that Myti partners with.
Read more here.
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Vermont Technology Alliance Membership Update
The Vermont Technology Alliance works on behalf of its members and can carry out its mission through the support of its membership.
New members include AdaZai Consulting and individuals Cynthia Clifford, David Jenkins, and Woody Keppel.
Renewing members include Dealer.com as a Leadership Sponsor. The VTTA appreciates the annual foundational support from our Leadership sponsors like Dealer.com.
Also renewing are Codingscape, Coldwell Banker Hickok and Boardman, Competitive Computing, Faraday, Mila Ridge Partners, Springer-Miller Systems, Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA), and individuals Robyn Anderson, Maureen McElaney, Dave Gerns, and Patrick Cote-Wurzler.
Not a VTTA member yet? Then why not join now? Find more information and register here. You can also contact us at admin@vtta.org.
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Featured Member – Propeller Media Works | |
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Founded in 1997 by Dave Gibson, Propeller is one of the old-guards of the Burlington web scene. As we did then, we still build custom sites - just not using Dreamweaver anymore... or Flash either (damn you Steve Jobs!).
Our heyday was during 2006-2010 days when we were about 17 people in a killer space on Flynn Ave. It was an incredible period but the recession dropped the floor under us. Hard lessons were learned - such as to keep fixed overhead low. And since then, we've maintained a much smaller core team of rockstars, relying on external talent for overflow when needed, plus we're all remote now.
Our biggest shift has been over the past 10 years in response to increasing need for digital accessibility and ADA compliance. We established a sister brand, Accessibility.Works, boasting a team of industry leaders who conduct Web Content Accessibility Guidelines audits primarily. This has also informed our web development practices. We see WCAG compliance as the pinnacle of great usability and have been leveraging our accessibility chops to broaden our website client base as well.
Check us out at propellermediaworks.com and accessibility.works.
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Useful Information & Links | |
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Vermont College Graduates Working for a Vermont Employer are Eligible for up to $5000 in Student Loan Repayments
The State of Vermont, the University of Vermont (UVM) and the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) are extending the Green Mountain Job and Retention Program (GMJRP) to provide up to $5,000 in student loan repayment. This program incentivizes graduates from Vermont colleges and universities to stay, live and work in Vermont.
Students who graduated from a Vermont college or university between December 2023 and June 2024 with either a bachelor’s or master’s degree, who live in Vermont and will be working full-time with a Vermont-based employer for two years after graduation, are eligible for up to $5,000 in loan repayment: $2,500 after their first year of employment and $2,500 after the second year. This offer is open to graduates from any Vermont college or university.
Changes in this second year of the program include adding the master’s degree eligibility, being hired in a role that does not specifically require a bachelor’s or master’s degree, and expanded eligibility to applicants who are starting their own companies.
The GMJRP launched last year and provided 169 recent graduates from all 14 counties and across all Vermont’s higher education institutions with loan repayment options. These graduates are now working in at least 45 companies and organizations, from non-profit, for profit and government entities.
To learn more about this program or apply, visit https://www.uvm.edu/engagement/greenmountainjobs.
Applications are being accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.
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Online Professional Development Courses
The VTTA has partnered with MindEdge to offer easy-to-access, affordable, online professional development courses. Whether you are looking to expand your skill set, earn professional credits, or learn something new, these courses are an option to gain essential and in-demand skills on your own time, at your own pace, and from any location. As a bonus, VTTA members save 10% on all offerings.
Find more here.
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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 and subscribe to updates. The Career Center on average features 200+ tech and non-tech jobs with Vermont Technology Alliance member businesses. Jobs available from VTTA members are listed at no charge in the Career Center as a member benefit.
Find the Career Center here.
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The VTTA Thanks Its Member/Sponsors
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