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TechMaine, the Technology Association of Maine, is the statewide trade association for Maine's technology industries. TechMaine enhances the technology sectors through programs designed to increase awareness of the industry, develop community, industry perception and workforce development. Since 1992, TechMaine has been an advocate and a resource base for Maine's technology industry. As an advocate, TechMaine has succeeded in passing legislation to assist the industry. As a resource, TechMaine supplies information, educational programs and services for its members. TechMaine is dedicated to growing the industry by creating a constructive and stimulating environment.

Organizational Timeline

1992 Founded as the Maine Software Developers Association – MESDA
1993 Introduced statewide quarterly technology workshops
1996 Directed the effort to eliminate the sales tax on custom technology development
1997 Launched first technology-oriented Job Fair
1998 Initiated Monthly NETpm social networking events
1998 Created the codeME program, now TechConnect – an award winning technology assistance program and a business referral tool for members
1999 Worked extensively with the State Legislature to create the Maine Technology Institute and testified to enable all emerging technology organizations to compete for Maine Technology Institute grants
1999 Exceeded the 100-company mark in membership
2000 MESDA publishes the first report on the state of Maine's Software and IT Industry
2000 Partnered with the University System and testified before the State Legislature in support of the University of Maine’s plan to offer a Ph.D. in Computer Science
2001 Introduced the Communities of Practice approach for Users Groups programming
2001 Created the first searchable Maine Technology Industry Directory
2002 Launched Maine’s only Technology Jobs Board
2002 Developed the annual Technology Awards Gala, Maine’s first formal technology awards program
2003 Exceeded the 250-company mark in membership
2003 Surpassed one million dollars in annual business leads through the codeME program
2004 Doubled the number of Users Groups Programs
2004 Surpassed one million monthly hits on the Website
2005 Moved into the new Technology Center
2005 Proposed the development of a Software Testing and Usability Design Center
2006 Led efforts to block the imposition of sales taxes on information services and managed contracts. Prevented efforts that would have placed Maine’s skilled Techforce and employers at a competitive disadvantage vs. all other states
2006 Introduced the concept for creation of a $100 Million Dollar Venture Fund for Maine technology businesses
2007 Added our 10th Users Group to our Communities of Practice programming
2007 Celebrated our 15th Anniversary and changed name to TechMaine: the Technology Association of Maine
2008 Our new mission:

TechMaine supports its members by serving as the leading resource and advocate for Maine technology-reliant companies, bringing together technology, community, and education to enhance career opportunities, increase workforce development, and support rich economic growth in the state of Maine.
  With your support….in 2009 TechMaine will:
  • Continue developing a more interactive Website
  • Develop new email alerts, notices and a newsletter to keep Maine’s technology community informed
  • Produce additional Users Groups
  • Develop additional member-exclusive benefits
  • Enhance TechConnect to bring more revenue to our members
  • Conduct a Maine technology skills census
  • Add some “entrepreneurial” sizzle to NETpm
  • Bring educational programming to additional areas of the state
  • Host a Technology Job Fair
  • Conduct a Salary Survey

TechMaine is a Board Member of the Technology Councils of North America (TECNA), and is affiliated with the Information Technology Association of America (ITAA) and the Software & Information Industry Association.

TECNA ITAA SIIA

Connecting Businesses to Technology, People and Education

  • TechMaine connects technology to the Business community through programs which introduce technology solutions to technology users. TechMaine connects technology providers to developers and users to increase the knowledge base of available technology solutions.
  • TechMaine connects people through networking and educational programs and forums to improve the understanding of the industry and to share knowledge and experience. TechMaine connects people to bring solutions to technology developers and users.
  • TechMaine connects education to the industry through programs and initiatives to increase the skills of today's and tomorrow's workforce. TechMaine publicizes career pathways and opportunities in the industry for students and new workers.

To request more information, please contact us.