Catherine Renault, Office of Innovation
About Us
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 the first technology-oriented Job Fair in Maine |
| 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 TechConnect 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. |
| 2008 | Reposition codeME as TechConnect to highlight the availability of technology solutions for Maine businesses and bring more revenue to our members |
| 2008 | Launched a new more interactive Website featuring an Entrepreneur Handbook |
| 2009 | Conducted a Maine Information Technology Skills Census |
| 2009 | Assisted in the development of Maine's five year Science and Technology Action Plan |
| 2009 | Added detailed Salary Information for members to the Technology Career Portal |
With your support….in 2010 TechMaine will:
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TechMaine is a Board Member of the Technology Councils of North America (TECNA), and is affiliated with the Technology Association of America and the Software & Information Industry Association.
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.
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