In December 2000, the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce commissioned Georgia Tech to complete a Community Technology Readiness Assessment for Gainesville-Hall County. The report concluded that our community’s challenge is the management of its many resources, rather than to develop them (as it is with most communities).
Under the direction of Bob Bilbrough, Qualcon; Lance Compton, Red Clay Interactive; and Kevin York, Charter Communications, the Lake Lanier Technology Alliance (LLTA) was developed. At the LLTA’s first public meeting in June 2002, a capacity crowd of 100 gathered to show their support for the area’s technology industry and workforce. A keynote address was given by Bob Bilbrough on the “State of Technology” in Hall County.
In July 2002, a group of area technology leaders formed the following mission statement: The mission of the LLTA is to foster the growth of the technology industry and its resources through the development, education and promotion of the region and its technology professionals. And, the following objectives were installed:
Promote the Lake Lanier area as a center for advanced technology where professionals can work hard and play hard in close proximity to their homes.
Build cohesiveness within the technology professional community through activities that promote communication, cooperation, education, and advocacy.
Act as a catalyst for cooperative projects, strategic alliances, and business development.
Facilitate the development of a regional technology incubator environment.
Speak with a unified voice for the technology industry to governments and the community.
Create an area resource of technology professionals available to assist schools, local businesses, and community organizations with technology issues and needs.
Over 50 individual LLTA members meet each month to hear presentations on some highly technical topics such as establishing a wireless community network and technology job trends. Four Sub-committees of the LLTA have diligent volunteers working to further the interests of the organization.
In May 2003, LLTA 2002-03 Chairman Lance Compton of Red Clay Interactive received an award from TechLINKS magazine on behalf of the LLTA for being a leader in technology.
The leadership of the Greater Hall Chamber Commerce looks forward to continuing the successful relationship with the Lake Lanier Technology Alliance as they reach new heights in fostering the growth of the technology industry in the Lake Lanier region.
If your company does not have representation on the Lake Lanier Technology Alliance it should! For LLTA information, visit www.llta.net or contact Shelley Davis at 770-532-6206 or by e-mail: sdavis@ghcc.com.
Related Information http://www.llta.net