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.
| 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 – 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 Maine’s first reports on the state of the 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 2008 TechMaine will:
- Launch a new 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 codeME 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
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