Partnership allows focus on statewide tech development

Kevin Rademacher

Thursday, Aug. 7, 2003 | 11:11 a.m.

TechAlliance, once a Northern Nevada technology development organization, has formed a partnership with the state Commission on Economic Development.

As part of the partnership, the group will become the Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology and turn its focus on statewide technology development efforts.

"With the momentum created by TechAlliance, CET is in a strong position to truly enable and help entrepreneurs throughout the state, said Alison Estee, executive director of the new center.

Estee said the group will work with regional economic development organizations and other groups to promote Nevada as a focal point for entrepreneurship and technology development. The group also will tackle issues such as work force development, education and funding.

Estee said a major goal of the organization will attracting the interest of venture capital investors to Nevada and connecting them with state companies.

"It's the number one thing all entrepreneurs need right now, funding," she said.

Having a Northern Nevada group direct the state technology recruitment efforts has drawn some questions from Las Vegas-area technology leaders. Estee said she is aware of possible concerns, but she emphasized that the efforts will be statewide in nature.

"I work a lot with Southern Nevada," she said. "We have let (Southern Nevada organizations) know, we're looking to come down here and compete."

Scott Frost, head of the Las Vegas-based Technology Business Alliance of Nevada, said his group has been offered a seat on the center's board of directors. While he admitted there are a few concerns, he is enthusiastic of the state's move to focus its efforts.

"It's something I have been pushing for a long time," he said. "It's a way to use state funds proactively. As long as we've got our oars in the water and we're headed in the same direction, it should be a positive step."

Frost said Arizona took similar action to organize several independent organizations under a central statewide group with positive results. The difficulty, he said, is coordinating all of the related activities.

"I hope we don't duplicate efforts," Frost said. "I hope everyone does what they are good at. ... The needs of Southern Nevada are different than the needs of Northern Nevada."

The new partnership will allow the center to receive state funds, but Estee would not disclose financing details until a final budget is approved.

"The new statewide office will be the resource hub for entrepreneurs and technology companies," Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt said in a statement. "As the private sector expands, demand will grow for an educated, well-trained, highly technical work force."

The center's action plan and board of directors will be unveiled by Hunt at a Nevada Commission on Economic Development conference in Las Vegas later this month.