New Initiative Aims For Increased Collaboration Among Southwest Florida Technology Companies

NAPLES, Fla. - Dec. 3, 2015 - PRLog -- The Sunset Coast Technology Consortium, a collective of local software developers, executives, engineers and tech-centric entrepreneurs, is collaborating in an endeavor to create greater awareness, resources and viability for technology companies based in Southwest Florida. Participants will gather December 3, 5:30-7:00pm, at The Promenade in Bonita Springs to discuss plans for the coming year.

The meeting precedes a December 9 event hosted by the Bonita Springs and Estero Economic Development Council in which Consortium Representatives will gather with other local tech professionals for a Meet & Greet sponsored by Fine Mark National Bank & Trust.

The December events are said to mark the beginning of a new era of recognition and support for technology professionals in Southwest Florida. Lu Doan of Agent Shield Technologies (a company that provides patented tools to help Realtors sell new construction) is a Co-Founder of The Consortium. As Doan affirms, “We see this as the starting point for creating a more unified voice for local technology professionals. Collaborations like this can help us more immediately identify solutions to challenges all of us encounter, help advance recognition among our peers as well as one another’s products and services for business referrals, and will also help prompt greater awareness of the contribution technology companies provide to the local economy.”

Jason Dolle of Testimonial Tree, a company specializing in technology that allows for greater capturing and sharing of customer referrals, is another Co-Founder of the Consortium. Dolle says the resolve to create the Consortium was spurred by what he discerned as a “disconnect” between existing tech enterprises in Southwest Florida. “I was at a Rotary Club meeting where the guest speaker was

from a Bonita-based company that has developed a learning management system and has clients from the world. As I considered how fortunate our area is to have a technology firm of this caliber, it struck me that just a few miles away, there was another prominent developer of technology platforms involving education,” recalls Dolle. “So here we have these two major software developers in the same vertical, operating just miles apart from one another. I was surprised to learn that neither knew about the other. In fact, I’ve seen similar instances of this and have been successful in helping introduce companies to one another. Part of our goal with The Consortium is to make it easier for companies in our area to become better acquainted with one another. In some cases, this might even lead to opportunities to do more business together,” says Dolle.

    The significance of Dolle’s point isn’t lost on another Consortium Co-Founder; Ryan Tremblay from the real estate technology firm of REfindly. After nearly three years in operation, REfindly has established a wide customer base in Southwest Florida as well as markets throughout America. REfindly operates in a space that is jointly shared with Testimonial Tree and Agent Shield Technologies. Tremblay explains. “Through our collaboration, we’ve been able to refer business to one another, more effectively devise solutions to technical challenges and ultimately help connect our customers with services beyond what anyone of us offer on our own. We’ve also become great friends along the way,” says Tremblay. “We believe that we can not only duplicate the kind of synergy and support we’ve experienced in our work environment by enhancing collaboration among local technology companies, but also better help connect others with resources that are uniquely essential to our operations,” says Tremblay.

     On the subject of resources, Communications Director Bill Schiller says The Consortium will develop strategic alliances with other local initiatives that are supportive to the interests of the tech community. “From matters involving workforce development and investment to infrastructure improvements, professional mentorship and more, we can help provide guidance to Members as well as perspective on behalf of our Members,” says Schiller, who goes on to note that the needs, concerns and priorities of the technology community differ from other industries in our market. “Our Members rely on differentiated skill sets, different work environments and ultimately have different needs than businesses which thrive in, say, real estate development, retail or tourism which have long been integral to our local economy. As our economy continues to diversify, it is important that this unique industry segment is represented. Our Members do not come from businesses that simply use technology, they are the creators of the technology businesses use, they’re providers of higher paying jobs and an increasingly important component in the economic prosperity of our region.”

   These sentiments were also echoed by Consortium Member John Gamba, the tech visionary behind the digital curriculum solutions and technical platforms offered by MassiveU, where he serves as President, “Southwest Florida is known for it's beautiful beaches, incredible weather and burgeoning hospitality industries.  Little do people know that there's a budding community of entrepreneurs who are raising capital, building innovations and creating jobs that are making this area much more diverse and vibrant,” says Gamba.

    “Sunset Coast Technology Consortium's mission is to raise awareness around this entrepreneurial ecosystem and to attract more innovators and talent to our area.  We're building a network of like-minded entrepreneurs, bound by our energy to innovate and committed to give a voice to those who risk it all to make a difference. “          by Sierra Harlan


For more information on the Sunset Coast Technology Consortium, send an email to info@sunsetcoasttech.com, or visit www.sunsetcoasttech.com