The Southwest Washington-Portland Metro region is projected to add more than 10,000 new technology jobs by 2025. Given the anticipated growth, the Vancouver Tech Tour on September 17 was a good opportunity for job seekers, tech enthusiasts and students to meet with local tech companies and learn about Clark County’s growing tech community.
“Many of our local tech companies have told us they’re looking for talent. Others want the community to know they’re here and happy to be part of the Vancouver tech scene,” said Darcy Hoffman, Workforce Southwest Washington (WSW) Director of Business Services. “They partner with us to produce this event to showcase their innovations and to be active in the community.”
More than 110 people attended the third annual event, which ran from 4-8 p.m. Participants checked-in and grabbed a map at CoLab’s Tandem Hall at 808 Main Street, then toured through downtown Vancouver to learn about the innovation local technology companies are working on, experience their company culture, network and learn about current job openings.
Participating companies were:
- Core Commissions
- Edge Networks
- ForgeRock
- Home Depot Quote Center
- Hubb
- Industrial Training International
- On Line Support
- Perfect Company
- SigmaDesign
To make it easier for participants to meet as many companies as possible, several businesses shared space at Heathen Brewing and CoLab Pac Tower. Ryd provided free shuttle service.
An afterparty at 7 p.m. provided attendees more opportunities to network.
The Vancouver Tech Tour is a collaboration between Workforce Southwest Washington (WSW), the Columbia River Economic Development Council (CREDC), the Technology Association of Oregon (TAO) and VanTechy. Event sponsors were DiscoverOrg and Hyphn.
Read more about the Tech Tour in The Columbian.