Tech-related business support.

• Author: GOULIQUER, DIANNE

A newly formed technology group is gearing up to increase the profile of technology-based businesses across northwestern Ontario - a venture that could translate into new economic opportunities for the region.

The Northwestern Ontario Technology Association (NOTA) is a "grassroots initiative" currently being led by a consortium of about a dozen technology-related businesses in Thunder Bay, including the Northwestern Ontario Technology Centre (NOTO). It is an industry-driven, private-sector based association that will act as a voice for the technology community in northwestern Ontario, says a spokesperson for NOTA and business advisor manager at NOTC.

"(The NOTC has) been working with a group of various technology-driven businesses, a lot of whom are in the information technology sector," Judy Sander says. "We also have worked with the Northern Ontario Information Technology Network. What has come out of some our meetings is that there's a desire for an industry association that's private sector-based that can look at increasing the profile of technology businesses in northwestern Ontario."

Sander says NOTA is modelled after similar organizations in Ottawa and Minnesota. It is the Only association of its kind in north western Ontario.

"Basically, their vision is to make this region a better Place for our technology businesses to locate or start or grow. It's really a grassroots kind of initiative."

At present there are between 10 and 12 businesses already "leading the way" for NOTA, including Global RnD, Skystream...