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TBTF’s Third Annual coolTECH 2010

Special edition podcast

3^rd annual coolTECH in Tampa, FL, June 4, 2010.

I roamed the exhibit floor at coolTECH 2010 where I interviewed several of the entrepreneurs, inventors and existing companies showing off their cool technology.  coolTECH is one of three signature annual events hosted by the Tampa Bay Technology Forum, aka TBTF, of which I’m a proud member.

My podcast opens with an interview with TBTF CEO Amy Norman and 2010 Board Chairman Anand Pallegar. Amy explains that TBTF’s mission is to grow and promote Tampa Bay’s technology ecosystem. Through events, education, networking, advocacy and philanthropy programs, TBTF provides targeted forums that bring all the constituents of this ecosystem together to advance our industry and member objectives.

Anand Pallegar brings a new level of energy to TBTF. Anand is passionate about the vision to make Tampa Bay a top 10 technology market by 2015.  One of the ways TBTF will achieve this lofty goal is by working closely with peer groups throughout Florida such as the Suncoast Technology Forum in Sarasota, and by helping the Orlando area, which is already a rich technology area, to forge a tech forum similar TBTF. The result will be a statewide tech community where members  can connect and help one another. A natural by-product of a stronger tech community in Florida will be a renewed brand strength for Florida as a hot bed of technology companies and talent.

coolTECH is an annual event that offers a platform for entrepreneurs and existing tech companies to display their wares and network. As I walked the floor at coolTECH I was impressed by the sample of products, people and even inventions represented at coolTECH which exist and flourish in Tampa Bay.

Another TBTF signature event is coming up in August. TechJam is the annual fund raiser for the TBTF Foundation which serves at-risk and disadvantaged kids to get them interested in STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering and Math through outreach programs such as CompuTer-rific, and an alliance with Boys & Girls Club. This year’s TechJam will bring back the battle of the bands. TBTF members will able to showcase their bands at the event. It is sure to be a huge party with a purpose!

Amy Norman and Anand Pallegar bring a visionary leadership, tireless energy and passionate devotion to being a servant organization in central Florida to benefit the tech community throughout the state.

The pics below are a sample of the cool people and products I discovered at coolTECH. Please give the podcast a listen to meet them. You just might learn about a product you’ll soon be using and you can say; “hey I learned about that product through coolTECH!”