CEDAR FALLS - The Technology Association of Iowa has been around for more than a decade, but has remained relatively unknown.

That appears to be changing. Thursday evening at the Business and Community Services Building on the campus of the University of Northern Iowa, the TAI hosted a seminar to inform business leaders and technology firms what TAI does.

"Lawyers have the their bar associations, and teachers have their (Area Education Agencies)," said Leann Jacobson, president of TAI. "And technology firms have the Technology Association of Iowa."

While not as well-known as other member organizations, the TAI is gaining steam. According to the organization's Web site, www.technologyiowa.org, there are over 3,000 information technology firms in Iowa employing more than 46,000 people. That does not include the vast number of technology jobs at non-IT firms.

The group was formed in 1997 as a collaboration between the Iowa Department of Economic Development and former Gov. Terry Brandstad. The focus is connecting technology firms with the resources available from other agencies and organizations in the state.

Seminars like Thursday's help make those connections. Nearly 50 people turned out to hear five speakers. After Jacobson gave an introduction, other organizations with ties to the TAI explained their roles in developing the technology sector in Iowa.

Maureen Collins-Williams, director of UNI's Regional Business Center, described programs the university offers to tech firms. Programs include business incubators, MyEntreNet and Strategic Marketing Services among others.

Lisa Skubal, director of marketing for the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance, discussed her organization's role in developing the work force for technology firms in the Cedar Valley. Cary Darrah, general manager of Cedar Valley TechWorks, discussed the bio-technology project on the former brownfield near the interchange of U.S. Highways 63 and 218 donated by John Deere to the GCVA.

Finally, Mark Laurenzo of the innovation and commercialization division of the IDED described the state's role in the technology sector. He highlighted grant programs available, including the Demonstration Fund, the Information Technology Joint Venture Fund and the Information Technology Upskilling program. He discussed plans for attracting talent in the state.

Next on TAI's agenda is the sixth annual legislative reception at 5 p.m. on February 19 at the Noodle Zoo in Des Moines.

Contact Drew Andersen at (319) 291-1418 or drew.andersen@wcfcourier.com.