“Tacoma’s high-tech scene continues to grow and metamorphose this summer, with several major developments occurring within the next two weeks. Here’s a rundown on what to expect.Tacoma Technology Consortium Changes are coming to the Tacoma Technology Consortium this week, as the popular and growing group begins its second year of operation.The consortium has established the TTC Steering Group to provide direction from the area’s technology industry at the CEO level. Members of the steering group include:Scott Bourne, Scott Bourne CompaniesJoey Caisse, Web-XJohn Gorst, Insynq Data UtilitiesBruce Greene, Advanced TelCom Group (ATG)Rob Greenlee, ShopperBox NetworksRob Grenley, IDmicroAnne McMullen, AT&TJean-Marc Suchier, Sagem MORPHOJanine Terrano, Business Internet ServicesDana Toulson, Click! NetworkThe TTC’s general monthly meeting is being repositioned to function more as a strategy forum to address local issues related to technology in the greater Tacoma area. Interest groups dealing with business development, education and workforce, finance and venture capital, and telecommunications and infrastructure issues will continue. Tacoma Network monthly meetings will provide more opportunities for networking as the focus of the TTC meetings hones in on strategizing.The TTC has announced the finance/VC interest group is involved in discussions that should result in a strategic partnership with the Northwest Venture Group, a leading regional venture networking organization. An inaugural event is expected for Friday, September 8.Washington Software Alliance South Sound Chapter LaunchThe launch of the new WSA South Sound Chapter takes place this week. An official launch party will take place on Thursday, August 17th at the Tacoma Zoo and Aquarium. Event hosts include Tacoma Mayor Brian Ebersole, US Senators Slade Gorton and Patty Murray, and Congressmen Adam Smith, Norm Dicks and Jay Inslee. The South Sound region is already home to several hundred high-tech companies, Smith said. The WSA has the resources and credibility to make things happen. They’re a welcome and essential addition to the South Sound.The WSA is a statewide organization that advocates for Washington’s Internet and software companies. WSA supports and helps to build Centers of Excellence-regional technology clusters outside of the Puget Sound Region.We’re very excited to be working with the high-tech industry and community leaders in the South Sound area on creating a Center of Excellence. said Kathy Wilcox, president and CEO of the WSA. WSA is committed to supporting these centers of high technology throughout the state and insuring that they have the resources necessary to help them succeed.The software alliance brings additional strength and credibility to the South Sound area’s already-booming high-tech industry, and Brandon Fix, president and CEO of DonationDepot.com, a Tacoma company providing electronic philanthropy services for companies and individuals. I am excited about the networking and educational opportunities that the South Sound Chapter can offer our company.The South Sound chapter will serve Tacoma, DuPont, Federal Way, Kent, Auburn, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, Bremerton, and Olympia.For more information on the South Sound Chapter Launch or the WSA contact their offices at (206) 448-3033.The South Sound Chapter is the WSA’s third chapter with two established chapters in Spokane and the Tri-Cities area. An Olympic Peninsula Chapter is scheduled to be launched later this fall.First Annual E-business DayThe culmination of high-tech events in the area is Tacoma’s first annual E-business Day Web Fair and E-wards banquet, coming to town next Thursday, August 24.To commemorate the area’s high-tech industry, the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce will recognize the top ten high-tech firms in the greater Tacoma area at an E-wards banquet. E-business Day is slated to kick off with an induction from the Mayor of Tacoma, Brian Ebersole.A mid-day Web Fair community-wide high-tech open house provides the public with an opportunity to interact with local tech companies.An awards banquet recognizing the top ten high-tech firms in Tacoma will close the event. Awards will be presented to high-tech companies representing local excellence and contributions to Pierce County’s technology-led economic development.Businesses wanting to participate in E-business Day’s high-tech open house activities may contact event founder, Jamie Chase, at (253) 573-1030 or Jchase@contractquest.com.Information on E-business Day events and the tech map for the Web Fair open house can be found by using the link at www.tacomadailyindex.com.Upcoming Tech EventsTacoma Technology Consortium3:30 p.m.Wednesday, August 16Tacoma Club16th floor, Wells Fargo PlazaInformation: 253-627-2175Washington Software AllianceSouth Sound Chapter Launch6:00 p.m.Thursday, August 17Point Defiance Zoo & AquariumInformation: www.wsa1.orgE-business DayThursday, August 24Web FairHigh-Tech Open HouseNoon – 3:00 p.m.Various locations (see tech map)E-wards Banquet7:00 p.m.Tacoma Club16th floor, Wells Fargo PlazaInformation and Web Fairopen house tech map:E-business Day link at www.tacomadailyindex.comE-wards Banquet: 253-627-2175. “