It may be familiar if you've talked to reporters writing about Tacoma's high-tech explosion. National publications are continuing to cover this wired city and asking this question. Seattle newspapers are interested in the inexpensive rent and firms relocating to Tacoma from their community. The New York Times' story on August 5th focused on the talented work force available locally, the fiber optic network, and the quality of life in Tacoma's beautiful neighborhoods with little commute to work. All of these qualities entice businesses to move to Tacoma, but local and national reporters have overlooked a very important element in Tacoma's transformation into a technology destination.
Innovation plays a critical role in the high-tech game of survival of the fittest.
The industry buries companies that don't keep their product or service current with the latest technology. In this market innovation and cooperation are more important than inexpensive rent. The role the climate of innovation plays in Tacoma's success story is reflected in the South Sound 2000 conference, the upcoming E-business Day and Chamber of Commerce awards, and the exchange of ideas that occurs at the technology networking forums. While it is a benefit that investor money is stretched because of the inexpensive rent in Tacoma, businesses will be recognized based on innovation and community partnership at up coming events. Rob Greenlee, Director of Marketing for ShopperBox Networks, provides great insight into the six degrees of separation in Tacoma's climate of innovation.