Sense of Place: Homegrown Drone: How a Rural Place Launched a Tech Revolution

with Jason Hartmann, Columbia Gorge Tech Alliance

The Gorge is known for its recreation economy, but it’s also home to more than 100 technology companies, many specializing in unmanned aerial vehicles or UAVs. With Jason Hartmann of the Gorge Technology Alliance, learn about the young, footloose engineers who came to the Gorge during the windsurfing boom of the 1980s and 90s, then used their expertise in lightweight materials to build a thriving tech economy hundreds of miles from Silicon Valley.

About the Speaker

Jason Hartmann is a project manager at the Mid-Columbia Economic Development District, where he leads industry engagement work throughout the Columbia River Gorge. Part of that role includes managing the Gorge Technology Alliance, a non-profit dedicated to building and supporting the region's technology businesses and community and to advancing STEM education in the Gorge.

A 24-year resident of the Gorge, Jason spent a decade in the local UAS industry, primarily in business development. He has also served his community as a White Salmon city councilor for eight years and as a Southwest Klickitat fire commissioner for two. He holds a degree in supply chain management from Michigan State University.

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• For sold out shows: a waitlist will be available at the door starting at 6 PM.