MHTA Rebrands as Minnesota Technology Association; Reinforces Role in Driving Technology Talent, Community and Advocacy
MINNEAPOLIS, April 29, 2020 — The Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA) announced today that it has changed its name to the Minnesota Technology Association (MnTech) and unveiled a new logo and website in support of this change.
“Our new name more appropriately recognizes that we serve all kinds of organizations, from those developing cutting edge products to those using enabling technologies to fuel their business success,” said Jeff Tollefson, CEO of MnTech. “We’re also taking this opportunity to roll out new programming and resources in support of our focus areas of Advocacy, Talent, and Community.”
While the organization has long been known for its public policy work on behalf of the tech sector and for hosting signature events such as the Tekne Awards, Tollefson said it will put increased emphasis on cultivating the tech talent Minnesota companies need for continued business success, and creating new opportunities for tech professionals to engage in more meaningful ways.
“The war for talent in the tech sector will only intensify, which is why addressing this issue is such a strategic imperative for MnTech and the companies we serve,” said Tollefson. “We need to think differently about how we inspire our next generation to pursue STEM careers, how we engage historically overlooked sources of talent, how we attract new talent to Minnesota, and how we develop and retain skilled talent once onboard.”
Among the many tools MnTech plans to utilize in developing tech talent are its new communities-of-interest and peer forums. These communities are designed to help keep members connected and informed and include AI in Manufacturing, TechTalent, TechCareers 1.0, Policy & Pints, and Tech for Good, among others.
“We’re really excited to launch our communities, peer forums, and Tech Talk series,” said Jade Denson, Director of Community Engagement at MnTech. “Our engagement efforts prioritize networking and building meaningful relationships, collaborating across positions and companies, learning about technology and topics relevant to our ecosystem, and having fun while doing so.”
With a fresh look and focused programming to better serve the needs of its members and the broader community, the Minnesota Technology Association is well-positioned to build on its past success as it works to create a stronger, more vibrant, and inclusive tech ecosystem in Minnesota. Learn more at mntech.org.
About the Minnesota Technology Association:
The Minnesota Technology Association is a coalition of more than 250 member companies united in building a stronger tech ecosystem and innovation economy in Minnesota. Formerly known as the Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA), the organization works to ensure that Minnesota’s technology-driven companies have access to exceptional talent, dedicated public policy advocates, and are part of an innovative, inclusive technology community. For more than 30 years, MnTech has been a unifying voice and trusted convener for technology-fueled businesses and the technologists that drive their success. Its member companies work the spectrum of technology, including IT, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, fintech, agtech, cleantech, and edutech, and range from long-established corporations to small and growing startups. Learn more at mntech.org.
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Media inquiries:
Piper Cleaveland
952-807-5254 mobile
piper@mntech.org
