Over the past decade, Virginia has established itself as the friendliest state for international tech firms to open up their US operations. One of the results of Virginia’s strong tech growth has been the development of some of the strongest technology councils in the world. The state boasts ten such councils that bring vendors and users together, help establish industry policy, and provide programs and events for companies of all sizes.

The Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC) is the largest and most active technology council in the country and includes membership of more than 1,300 companies representing 170,000 employees. Its member companies span all sectors of the technology industry including aerospace, bio-med-tech, nanotechnology, telecommunications, software, systems integration, and Internet technologies.

Led by Bobbie Kilberg and a dedicated staff of policy and program specialists, the NVTC provides 120 networking and educational events per year, comprehensive member benefits services, global positioning of the region as a technology center, and public policy advocacy on a broad range of technology issues. NVTC is involved in community service projects and philanthropy through the NVTC Foundation.

But it is in its service to its members that NVTC excels, particularly services to companies new to the region. “NVTC membership is a great idea for Israeli companies that are looking to pursue business opportunities in the US and particularly in the region,” said Kilberg. “We offer many networking events for companies looking for teaming partners or customers. We have a particularly rich list of member companies providing IT services to the government, a strong biomedtech committee, and a brand new nanotechnology committee, all of which are prime markets for Israeli companies.”

In addition to large-scale events such as the Titans of Technology breakfast series, which features speeches from industry and government policy luminaries, NVTC typically hosts over a dozen events monthly. Specific committees, chaired by volunteers from member companies that focus on a technology, market or discipline plan these events. NVTC has more than 20 committees which include Business to Government; BioMedTech; Nanotechnology; Information Technology & Telecommunications; Capital Formation; Business Development, Marketing and Sales; and CFO Forum.

“Fellow NVTC members want to help you,” said John MacKinnon, Sales Manager, Teligent. “By volunteering and joining NVTC committees, you work alongside people who can and will give you warm referrals.”

The other nine technology councils are Greater Richmond, Shenandoah Valley (Harrisonburg), Hampton Roads, Virginia Piedmont (Charlottesville), New Century (Roanoke), Region 2000 (Lynchburg), Fredericksburg, Southwestern Virginia, and Southern Piedmont (Danville).

More information on NVTC can be found at www.nvtc.org.