About the Lawrence Technology Association

The Lawrence Technology Association (LTA) was originally formed to fill a gap in communication among technology companies in the Lawrence and surrounding areas. As an original idea formed from Bob LaGarde of LaGarde Inc., Bennett Griffin of Griffin Technologies, and Marc Epard of Netopia the LTA was officially formed in early 2001.

Since then, as the communication between elements of the technology industry in Lawrence has improved a clearer picture of the needs of those companies and organizations is forming. The overarching mission of the LTA is:

To promote the growth of the Lawrence area technology industry (this includes information technology, life sciences, aerospace and others).

To acheive this mission the LTA has set up the following goals:

• Providing a forum for sharing business and technology expertise among industry professionals
• Help the local industry gain positive recognition
• Promote the Lawrence area as a place for companies in technology and infrastructure to start, locate, and prosper
• Influence the direction of technology locally by helping shape public policy as it pertains to this industry through proactive advocacy
• Act as a resource to develop, attract, and retain a skilled workforce