Spring 2007
The Science & Technology Discovery Series: Food for Thought!
Our Seattle and Spokane Discovery Series programs bring you the latest developments in science and technology from our state’s most innovative institutions and companies. All our members have to do is bring their curiosity – and a healthy appetite. Here, we look ahead to what’s on tap for the remainder of this season, and offer a sneak preview of what’s coming up in 2007-2008.
Seattle:
June 8: A shot of innovation – the use of computational biology in vaccine design. Dr. Leo Stamatatos, Full Member, Seattle Biomedical Research Institute
Sneak preview: The 2007-2008 Seattle Discovery Series will kick off on September 14th with speaker Mark Roth, cell biologist at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. The following month, Tom Vander Ark, president of the X Prize Foundation, will join us for the October 12th breakfast.
The Seattle Discovery Series season runs from September through June. Watch your inbox for more information on our stellar lineup of 2007-2008 speakers and how you can take part in this exciting program.
The Seattle Discovery Series is made possible by the generous support of AH&T, Perkins Coie, and Swedish Medical Center.
Spokane:
June 1: Planting the seeds – new therapeutic approaches to disease. Dr. Howard Grimes, Dean, Graduate School and Professor, Molecular Biosciences/Molecular Plant Sciences, Washington State University
The Spokane Discovery Series is made possible through a partnership with the Northwest Association of Biomedical Research and by the generous support of platinum sponsors Washington State University and K&L Gates, and gold sponsors AH&T, Avista Corp., CH2M Hill, Sirti, and Spokane Regional Chamber of Commerce.
TA Annual Luncheon Preview: A Candid Conversation with Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer
- Thursday, May 31, 2007
- Washington State Convention & Trade Center
- Seattle
- Networking and registration: 11:00 am in the Skybridge
- Doors open: 11:30 am
- Luncheon program: 11:45 am – 1:30 pm
We don’t call Washington the “State of Technology” for nothing. Washington is home to a vibrant cluster of world-class research institutions and innovative companies delivering breakthrough discoveries and new products and services that enhance our lives at home, at work and at play.
Microsoft’s impact on all three can not be overstated. It is one of the most influential technology companies in the world, and one that put Washington firmly on the innovation map. On Thursday, May 31st, TA board member Ed Lazowska of the University of Washington will sit down with Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer to find out how the company does it, where it goes from here, and what he thinks Washington needs to do to cement our claim as the “State of Technology” far into the future.
“The Best Gig in Town,” and MBA Fellows Rise to the Occasion
Every autumn, two new MBA fellows take over the day to day operation of the Alliance of Angels, 
screening business plans, working with entrepreneurs, and helping investors get the most out of their AoA membership. Rebecca Lovell and Avniel Dravid, the 2006-2007 program managers, are the latest in a line of energetic and knowledgeable MBA fellows serving as the public face of AoA. And they are overseeing a resurgence of investment by our members, culminating in the greatest number of deals completed of any year in the program’s history.
Stalking the World’s #1 Cancer Killer: Dr. Alan Nelson Shares His Vision for Regular Lung Cancer Screening at the Seattle Science & Technology Discovery Series
The World Health Organization estimates that one million new cases of lung cancer are diagnosed annually around the globe. At least 21 million people in the United States alone are considered to be at high risk of developing the disease, and 162,000 of those die of lung cancer each year at a cost of $50 billion. 
Most lung cancer cases are diagnosed in the later stages, when the five-year survival rate barely approaches 15%. Early detection could improve the rate to 75% or greater – if only we had an effective way to screen for the disease.
Thanks to Dr. Alan Nelson and VisionGate, we may soon have one. In his presentation to Seattle Discovery Series members, Dr. Nelson shared these grim statistics on lung cancer and how a breakthrough technology developed by his company, Gig Harbor-based VisionGate, Inc., has the potential to revolutionize how we deal with this killer disease.
A Warm Welcome and Heartfelt Appreciation to Our New and Renewing Board Members
The Technology Alliance board is pleased to welcome four outstanding leaders to its ranks in 2007: Marc Diamond, KPMG LLP, Mark Emmert, University of Washington, Jeremy Jaech, Trumba Corporation, and Lura Powell, Advanced Imaging Technologies, Inc. The TA is also celebrating the continuing commitment of 13 members who recently extended their board service.