FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Linda Hemingway
Director of Market Development & Communications
Sirti
509-358-2031
lindah@sirti.org
INNOVATION CONTINUES TO THRIVE AT SIRTI
Four Companies Expand Their Operations In Prime University District Locations and Designated Innovation Partnership Zone
Spokane, WA – May 15, 2009 – Sirti, a Washington State economic development organization focused on accelerating the development and growth of technology companies in the Inland Northwest, announced today the addition of four new on-campus clients. EFRsource recently moved into the Sirti Technology Center. Guerilla Development and Barr-Tech moved into the Sirti Building on Riverpoint Boulevard, and SiteCrafting will open their Spokane operations there on July 1st.
EFRsource is the leading practitioner of, and authority on, a rigorous social science method known as Ethnographic Futures Research (EFR). The company offers qualitative research services and technology tools that significantly reduce the cost and time required to reach consensus on solutions to complex issues faced by governmental and private sector organizations. For more information, visit www.efrsource.com.
Guerilla Development is a custom software development company specializing in database driven web applications for school districts. Most districts store a multitude of data — everything from class rosters to bus routes to graduation criteria — on separate, complex, difficult-to-access data silos. Guerilla’s software standardizes this data and reshapes it into a single, versatile data platform that can be accessed and utilized by a suite of the company’s integrated applications. Using these products, school districts can improve services, efficiency, and communications, automate standard processes, and more easily produce legally required reports. For example, Guerilla applications allow schools to set up class-specific websites that provide multiple avenues for interaction between students, teachers, and parents. For more information, visit www.guerilladevco.com.
Barr-Tech and the Odessa Public Development Authority are developing the Barr Regional Bio-Industrial Park, an integrated clean tech project dedicated to recycling organic material and converting it to renewable energy, beneficial soil amendments, and compost. The publicly owned park will be located near Sprague, WA and is a joint effort between public entities, and private developers, and clean-tech companies. When completed, the project will create jobs, improve renewable energy efficiencies, offer enhanced commercial recycling opportunities for local companies, and reduce regional carbon emissions. For more information, contact Larry Condon at larry@americanonsite.net
SiteCrafting is a Tacoma-based web development company that excels at developing unique web-based solutions for clients ranging from small non-profits to large national brands. The company makes businesses more successful with distinctive online products that add custom functionality and create a dynamic, full-featured web presence. The award-winning company creates interactive solutions for its clients, such as Content Management Systems, Online Stores, Calendars, Newsletters, Hosting and more. SiteCrafting will relocate two employees from Tacoma to the Sirti Building on Riverpoint Boulevard to launch the operation and plans to open the office in July with a total of five employees. The company is projecting to employ as many as ten professionals in its Spokane office by the end of the first year. SiteCrafting is a recent business recruiting success for Sirti’s economic development partner, Greater Spokane Incorporated. For more information, visit www.sitecrafting.com.
“With the graduation of high-growth clients and arrival of expanding technology companies, it’s clear the cycle of innovation remains strong at Sirti,” said Kim Zentz, Sirti’s Executive Director. “Our new on-campus clients will enhance their products and expand their markets in an environment perfectly suited to help them continue their productive growth.”
-end-
About Sirti
Sirti is an agency of the State of Washington which is a collaboration of business, higher education and government to accelerate the development and growth of technology-based companies in the Inland Northwest, especially in Eastern Washington. Its target clients are innovative technology companies with defensible intellectual property, large market potential, and principals who show a strong desire to grow their business. Sirti offers two state-of-the-art buildings with a total of 40,000 square feet of space with wet labs and light manufacturing potential along with full service offices and a sophisticated IT infrastructure. Sirti offers business coaching and management assistance, as well as access to capital and Sirti IP/BizNet legal services. Sirti’s experienced staff and veteran entrepreneurs provide expertise in technology assessment, market research, strategic planning, marketing, finance and management for both start-ups and high-growth businesses. For more information, visit Sirti online at www.sirti.org or contact us at 509-358-2000.