Techlandia

The Technology Association of Oregon (TAO) introduces Techlandia as a compendium of dialogues centered on the technology industry and the individuals pivotal to its functionality. This platform delves into new technological advancements and their anticipated impact on the region, workforce, and corporate entities while advocating for the industry.

Latest episodes

02 October 2025

Empowering Future Leaders: Inside Oregon Business Academy

In this episode of Techlandia, Skip Newberry converses with Anne Adler, head of Oregon Business Academy (OBA), about the transformative impact of their Business Week program on students' lives. The program caters to diverse student demographics from Oregon and beyond, offering leadership, entrepreneurship, and business management experiences. Supported by corporate sponsors and foundations, OBA provides scholarships for underrepresented students, preparing them for future business careers. Through immersive, real-world simulations, students hone essential skills like adaptability, teamwork, and problem-solving, gaining confidence and expanding career possibilities. The initiative not only benefits students but also fosters long-term prosperity for the state.

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25:46

25 September 2025

Teaching with Technology: How VR is Shaping Classrooms

In the latest episode of Techlandia, Skip Newberry welcomes Jay from Vedex to discuss the transformative power of virtual reality (VR) in education and corporate settings. Vedex has pioneered the use of VR to enhance language learning and build confidence among international students. Beyond education, VR applications extend to safety simulations and executive training, proving effective in diverse fields like healthcare and corporate boardrooms. The integration of AI further amplifies VR's potential, making it an essential tool for addressing real-world challenges. As VR hardware evolves, its utility is moving from a luxury to a necessity across industries.

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28:35

18 September 2025

Harnessing Curiosity: From Bartending to Tech CEO

In this episode of the Techlandia podcast, Skip Newberry converses with Nate Szytel of Next Reason. Nate shares his intriguing journey from a musician and bartender to leading a tech company. Driven by curiosity and a non-traditional career path, Nate emphasizes the importance of adaptability in technology. He talks about the evolution of Next Reason, a company focusing on customer identity solutions, and how it thrives in complex, regulated environments by offering personalized services. The discussion further delves into cybersecurity, emphasizing the importance of balancing security with user-friendly technologies such as passwordless authentication.

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26:51

11 September 2025

From Hangars to High-Tech: The Journey of Scott Philiben

Scott Philiben outlines CIES INC trajectory from solving the complexities of fuel measurement in small aircraft to branching into space and urban air mobility applications. The company's focus on software-driven mechanical components has established a niche in the aviation market. Scott shares insights into the importance of controlling growth while pursuing exciting new opportunities like AI-driven solutions for aircraft stability. Despite Bend's challenges, such as limited industrial space, the local tech community provides valuable collaboration opportunities and talent.

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30:26

04 September 2025

Creating a Strong Foundation: The Importance of Early Legal Guidance

In the latest episode of Techlandia, Skip Newberry talks with Andy Harris, founder of Northwest Corporate Law, about his journey from being a paralegal to running his own law firm. With 25 years of experience, Andy shares insights on the importance of proper legal guidance for startups and entrepreneurs. He highlights the common mistakes early-stage companies make and emphasizes the need for thorough legal planning beyond just setting up an entity. Andy also discusses how his experience in securities litigation informs his current practice and aids in advising business clients effectively.

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26:18

28 August 2025

The Evolution of Emergency IT Systems

In this episode, Corey Nelson, an IT Manager at Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon, discusses his career trajectory and the pivotal role technology plays in managing 911 call centers. Starting from his early fascination with computers and his hands-on experience with tech from a young age, Corey now manages a tech stack crucial for emergency response. He explains the challenges faced in keeping up with technological advancements, from the introduction of cell phones to the importance of accurate GPS data in emergency calls. Corey's insights shed light on the critical intersection of technology and public safety.

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27:48