TAG’s Technology Business Directory FAQ

What is the TAG Resource Directory?

It's a free, searchable database of technology-based businesses and support entities
located in Whatcom County. Each listing contains a description of the organization’s
products and services as well as publicly available contact information.

What are the benefits of using the directory?

• Businesses can publicize themselves, find peer companies, and locate potential
  business customers.

• Businesses listed in the directory benefit from better search placement results with
  web search engines such as Google and Yahoo!.

• Support entities can publicize the services they provide to the technology sector and
  start-up organizations.

• Economic development organizations can identify local technology businesses, build
  industry clusters, and attract more businesses to Whatcom County

• Job seekers can identify potential employers.

TAG members automatically qualify for an enhanced listing which includes logo
placement, top-of-the-page search results, email contact forms, and a 500 character
description. Including key words in the long description will help improve a business’
search results.

What is a technology-based business?

Businesses are defined as technology-based according to certain North American
Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes identified by the U.S. Department of
Labor, Washington Technology Center, Technology Alliance, and other groups. These
businesses are generally defined as those in industries with 7% or more workers in
technology occupations such as engineers, scientists, computer programmers, technicians,
and statisticians. (The sectors themselves, not necessarily individual businesses, employ
7% or more technology workers.) Businesses that are strictly in manufacturing or sales
are excluded from the technology-based definition.

What are support entities?

Support entities are public agencies, non-profits, and TAG member-businesses that
provide resources and services to the technology and start-up businesses. Examples
include the Port of Bellingham, Whatcom County, Cities and Chambers, business support
organizations, educational institutions, lending institutions, and accounting, insurance and
legal firms.

How is the directory maintained?

Businesses may update their information at any time by clicking the “Update this listing”
link in the directory. All updates will be reviewed to ensure compliance with directory
standards before being posted. Periodically, TAG will review all listings for accuracy
based on publicly available information and confirmations from all included businesses.
Businesses that cannot be verified may be removed from the directory.
How can other businesses be included in the directory?
To be added to the directory, click on the “Add a listing” link. Businesses must qualify as
technology-based according to the designated NAICS codes and be located in Whatcom
County.  Support entities must be a public agency or TAG member in good standing. All
submissions will be reviewed to ensure compliance with directory standards before being
posted.