Empowering the Vision is the theme of the West Sound Technology Professionals Association (WSTPA) Western Washington Summit 2003. The event, which takes place on Oct. 9 at the Sons of Norway in Poulsbo, will be attended by professionals and leaders in government, education, business, technology, and economic development sectors from a seven-county region.

The event kicks off at 5:30 p.m. and will run until about 8:30. Because of the heavy turnout in past years, registration is required. The event is free to WSTPA members. There is a charge of $10 for non-members who register by Sept. 19 and $15 for those who register after that date. Cost at the door is $20.

The agenda includes opening remarks by Honorary Chairman Congressman Norm Dicks. The keynote speaker is former 1st District Congressman Rick White, who is now president & CEO of TechNet. His topic will be, “Should the Technology Community Care About Politics?”

Also scheduled to speak are Larry Sivitz or Seattle 24x7. He also writes a monthly tech feature for Marketing, a Seattle-based trade publication for the advertising and marketing business, and has written a number of tech features for the Kit sap Peninsula Business Journal. His subject will be, “Top Worldwide Internet Trends or Strategy that will Impact the Tech/Business Industry”

Allan Friedman, Chairman of the Washington Regional Alliance for Infrastructure and Network Security (RAINS) will speak on “Homeland Security in the Changing Information Age,” while Ken Myer, President of the Technology Alliance will ask, “Is Washington Building the Foundation for a Technology-Based Economy?”

For more information or to register, visit www.wstpa.org.