ABOUT: On May 1st 2014, the Arlington, Dallas, Ft. Worth, and Richardson Chambers of Commerce launched a new agency called the Texas Research Alliance (TRA). TRA was created to help business and government understand and utilize the research expertise found in our Local North Texas Universities. A comprehensive study conducted by the Dallas Chamber has shown that while companies in the North Texas area spend $4B on research annually, only a small percent of that spend goes to North Texas Universities. This same study shows that while North Texas companies would prefer to work with local experts, they are not aware of our Universities' capabilities or how to engage. TRA's sole purpose is to bridge this gap by connecting businesses and government with North Texas Universities. COMMITMENT: Texas Research Alliance will develop and launch programs that support collaboration between local business and government with university research capabilities in North Texas; with increased corporate/ university alignment, the TRA enables the development of local research centers of excellence. For more information, contact us at gorsak@texasresearchalliance.org