Several years into writing Washington Post’s “The Download” column, Shannon Henry published an entry in December of 2004 that queried local technology players on what trends might emerge during the coming year. More specifically, Henry addressed how, depending on the prevailing economic and entrepreneurial climate, the region’s tech identity wavered between that of a government town and one pushing to “develop a separate identity for the region built on ventures in software, telecom, the Internet…”

Sure, today you could probably swap out “software, telecom and the Internet” for “SaaS, green IT and social media” but the identity challenge is in some ways still the same: is this a government town or has it tangibly evolved into something more? And if it is going to evolve into something more, does it require a unified effort by industry segments that historically operate in walled gardens? More succinctly, if a tourist asked for directions to the epicenter of technology innovation in Greater Washington, what would you say? Head towards Northern Virginia, hang a right at New York Ave., and then hop on the I270 Corridor?

The latter question was recently brought to light by Washington Post writer Zachary Goldfarb, one that spawned a pioneering July event developed by the NVTC and folks like Peter Corbett at iStrategyLabs known simply as Twin Tech. And unlike the Caddyshack II abomination, Twin Tech’s sequel event (Twin Tech II) that took place last week to the tune of 1,200+ attendees, was a smash hit.

With word (via ExecutiveBiz’ exclusive interview with Washington Post writer Kim Hart) that the publication is resuscitating “The Download” column starting Monday, I am reminded why it was both incredibly popular and infinitely valuable to the Greater Washington technology and government community.

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Whether the Greater Washington technology community likes it or not, it has twins. Two distinct - and often siloed - communities that split along generational, cultural and operational lines. On one side, you have the young, vibrant social media entrepreneurs focused on disruptive solutions to break through the Web 2.0 scene. Then, there is another set of companies led by more seasoned, credential executives who tend to focus on solutions that may not be as sexy, but address a business pain point for government agencies, businesses and organizations.

These two communities coexist peacefully, but rarely to their collective mutual benefit. And, as one might hear attending an AA meeting, the first step in solving the problem is to admit you have a problem.

And step one seems to finally be underway. The trigger point is debatable, but Post scribe Zachary Goldfarb’s coverage of Washington’s Twin Tech Towns seemed to light a fire under a handful of folks with the power to do something about it. Hosted by iStrategy Labs and with a huge push from NVTC and a collection of social media players, last Thursday’s Twin Tech Party - which was conceived, developed and executed seemingly overnight - snowballed with all of the viral buzz that would have made any participating social media firm proud.

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