Technology an economic building block
by Liz Marchi
The fact that the Flathead Business Journal has an annual issue on technology is evidence that our economy and our economic opportunities have changed dramatically in our valley in a fairly short period of time. We are all aware of the opportunities that connectivity have opened up for businesses to increase productivity, serve broader markets and for individuals to take their work where they want to live. Fortunately, we are one of those places where people want to be.
One of our challenges is making sure our workforce has the technology skills to participate in the emerging economy. The Flathead is now home to several new technology-based startups. As these companies grow they will need employees who are highly skilled in technology applications. Montana Venture Partners plans to build a digital media facility that will require technology savvy that's scarce in our workforce today. TeleTech has spent more than $1 million over the last year on training; much of it technology-based.
The list of companies that are technology-based in the valley is impressive: Merlin Data Services, Semitool, TeleTech, CenturyTel, Auroras, Bresnan Communications, Torrent Technologies, Nomad Technologies and many, many others.
We must have a concerted effort to use technology in teaching K-12. We are fortunate to have Flathead Valley Community College in our community. The college has stepped up to the plate to meet employer needs for technology skills and certifications. Hopefully, the Legislature will recognize the need and value of investing in incumbent worker training to upgrade technology skills in our workforce as well as the needs in our public schools for investments in both hardware and training.
We must all be advocates for ongoing infrastructure upgrades. At the recent Montana West Economic Development board retreat, wi-fi was one of the issues that emerged as important to both attracting young workers and doing business.
America is at risk for falling behind as a leader in innovation and technology development. The Flathead needs to be vigilant in building our infrastructure and workforce to serve an increasing technology-dependent world of work. Many of our future business and entrepreneurial ventures will be in biotech, nanotechnology, information technology, entertainment technology, hardware and software development. We must all work together to ensure that our economy can share in these high-value opportunities.
Liz Marchi is president of Montana West Economic Development and can be reached at 257-7711 or e-mail