BOISE, Idaho – The boards of directors of the Idaho Technology Council (www.idahotechcouncil.org) and the Idaho Software Employers Alliance (ISEA) today announced that the software employers’ organization has merged with the ITC in a move to unify the voice for technology in Idaho and the region.
Effective with this merger, the Idaho Technology Council has established a software working group, called the Idaho Software Alliance, to strengthen the software community statewide. Key ITC members Keynetics, Balihoo, A-T Solutions, Unity Medical Group and WhiteCloud Analytics will join with Microsoft, Healthwise, Clearwater Analytics and other companies that previously were members of ISEA to assume responsibility for fostering leadership recruitment, workforce development and growth among Idaho software developers. The group, to be chaired by Matt Rissell, an executive vice-president at CRI Advantage, will lead the development of a strong software community in Idaho.
“Smart software development stands out as a core competency of Idaho high technology and we are confident the strength of our dozens of software members will enable Idaho to become known as a leader in this important industry,” said Jay Larsen, president and chief executive officer of ITC. “This strategic merger confirms that these important companies have now strengthened the unified voice for high technology in Idaho.”
Rissell believes there is a natural bond in the two organizations that will strengthen technology in Idaho.
“This collaboration is good for the dozens of important and high-potential software developers from both organizations, and Idaho itself will be stronger for it,” Rissell said. “It is essential that technology have one voice to make the strongest contribution it can to the Idaho and U.S. economies.”
The ITC Software Alliance already has developed strategic goals for 2010. The working group, like ITC itself, holds a statewide scope and is expected to include both software companies and other technology organizations that leverage software development in their business.
“Members who have been drawn to the Idaho Technology Council from the former software alliance are exceedingly valuable to us for their diversity, their accomplishments and the clarity of their vision – a perfect match for the founding members of ITC,” Larsen said.
ABOUT THE IDAHO TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL (www.idahotechcouncil.org) The Idaho Technology Council’s mission is to foster the development of technology companies in Idaho, primarily in the areas of information technology, agriscience, and energy. The ITC provides a valuable forum for industry, research, educators, investors and government throughout the state. The ITC represents all aspects of technology – from research to commercialization to capitalization and talent recruitment. The integration of high technology into all aspects of the economy means that the ITC will remain entirely member-driven to deliver objective expertise broadly applicable to Idaho policy-makers. Members gain access to industry-shaping discussions and information geared to enacting results. ITC conducts regular events, including peer-to-peer forums, CEO roundtables, and opportunities to meet with civic leaders and nationally-recognized analysts. In addition, members participate in the ITC’s planning process on a multi-year road map to drive measurable results in areas such as attracting talent, increasing available funding from government and private investors, and developing and protecting intellectual property.
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