Thank you for a terrific (and record breaking) Spring Breakfast this year. Panelists from Ancestry, Lucid Software, Instructure, and Silicon Slopes discussed the future of the tech boom in Utah and had some keen insights into what we can all do to make sure Utah is booming for years to come.
Diversity:
Panelists said they want to hire the best talent wherever they can find it, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or religion, but they also want their workforce to reflect their customers from around the country. Utah may not be as diverse as other places with major tech hubs, but we can support our economy by being welcoming and inviting to everyone as individuals and as a larger community. Panelists also discussed gender gap issues and the importance of ensuring fair compensation for women as well as mentoring programs to help women see technology and sciences as available career paths.
Air Quality:
According to a recent Envision Utah survey of employees at high-tech firms, air quality is the number one reason these tech employees might leave Utah. Panelists agreed and said cleaning up the air should be a top priority to nurture the tech industry. They suggested electric cars, alternative energy sources, and more efficient buildings as important steps.
Education:
From increasing teacher salaries to more extensive internship programs, all panelists agreed that education in Utah is a top priority. They explained that they love to hire locally, if Utahns have the right skills and knowledge. But at the rate these companies are growing, Utah colleges and universities need to produce more top talent.
Once again, thank you to our panelists and everyone who contributed to make this year’s breakfast such a major success. Those who attended came away with a great perspective on what we need to do help Utah’s industry continue thriving for years to come.
