A little better perspective
I appreciate Tac’s nice welcome to TechBoise and I look forward to adding my thoughts on Boise’s tech scene.
One thing I have to say, is that after a couple of months away from the newspaper business I have a more positive outlook about what’s happening in Boise.
It’s easy when you’re in the thick of bad news to let it get to you and you end up focusing more on the negative issues than directing your efforts at what is positive.
It’s hard not to get down a bit when there’s a flood of bad news that has been ongoing for nearly a year. It was just about this time a year ago, Micron first announced its big layoffs. And so many other companies have followed suite including the Idaho Statesman.
But being away from the newspaper has made me realize that layoffs and bad news isn’t the end of the world.
For example, I haven’t even thought about Micron over the last two months. I hope Micron pulls it together, but if they don’t, it’s not going to be the end of the world.
Same goes for our state leaders, either they get it or they don’t when it comes to tech. To me the bottom line is that we have a great tech story to tell.
And it’s a story that we need to do a better job of getting out there. That point was brought home to me this past weekend when my brother-in-law and his wife visited from Dallas.
The two work for a couple of the biggest tech companies in Dallas and they had never been to Boise.
A Saturday morning trip to the farmers market in downtown Boise literally blew them away. They couldn’t believe how many people were downtown and how vibrant the city felt.
In terms of tech, they did know about HP and Micron, but they had no idea we had any tech beyond the big two. I did my best to fill them in and I would bet that when they go back to their big tech companies in Dallas, they’ll have a few stories to tell about Boise.
The biggest thing I’ve missed since leaving the newspaper business is hearing from all the great tech companies doing really cool things. I’m hopeful this will be a new avenue where I can keep hearing about those companies and help spread the word.
It’s going to be a great journey and I’m glad I’m along for the ride.
Good to hear your ‘voice’ again Ken! Your insight has been missed in that traditional media realm - so glad to see you part of the TechBoise world!
I couldn’t agree more with the above… Boise needs a Technology voice that actually understands what’s happening in the industry.
This is great news for the Treasure Valley
Ditto to Jess’ sentiments. Great to have you adding so constructively to the mix.
To be honest, though…I work in Dallas occasionally (photography) and am blown away when there…but for much different reasons! Recently did a shoot at the new Dallas Cowboys new stadium-we could sure use some construction projects and tech venues like that!
The local media will not be the ones to tell the story about our tech industry. Just like most people in our state government (in my opinion), the media doesn’t get it. To them, it’s Micron, HP and call centers. That is their idea of tech. The real stories will be reported in the new media, like TechBoise.
Looking forward to your positive outlook on our industry.
Looking forward to hearing what you can say when not muffled by editors.
Ken,
Welcome home!!!! Your heart was always in the right place and carried the positive message. Can’t wait for your “pearls of wisdom”. Nice job Tac!!
Ken…glad to hear you again. Welcome back!