TECH MARKET: Path to brighter future

Having just moved my software company to Coeur d’Alene from Oregon, I read Thursday’s story on ignite cda’s “tech market” request with interest. I really appreciate Mayor Widmyer and the commissioners’ protection of taxpayer monies. At the same time, the forward thinking of the local technology, educational and entrepreneurial organizations were a major reason for our relocation to Coeur d’Alene.

In 1997, I moved to Ashland, Ore., a resort town just north of California. Ashland’s city government had recently created the Ashland Fiber Network, a major fiber optic Internet system, and heavily promoted the area as a startup hub. Dozens of technology companies grew in the area and middle class families thrived.

But, by the time we left in 2010, the resort-focused Californian retiree population had dramatically changed the focus of the city away from family-supporting jobs. Families and companies left the city in droves, and Ashland now has virtually no middle class left and an uncertain economic future.

Conversely, Greenville, S.C., transformed from one of the poorest areas of the country to a prosperous location with many high paying jobs by carefully developing a technology hub. The taxes generated from these jobs have allowed the city to greatly improve its downtown, library, schools and attractions.

We considered moving to Greenville and similar towns before selecting Coeur d’Alene. We believe Coeur d’Alene is the right choice, and not only for its tremendous natural beauty. With the careful stewardship and entrepreneurial vigor of this community, Coeur d’Alene clearly has a bright and self-sustaining future.

DOMINIC BLAIS

Coeur d’Alene