Rumor has it there is a quiet storm brewing in Boise. Thought-leaders on the Boise tech front met yesterday to discuss the future of technology start-ups in Boise. Those involved were sworn to secrecy with regard to the context of the conversation, but let’s just say “the match has been lit” and the firestorm is coming!

Boise is a thriving economy with a diverse workforce, but due to layoffs at Micron and the downturn in the local real estate market we must take a look at our assets – our people assets.

Have you ever taken an early morning flight on a Monday? Well if you haven’t it is like riding the bus. The same people week after week riding the “bus” to Seattle, Portland and the San Francisco to work. They buy homes in Boise for the quality of life and commute each week to a job that out-pays our local companies.

It’s not difficult to understand from the employee’s standpoint, just pick up a paper and see how many high paying jobs are listed – can you find one?

The challenge facing Boise is the refocusing of this brain-trust here at home. We have to create opportunities for these individuals to use their knowledge here by building companies that they want to be a part of. We have the opportunity to perform on par with other tech Meccas including Denver, Austin, SF and SLC, but we have to seize the day and catalyze our own success.

More to come .. stay tuned.