Expert offers ideas on creating tech jobs

The new interest in growing your own tech jobs is based on two facts: People who work in technology, even rank-and-file technicians, are paid much better than their non-tech counterparts; and the old style of economic development, luring out-of-state companies with low taxes and low-interest loans, no longer works.

Developing a technology-based economy is not a new idea, according to Marianne Clarke of Battelle Memorial Institute. In fact, she said business groups across the United States are trying to do exactly that.

However, the successful ones are finding the right combination of local talent, university research and supportive public policy to create high-paying tech jobs, Clarke said during a speech to 33 area government and business officials Wednesday in Rapid City.

She made similar presentations this week in Belle Fourche, Lead, Custer, Spearfish and Sturgis.

Battelle has been hired by Black Hills Vision, a local group that is trying to, among other things, create what it calls the Black Hills Technology Corridor.

By Dan Daly, Journal Staff Writer

Full Story: http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/articles/2005/01/07/news/local/news03.txt