Meet the Vessel Team! Describe the business/organization you work for: Vessel is a Veteran-owned, employee owned, mission-driven company dedicated to reshoring and strengthening the resilience of U.S. manufacturing. At the core of Vessel is a custom-built technology, specifically designed to deliver measurable economic impact for private, state, and federal agencies that consult or advise underserved U.S. manufacturers. The Vessel Smart Assessment Platform (VSAP) enhances agency effectiveness by providing more accurate recommendations, fostering sustainable relationships, and enabling ongoing engagement through an evergreen approach. The technology integrates industry-specific, geography-based, size-based, and topical manufacturing assessments with AI-matched agency resources, partners, and external supply chain data points. This tailored matching system ensures that the unique needs of each manufacturer are met with precision. Vessel prides itself in being a self-funded team of innovators committed to delivering high-impact solutions across the United States. Originally founded as a consulting agency, Vessel helped manufacturers visualize, clarify, and implement strategies to overcome barriers to growth and profitability. Today, their consulting services focus on supporting partner agencies closely in managing the tools, strategy, and timely recommendations more effectively, enhancing their ability to drive results and build lasting awareness and relationships with their network of manufacturers. Vessel is dedicated to helping U.S. manufacturers not only compete but thrive in a global economy. By equipping experts with the tools, insights, and strategies necessary for success, Vessel aims to foster a more sustainable and prosperous future. What inspired you to start your own business, or why did you decide to work for this specific organization? At Vessel, we are united by a shared belief in the power of U.S. manufacturing to strengthen the national economy. Every team member is driven by this mission, and we each bring our own experiences and dedication to advancing this vision. Over time, Vessel has refined its focus to address the most impactful areas for U.S. manufacturers, leveraging our hands-on industry experience to develop technology solutions that empower small to medium-sized manufacturers and the agencies supporting them. Our commitment is to fortify U.S. manufacturing through clarity in supply chains and operational alignment. We aim to give manufacturers the agility and resilience they need to thrive amidst global challenges, ensuring their enduring success and impact. What sets this business apart from others in the industry? Not many for-profit companies have the culture and shared belief that the Vessel team has. There are other software offerings that perform elements of what our Smart Assessments platform can accomplish, however we are the only multi-dimensional program with advanced and custom smart matching, data visualization, and dynamic reporting that infuses behind the scenes to create efficiencies and strength in data collection/reporting. With our Vessel Smart Assessments platform now in multiple states across the country, we are able to reach into vertical markets to provide our tool as a solution across a variety of industries and use cases that include supporting Veterans as they transition into the workforce, bolster economic development, and support the full continuum of education onto meaningful careers. Our team has created an efficient and intuitive framework to analyze and visualize data and serve up AI-enhanced informed recommendations. We LOVE the work we get to do! What challenges have you faced as a business owner or employee, and how did you overcome them? Culture is extremely important to our team. Fortunately, for us it has been a way to separate out people that may have the needed skill sets but don’t have the passion for the work we get to do, or appreciation for the people on the team. On the flip side, our mission and culture have also been catalysts for finding really talented and dynamic people who deeply care about the work of Vessel and want to be a part of building a company and product we can all be proud of. What advice would you give to someone looking to join your industry? Being an entrepreneur is hard, overcoming external doubt is daunting, building technology is expensive, however, if you are willing to overcome those challenges, there is a seat at the table and a great need for supporting our U.S. Manufacturers and the cottage industries that fuel them. Connect with Vessel HERE Social Media Handles/Tags: @Vessel, #SmartAssessments #SupplyChainSoftware

Introducing Steve Wood, V.P., Global Services & Support, Ericsson Describe the business/organization you work for: Ericsson is a global leader in information and communication technology (ICT) providing hardware, software, and services for connectivity to the largest telecommunications companies in the world. Cradlepoint is the global leader in wireless WAN connectivity providing hardware, software and services to the largest enterprise customers in the world. Cradlepoint became part of the Ericsson family in 2020 and is part of the Enterprise Wireless Solutions business unit providing wireless WAN, security and private cellular networking solutions to enterprises around the globe. What sets this business apart from others in the industry? Ericsson's Enterprise Wireless Solutions is at the forefront of technology and the paradigm shift that has and is occurring in cellular communications' evolution from a voice connection for the masses to key data connection for the enterprise. Ericsson is uniquely positioned in providing solutions to both the telecommunications providers as well as the enterprises who consume those telecommunications services. As such, Ericsson solutions have the ability to provide unique value by integrating end to end. Ericsson is a technology leader in cellular and is bringing that leadership to the solutions for both telecommunications providers as well as enterprises at a level of integration that is very difficult for others to match and keep pace. Share something you love about Idaho, and the community. While I was raised and educated in Wyoming, my entire professional career has taken place in Idaho. However, my Idaho roots run deep. I spent summers working on the family farm in the Malad Valley splitting time between the dairy operation morning and night, raising hay & grain, running range cattle as well as a calf each summer to take to the fair to make my wages for the season. I learned the value of honest, hard work and pulling together as a community to accomplish larger goals. It was here I learned to lend a hand and not point a finger. It was here I learned to be humble and hungry or surely I would be if I weren't. I love our Idahoan spirit of the west wherein we aren't afraid to make bold choices and take risks and work hard to accomplish audacious goals. What inspired you to join the ITC? I have been very blessed to have had wonderful teachers and mentors along my journey. One of those mentors and recent ITC Hall of Fame inductee, George Mulhern reached out to me and suggested I think about joining the ITC. We had talked about giving back and sharing the benefits of the knowledge gained along the way with other Idahoans. I attended the 2024 induction ceremony and the energy and commitment from so many to a higher goal solidified my decision. I am hopeful that I will be able to share something that helps others as my past and current mentors have done for me. I hope that in doing so, I make them proud that their time they invested in me and my growth was time well spent and together we have furthered technology is This Great State. What are you looking forward to the most about serving as a board member of the ITC? I truly am looking at this opportunity to give back to the State and the communities who were seminal in my professional and technical success. I have been a part of start ups as a founder and an early employee as well as more mature companies in hyper-growth. I have also been part of companies that failed to make key decisions that unfavorably changed their trajectory. I want to be able to impart the knowledge and experience that I have gained to further the causes of the ITC and promote and further the burgeoning technology ecosystem Idaho enjoys. In my opinion and experience, Idaho technology and technologists are capable of collaborating with and/or successfully competing with any of our peers in technology the world over. I'm hoping to further that reality in some small way. What do you like to do in your free time, or anything else you would like to share with our network? I am active. I love the outdoors, the mountains and the rivers. I hike and backpack. I enjoy fishing, especially fly fishing. There is nothing better than drifting with my father through a hatch on The South Fork. I am an avid fitness junkie and can be found at the gym most days. I am excited for another ski season and look forward to hitting the slopes with my son. I still have hopes of becoming a decent powder skier albeit time is betting against me. I love college sports even amidst the significant changes in the past years. I am in therapy (wink wink) working through having a daughter at the University of Oregon and cheering for the Ducks who narrowly beat our Broncos. I am a classic car guy and love taking my own classic for jaunts through the Idaho mountain roads and visiting the wonderful Idahoans in small towns along the way that remind me of my times growing up and working in Malad. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me if you think I can be of assistance and help further the causes of the ITC. Connect with Steve on LinkedIn HERE Check out Ericsson on their website HERE Check out Ericsson on YouTube HERE

ITC Announces Relaunch of CyberUSA, and Idaho Chapter

Introducing Thomas Jensen, Founder & CEO of ioAire, Inc. Describe the business/organization you work for ioAire is a provider of products and services, particularly in the area of wireless connectivity, data security and networking solutions for industrial applications What inspired you to start your own business, or why did you decide to work for this specific organization? I created ioAire to solve critical needs in industrial settings. I became aware of these needs from my experiences in working to solve complex issues in factory, laboratory and warehouse environments What sets this business apart from others in the industry? We are early to market with unique and innovative approaches to the problems we're addressing. What challenges have you faced as a business owner or employee, and how did you overcome them? I've faced challenges as a founder in the team building area more than any other area. I believe that the "try before you buy" is a solid principle that has helped me in recruiting. Also, utilize the book Who? by Geoff Smart has been in invaluable resource that I think is a must-read for any entrepreneur. What advice would you give to someone looking to join your industry? Our sales within industries are B2B, where lasting relationships are the norm. Once you have relieved their pain, they will typically become a long-standing customer. Identify their pain, then articulate how your product or service will relieve that pain. Selling aspirin that brings relief is usually better than selling vitamins for prevention. Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn HERE Check out ioAire, Inc on their website HERE

Idaho Technology Council Supports Digital Literacy Requirement As published in IdahoED News and authored by ITC CEO, Diane Bevan November 13,2024 - Idaho Technology Council: Digital literacy must be a core requirement in Idaho high schools. As Idaho transitions into an increasingly digital world, it is imperative that our educational priorities evolve to meet the demands our students will face upon graduation. The Idaho Technology Council (ITC) fully supports state superintendent Debbie Critchfield’s initiative to replace the communication requirement with a digital literacy course. Digital literacy is not merely a technical skill; it is the foundation of modern communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving, and it is essential across every industry. Too many Idaho graduates are leaving high school without the digital skills they need to thrive. Digital literacy has become the “new common language” that transcends industries, empowering students to adapt to the rapidly evolving landscape of work and communication. Skills in coding, online safety, data privacy, and digital citizenship are not optional in today’s job market. Our students deserve the skills that will help them confidently navigate this world, from communicating in digital forums to understanding and applying new technologies. Preparing our students for this environment will position Idaho’s workforce as competitive and resilient. It is also crucial to note that this shift does not diminish the value of traditional communication skills. Local school districts will retain the autonomy to continue offering speech and communication courses as electives if their communities see value in them. Districts can adjust their course offerings to align with local preferences while still prioritizing statewide needs for digital proficiency. This flexibility empowers schools to serve both the evolving needs of the modern workforce and the unique priorities of their communities. The proposed change encourages teachers across subjects to incorporate essential communication skills into their curriculum. Many argue that interpersonal and advocacy skills are critical; we agree. However, these skills do not require a standalone course—they are, and should be, embedded in various disciplines. Group projects in science, persuasive writing in English, and presentations in history courses already foster these abilities. Students will still practice vital communication skills throughout their high school experience without sacrificing the fundamental digital literacy that modern careers require. Speech teachers rightfully highlight the need for students to develop confidence, teamwork skills, and the ability to advocate for themselves. Digital literacy is not in opposition to these goals—it enhances them. Digital tools enable collaboration across distances, effective self-expression online, and participation in global conversations. Requiring digital literacy prepares students not just to be capable employees but also informed citizens who understand the digital world’s impact on their lives. The Idaho Technology Council is dedicated to promoting a thriving technology ecosystem in Idaho by fostering collaboration, supporting education, and advocating for policies that drive tech growth. As a central hub, ITC connects industry leaders, educators, government, and tech entrepreneurs to enhance economic mobility and establish Idaho as a premier tech destination. One of ITC’s 2025 strategic objectives is to foster talent development and education by launching a new tech mentorship program, deploying support services for students focused on the semiconductor industry, and launching a new Workforce Development Resource Group. These initiatives are designed to build a skilled workforce that can meet the demands of the modern tech industry. As we look toward the future, it is our responsibility to ensure Idaho’s graduation requirements reflect the realities of the world students are entering. This proposed change is not just a step in the right direction; it is essential to preparing Idaho’s youth for success. ABOUT THE IDAHO TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL The Idaho Technology Council (ITC) is the industry voice driving innovation in the state of Idaho. The ITC is a member driven organization; committed to the success of Idaho’s technology ecosystem and leading Idaho to a knowledge-based economy. The primary initiatives of the ITC are focused on the continued growth of innovation, transforming Idaho’s future around Talent, Access to Capital, and R&D/Commercialization. The ITC is instrumental in building advocacy needed to persuade legislators and private industry to invest in high return initiatives that are necessary to propel new companies forward, along with retention and growth with existing companies. Email: info@idahotechcouncil.org Website: https://www.idahotechcouncil.org/