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    College of Southern Idaho

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    Brigham Young University - Idaho

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    Meridian Technical Charter HS

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    Dennis Technical Education Center

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    Cassia Regional Technical Center

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    Meridian Technical Charter High School

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    North Idaho College

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Idaho Students Participate in 2024 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference


Students from across Idaho were invited to participate in America’s preeminent workforce development event. The 2024 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference was held in June in Atlanta for career and technical students from across the nation. 197 Idahoans attended, including 95 student competitors. At the conference, students participated either as competitors or as voting delegates. Competitors focused on one skill area, while delegates represented their state and conducted the business of the organization. Most students had opportunities to meet with business and industry representatives as part of their events. Thousands of students competed in 115 occupational and leadership skill areas at the annual event. The main contest days were June 26-27 with other days set aside for orientation, interviews and written tests. The event concluded with an awards ceremony on June 28. Students also interacted with business and industry representatives, heard from government officials and attended educational sessions.


Idaho students worked hard throughout the week. The following is a list of the Idaho students that received awards in their competition, as well as their school’s name:


Gold Medalists

Welding Fabrication: Emma Salka, Caleb Williams, and Joseph Wood - Bringham Young University - Idaho

Automated Manufacturing Technology: Jonathan Coy, Joel Fillmore, and Peter Munk - College of Southern Idaho

Electronics Technology: Joshua Makuch – Dennis Technical Education Center

Computer Programming: Kayden Humphries – Meridian Technical Charter High School

Web Design and Development: Rhys Jordan and Steven Shoen – Meridian Technical Charter High School

Collision Repair Technology: Jonathon Brunko – North Idaho College


Silver Medalists

Telecommunications Cabling: Aaron Cockrell – Dennis Technical Education Center


Bronze Medalists

Heavy Equipment Operation: Parker Osterhout – Cassia Regional Technical Center

Entrepreneurship: Sydney Cooper, Bailey Hayes, Natalie Klucken, Jessica Mercier – College of Southern Idaho

Telecommunications Cabling: Tony Ha – College of Western Idaho

Electronics Technology: Ty Linder – Dennis Technical Education Center


In addition to the competition awards, Bailey Jensen from Boise State University was elected to serve as a SkillsUSA National Officer for the 2024-2025 year, and Dr. Harold Nevill was awarded the SkillsUSA Honorary Life Membership Award for 30 years of service and dedication to SkillsUSA and Idaho CTE programs.


About SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA is America’s proud champion of the skilled trades. It’s a student-led partnership of education and industry that’s building the skilled workforce our nation depends on with graduates who are career ready, day one. Representing over 380,000 career and technical education students and teachers, SkillsUSA chapters thrive in middle schools, high schools and college/postsecondary institutions nationwide. SkillsUSA’s mission empowers students to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members. That mission is accomplished through the SkillsUSA Framework of Personal Skills, Workplace Skills and Technical Skills Grounded in Academics, which is integrated into classroom curriculum. Through Framework instruction, students develop the character-shaping leadership skills — teamwork, communication, professionalism and more — that successful careers and lives demand. At the same time, students hone their high-level technical skills against current industry standards in more than 130 skilled trade areas, from 3-D Animation to Welding. The result? Focused, confident and highly skilled graduates who are ready to work, ready to lead and ready to make a difference in our schools, workplaces and communities. A vital solution to the skills gap, where more in-demand skilled trades positions are available than qualified professionals to

fill them, SkillsUSA has served over 14 million difference-making members since 1965. For more, visit www.skillsusa.org.

Meet Nathan Jack

6 June 2025
Introducing: Nathan Jack, Department Chair of Computer Science and Engineering, Brigham Young University Idaho Describe the business/organization you work for: Brigham Young University-Idaho is a private four-year university owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. BYU-Idaho offers 2- and 4-year degrees in a broad variety of disciplines. Many of the technology-specific degrees offered are housed in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. Degree options within this department include Computer Science, Software Engineering, Web Design and Development, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Cybersecurity, and Cloud Computing. What inspired you to start your own business, or why did you decide to work for this specific organization? I enjoy working for BYU-Idaho because of the teaching-centric focus of the university. The faculty truly care about each and every student; they are 100% focused on teaching and mentoring students. Nearly all faculty have significant industry experience, resulting in a very practical and hands-on experience for our students. Our graduates are hard-working individuals equipped with the knowledge and skill sets needed for the fast-paced tech industry. Equally important, they are individuals of high integrity. They demonstrate a collaborative and friendly spirit in their interactions with others. They are truly a joy to work with. What sets this business apart from others in the industry? Our students come to us from all 50 states and several countries. We are one of the largest universities in Idaho in terms of enrollment and graduates in technical fields. We are eager to engage with local employers and educators and work together to strengthen the tech industry in Idaho.  Connect with Nathan on LinkedIn HERE Check out BYU Idaho on their website HERE

Empowering Rural Entrepreneurs: Diane Bevan at Punchbowl News' Small Business Summit

13 May 2025
Empowering Rural Entrepreneurs: ITC CEO, Diane Bevan, at Punchbowl News' Small Business Summit May 13, 2025 Washington, D.C. This morning, Washington, D.C. buzzed with energy as Punchbowl News hosted The Summit: Investing in Small Businesses, a dynamic event spotlighting the pivotal role of small enterprises in bolstering the U.S. economy. Among the distinguished speakers was Diane Bevan, President and CEO of the Idaho Technology Council , who delivered compelling insights on fostering entrepreneurship in rural communities. Championing Rural Innovation In a panel discussion moderated by Punchbowl News' senior congressional reporter Andrew Desiderio , Bevan emphasized the necessity of advocating for policies that nurture entrepreneurship beyond urban centers. Drawing from her extensive experience, she highlighted the unique challenges rural entrepreneurs face and the importance of tailored support systems to ensure their success. The Verizon Digital Ready Advantage Bevan also shed light on the transformative impact of Verizon's Small Business Digital Ready program. This free, online platform offers over 50 self-paced courses, one-on-one coaching, and networking opportunities, equipping small business owners with the tools and confidence needed to navigate the multifaceted world of entrepreneurship. Bevan noted how such resources are invaluable in leveling the playing field for rural businesses, enabling them to thrive in today's digital economy. Engaging Conversations with Industry Leaders The Summit featured a series of enlightening sessions, including a one-on-one interview between House GOP Conference Chair Lisa McClain and Punchbowl News Founder and CEO Anna Palmer . A fireside chat followed, featuring Verizon Chair and CEO Hans Vestberg and Hall-of-Fame quarterback Joe Montana, now Managing Partner at Liquid 2 Ventures . Their discussion delved into the intersection of technology, investment, and small business growth. "You need to believe in what you're doing," Verizon's Vestberg says. "I think large companies like us need to take responsibility for their ecosystem." Joe Montana noted that his firm is currently investing in 900 small businesses. He reiiterate that relationships are the most important tool in running a successful business. Joe Montana says he learned to stay out of politics a long time ago."Just always want to be on the winning side," Montana said. A Collaborative Effort for Economic Growth The event culminated in a panel that brought together diverse perspectives from industry and policy experts. Alongside Bevan, panelists included Jim Gowen, Senior Vice President of Global Sourcing and Supply Chain and Chief Sustainability Officer at Verizon; Tom Demarest, CEO of OKIN Process; and Michael O'Rielly, former FCC Commissioner and President of MPORielly Consulting, LLC. Their dialogue underscored the collective effort required to support and sustain small businesses across the nation. Demarest shared how Verizon's Small Business Digital Ready platform made a huge impact on his businesses. O'Rielly shared the importance that policy plays in the success of America's small business owners. The panelists emphasized the importance of digital connectivity, consistent spectrum policy, resilient supply chain and relationships for small businesses. Bevan's participation in The Summit not only highlighted the critical needs of rural entrepreneurs but also showcased the power of collaboration between public and private sectors in driving inclusive economic development. Her insights serve as a call to action for continued advocacy and support for small businesses, ensuring they remain a vibrant and integral part of America's economic landscape. For more information on the event and its speakers, visit Punchbowl News Events . About Idaho Technololgy Council The Idaho Technology Council has a mission to build a strong tech community in Idaho by bringing people together, supporting tech education, and advocating for policies that promote sustainable growth. Together, we’re making Idaho a top destination for technology and innovation. The Idaho Technology Council is a membership organization committed to increasing awareness of a thriving technology ecosystem statewide. We are dedicated to fostering an innovative tech community in Idaho by acting as a catalyst that brings together leaders, drives collaboration across all industries, and advocates for tech growth. As a nucleus of thought leaders, innovation, and tech advocacy, we empower government, industry, and reinvestment. Our mission is to position Idaho as a premier tech destination by attracting tech companies and talent, driving educational support and policy, convening tech leadership, and initiating conversations on emerging topics.

Meet Jillana Finnegan

7 May 2025
Introducing: Jillana Finnegan, Executive Director of Strategic Projects, College of Western Idaho Describe the business/organization you work for: College of Western Idaho opened its doors as the Treasure Valley's first community college in 2007. Today, we serve over 30,000 students annually. CWI serves community members at any stage of life's path with these educational programs: Dual Credit: Get a head start on your college education, explore your interests, and save time and money while in high school. Academic Transfer: Build the right foundation for a career pathway or to transfer by earning an associate degree. Career & Technical: Engage in fast-paced, hands-on, and focused training to gain the competitive edge employers are seeking. Workforce Development: Rapidly acquire career-focused skills to facilitate employment, retrain, or advance in your career. Adult Education: Gain life-changing, essential skills to reach your goals and succeed, such as completing a GED or improving literacy skills. What sets this business apart from others in the industry? CWI change's the trajectory of lives for generations to come. We offer: Open, affordable access unparalleled in the Treasure Valley. Student-centered commitment, adapting to meet students where they are. Career-oriented outcomes to provide students a competitive edge. Share something you love about Idaho, or a specific community you serve, or any special projects you would like to share with our followers, or even something specific you love or want to share about the company you represent. CWI students are the most hardworking and tenacious I have ever met. They are from all walks and stages of life. There is no typical CWI student, except that most are managing multiple responsibilities and challenges that could easily make them quit on their education. Instead, it seems to fuel their determination to continue. What inspired you to join the ITC? The two strategic projects I am leading right now are related to growing the tech workforce. I support our partnership with Micron to train more technicians and am the chair of CWI's AI Committee. Both projects have given me insights into the challenges and opportunities of building the workforce we need right now and predicting what will be needed in the future. I am inspired by ITC's mission to connect the tech community, because I know how vital collaborative and coordinated efforts will be to our success as a State. What are you looking forward to the most about serving as a board member of the ITC? I am looking forward to building relationships with other members and finding opportunities to collaborate. What do you like to do in your free time, or anything else you would like to share with our network? Like most Idahoans, I like to spend my free time with my family, friends, and dogs; ideally enjoying Idaho's beautiful outdoors. Connect with Jillana on LinkedIn HERE Check out CWI on their website HERE