ITC Hosts Annual Gathering for the State of Technology event.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Idaho Technology Council Hosts 2025 State of Technology Luncheon and Small Business Showcase


Boise, ID — May 7, 2025 — Yesterday, the Idaho Technology Council (ITC) brought together more than 250 business, technology, and civic leaders for its 2025 State of Technology Luncheon, held at JUMP in downtown Boise. The sold-out, standing-room-only event celebrated innovation, investment, and the continued rise of Idaho’s technology sector.



Board Gathering and Special Guests

The day began with 35 of ITC’s 50-member Board of Trustees gathering for one of their annual in-person meetings. They were joined by Idaho Governor Brad Little and Kelly Loeffler, the newly appointed 28th Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, who both affirmed their support for ITC’s leadership in driving technology growth across the state. The ITC Board—comprising educators, tech leaders, and industry professionals—works collaboratively to support Idaho’s fast-evolving innovation economy.


Luncheon Program Highlights

Following the Board meeting, trustees joined attendees in JUMP’s Pioneer Room for the luncheon. Jessica Cafferty, Founder and President of Route Networking Group and ITC Vice Chair, emceed the event—welcoming guests, recognizing sponsors, Alturas, Key Bank and Meta, and honoring veterans and ITC Board members.

Blake Hansen, Founder of Alturas and Title Sponsor, opened the program with a message on Idaho’s entrepreneurial spirit.

Hansen also presented highlights from the Idaho Deal Flow Report, a signature publication tracking investment trends, M&A activity, and business growth statewide. Hansen revealed over a decade of success stories in large investments into and as exits.

Holli Davies, Regional Community Development Manager at Meta, spoke about Meta’s infrastructure investments and the importance of local partnerships. She expressed Meta's commitment to communities that they choose to build their data centers.

Alice Crisci, Founder and CEO of Ovum Health, then delivered a powerful narrative of her journey as a cancer survivor and entrepreneur, describing how Ovum Health is using technology to redefine fertility care and preservation.

Scott Schlange, Idaho Market President at KeyBank, introduced SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler,  who celebrated Idaho’s entrepreneurs during National Small Business Week and reaffirmed the SBA’s nationwide commitment to small business and tech sector success. Earlier that morning, she participated in a presentation of Idahos small businesses of the year, including ITC member, Derik Ellis, founder of Vessel as the Veteran Idaho small business of the year.


Diane Bevan, ITC President and CEO, then acknowledged sponsors and welcomed guests to the Small Business Showcase, featuring 12 emerging companies and their innovations.

Attendees also heard from leaders and changemakers across several key sectors:

Adam Rak, Executive Director of CyberUSA, discussed collaborative cybersecurity readiness and action strategies to protect critical infrastructure.

Andrew Crapuchettes, Founder and CEO of RedBalloon, spoke about the entrepreneurial opportunities in Idaho and shared growth strategies from his own ventures—emphasizing how he has used technology and data to drive talent retention and innovation.

Carmen Achabal, Senior Director at Micron, gave an update on the company’s $15 billion Idaho expansion and detailed new semiconductor workforce initiatives. She showed an aerial video of the construction site revaling the massive size to be 2 football fields wide by 5 long, for a total  of 10 fields in size.

Greg Wilson, Chief of Staff at the Idaho State Department of Education, shared updates on statewide programs aimed at equipping students with essential digital and career skills and announced to successful win in the most recent legislative session with Digital Literacy crossing the finish line as now a 1 credit HS requirement. This new ruling will go into effect in 3 years giving time to implement it into all Idaho school districts. Greg thanked the ITC for the many years of support in this effort.

Nathan Foss, of Natcast, unveiled a new and improved Knowledge Report with an interactive data dashboard to tract tech jobs, tech workforce, tech employers as well as informative trends.

To conclude the program, Diane Bevan presented the official ITC Impact Report, showcasing the Council’s statewide collaborations, key initiatives, and growing influence in shaping Idaho’s tech future. She express her gratitude for a successful first year as the new President and CEO and is excited to move the organization forward utlizing technology to grow and scale.


Breakout Workshops: "The Event After the Event"

Attendees then moved to JUMP’s 5th floor for a series of dynamic breakout sessions designed to foster deeper engagement and learning. Sessions included:

Investing in Innovation — Sheli Gartman, Whole Human Consulting

Mentorship through TechBridge — Betsy Davies, ITC Vice President of Operations

AI Tools for Small Business — Irene Gonzalez, SBA Business Opportunity Specialist

Cybersecurity Trends and Preparedness — Adam Rak, Executive Director, CyberUSA

Semiconductor Workforce Development — Carmen Achabal (Micron) & Dan Lamborn  (Boise State University)

Exporting Tech & Services Globally — Tracy Day  (Idaho Commerce) & Jennifer Verndon (U.S. Commercial Service)

These interactive sessions capped off the day with actionable insights, connections, and collaborative energy to carry Idaho’s innovation economy forward.


About the Idaho Technology 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 Brett Madron

by Tim Munkres • 11 June 2026
Introducing: Brett Madron, Sr Director of Workforce Development, CSI Describe the business/organization you work for: College of Southern Idaho Workforce Development and Training helps people and businesses build real-world skills that lead to real opportunities. As part of the College of Southern Idaho, the team works closely with employers to offer hands-on training, customized programs, and apprenticeships across areas like manufacturing, healthcare, trades, safety, technology, and professional development. Whether you’re an individual looking to grow your career or a company building your workforce, CSI offers practical, local training designed to meet today’s workforce needs right here in the Magic Valley. What inspired you to start your own business, or why did you decide to work for this specific organization? Joining the CSI Workforce Development and Training department was a meaningful homecoming. My wife and I were both born and raised in Twin Falls, and as a graduate of both the College of Southern Idaho and the University of Idaho, returning to serve this community was always a goal of mine. With both of our families here, the timing was finally right to move home. After spending a brief period working remotely as a data analyst and strategic partner for Idaho Forest Group, the opportunity to lead CSI’s Workforce Development Department opened, and I jumped on board. This role allows me to apply my education and experience in engineering and manufacturing to help other companies grow and be successful. What sets this business apart from others in the industry? What sets CSI Workforce Development and Training apart is its deep connection to industry and real-world operations. My background in local food processing, lumber production, and semiconductor manufacturing brings a practical, firsthand perspective to workforce training. Having worked inside these environments—including advanced manufacturing and high-tech operations—I understand the challenges companies face as they modernize and adopt new technologies. That experience allows CSI to serve as more than a training provider; we act as a strategic partner, helping local employers upskill their workforce in ways that are practical, relevant, and aligned with where their industries are headed. What challenges have you faced as a business owner or employee, and how did you overcome them? The challenges I’ve experienced leading the Workforce Development Department at CSI have been minimal, largely because I inherited a strong team with a clear, well-defined mission. As a lifelong learner and non-traditional student, I deeply value a broad and applied education, and that perspective shapes how I approach this work. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside exceptional tradespeople, engineers, and organizational leaders, learning something valuable from each of them. It’s especially rewarding to now help others recognize the importance of lifelong learning across all disciplines and to see how continued education can open new doors for individuals and strengthen the workforce as a whole. What advice would you give to someone looking to join your industry? For anyone considering a career in higher education or workforce development, my advice is to focus on the impact. The most meaningful rewards come from seeing people grow—watching an apprentice walk across the stage to cheers and tears, or seeing someone return to their job with new skills, greater confidence, and access to higher responsibility and pay. Helping individuals advance in their careers and lives is incredibly fulfilling, and it’s a constant reminder that this work truly matters. About the Idaho Technology Council The Idaho Technology Council (ITC) is a member-based organization that champions innovation and collaboration to grow Idaho’s economy through technology. Representing a dynamic and growing community of entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and policymakers, ITC connects vision with action to position Idaho as a hub for innovation and opportunity. Learn more at www.idahotechcouncil.org . Connect with Brett on LinkedIn HERE Check out College of Southern Idaho HERE

Idaho Technology Council Named Partner as Boise State Secures Historic National Semiconductor Win

by Diane Temple • 4 June 2026

ITC Hosts State of Technology Annual Conference

by Diane Temple • 21 May 2026
About the Idaho Technology 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.