Introducing: Dana Cotton, Chair of Humanistic and Artistic, Social Science, and Written and Oral Communication, College of Eastern Idaho
Describe the business/organization you work for:
The College of Eastern Idaho is the newest designated public community college in Idaho. The main campus is located in Idaho Falls, but the outreach spreads all through the region and state.
What inspired you to start your own business, or why did you decide to work for this specific organization?
I have been an educator for over twenty-five years, with more than half of that experience being through distance modalities. When I became acquainted with CEI, formerly Eastern Idaho Technical College (EITC), I instantly connected to the people and their mission to serve a variety of students, local industries, and the community.
What sets this business apart from others in the industry?
What most obviously sets CEI apart from other higher education institutions is that we are the newest college in Idaho, making it an exciting time to be part of the team that continues to create CEI's foundation as an impactful resource and asset to our region and state.
What challenges have you faced as a business owner or employee, and how did you overcome them?
From our first president, Dr. Rick Aman, came a quote we now use often at CEI: "Building the airplane while it's flying." While the campus has established many facets of our institution, we continue to grow rapidly, providing us with plenty of opportunities to keep building the airplane while it's still in the air. As a department chair, my biggest challenges are my biggest rewards: navigating learning and teaching by meeting students and faculty exactly where they are, and supporting their success. Open communication, collaboration, and problem-solving are essential processes for overcoming any challenge I face.
What advice would you give to someone looking to join your industry?
There are many types of people and positions that contribute to making a college successful, so my first piece of advice is to determine where their talents can best serve an institution of higher education. If it is through teaching, I suggest applying to be an adjunct instructor to see what teaching at a college is all about.
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 Dana on LinkedIn HERE
Check out College of Eastern Idaho HERE
July 15, 2025 - The Idaho Technology Council (ITC) brought its momentum to Rexburg with a dynamic High-Tech Connect event—our first in the Upper Snake River Valley region of eastern Idaho and a powerful step in our mission to serve Idaho’s tech ecosystem statewide. In partnership with our newest ITC member, Brigham Young University–Idaho , and with leadership support from ITC Board Member Dr. Nathan Jac k, the gathering drew over 65 students, faculty, and industry professionals. Attendees came together to network, explore shared interests, and align academic goals with future employment opportunities in Idaho’s growing tech sector. Strategic Partnerships that Drive Connection The success of the event was made possible by the generous sponsorship of Laurel Mueller, Owner of CMIT Solutions , and Jeremy Bosco, Founder of HireMySub.com and MobileDash.com —both champions of tech workforce development and student engagement. These sponsors and partners helped catalyze a series of meaningful introductions between industry professionals and students pursuing tech degrees at BYU–Idaho. The enthusiasm in the room was inspiring, as students shared their aspirations and connected with employers, like Idaho National Laboratory , invested in Idaho’s future. Rural Reach, Statewide Vision High-Tech Connect in Rexburg marks the beginning of a new chapter for ITC—bringing resources, relationships, and opportunities beyond the Treasure Valley and into rural communities. Following the success of the Tech Expo in Idaho Falls earlier this year, the ITC is committed to deepening its engagement in Eastern Idaho. While in Rexburg, ITC CEO, Diane Bevan , also conducted a follow-up meeting at the Mayor’s Office with Aaron Denney, Economic Development Professional for the City of Rexburg. Their ongoing conversation centers on a bold vision: attracting tech companies to open satellite offices in Rexburg and capitalize on the exceptional talent emerging from BYU–Idaho . TechBridge providing pathways to Semiconductor Many of the students who attended High‑Tech Connect are currently enrolled in ITC’s new TechBridge program, a mentorship and support initiative funded by NATCAST under the Workforce Partner Alliance. The program is specifically geared toward students aspiring to enter the semiconductor industry, pairing mentees with experienced professionals while also offering TechBridge Access Grants to cover essential services like housing, childcare, transportation, mental health, and addiction support nist.gov+6idahotechcouncil.org+6ectownusa.net+6 . With participants already statewide, TechBridge is actively expanding its reach and welcomes both students and mentors to get involved. For more information, please reach out to our TechBridge coordinator, Tim Munkres, at tim@idahotechcouncil.org . A Talent Pipeline Ready to Activate As Idaho’s top producer of college graduates, BYU–Idaho plays a critical role in fueling the state’s tech workforce. Yet retaining this talent in-state requires a robust connection between education and employment. Through High-Tech Connect and related initiatives, the ITC is building the bridge. We are working to align employers with emerging talent and positioning Idaho as a destination for innovation, entrepreneurship, and career development. What’s Next for ITC The Idaho Technology Council continues to travel the state to meet with stakeholders, tech leaders, startups, and employers who are ready to shape Idaho’s economic future. With a clear mandate to be the statewide voice of technology, our strategic plan includes launching localized events, statewide campaigns, and industry roundtables to ensure every region has a seat at the table. If you're a company looking to tap into Idaho’s tech talent—or a student eager to stay and build here—we invite you to join the ITC movement. Together, we are building Idaho’s tech future—one connection at a time.
Introducing: Andy Binder, President and CEO, Idaho Regional Optical Network Inc. Describe the business/organization you work for: The Idaho Regional Optical Network (IRON) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing high-speed, fiber-optic connectivity to Idaho's nonprofit and public-sector communities, including education, research, healthcare, and government institutions. As a mission-driven organization, IRON focuses on delivering cost-effective, scalable, and high-performance networking solutions that empower its members to advance their work in the public interest. What inspired you to start your own business, or why did you decide to work for this specific organization? After a successful career in the private sector, I joined the Idaho Regional Optical Network (IRON) because I want to give back to the people of Idaho and make a lasting and meaningful difference in our communities. I believe that connectivity is a cornerstone of opportunity, and I'm passionate about bridging the digital divide, especially in rural and underserved areas of Idaho. Expanding access to high-speed infrastructure isn't just about technology, it's about keeping our next generation of students in Idaho, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities to thrive right here at home. My work with IRON is driven by a vision of a more connected, innovative, and prosperous Idaho, where technology helps every community and individual reach their full potential. What sets this business apart from others in the industry? What sets the Idaho Regional Optical Network (IRON) apart is our unique mission-driven approach as Idaho's only 501(c)(3) nonprofit regional optical network. Unlike commercial providers, we are not profit-driven and our sole focus is on serving Idaho?s nonprofit community, including education, research, healthcare, and public service organizations. Our statewide coverage ensures we can deliver an expansive, reliable, and resilient high-speed network to meet the diverse needs of Idaho, from connecting supercomputers at the Idaho National Laboratory to supporting community outreach for Idaho's universities and enabling highly reliable emergency services in remote counties. By investing in our infrastructure and prioritizing mission over margins, IRON provides Idaho's public-serving institutions with the connectivity they need to innovate, educate, and protect communities across the state. What challenges have you faced as a business owner or employee, and how did you overcome them? As a business leader, one of the biggest challenges I've faced is resistance to change. Whether it's adopting new technologies, shifting long-standing processes, or encouraging a new way of thinking. Change can be uncomfortable, especially in industries where stability and tradition are highly valued. To overcome this, I've focused on building trust, communicating a clear vision, and demonstrating value. I've learned that people don't resist change itself, they resist uncertainty. By actively listening to concerns, providing transparent information, and showcasing real-world benefits, I've helped teams and stakeholders see change not as a disruption, but as an opportunity for growth and innovatio n. Another key challenge has been navigating resource constraints while ensuring we continue to drive impact and serve our mission. In these moments, I've leaned on strategic partnerships, creative problem-solving, and a focus on long-term sustainability to find solutions that work not just for today, but for the future. Ultimately, leadership is about inspiring others to embrace progress, adapt to new realities, and work together toward a shared goal, and that's exactly the mindset I bring to every challenge I fac e. What advice would you give to someone looking to join your industry? My advice to anyone looking to join this industry is simple: Be curious, keep learning, and don't be afraid to challenge the status quo. Technology and connectivity are constantly evolving, and the best way to stay ahead is to ask questions, seek knowledge, and embrace growth. You'll inevitably encounter people who say, "This is the way it has always been done." When you do, don't let fear hold you back. Innovation comes from those willing to push boundaries and rethink old ways of doing things. Be bold, take calculated risks, and always focus on finding better solutions that serve the greater good. Most importantly, stay mission-driven. Whether you're working in networking, infrastructure, or digital transformation, remember that technology exists to empower people and communities. Keep that purpose at the heart of what you do, and you'll make a meaningful impact in this industry. Connect with Andy on LinkedIn HERE Check out Idaho Regional Optical Network Inc. on their website HERE
Idaho Technology Council Statemednt on Congressional Passage of R&D Expensing Legislation July 3, 2025 The Idaho Technology Council (ITC) applauds the United States Congress for the bipartisan passage of legislation that restores full and permanent R&D expensing under Section 174. This action marks a critical milestone for American innovation and economic competitiveness—especially for the small and mid-sized technology businesses that are the backbone of Idaho’s innovation economy. As an active member of the Technology Councils of North America (TECNA) Public Policy Committee, ITC has worked in close collaboration with peer tech councils across the country to advocate for this essential reform. Over the past year, ITC has made multiple trips to Washington, D.C., meeting directly with Idaho’s Congressional delegation to highlight the impact of R&D amortization on our state’s innovators, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. These advocacy efforts were instrumental in raising awareness and building momentum for reform. The ITC especially appreciates the steadfast leadership of Senator Mike Crapo, Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, whose commitment to restoring and making R&D expensing permanent was vital to moving this legislation across the finish line. His understanding of the innovation economy and consistent support for Idaho’s tech sector have helped ensure that our state remains a stronghold of entrepreneurial growth and advanced technology development. Restoring full and permanent R&D expensing delivers long-term certainty to technology companies of all sizes, enabling them to invest confidently in research, workforce development, and innovation that drives high-value job creation. The inclusion of retroactive relief for small businesses is particularly meaningful for Idaho’s early-stage companies navigating the challenges of growth and global competitiveness. ITC remains committed to championing policies that strengthen Idaho’s innovation ecosystem and appreciates the continued partnership of our federal delegation in achieving these goals. The R&D provisions include: Permanent full expensing for R&D investments under Section 174, reversing the harmful amortization requirement that went into effect in 2022. A small business retroactivity provision, allowing businesses with annualized receipts of $31 million or less to reclaim previously incurred R&D expenses and receive refunds. These provisions are the result of more than three years of sustained advocacy by TECNA. 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 i nnovation and opportunity. Learn more at www.idahotechcouncil.org . Contact: Diane Bevan, CEO | diane@idahotechcouncil.org | www.idahotechcouncil.org
