Layne is a member of the Idaho Technology Council

Introducing Steve Wood, V.P., Global Services & Support, Ericsson


Steve recently joined the Board of Trustees of the ITC, representing Ericsson. We invite you to get to know Steve Wood.


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

Bridging Education and Industry: High-Tech Connect in Rexburg

by Diane Bevan • 22 July 2025
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.

Meet Andy Binder

8 July 2025
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

ITC Statement on the Congressional passing of R&D Expensing Legislation

by Diane Bevan • 3 July 2025
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