Wyoming Federal Representatives Encourage Technology Business

The technology sector’s high average wage and above average value added per worker makes it an attractive growth industry for Wyoming

The recently published State of the Technology Industry Report is receiving significant exposure from both government officials and the public. The report’s findings paint a picture of how a strengthened state technology industry would significantly diversify and grow Wyoming’s economy. Shawn Mills, executive director of the Wyoming Technology Organization traveled to Washington D.C. to discuss the report’s merits with Representative Cubin, Senator Enzi, and Senator Thomas.

All the representatives were very receptive to the concept of diversifying the state’s economy through an expanding technology industry. Enzi stated, "Success breeds success. Highlighting just how many healthy technology companies that are already flourishing in the Cowboy state could help attract more and show people that yes, it can and is being done right here at home. This WTO report is a part of that effort."

Informing the state’s elected officials of the report’s findings has been a priority of the Wyoming Technology Organization. As Senator Thomas acknowledged, "This report will help Wyoming determine an appropriate way to develop our potential in the field of technology." The primary purpose of the document is to establish a comprehensive report that could be utilized as a benchmark to measure future industry growth.

As Wyoming looks for future growth in the technology industry, Representative Cubin explained, "Wyoming has a growing sector of outstanding technology-based businesses of which our state can be proud. From satellite uplink facilities in Cheyenne to innovative rural telecommunications companies in the Big Horn Basin, we have an active and vibrant tech community."

All three representatives are actively encouraging advancements in the industry. Cubin’s first bill introduced to the 110th Congress is designed to protect Wyoming’s rural telecommunications companies. Cubin continuously supports policy that enhances the availability of up-to-date technologies in Wyoming. Senator Thomas has also sponsored legislation in the Senate to address research and development, education, and help that will improve the business climate in Wyoming’s technology industry. An inventor’s conference, hosted by Senator Enzi, will be held in Rock Springs on April 2.

Expanding the technology industry will be critical to growing Wyoming’s economy. According to the State of the Technology Industry Report published by the WTO, the technology sector’s high average wage and above average value added per worker makes it an attractive growth industry. Wyoming’s technology industry average annual wage is $43,842, which is 32% higher than the average private sector wage. Excluding the mining industry, the technology industry pays its employees 44% more than the average. Currently, the technology industry employs 18 out of every 1,000 workers in the state. This is approximately 1/3 less than the national average. There is substantial room for growth within the technology sector. The full State of the Technology Industry Report can be found on the organization’s web site at http://www.wyomingtechnology.org .

About The Wyoming Technology Organization

Wyoming Technology Organization, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to fostering an environment that advances the utilization of new technologies, provides new companies and IT employees an infrastructure rich home to grow, and promotes a collaborative environment between government and industry. http://www.wyomingtechnology.org .

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:

Shawn Mills

([email protected])

President and Executive Director

Wyoming Technology Organization

(307) 699-1322