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There’s an interesting article titled SW Idaho proposed site for high-tech corridor in today’s Seattle Times. There’s a similar article titled Eagle-Star area targeted for high-tech hub in The Idaho Statesman. If a high-tech corridor might work in southwest Idaho, what could work here in north Idaho? |
December 28, 2008
What Might Work in North Idaho?
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A lo-tech sewer plant corridor?
Comment by Gary Ingram — December 28, 2008 @ 2:01 pm
oh, oh, i know! freedom. free enterprise. small government. honesty. hard work. value.
Comment by TheWiz — December 28, 2008 @ 5:26 pm
Wasn’t the original proposal for Riverstone supposed to be some type of high-tech medical research thingy?
Comment by Dan — December 28, 2008 @ 10:12 pm
Dan, I don’t know. Was it to be R&D for medical technology, or what?
Gary, I was thinking more along the lines of niche businesses like Absolute Aviation Services at GEG. In a declining economy, consumers may begin to reawaken to the value in preventive maintenance and repair rather than dispose and purchase new. If consumers demand more reliable, durable, and economically repairable products, manufacturers who insist on planned obsolescence and feature creep will decline. Niche companies than can help private and commercial consumers economically continue to use what they have rather than be forced to purchase new may do well.
Comment by Bill — December 29, 2008 @ 7:28 am
Bill, you’re serious. I really don’t feel like doing a promo for the Education Corridor. Also this is a term that should bve banned from all blogrolls.
Comment by Gary Ingram — December 29, 2008 @ 10:07 am
Gary,
I didn’t mention the commercial corridor, what Bell and the Bloemster like to call the EC. The original post had to do with a region attracting careers and jobs. AAS is apparently a good example of a niche business that is doing well because it found a viable market and it delivers good service at competitive prices. I was simply wondering if north Idaho might find similar niches.
Comment by Bill — December 29, 2008 @ 10:30 am
As long as Seattle’s port doesn’t ice over this I-90 corridor should be an ideal location to source any of a number of industries. I-90 is this countries northern arterial and it can convey product and materials to and from the pacific rim as well as any via Seattle. Northwest power is less costly than along the west coast and aside from these last 2 winters the climate is not that much of a imposition.
Comment by Wallypog — December 29, 2008 @ 12:26 pm
Wallypog,
Do you have any particular industries in mind that would fit this area? Our mayor and city council in Coeur d’Alene seem fixated on tourism, but common sense would suggest diversifying if possible. As you note, we’re only six hours by truck from Port of Seattle in good weather. We do have an airport suitable for air freight.
Comment by Bill — December 29, 2008 @ 12:47 pm
Medical, medical equipment, dental, dental equipment, any health-related products or services.
Comment by mary — December 29, 2008 @ 5:49 pm
Mary,
Looking at NIC’s offerings, I saw a few courses that might be applicable or adaptable to fit medical/dental equipment design, installation, and repair occupations. Unless I missed it, however, NIC offers no programs in electronics and computer technology. With so much medical/dental equipment being microprocessor controlled and robotic, applicants with demonstrated abilities and education in both electronics and mechanics/toolmaking will almost certainly be in demand. Fortunately, ITT Technical Institute in Spokane Valley offers courses leading to a Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communications Engineering Technology and an Associate of Applied Science in Computer and Electronics Engineering Technology. It would be interesting to know how many of its graduates ITT places in the medical/dental equipment occupations.
Comment by Bill — December 30, 2008 @ 7:05 am