The Utah Technology Council is officially Silicon Slopes Commons, a membership driven organization partnered with Silicon Slopes to accomplish the mission of “Learn, Connect, Serve”. Commons, formerly UTC, will remain a 501c6 organization, with its own independent board, committees, activities and events,
Clint Betts, Executive Director of Silicon Slopes Commons, said ”Commons has an emphasis on serving the community as a whole. We want to use our resources, our successes, to make Utah a better place to live and start a company.”
Carine Clark, Board Chair of Silicon Slopes Commons, stated “Tech in Utah must have a voice. We are a major economic driver that only continues to grow. We are changing the perception of Utah, and changing our own internal landscape. Utah is my home, and we are committed to making it the best home possible for everyone.”
Silicon Slopes Commons will meet weekly during the legislative session, including hosting former U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan at an open breakfast at the capitol on January 30th.
In addition to fully committing to funding computer science education in Utah and general economic development points, Silicon Slopes Commons has the following initiatives for the upcoming legislative session:
Education
Silicon Slopes supports quality education for all Utahns, especially in STEM subjects and starting early in life. Education creates opportunities that strengthen people while also benefiting companies in our technology industry and all others.
Diversity and Inclusion
Silicon Slopes believes opportunity should be accessible to everyone. Our technology companies thrive when diverse talent stays and continues to enrich our ecosystem. We believe that strategic investments within our companies will create an inclusive atmosphere for further inspiration and growth in our community.
Air Quality
Silicon Slopes believes that our environment is crucial to our growth. We support efforts to strengthen Utah’s air quality through thoughtful, collaborative solutions with government and industry to solve our current air crisis.
Taxation
Silicon Slopes believes that healthy tax system provides growth and prosperity for all industries in our state. A fair and simple tax system that promotes investment in Utah technology companies, allows legislators the flexibility to meet the state’s budgeting obligations, and prioritizes growth in targeted areas are our highest priorities.
