Monday, August 13, 2007

Venture Community Utah

While doing some research, I stumbled upon an article in Connect Magazine that discusses the Utah Diaspora as an asset:

[W]hile we lack a single Brigham Young-type visionary to steer existing resources, the state is full of powerhouse dynamos no less enthusiastic than "Brother Brigham" in fostering networking organizations and systems to funnel talent to fit needs and interests around the state. We can also do more to actively promote the early return of Utah natives that receive their education/work experience outside the state.

In other words, Utah needs a "build" rather than "buy" vision. It seems we spend too much time trying to "buy" outside talent, which is invariably more expensive and not necessarily more productive. We should encourage the return of Utah's talented diaspora, but we should also recognize that the most likely candidates for return are young professionals. The good news is that this demographic increasingly yearns to move back in order to give back to Utah to make it a significant force in the U.S. economy.

Now I understand why the Burgh Diaspora project resonates so well with Utah entrepreneurs. There seems to be a unique quality to the Utah Diaspora, but I'd have to see the results of the networking efforts. Looks like I can add some more research to the growing queue.

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