Gov. Herbert talks tech, education at pancake breakfast.

• Author: Biton, Adva
• Position: Around Utah

Sandy -- BEEHIVE STARTUPS, SALT MINE and UTAH TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL presented "The Future of Technology in Utah Breakfast with Gov. Gary Herbert," inviting the tech startup community to eat pancakes, network in the Salt Mine collective workspace area and listen to the governor's call for the private sector to partner with the public where education is concerned.

Herbert sat down to a conversation with Beehive Startups founder and editor-in-chief, Clint Betts, to answer questions about the technology talent shortage, out-of-state recruitment, and how education is the long-term answer to the tech industry's problem.

"The biggest problem I find as I go around the state is that CEOs say to me, 'We have pipeline issues. Where is the new labor coming from?'" said Herbert. "We need people who have skills that line up with the demands of the marketplace. Hence our STEAM programs."

Investing in education and STEAM-Herbert said not to neglect the arts portion of the acronym, as creativity "has a very direct correlation to your success in the marketplace,"-is the best way Utah's technology industry can truly be prepared in the future. While Herbert said that out-of-state talent overwhelmingly enjoys relocating to the Beehive State for its unparalleled views and excellent quality of life, it's a short-term solution to beckon talent in from elsewhere.

Herbert related a conversation he had with Dave Elkington, CEO of INSIDESALES.COM. Elkington, said Herbert, chose a school wherein his company volunteers regularly to teach students code.

"[Elkington] issued a challenge.... He said, 'Let's develop more public-private partnerships. Let's make sure the private sector has some involvement in education,"' said Herbert. "You're the end user. You're the one going to hire the kids. They're going to be your future employees that are going to help elevate your company and boost profitability--so you have a vested interest...