ND Could Be Next 'Silicon Prairie'

Several states in the Midwest have tried to claim the title of Silicon Prairie over the years, but leaders in North Dakota say they should be considered for the coveted technology title.

 

 

 

 

FARGO, N.D. (AP) - Several states in the Midwest have tried to claim the title of Silicon Prairie over the years, but leaders in North Dakota say they should be considered for the coveted technology title.

Business and political leaders who gathered at technology conference in Fargo say the budget surplus and lack of serious socioeconomic problems makes North Dakota an ideal place for tech companies to grow up.

Republican Sen. John Hoeven says the state has more than 16,000 open jobs, about 60 percent of which are outside the oil-producing counties, including many of what he called "high-paying, high-tech positions" in the Red River Valley.

Says Hoeven, "We are definitely driving energy development in the United States, but I don't think people realize how much we're driving technology development as well."

 

AP

   

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