Recently, the News-Gazette reported on a new company setting up shop in the U of I Research Park.  LEXTech, a mobile applications company, will soon hire about five employees along with a strong desire to grow.  LEXTech, in addition to many other current and upcoming Research Park companies, banked on Champaign because of their strong ties to their alma mater.  Couple this desire with the enormous talent pool, Champaign has much to offer and much to gain.

In a recent blog post, I showcased the number of job opportunities within the park.  We have strong demand for our engineers, yet we need more.  By encouraging outside growth along with organic growth, we become diversified in technology and become more resistant to economic downturns.  While external growth is just one cog in the wheel, this cog is quite important.  In future posts, I'll discuss the several other cogs which allow us to gain momentum in the park. 

If you are an alumnus or know any alumni looking for the following, (encourage them to) think Champaign:

• Strong Engineer Talent Pool
• Quick Access to Professors
• Organic growth through internship programs
• Low-cost alternative to the West coast and Chicago
• High retention rates / low turnover rates
• Short Commute

While you may think the economy is down, software developers and engineers are still in very strong demand.  Many companies in Chicago and elsewhere look for above traits, and they have a very tough time finding qualified candidates.  If you know of an alum or someone interested in Champaign, encourage them to reach out to representatives of the research park.  For research park info, contact Laura Frerichs ((217) 333-8323).  Plus, the Champaign Software Development Group pre-bundled and categorized the current available workforce; contact Walt Shore (walter.shore@gmail.com) for powerpoints and resumes.  To join the Champaign Software Development group, contact Walt.