TECHdotMN: News about Minnesota Startups

By Elizabeth Millard, The Line

“As Minnesota builds its technology sector and continues its path to becoming Silicon Prairie, one issue seems to stand out: there are still mostly men in all those software development seats.

Women hold a place at many companies and associations–most notably, Margaret Anderson Kelliher helms the Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA)–but when it comes to sheer numbers, the gender imbalance can be stark.

“We’ve really tried to hire more women as software engineers, but we have a hard time finding them and bringing them in,” says Shivani Khanna, a Software Development Manager at St. Cloud-based W3i. “Unfortunately, in the seven years I’ve been here, there hasn’t been much change, despite many efforts.”

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Via MPR Daily Circuit

“A new study shows that the Twin Cities region is only 26th out of 51 metropolitan areas ranked as best cities for tech industry jobs. The study comes just before local tech start-up group Project Skyway hosts a showcase event next week. “

Podcast with guests Mark Schill (Praxis Strategy Group), Margaret Anderson-Kelliher (MHTA), and Cem Erdem (Project Skyway):

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The Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA), which serves 300+ high tech member companies statewide, has been searching for a new president since the departure of nine-year president and CEO Kate Rubin in June.  Last week, the organization announced their future leader: technology and jobs advocate Margaret Anderson Kelliher, who will finish her term as Speaker of the House in December. Although her work with the MHTA officially begins in January, she’s already meeting with board and community members to set the direction for her tenure. We spoke with her about the state of Minnesota’s high tech industry, startups, women in technology and
STEM education.

Here are some excerpts from that interview:

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Via News Release,

“The Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA) announced today that Margaret Anderson Kelliher will serve as its next president beginning January 2011. Currently Kelliher serves as speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives and was recently an endorsed candidate for governor of Minnesota.


“Through her previous positions in government and extensive community involvement, Margaret brings excellent experience collaborating with individuals and organizations, great familiarity with public policy and strong communication skills to the position,” said Joy Lindsay, chair of the board, MHTA. “

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by Rachel E. Stassen-Berger, Star Tribune

“DFL-endorsed gubernatorial candidate Margaret Anderson Kelliher continues to rack up the union endorsements.

On Tuesday, her campaign announced she’d gotten the nod from the Communications Workers of America Minnesota State Council, the president of which praised Kelliher for her “commitment to bringing high-speed broadband to every community in Minnesota.”"

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