September 7, 2000

Leading policy makers attend 'Boot Camp' on Idaho e-Government.

BOISE, ID - Nearly 250 Idaho policy makers including elected government officials, members of the Idaho Legislature, college presidents, mayors and county commissioners went to 'boot camp' Thursday to learn about how the Internet is dramatically impacting government operations and processes as well as how it delivers information and services.

"Making Idaho A Leader in the New Economy" was the theme for the intensive, one-day Idaho E-Government 'Boot Camp' for Policy Makers held Thursday, September 7 at the Boise Centre on the Grove. The Information Technology Resource Management Council (ITRMC) of the State of Idaho sponsored the event.

Keynote speakers included nationally known experts in the e-government and information technology arenas who discussed how the digital revolution is impacting all of government including its culture, its practices and procedures, procurement policies, and budgeting strategies.

According to Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne, who addressed the gathering and welcomed participants, the state has made significant progress over the past several years to make government more responsive to citizens through use of information technology.

"The focus of this event will not just be on how to harness and effectively utilize technology to deliver information and services better to our citizens, but also how government leaders can look at ways to use advancing technology to deliver better government," he stated.

Panel discussions were held which focused on the critical skills shortage in the information technology arena, and how to build public confidence in electronic transactions on the Internet. Another highlight of the daylong event was the "Idaho Best Practices" booths exhibit where state and local government agencies demonstrated current applications being conducted online with Idaho citizens. For more information see the ITRMC website.