Bill Bither's Insights

This week the business magazine for Western Mass, chose me as one of 40 business leaders under 40. I'm truly honored to be included in this list of talented business people in the region.  While Western Mass is certainty outside the technology hub of the Greater Boston Area, it's nice to know that there are other young entrepreneurs that call this area home.

With that said, I am terribly disappointed that out of the nearly 40 companies represented, Atalasoft was the only technology company.  No bio-tech companies.  No software companies (except Atalasoft). No nanotech companies.  No engineering firms. Very few people with a technical background.  That's not to say that the other company's represented don't use technology; of course they do.  That's also not to say that these people don't exist!  They also do, but obviously fell short on getting nominated for the 40 under 40.

Perhaps the problem with this list is that Business West magazine is targeted to local businesses, with local clients.  Many of the selected are lawyers, accountants, and educators.  Those companies are the ones who most often read the journal, and also are the advertisers.  I'm not trying to knock the accomplishments of anyone who was selected; just share my disappointment in the lack of technology represented.  Each named individual demonstated significant personal and business accomplishments, with most contributing to the local community much more than I as only recently have I been active in the community since surfacing for air from building Atalasoft. 

The problem is, what will support all of these law firms, accounting firms, and bankers in Western Mass in the future?  Who will help them prosper and grow?  The major employers in the area will continue to contribute for sure (Mass Mutual, UMASS, Bay State Hospital, and a handful of others) but that only goes so far as the economy changes.  The Textile and Paper Industry held up this region for a hundred years.  After that industry was basically sent over to China, it was Precision Machining and Aerospace.  Now precision machine shops are having trouble with some of that industry heading to China.  It's time for this area to adapt to the globalization of our economy and reap the benefits from the good that comes from it.  Invent new products and services that are used beyond the borders of the Pioneer Valley, Massachusetts, New England, or even the United States.  Build off of and learn from the successes of other companies.  What will sustain and grow Western Mass for the next 100 years?  Biotech, nanotechnology, software, and the endless opportunities to deliver technology world-wide. 

Kudos to BusinessWest for their first 40 under 40, and congratulations to all those selected.  It's a great way to recognize those who have contributed to the local economy and community.  I hope this inspires more young technology entrepreneurs to start their own businesses in this area and contribute to the local community.  I know for a fact that there are other local leaders under 40 who have contributed their ideas, inventions, technology but were not selected or nominated. Please nominate yourself or make sure you get nominated next year! Prove to me and my naysayers that Western Mass is a great place to grow a technology company.