Letter: Give incentives to businesses already here

Why is there no initiative to promote existing high-tech companies? My company (O.I.D. Interactive Technologies Inc.) has been in town for six years. We design custom software applications. We create computer-based and Web-delivered training programs, touch-screen kiosk applications, Internet/intranet design, e-brochures and catalogs/biz cards on CD-ROM. The biggest problem is not the lack of trained personnel, albeit a concern. The biggest problem is the lack of incentive for businesses to incorporate new technologies. Many corporate decision makers are not computer literate, nor are they interested in learning how new technology can help businesses grow.

For example, the hospitality industry has an annual attrition rate of over 30 percent. If employees were better trained in areas such as customer service and safety, that figure may be reduced dramatically. The problem is that human resources managers are not knowledgeable in the areas of new technology used for training. They resist change and receive no such directive from upper management.

If government wants to attract high-tech business, it must first support businesses already here. Incentive plans giving businesses tax breaks by incorporating new technology into the way they do business may help. Why should a Silicon Valley company relocate to Las Vegas when they see how entrenched companies are being treated?

JOEL RECTOR

Vice President/Director of Business Development, O.I.D. Interactive Technologies

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