(Jefferson, IA, Friday, September 6, 2019) – Doors to high-demand, high-value software development tech jobs will literally open this weekend where leaders representing private sector companies, non-profit and higher education organizations, and federal, state and local governments gather to celebrate the Forge, a tech training center designed to help grow and retain tech talent in rural Iowa. After completing a college software development program, students will be selected for additional commercial software development training at the Forge.

The project is part of Accenture’s Industry EX DOT O rural pilot — the digital reinvention of industry where businesses use advanced digital technologies to transform operations. The Forge also advances Governor Kim Reynolds’ Empower Rural Iowa initiative and underscores the commitment to responsible business practices.

Chad Jerdee, global head for Responsible Business, Corporate Sustainability and Citizenship at Accenture, explains the importance of digital reinvention.

SOUNDBITE #1:

DISRUPTION AND THE CONTINUING GROWTH OF THE DIGITAL ECONOMY PROVIDE SIMPLY CHOICES – PLAN, REACT, OR IGNORE. WE’RE PLANNING AND WITH OUR CLIENTS AND LEADERS IN GOVERNMENT, BUSINESS, AND EDUCATION – WE’RE TAKING CRITICAL STEPS TO PREPARE OUR FUTURE WORKFORCE FOR SUCCESS HERE IN IOWA AND AROUND THE WORLD.

SOUNDBITE #2:

THE RAPID PACE OF INNOVATION AND INCREASED EXPECTATIONS ARE TRANSFORMING WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A RESPONSINBLE BUSINESS. WE’RE PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE OF WORK BY ANTICIPATING THE INTENDED AND UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES OF INNOVATION ON THE GLOBAL ECONOMY AND IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES. WE BELIEVE BUSINESSES HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY AND A RESPONSIBILITY TO BE A FORCE FOR GOOD IN THE WORLD.