What is the nature of the business you do here?
TechSpark is a civic program by Microsoft designed to foster greater economic opportunity and job creation in rural and smaller metropolitan communities. By partnering closely at the local level, we learn about unique regional challenges and explore ways to spark local economic growth. We will share our learnings broadly so other communities can adopt what works.
“El Paso and Juárez represent a great opportunity to learn from a binational, bilingual and bicultural community.”
Why did you choose this area?
El Paso and Juárez represent a great opportunity to learn from a binational, bilingual and bicultural community. The intersection of several local, state and international jurisdictions; regional capacities from an R1 university; and an impressive military installation present a great opportunity for Microsoft to understand the needs of diverse groups.
What is it like to do business here?
The region is a great place to explore different use cases for products and programs:
The border creates tremendous opportunities for value creation in El Paso and Juárez.
The military installation and supporting industries create a unique cluster of capabilities.
The rural agricultural surroundings allow for precision agriculture concepts to develop alongside the companies developing the next generation of space exploration.
What is it like to hire people here?
El Paso institutions produce a robust and capable workforce. Students from the region tend to exhibit uncanny drive and are hungry to learn. The local workforce has continually demonstrated that if you invest in and support people’s desire to grow, they will reward companies with strong engagement and loyalty.
What do you think you get here that you don’t anywhere else?
The understated humility, friendliness and work ethic of the people of the region are unmatched.
“This region has a big-city feel with the accessibility and friendliness of a small town.”
What advice would you have for a company considering our area?
This region has a big-city feel with the accessibility and friendliness of a small town. Don’t be afraid or hesitate to reach out to local civic, business and education leadership for guidance or support. The decision-makers, customers, suppliers and community overall want you here, and will do everything they can to make your effort successful.
—J.J. Childress
Community Engagement Manager