A quality workforce from which to draw is one of the most important factors in successful business. Bannock County's exceptional workforce allows area companies to hire from a large pool of ambitious and highly skilled individuals. High education levels, low absenteeism and turnover rates, and an unparalleled work ethic result in high levels of employer satisfaction, as well as high levels of productivity and profitability.

Local employers report the area's rich quality of life allows them to recruit hard-to-find technical talent and also leads to happier employees. This positive professional environment and the clustering of technology-based businesses have made Eastern Idaho home to the largest concentration of technical professionals in the northern Rocky Mountain region. In fact, of a region-wide population of 297,687 people, approximately 15% work in the high technology industry, compared to the national average of 9%.

Because of Pocatello's close proximity to surrounding communities, Pocatello companies draw employees from nearby communities and counties, providing a labor pool in excess of 130,000 individuals.

The area's universities contribute significantly to the technological adroitness of the population base; however, several area employers, such as the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), ON Semiconductor and other key employers have a considerable impact on the technological composition of the area's workforce.

Employer surveys analyzed by the Wadley Donavan Group report the following about Southeastern Idaho's workforce:

• Employers are highly satisfied with basic skills among job applicants.
• Low average daily absenteeism & average annual employee turnover--an indicator of high employee loyalty.
• Work ethic & productivity for existing employees ranks among the highest seen by the Wadley Donavan Group.