The Insurance Technology and Services Cluster (ITs|SC) convened a panel in downtown Columbia to explore the future of insurance technology business in the region. Known throughout the nation for the development and implementation of technology for the insurance industry, Columbia continues to see growth in new business, more targeted technology education, and an ever expanding workforce dedicated to the insurance space.
Vivian Ford, President of Core Technology Solutions, represented CTS on the panel, along with leaders from Duck Creek Technologies, Capgemini, Colonial Life/Unum, ITs|SC, Richland County, and IT-ology. Topics ranged from economic development to attracting and retaining IT professionals to the advancement of women in technology. While other cities may have similar insurance technology spaces, the panel discussed what makes Columbia distinctive and attractive, both to new business and a professional workforce.
After the event, Mrs. Ford commented regarding the need for more women in technology leadership roles: “Women who lead inspire women to lead.” She listed several organizations who focused on developing IT skills to girls and women, including Girls Who Code, Code.org, NCWIT, and IBM’s “Bring Her Back” program.
More than a hundred professionals from IT, insurance, government, and education sectors attended the event. Several themes were repeated by panelists: focus on technology services, educational opportunities in technology at the earliest ages, and greater messaging to the nation about the growth of Columbia’s insurance technology hub.
The Columbia Insurance Technology & Services Cluster is dedicated to promoting the Greater Columbia area’s wealth of opportunities within the insurance technology sector, and is supported by the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness. Its mission is to foster an environment of opportunity where talent, innovation, collaboration, and a shared vision ignite a world class industry.
Bringing 30 years of experience to the IT staffing industry, Vivian Ford leads a team of gifted recruiting professionals with proven expertise in matching talent to technology every day. Her firm serves a rapidly growing base of entrepreneurial companies and Fortune 500 clients throughout the region. Headquartered in the greater Columbia area, Core Technology Solutions is known for its unique approach to identifying and delivering top IT talent across all technical disciplines.
For more information, visit www.core-ts.com or call 803.345.9899 to talk to a technology recruiter today.