Federal, state, and local leaders met in Paintsville on Monday to collaborate with information technology industry experts to explore opportunities to connect Silicon Valley to “Silicon Holler,” an identity coined by Congressman Hal Rogers to describe the growing high-tech workforce in Eastern Kentucky. SOAR co-chairs Congressman Rogers and Governor Matt Bevin co-hosted the innovative event with Earl Gohl, Federal Co-Chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission and Interapt CEO Ankur Gopal on the campus of Big Sandy Community and Technical College. Congressman Ro Khanna, representing Silicon Valley, was also in attendance. A roundtable discussion prompted questions aimed at filling needs in Silicon Valley with the workforce in Eastern Kentucky and how to build upon the success at Interapt. Jared Arnett, Executive Director of SOAR, said their mission is to expand job creation and improve quality of life by diversifying the economy in Eastern Kentucky. The U.S. Department of Labor estimates nearly two out of three college graduates in 2020 will have the skills needed to work in newly formed technology jobs.