MATR Newsletter - Tue Mar 14, 2017 |
“Having this service available is both a huge benefit to the community and a key strategy in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.” Chase Jones, the energy conservation and climate action coordinator for Missoula, Montana Electric car charge station comes to Missoula Through Northwestern Partnership http://www.matr.net/ar ... .html
Governor Bullock Announces 2nd Annual Innovate Montana Symposium, 7/11-13, Billings http://www.matr.net/ar ... .html
Montana Department of Commerce
Montana Governor's Office of Economic Development
- 2 Montana Films Featured at South by Southwest
Both films were funded in-part by the Big Sky Film Grant
Montana Politics & Legislature
- Governor Bullock Announces 2nd Annual Innovate Montana Symposium, 7/11-13, Billings
"Montana's small businesses grow our economy and create more good-paying jobs," said Governor Bullock. "This event will be an important opportunity for business owners, leaders, innovators, and inventors to access new resources to help them grow and succeed."
Northwestern Energy
- Gov. Bullock calls current Montana budget 'unacceptable'
Speaking Friday morning at the Board of Regents meeting in Helena, the Democratic governor said the state spending plan would make significant cuts to higher education and services to seniors and children.
- The 2017 Montana Legislature Has a New Homepage
Many thanks to Pam Cote for making us aware of this change. Please update your bookmarks to follow all legislative developments as well as legislature contacts.
- Montana Libertarians pick rancher Mark Wicks to run for US House
The 46-year-old cattle rancher and writer from Inverness will be contending against Democrat Rob Quist and Republican Greg Gianforte, who unsuccessfully ran for governor last fall.
- 2017 Montana Legislature Week 10: Child abuse, bed tax, health care, landlords
With the legislature intact after transmittal break, lawmakers will now focus on closing out the remaining half of the session, amending the state budget and making decisions about all surviving bills.
- Montana Senate president Scott Sales calls cyclists 'rude,' 'self-centered' before safety bill dies
"They're some of the most self-centered, rude people navigating on the highways and county roads I've seen. They won't move over. You can honk at them. They think they own the highway."
- University of Montana reduces deficit by millions, faculty members say it isn't enough
Faculty members did say they're thankful the cuts no longer total 23 million dollars, but cutting that number in half is still not enough.
Great Falls Development Authority
- Missoula Teams Up with NorthWestern Energy on Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
"This is just one example of our continued environmental commitment at NorthWestern Energy," said Bob Rowe, CEO. "Coupl ed with our hydro- based, low -carbon generating fleet, electrification of transportation, where it makes sense to the customer, would help further reduce carbon dioxide emissions in our service territory."
- Electric car charge stations come to Missoula Through Northwestern Energy Partnership
The city partnered with Northwestern Energy, who says Missoula County has more electric cars registered than any other county in the state.
Montana Office of Tourism & Economic Development
- GFDA Top Ten for 3/6/17
It's amazing what we can accomplish as a community and region when we put our heads and hearts together to make good things happen.
- GFDA Top 12 for 3/12/17
Here are the Top 12 Items Moving Great Falls Forward this week!
Artificial Intelligence and The Internet of Things
- Butte.Elevated wins Marketing Campaign of the Year at the Montana Tourism Awards.
This goes out to the entire Butte community. Together we are changing the dialogue and making an impact. Congratulations!
- Ekalaka, Montana's 'Dino Shindig' wins "Event of the Year" at the Governor's Conference on Tourism and Recreation
The Fifth Annual Shindig is set for July 29 & 30, 2017. This year is also the centennial for Carter County so this promises to be our best year yet. Join us in Ekalaka!
Visit Montana - Montana Dept. of Tourism
- Income Inequality, Robots and a Path to a Fairer Society
In this interview, Nobel Laureate Robert Shiller of Yale and Wharton finance professor Jeremy Siegel discuss how the income distribution gap became so wide, and they offer possible solutions.
- Google DeepMind's Untrendy Play to Make the Blockchain Actually Useful
To DeepMind's credit, its new project depends less on trendy ideas than an apparent desire to solve a real problem in the real world--one that involves the most private and personal information.
Energy and Climate Change
- Watch the video below and find out why you paddle 50+ miles down the Smith River in Montana.
Why we float in Montana.
Come Home Montana
- Video: 90% Discount Available for Solar Installations for Small Business and Rural Agriculture Organizations
Offer expires March 31st.
- Earth's oceans are warming 13% faster than thought, and accelerating
But how fast is the Earth warming and how much will it warm in the future? Those are the critical questions we need to answer if we are going to make smart decisions on how to handle this issue.
- Behind the Quiet State-by-State Fight Over Electric Vehicles
Today, the economic incentives that have helped electric vehicles gain a toehold in America are under attack, state by state.
- A Renewables Marketplace Promises to Turn Neighborhoods Into Power Plants
A new renewables marketplace in Australia makes small-time energy moguls of homeowners, in order to make use of their solar hardware to smooth erratic supply and demand.
Developing a more Entrepreneurial Montana
- Montana Career Opportunity - Environmental Data Analyst - Bison Engineering, Inc.
Interested applicants must have experience in data analysis, data entry in Excel and report creation in Word.
- Doctorate 'preferred,' not required, for University of Montana president
The next UM president may not have as many letters after her name - or more likely, his name, according to data on university presidents from the American Council on Education.
Montana Business
- Garden City Montessori students launch eBay business
A new generation of business tycoons is working hard on South Russell Street.
Careers
- Ennis business owner named Montana retailer of the year - 'My Home in Montana'
Haas' store supports more than 80 Made in Montana vendors. Her strategy is simple: make customers' experience easy and fun.
- Native Teaching Aids of St. Ignatius, Montana
Native Teaching Aids believes in the vital importance of retaining, preserving and revitalizing Indigenous culture, language and history to uplift communities everywhere.
Montana Data Focused Business Cluster
- If You Want to Be Happy at Work, Have a Life Outside of It
With more of us wanting and expecting our jobs to provide not just a paycheck but also human needs like learning, community, and a sense of purpose, we wanted to know what specifically makes people happy at work.
- First-year doctors will be allowed to work 24-hour shifts starting in July
The controversial decision ends the latest phase in a decades-old discussion over how to balance physician training with the safety and needs of patients whose care is sometimes handled by young, sleep-deprived doctors -- a practice that a consumer group and a medical students' organization oppose as dangerous.
- Why Mindfulness Is Your New Secret Weapon
Three new books attempt to demystify the cloudy world of mindfulness training.
- This 75-Year Harvard Study Found the 1 Secret to Leading a Fulfilling Life
Enter the science of what to prioritize, when.
City Club Missoula
- Informational Session On Data Analytics, 3/14, Missoula, Montana
In order to train future leaders in data analytics, the University of Montana has a relatively new degree program, a one-year Master's of Science in Business Analytics.
- 6 Must-Haves for Your Data Science Resume
To help ensure that the data professional hits the right notes, senior recruiter Patrick Circelli of Mondo, an IT recruiting firm, offers the following advice.
Government
- City Club Missoula Forum - State of the Missoula community strong, but not without challenges
Hosted by the City Club Missoula, the annual "State of the Community" saw Missoula Mayor John Engen, Missoula County Commissioner Jean Curtiss and University of Montana President Sheila Stearns touch on their organizations' successes, and outline their goals for the coming year.
Idaho Business
- Secretary Zinke's trip to Helena and Billings canceled
He was scheduled to address a special joint session of the Montana Legislature on Monday.
- Killing a Program That Brings History to Life
It links the past to the future and it connects all of us to the purposes that guide us. The work of the endowment nurtures our national soul. We must ensure that it continues.
- Police falsely told a man he couldn't film them. 'I'm an attorney,' he said. 'I know what the law is.'
"I think the video shows that the police are willing to lie in order to coerce people into doing what they want them to do," he said. "You just have to know your rights."
- Wealthy Would Get Billions in Tax Cuts Under Obamacare Repeal Plan
It is not unusual for tax cuts to benefit mostly the wealthiest, but still save some money for a majority of Americans. But the benefits of these reductions would be aimed squarely at the top.
- Without valid identification, Montanans will soon no longer be allowed to fly commercially
Instead, you'll be required to produce a passport or some other form of identification that complies with Real ID, a 2005 law that sought to boost security by mandating nationwide standards for driver's licenses and other forms of identification.
North Dakota Business and Economic Development
- Idaho CEOs saluted for their influence, leadership
The Idaho Business Review CEO of Influence program is recognizing some of the top Idaho leaders this year for the seventh year in a row.
Regional Business
- North Dakota Makes Way for New CIO
Gov. Doug Burgum has appointed Minnesotan Shawn Riley to head up the North Dakota Information Technology Department.
University of Montana & Montana State University Tech Transfer
- The New Bubble? - U.S. subprime auto losses highest since the crisis
The rate is the worst since January 2010 and is largely driven by worsening recoveries after borrowers default, S&P said.
- Can supermarkets save dying suburban malls?
"As traditional anchors leave, it's an opportunity for both the mall owner and the supermarkets."
Utah Business
- '10X10 MSU Innovation Road Show: From Tiny Houses To Honey Bees' - 3/23- Montana State University
The event will feature 10 MSU researchers who will share their stories of research and creativity in 10-minute segments.
Washington State Business
- Jive looks to expand Utah operation
Jive has plans in place to add 200 employees to their current workforce of 500 as well as building a new headquarters in Utah County.
Wyoming Business
- Plan Washington - Unlock Potential
Too many Washington residents are left out of the Seattle metro region's economic success.
21st Century Education Initiative - "You Should Care..."
- Hydroponic farm in retired shipping container offers fresh lettuce in Casper, Wyoming
It's not quite spring, and lettuce is sprouting in Casper.
Education
- It's not just about jobs. Education organizations must help students find their passions.
It should come as no surprise that each year, higher education graduates millions of students into career paths that leave them unhappy and unfulfilled. They suffer from a crisis of meaning.
Montana Education Excellence
- Groundbreaking school blends high school and college together
The 4-year college experience isn't for every student--and maybe PPEC's zero student debt, blended pathway can help.
- Panel formed by MI Gov. Snyder calls for free preschool, community college
"Enhancing teacher preparation, improving educator professional development, providing universal preschool for all four-year olds and connecting human services to schools are all excellent ideas, but until we make adequate funding a priority and ensure the voices of front-line educators are heard in crafting education policy, none of those recommendations can become reality."
Montana Education/Business Partnerships
- University of Montana yanks funds to balance $1.8 million budget deficit
As part of the University's attempt to balance a $1.8 million budget deficit this year, the Provost's office shifted about 30 percent of every college's designated funds expenditures to the University's general fund overnight on Thursday, Feb. 23.
Community
- University of Montana students quiz Missoula business owners on entrepreneurship
The owners of Betty's Divine, the Trail Head, the Dram Shop and the software firm Geofli, each elaborated on their personal path toward success and issued morals of knowledge to the class of inspiring entrepreneurs.
Funding and Building your Business
- Tell Us Something - Don't Look Back - 3/21 - Missoula, Montana
8 storytellers share their true personal story on the theme "Don't Look Back". Stories are ten minutes long and told from memory.
Connectivity & Communications
- WeWork Is Giving Away $20 Million in Cash Prizes to Other Startups
The co-working company's CEO says the contest is a gesture of goodwill but may also help attract more customers.
- This company is Fortune's top place to work for 6th year in a row
The tech giant has been named the top workplace for the sixth straight year.
- "Fred" - An unconfirmed change in how Google ranks web pages is freaking some people out
When Google makes even the slightest change to its website ranking algorithms, the effects can be monumentally good, or bad, to many companies around the world.
- How Boards Should Evaluate Their Own Performance
This exercise often is not performed in a rigorous matter, and in many companies is omitted entirely.
- 2017 Kauffman Foundation State of Entrepreneurship Address
"Zero Barriers: Three Mega Trends Shaping the Future of Entrepreneurship"
- 'Shark Tank' star Sacca: Companies without women leaders 'must hate money'
"There are two reasons to pursue diversity and inclusion," said Sacca. "One, because you believe one group has benefitted from hundreds of years of discrimination, or two, maybe you don't like that women make 73 cents on the dollar compared to men.
- This Is How You Identify A-Players During An Interview
If you haven't heard the term "A-players" before, don't feel bad. Here's a quick rundown -- when it comes to people in the context of work, you can generally group them into 3 categories:
- 9 Keys To Measuring Your Social Media Campaign ROI
The sooner you find these insights, the quicker you can make better decisions to positively enhance your bottom line.
- How to Tell if a Potential Hire Has Emotional Intelligence
Here are five telltale signs of EQ to look for during an interview.
- Why Employees At Apple And Google Are More Productive
It's a mix of organization, priorities, trust, and leadership.
- Social media has made conference-going face-to-face gatherings more valuable than ever.
A guide to using technology to make face-to-face gatherings even more valuable
Government Technology
- The World Wide Web's inventor warns it's in peril on 28th anniversary
Tim Berners-Lee, who invented the World Wide Web, now wants to save it.
The Creative and Cultural Economy
- Live From SXSW 2017: Where Mayors Meet Innovation
For the first time ever, the annual conference is focusing on finding private solutions to public problems.
Miscellaneous Ramblings
- This Video Game Will Break Your Heart - CBS Sunday Morning
"I think we may look back at this game and see this as a touch point, a moment of rethinking what people can do with interactivity."
Cool Stuff That's Coming
- A creature of wilderness: Documentary recounts remarkable life of Bud Moore
Bud Moore spent much more time in the mountains than he did in school.
- Brain has more than 100 times higher computational capacity than previously thought, say UCLA scientists
"This is a major departure from what neuroscientists have believed for about 60 years," said Mehta, a UCLA professor of physics and astronomy, of neurology and of neurobiology.
- 3.14 essential reads about (sign for Pi) for Pi Day
It's enough to make your head spin.
Transportation
- The New Raspberry Pi Zero W Is Your Key to the Hackable Future
As everything grows ever more computerized, the need to understand what lies beneath the software grows more pressing.
Events
- Look Ma, no hands! No steering wheel needed under new Calif. car rules
Prior to this, autonomous vehicles had to have a driver sitting ready to take charge at any second should anything go wrong.
- Autonomous Cars - We're in an 'arms race' for smart people: Bill Ford
"The Dodge brothers were suing Henry Ford, and generally there was a lot of turf warfare in terms of who owned what and who had access to what," said Ford. "It's the same thing playing out now. There are a lot of smart people and a lot of sharp elbows."
- B2B Networking Luncheon - MSU Athletics Dept. , 3/27, Bozeman, Montana
- Former Eclipse CEO - Lachlan "Lach" Perks "A Practical Guide To International Business Development" 3/20, Bozeman
- Intermountain GIS 2017 Conference - Innovating In A Mobile World, 4/18-21, West Yellowstone, MT
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