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| MATR Newsletter - Fri Jun 2, 2017 |
Guard, protect and cherish your land, for there is no afterlife for a place that started out as Heaven.” ― C.M. Russell (Thanks to Monte Dolack for the quote)
Climate Change Science In Montana Forum - 6/5 - Missoula, Montana http://www.matr.net/ar ... .html
Big Sky Economic Development
Montana Department of Commerce
- Welcome to Big Sky Finance! Today the Business Finance Program at Big Sky Economic Development Corporation and Montana Community Finance Corporation have merged!
Today the Business Finance Program at Big Sky Economic Development Corporation and Montana Community Finance Corporation have merged!
Montana Economic Developers Association
- Innovate Montana tickets are selling out fast - don't miss out!
Are you interested in learning about Increasing Your Competitive Advantage through Technology & Automation?
- Training Opportunity Survey - Training Development Finance Professional Certification Program™
We know that many of our partners and staff might also be ready for the NDC training and could save a significant amount if they only had to travel to Helena.
Montana Politics & Legislature
- MEDA June News
And....before we know it the Innovate Montana Symposium will be here. Have you registered?
Spika Design and Manufacturing
- Republican leaders say no to special legislative session
Republican leaders responded with a wait-and-see attitude Tuesday to moderate members of their party who had hinted at convening a special legislative session to discuss funding for infrastructure projects.
- Greg Gianforte would not have supported American Health Care Act, spokesman says
Gianforte, who was elected by a six-point margin a day later in the race against Democrat Rob Quist, had not delivered a consistent assessment of the bill.
Big Sky Code Academy
- Spika Design and Manufacturing - Quick Guide to OSHA's Fall Protection Standard Update (2017)
The most significant change with the 2017 update is that the generic term for anything that is a mobile work platform is now called a "mobile ladder stand platform" (even if it has a staircase instead of a ladder). OSHA has also redefined standard railing as a "guardrail system," and portable metal ladders are now "mobile ladder stands."
- Five Key OSHA Standards for Work Platforms - Spika Design & Manufacturing
OSHA requirements for work platforms have always been horribly complex.
Dorsey & Whitney LLP
- The Next Big Blue-Collar Job Is Coding
What if we regarded code not as a high-stakes, sexy affair, but the equivalent of skilled work at a Chrysler plant?
Artificial Intelligence and The Internet of Things
- Dorsey & Whitney - SCOTUS: IP Hot Topics, 6/17, Webinar
This presentation will review these and other developments, including their impact on the law and practice of intellectual property.
Energy and Climate Change
- Is AI the end of jobs or a new beginning?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is advancing so rapidly that even its developers are being caught off guard.
1 Million Cups
- Rocky Mountain Power customers eligible for $10,000 incentive to buy a Nissan Leaf
"We want to help customers so they don't have to choose between their pocketbook and helping improve air quality," Cindy Crane, president and CEO of Rocky Mountain Power, said in a statement. "This joint venture is a significant way to make electric vehicles more affordable."
- Energy startup Drift takes on utility industry
The company relies on artificial intelligence and machine learning to predict its customers' energy needs.
- As Trump weighs Paris Treaty, U.S. mayors consider a move to 100 percent clean energy - Fact-checking President Trump’s claims on the Paris climate change deal
"It's up to us as leaders to creatively implement clean energy solutions for our cities across the nation," said Mayor Benjamin of Columbia, South Carolina in a statement. "It's not merely an option now; it's imperative."
- Ben & Jerry's 6 Reasons Pulling Out of the Paris Climate Agreement Was Totally, Definitely the Right Move
4. Rising Seas Means You Could Have Your Very Own Ocean View
- A Deep Look at Sacramento's Groundbreaking Use of Distributed Energy and Customer Data
This utility is integrating smart meter data and customer insights for a holistic approach to DERs and grid planning.
- University of Wyoming professors tap new possibilities for solar power
Adding magnesium atoms to solar cells boosted energy conversion by an average of 300 percent, according to their research, recently published in Applied Physics Letters. At best, the magnesium addition increased efficiency by 700 percent.
- How Minnesota Doubled Its Solar Capacity
The state's cities and counties embarked on a rare kind of collaboration.
- Montana Governor Steve Bullock: Withdrawal from Climate Accord 'Dangerous'
Bullock says we should face the challenge and work to find solutions, not pretend it doesn't exist
Come Home Montana
- 1 Million Cups - Missoula, 3-D Printed Supercars And E-waste Recycling - 6/7
You don't want to miss this week's Presentations
Developing a more Entrepreneurial Montana
- Montana Career Opportunities - IT Tech 2, Network Equipment/Electrical Engineer, Sales Account Executive, Director of Operations and more... - Blackfoot
Join the Blackfoot team today!
- Montana Career Opportunities - Town Manager-Superior, Town Manager-Phillipsburg, Engineer, Transmission Analyst, Gas/Electric Operations Supervisor and more... - Northwestern Energy
NorthWestern Energy is a leading energy delivery company in the region and provides opportunities to better connect with customers and markets in new ways, enhancing overall service and support capabilities.
- Montana Career Opportunity - CDFI Commercial Loan Portfolio Manager - Great Falls Development Authority
Exceptional professional sought to support the growth of our business and real estate lending and overall economic development efforts.
- Billings Gazette opinion: Montana's healthy job market
With the state at virtually full employment, lots of jobs are open. The state's jobless rate held steady in April at 3.8 percent, compared with a national rate of 4.4 percent.
Montana Business
- How Google Teamed Up With Minority Entrepreneurs To Cultivate An Even Stronger Startup Scene in Durham
When Google set up shop in Durham, North Carolina, two years ago, one of the first major moves the Silicon Valley tech leader made was to create new funding, networking and mentorship opportunities for minority entrepreneurs in what was quickly emerging as the "startup capital of the South."
Montana Economic Development
- A proposed cut in the federal budget could force the closure of the Montana Manufacturing Extension Center
While the budget notes eliminating the funding would require the centers to make do with private and state revenue sources, MMEC director Paddy Fleming called that proposition untenable.
- The Top 10 states grads ditch after college - Montana Grads who leave: 57.82%
Smaller, northern states tend to lose the most graduates while more populous states retain theirs. But why?
- Montana farmers, ranchers tell new Agriculture secretary they want better international trade
Four hours into a barnstorming tour of Montana, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue sat discussing grizzly bears and coyotes on the Canadian border.
- Video Game Developer Chooses Montana for Setting of New Release
"Far Cry 5" to take place in fictional Montana town, filmed near Poplar
Careers
- Great Falls gets a new tourism slogan - "Montana's base camp for art and adventure"
The campaign will highlight Great Falls' unique landscape, proximity to wilderness areas and art.
- Bozeman Chamber of Commerce looks to step up economic development in the area
Topics included regional tourism, regional development, local tourism and development, government, health and education.
Next Generation Broadband in Montana
- Scientists Have Found a Way to Help You Learn New Skills Twice as Fast
Scientists have found that by subtly varying your training, you can keep your brain more active throughout the learning process, and halve the time it takes to get up to scratch.
- Get Inspired by These 7 Epic Losers Who Bounced Back From Failure
James Dyson failed 5,126 times before he found a version of his Dual Cyclone vacuum cleaner that worked. To many, this would make him a loser, yet today he is worth $4.2 billion.
Canada Business & Economic Development
- Communities, Not Telcos, Should Define Success of Municipal Broadband Networks
Too often, reports on the feasibility of municipal broadband networks in smaller markets are sponsored by large telecom companies with a financial stake in the game. Many communities with muni networks wonder if these researchers are measuring success the wrong way.
Business Plan Forums
- Canadian government launches C$950 million superclusters initiative
ISED Canada defines superclusters as "innovation hotbeds" that build on the advantages of clusters, "dense area of business activity containing a critical mass of large and small companies, post-secondary and other research institutions."
City Club Missoula
- InnovateHER local competition due June 3rd
InnovateHER is a cross-cutting prize competition to unearth innovative products and services that help impact and empower the lives of women and families.
Government
- City Club Missoula Presents: The Future Of Missoula County Fairgrounds - 6/12- Missoula
Director of Fairgrounds Development Emily Bentley, charged with overseeing implementation of the county fairgrounds master plan and heading up the county fairgrounds department, will discuss progress on bringing that plan to life at City Club Missoula's monthly forum June 12, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Missoula's Doubletree Hotel.
Idaho Business
- This Is What Democracy Looks Like
Following is a beautiful and brilliant TED talk by Anthony D. Romero, the executive director of the ACLU. It's definitely worth 12 minutes of your life to watch.
- Senator Tester Introduces Bill to Strengthen Montana Manufacturing, Create Jobs, Keep Nation Safe
At Bozeman's Mystery Ranch, Senator Unveils Legislation to Require Homeland Security Department to Purchase Uniforms and Equipment from American Manufacturers
- High court tosses Montana decision, rules in favor of corporations
The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday tightened rules on where injury lawsuits may be filed, handing a victory to corporations by undercutting the ability of plaintiffs to bring claims in friendly courts in a case involving Texas-based BNSF Railway Co.
- Supreme Court Rules Patent Laws Can't Be Used to Prevent Reselling
The Supreme Court on Tuesday placed sharp limits on how much control patent holders have over how their products are used after they are sold.
- Proposed budget could mean cuts for Gallatin County
A program designed to help offset costs incurred by local government could lose nearly $70 million under President Donald Trump's current 2018 budget proposal.
- Senator Tester Announces Nearly $9 Million for Job-Creating Airport Infrastructure
U.S. Senator Jon Tester announced today, as part of his ongoing efforts to strengthen the state's infrastructure and #ConnectMT, that 20 Montana airports will receive a total of nearly $9 million to expand and update, and improve their facilities.
- USDA plans to axe the position dedicated to rural economies
Critics say the move will eliminate leadership rural communities rely on.
- Gianforte has a lot to prove as Montana's only House spokesman
"If Gianforte owed an apology, though, it was to the people of Montana for reaching the age of 56 and showing the maturity of a seven-year-old." Bob Brown
- State will appeal education tax-credit ruling to MT Supreme Court
State Revenue Director Mike Kadas said the agency believes the tax credit is an "indirect payment" - and that the state constitution forbids any such payment to sectarian, or religious, organizations.
Oregon Business
- What historian David McCullough's new book can teach Idaho business leaders
McCullough's book, "The American Spirit," argues that history is a "larger way of looking at life." His focus is on how politicians can use history, but I think it can help business leaders too.
- Idaho population forecast to grow at three times national rate for next decade, with biggest gain in retirees
"A lot of it has to do with cost of living and natural amenities that are bringing in, especially, retirees," said Sam Wolkenhauer, regional labor economist in Post Falls for the department. "We're kind of seeing this in the housing market - it's really hot right now."
Regional Economic Development
- Oregon IoT startup Rigado raises $3.3 million in initial funding
The company makes wireless hardware to help companies build a class of connected devices known as the Internet of Things.
Workforce Development
- Western states top new list of country's "most dynamic"
This week's Best of the West news roundup shares that list of states, details a big solar power success in Wyoming, sheds light on eclipse tourism in Idaho, and offers photos of a dramatic standoff between a mother bear and a marauding coyote after her young calf.
Wyoming Business
- Governor Bullock Highlights Tax Incentive for Montana Businesses to Grow and Create Jobs
Bullock holds ceremonial bill signing for apprenticeship tax credit
Education
- Casper experienced Wyoming's largest population drop during bust
The city, a hub for the oil and gas fields, lost about 1.6 percent of its population. At the same time, two nearby communities -- Mills and Evansville -- experienced small increases.
- Casper experienced Wyoming's largest population drop during bust
The city, a hub for the oil and gas fields, lost about 1.6 percent of its population. At the same time, two nearby communities -- Mills and Evansville -- experienced small increases.
Missoula Children's Theatre
- 'A Polymath Mastered Math--and So Can You.'
'Mindshift' author Barbara Oakley on the science and practice of learning--and finding love at the South Pole.
Montana Education Excellence
- It's Training Time at Missoula Children's Theater - Navy Camp is Just Around the Corner
One of our greatest thrills and privileges is taking the MCT tour around the world to serve the children of Navy families at their home bases.
Community
- Colstrip teen Bailey Quin Menahan named 'student of the year' by national group
"Given what she did throughout the four years, no, I was not," she said. "But when you look at the number of students running for the award, we just didn't think anyone from Montana would win."
Funding and Building your Business
- The 24 coolest towns in the USA - 2017
They remind us how unlikely certain places in America can be -- especially when local people decide to collectively achieve a dream -- like a surf wave in the middle of Montana. Hello Missoula!
- Eleven New Grant Opportunities
Connectivity & Communications
- Podcast - How One Startup Is Solving a Major HR Challenge
Twine uses algorithms to find the best internal candidates to fill a company's open positions to boost employee retention and reduce the cost of new hires.
- Tips for Getting Your Company Started with Analytics
If you're just getting started with analytics, you can avoid a lot of headaches by learning from the experts. We've tapped a few who have great practical advice.
- How 'Little Ideas' Can Lead to Powerful Innovations
Sherwin-Williams, like Lego, realized it's not so much about the product -- their product is a can of paint -- it's about their innovations around the product that make that product more valuable.
- Why Life Insurance Is Vital for Entrepreneurs
Without proper life insurance protection, the sudden death or disability of a founder could derail a company, resulting in layoffs, bankruptcy and possibly the collapse of the business itself.
Government Technology
- Successful Pilot Prompts Fiber Optic Expansion in Prince George County, Va.
The service the co-op is now providing offers a speed of 30 megabytes per second with no data cap and unlimited usage. Logan said that using fiber-optic cable instead of coaxial cable means data speeds could increase over time. The cost is $82 a month.
Miscellaneous Ramblings
- 3 Pieces of Advice to Governments for Making the Transition from Waterfall to Agile
Maine's agile journey began five years ago, so CIO Jim Smith and Associate CIO Paul Sandlin offer tips to IT officials looking to make the change.
- Optimizing Government Performance: Tips from the Trenches
Phoenix City Manager Ed Zuercher opened day two of the summit with a brief overview of the city's three principles for success and an example of each.
Cool Stuff That's Coming
- OMG!!! - Oreo O's is back so you can feed your children cookies for breakfast
Back when parents still let their kids have cereal that was, in essence (or sometimes literally), just cookie pieces, Oreo O's were one of our go-to picks for a sugar-filled breakfast.
HACKING AND VIRUS ALERTS
- The creator of Android has unveiled his vision of the ultimate smartphone
Simple is best. Companies shouldn't force people to put anything on their phones. Devices should work with one another.
- Scientists Claim to Have Invented The World's First Quantum-Proof Blockchain
Unhackable Bitcoin, anyone?
- uBeam's Meredith Perry shows her stealth wireless charging technology really works
For uBeam and other companies pursuing wireless charging, this is a halcyon vision for smartphone users who find themselves tethered to walls and kiosks, all in need of a power outlet.
Transportation
- Inside Google's Global Campaign to Shut Down Phishing
"The bad guys try hard, so we are motivated to try even harder."
Events
- There's an Auto Industry Death Spiral Coming
Automated and electric vehicles will change everything, but will it happen as quickly as these analysts predict?
- Focusing on tricky situations could accelerate testing of self-driving cars
A team from the University of Michigan (UM) has developed a new approach it believes can significantly accelerate the testing self-driving cars.
- Big News: Solar Roadways has been chosen as a winner in Colorado Department of Transportation's RoadX Bicycle and Pedestrian Challenge!
Big News: Solar Roadways has been chosen as a winner in Colorado Department of Transportation's RoadX Bicycle and Pedestrian Challenge!
- How much money could self-driving cars soon save the average family?
Self-Driving Cars Could Soon Save the Average Family at Least $5,600 a Year
- In Europe, Self-Drivers Focus on Augmenting Transit
Unlike the American focus on luxury personal self-drivers, the European approach favors small self-driving buses that can ferry riders to larger transit lines.
- How These 2 Innovative Companies Are Making Trucking Safer and More Fuel Efficient
Seven years ago, entrepreneur and auto industry veteran Josh Switkes launched Peloton Technology Inc. to mitigate two of the most important concerns facing America's $700 billion dollar trucking industry -- safety and fuel costs.
- 5th Annual Government Procurement Fair - 6/15 - Bismarck, North Dakota
- Touring The Lentil Underground: A Two Day Tour Of Sustainable Farming, 6/29-30, MT Communities
- Climate Change Science In Montana Forum - 6/5 - Missoula, Montana
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