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| MATR Newsletter - Fri Jan 21, 2011 |
"We need to live up to our children's expectations." President Barack Obama
"Montana State University math/science conference for girls "Expanding Your Horizons" seeks presenters, sponsors" http://www.matr.net/ar ... .html
Montana Department of Commerce
Northwestern Energy
- Nominations Requested for Montana's Tourism Awards -- Deadline is February 28, 2011 --
"Montana is fortunate to have a tremendous product to entice travelers, but it's the innovative and committed people within the industry that ensure tourism is a strong and significant contributor to Montana's economic vitality," said Governor Brian Schweitzer.
- Neighborhood Stabilization Program 3 (NSP3) Montana Department of Commerce
These funds will be awarded by the Montana Department of Commerce to eligible entities to stabilize neighborhoods whose viability has been, and continues to be, damaged by the economic effects on properties that have been foreclosed upon and abandoned.
- Montana Technology Innovation Partnership Newsletter - January 2011
Montana ranks first in the nation for entrepreneurs and is a top spot for economic growth according to a report from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
PrintingForLess
- Sneak peek at Northwestern's $200 Million Mill Creek Generating Station East of Anaconda, Montana
The station, capable of generating 150 megawatts to balance 2,000 miles of Montana transmission, began operation shortly after midnight Jan. 1.
- Chamber names NorthWestern Energy top business
"Their employees take their civic responsibility to heart," outgoing Chamber President Pat Schlauch said. "Sometimes people take them for granted. I don't."
21st Century Initiative - "You Should Care..."
- PrintingForLess Printing Matters Newsletter - January 2011
This month's newsletter is filled with strategies and resources to boost your business in 2011, tips to help you evaluate your suppliers for sustainability and information on PFL's new and improved referral program.
Dorsey & Whitney LLP
- Experts Begin to Identify Nonacademic Skills Key to Success
More and more, research shows young people need the same cognitive and social-emotional skills to complete school and progress in the workplace, and, moreover, that those skills can be taught and tested like any other subject in school.
- Winning Ideas for the Future of Schools
"This contest opened up the idea phase to absolutely anyone. Even a taxi driver could make a submission."
- The Buffett Early Childhood Fund
The Buffett Early Childhood Fund, Irving Harris Foundation, George Kaiser Family Foundation, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and W.K. Kellogg Foundation combine resources in an Educare Replication Pool, which annually awards more than $1 million in capital grants to encourage communities to create Educare Centers.
- Montana energy summit offers green ideas - Repowering Montana Schools
The third annual Energy Summit: Repowering Montana Schools, sponsored by the School Administrators of Montana, not only offered school representatives the opportunity to meet top energy experts and practitioners, but also focused on ways to involve students in those cost-saving measures.
Modwest
- Work E-Mail Not Protected by Attorney-Client Privilege, Court Says
The 3-0 decision Thursday by the Sacramento Third Appellate District means that if you intend to sue your employer, don't discuss the suit with an attorney using company e-mail. The company has a right to access it and use it against you in a court.
Visit Montana
- Modwest Newsletter January 2011
Another year has passed us by, and the time has come to reflect on the year that was.
Come Home Montana
- Get Lost Montana
Win 1/4 side of Montana grass-fed beef and a tour of Big Sky Montana Beef Ranch!
Cleantech
- Fire District re-advertising opening for assistant fire chief
In further discussion, board members agreed that one of the primary considerations is finding a candidate who will stay in West Yellowstone, someone who will not leave after two or three months on the job and effectively waste the training that was invested in them.
Developing a more Entrepreneurial Montana
- Can the U.S. Compete With China on Green Tech?
Can green industries take off in the U.S. and compete globally? What might stand in the way?
Montana Business
- Montana Senator Jon Tester to host entrepreneurial small business workshop in Missoula on Feb. 23
The free event focuses on young entrepreneurship in Montana and how to expand small businesses to create more jobs.
Montana Economic Development
- 2011 State Of Missoula Address, 2/8, Missoula, Montana
Featuring Missoula Mayor, John Engen and Chair of the Missoula County Commissioners, Jean Curtiss.
- Stronger Growth Ahead For Montana Economy
The seminar series begins in Helena on Tuesday, Jan. 25, at the Best Western Great Northern Hotel. Other seminars are scheduled as follows:
- Tom Siebel Sells Montana Ranch
Billionaire software entrepreneur Tom Siebel has sold his 62,000-acre Montana cattle ranch, for which he was asking $45 million. The sales price couldn't be learned.
Regional Economic Development
- Senator Tester To Host Small Business Jobs Workshop, 2/23, Missoula, Montana
The free event focuses on young entrepreneurship in Montana and how to expand small businesses to create more jobs.
- The Montana Apprenticeship and Training Program - Apprenticeship training a good option in today's competitive job market
In Montana, registered apprenticeships span everything from traditional trades industries to medical and food service fields.
Bill Payne
- Economic development is mostly a 'grow your own' game
All that economic reality aside, it's still pretty good PR for a new governor to throw up some interstate billboards, take an aggressive stance and reassure the home folks that you're serious about economic growth. If you're truly "open for business," you might as well shout it from a few rooftops.
- Agglomeration Vs. Isolation for Science Based Economic Development
By leveraging existing strengths and promoting cooperation between universities and private industry, TBED-minded regions seek to attract outside investment and carve out a niche in the global economy.
Careers
- The Funding Gap
Entrepreneurs are expected to invest their net worth in their new ventures.
Economic Gardening
- Finding the Next Job - Reemployment Strategies in Retention and Advancement Programs for Current and Former Welfare Recipients
This practitioner brief offers program administrators -- particularly those managing employment retention and advancement programs -- practical advice on how to design and implement policies that turn a recent job loss into an opportunity to find a better job.
Funding and Building your Business
- Cementing his 'jobs first' promise, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder emphasizes 'economic gardening'
Emphasis needs to be on "economic gardening" rather than "economic hunting."
Incubators and R&D
- 5 reasons that bright ideas go belly-up
Why do some smart people make stupid mistakes? Furthermore, why is it that some great ideas go absolutely nowhere while others go on to find fame and fortune?
- 5 reasons e-mail still trumps social media for marketing
As we start 2011 and face the hype over new tools and new ways to use "old" tools like Facebook, this is an excellent time for you to consider the importance of email communications in your marketing strategy.
- How one man's online pet project netted him a $30m fortune - icanhascheezburger.com
It is a large sum, but considerably less than the amount the phenomenon - known as "lolcats" - has probably cost businesses across the world in wasted time.
- How "Super Angel" Investors Are Reinventing the Startup Economy
The latest group of alleged tech marauders goes by a name that might be better suited to a Japanese cartoon boy band: Beware the super angels!
- 10 tips for entrepreneurs looking to build great teams
My expertise is in helping them build exceptional teams. While I don't have all the answers, I've seen enough to know what works and what doesn't. Here are some thoughts:
- Entrepreneurs, toot your own horn to keep customers coming
To make money, your prospective customers must know about you.
Montana Education Excellence
- Sirti Announces Strong 2010 Results
In our 2010 Perspective, Sirti reports another year of strong results accelerating and incubating innovative companies.
- U-M incubator sets out to fast-track ideas
"We are eager to collaborate with companies to drive innovative research that can change the world."
Montana Education/Business Partnerships
- Online classes from the Montana Digital Academy open to everyone
The 2009 Legislature created the digital academy and funded its first year starting last fall.
Regional Business
- Bitterroot College Program, Ravalli County Economic Development Authority team up for classes
According to Victoria Clark, BCP's interim director, the response has been off the charts and the first set of introductory computers classes has been filled.
- Montana State University math/science conference for girls "Expanding Your Horizons" seeks presenters, sponsors
Organizers of a conference at Montana State University are seeking female professionals who can present and serve as role models for middle school-aged girls interested in science and math careers.
Idaho Business
- Venture Capital in the Northwest Still Struggling to Rebound From Downturn
Venture capitalists invested about $806 million in companies in the Northwest during 2010.
Oregon Business
- College of Southern Idaho gets $4.4 million for new tech center
Joe Herring, president of the private, nonprofit economic development consultant Region IV Development, said the $4.4 million represents the largest grant EDA has awarded west of the Mississippi River.
- Boise company purchases Australian firm and will move jobs to Idaho
Aero Specialties, a Boise based manufacturer and distributor of aircraft ground equipment, has purchased an Australian company that makes diesel-electric hybrid ground power units.
- Idaho State University moves up in research ranking system
Arthur Vailas in an announcement on Tuesday said the school moved from Doctoral Research University to the category of Research University-High in rankings made by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
Oregon Economic Development
- Oregon venture capital enjoyed renaissance in 2010
Oregon enjoyed a welcome boost of enthusiasm from venture capitalists last year, with startups attracting nearly twice as much outside investment as they did in 2009, according to new data from the National Venture Capital Association.
Utah Business
- Facebook Data Center Is Boon for Oregon Town
Facebook's Prineville project demonstrates ways the seven-year-old company is growing up, taking on significant additional costs, and making an effort to form bonds with a growing network of constituents.
Washington State Business
- "Bubble Ball" iPhone app (world's most frequently downloaded free iPhone application) inventor is Utah eighth grader
"Bubble Ball" was downloaded 1 million times in its first two weeks of release from Apple's iTunes website and has since surpassed the 2-million mark, replacing "Angry Birds" as the site's most popular free app.
2011 Montana Legislature
- The State of Seattle Biotech 2011: Xconomy's Chat With UW Faculty & Students
Seattle biotech is coming off the single best year that I've seen in the 10 years I've been covering the local industry. Hands down, no doubt about it.
- Online Western Governors University seen as part of solving state's growing higher-ed crisis
Thousands of low-income students who will graduate from high school in Washington State in 2012 expecting the state to fulfill a promise to make a free college education available to them represent a looming crisis of confidence for elected officials.
Other Economies
- Keep Montana humming
We have a lot of work to do in the next four months, and we can't be distracted with the old ideas that have been rejected in the past. Instead of dire predictions about our future, we need to be focused and innovative building on Montana's strengths for prosperity that lasts.
- Teaching Chinese in America
More and more, Americans are learning a second language and Chinese is emerging as a language of choice. Terry McCarthy explores the latest linguistic trend.
Connectivity & Communications
- $120 million Venture Michigan Fund II Formed To Support Growth of High-Tech Companies in Michigan
VMF II has capital totaling $120 million to invest in venture capital funds targeting seed and early stage capital Michigan companies in a wide variety of high growth, emerging industries including advanced manufacturing, health care and life sciences, information technology, alternative energy, and homeland security and defense.
- Visioning report outlines Des Moines area strengths, weakness
A new 186-page report from a central Iowa visioning group says the Des Moines metro area's strengths include a growing population, more and more young professionals and tech companies, and strong learning centers.
- Gov. John Kasich introduces new private economic development corporation to replace Department of Development
"JobsOhio is an organization that is going to move at the speed of business, move at the speed of what is needed to be a job creator."
Energy and Climate Change
- eCommerce and the Impending Online Land Rush
An obscure organization called the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, or "ICANN," manages the global domain name system on which the Internet depends. In the next few months it is expected to announce that it is accepting applications for a virtually unlimited number of top level domains.
Cool Stuff That's Coming
- Montana Receives Grant to Support the Adoption of Updated, Energy-Efficient Building Codes.
The Recovery Act provided a new goal for DOE's building codes efforts: 90 % compliance with energy code requirements for each state by 2017.
- The Economics of Superinsulating Windows
Even old commercial buildings can get an energy-efficiency upgrade that pays for itself in five years.
- In California, a retreat in the face of a rising sea
At Surfers Point in Ventura, California is beginning its retreat from the rising ocean.
Transportation
- Stephen Quake's chips may revolutionize gene study
"We think about it as the biological equivalent of the integrated circuit."
- Europe takes a U-turn on parking
Many European cities are reversing decades-long trends of accommodating automobiles and are eliminating parking and putting tougher regulations in place, according to a new report.
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