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| MATR Newsletter - Fri Jan 30, 2015 |
"We are running the most dangerous experiment in history right now, which is to see how much carbon dioxide the atmosphere can handle before there is an environmental catastrophe." Elon Musk
2014 Montana Politics & 2015 Legislature
Sustainable Business Council
- Early Edge Action - Montana Governor Bullock fundraising for nonprofit formed to promote his early-education plan
Bullock is asking lawmakers to approve $37 million in new state funding for the next two years, to finance grants for preschool programs.
- Gov. Bullock talks possible tuition freeze for Montana colleges
"Last legislative session when I came in, I asked the legislature to freeze college tuition. They agreed so I'd like it to not only be the last two years, but the next two years going forward," said Bullock.
- Montana Governor Steve Bullock's State of State: A Montana where we help others, while we succeed
"I see a Montana with a robust middle class, with even better-paying jobs and greater opportunities - not a place where workers idly hope that prosperity will trickle down from Wall Street. I see a Montana where, as we climb higher, we never fail to offer a hand up to those who struggle." Gov. Steve Bullock
- Tax proposal would cut credits for alternative energy, economic tools, among others
In particular, the bill would eliminate tax credits for businesses that locate in empowerment zones -- areas designated for economic development, often in places where industry has lagged. The bill would also cut tax credits for alternative energy programs and energy conservation practices, as well as deductions or credits for purchases of recyclable material or property used for recycling.
Visit Montana - Montana Dept. of Tourism
- You're 33 seconds away from a Zero Waste Missoula
The Toward Zero Waste Guide will also highlight problems in need of solutions. "Waste is a bit of a mess in Missoula," according to Jenny Mish, Executive Director of the Sustainable Business Council.
Great Falls Development Authority
- Montana Office of Tourism, Department of Commerce | Official Tourism Industry News
Montana State Parks Announces Record High 2014 Annual Visitation
- Montana rolling out the welcome mat for Chinese visitors
The Montana Tourism Office recently brought in a special guest to help educate that community on this new culture of tourism.
Come Home Montana
- Economist recognizes Great Falls progress
Great Falls Development Authority President Brett Doney accepted Polzin's praise for the city's growth efforts, but said more needs to be done.
Leadership Montana
- Edward Jones Seeking More Montana Financial Advisers, 2/3, Great Falls, Montana
During their first three years, newly hired Edward Jones financial advisers can make a salary starting at $40,000 to $80,000 that gradually is replaced with a higher amount of commission as they recruit new clients and investor assets, he said.
- Montana Career Opportunity - Dean - University of Montana Honors College
The DHC seeks an innovative and experienced administrator and scholar who will further its reputation as a national leader in education and outreach.
- Montana Career Opportunity - Dean - Missoula College
UM seeks an innovative, dynamic, and experienced leader and administrator who will enhance and further its reputation as a national leader in two-year education, scholarship, and outreach.
Montana Business
- What Kind of Leader Do You Want to Be?
We shouldn't all have the same leadership success criteria. We have to define it ourselves.
Montana Economic Development
- Planning for On-Farm Success Workshops scheduled in Bozeman - February and March 2015
Business planning, financing, marketing, record-keeping and risk management are just a few of the tools farmers need to run successful, sustainable businesses
- Montana tourism industry grows to nearly $4 billion
"Since the Montana branding initiative began in 2007, we've used the pillars of spectacular unspoiled nature, vibrant and charming small towns, breathtaking experiences by day, and relaxing hospitality at night to communicate the essence of Montana. By coming together under one umbrella, the industry has seen its success multiply." Jeri Duran, administrator for the Montana Office of Tourism
- Why the Future Franchise Will Look Nothing Like Today's - It's Already Here in Montana
Gen X and Gen Y have become weary of the "McDonaldization" of so many aspects of consumer life.
- Brothers Wilde Designs - Missoula fabric designer thinks outside pack to innovate outdoor gear
"In Missoula, your testing environment is 20 minutes away," Wilde said. "So many things you can tell were made in a design studio in California where the people never go skiing. Here, I can sew a sample and run up the Bitterroot and abuse it and make changes the next day."
MSU Leadership Institute & UM Global Leadership Initiative
- Progress anticipated on Missoula's long-awaited Hotel Fox project
The effort to develop the area extends at least to 2008, when MRA established the Riverfront Triangle Urban Renewal District, a swath of land that includes the Fox site.
Startup Weekend in Montana Communities
- What Himalayan Mountain Climbers Can Teach Us About Office Hierarchy
What do mountain climbers, surgeons, and business leaders have in common?
Careers
- University of Montana Western Business Club sees success at Startup Weekend
All four students were on three separate teams that ended up making it to the top three places in the competition.
Next Generation Broadband in Montana
- The Rise of the Data Scientists
As the volume, velocity, and variety of data that organizations have access to continues to increase, so too does the need for workers who are fluent in analyzing, interpreting, and visualizing this data. Cue the rise of data scientists and the growth in programs to train them.
- Colorado Career Opportunity - Executive Director - Media Director - The Center for Western Priorities
The Center for Western Priorities is a nonpartisan engagement center that serves as a source of accurate information, promotes responsible policies and practices, and ensures accountability at all levels to protect land, water, and communities in the American West.
- How meditation affects your job search
The benefits of relaxing a tired mind that is wound up from the stress of the unknown will help you focus on what's really important - the factors you can control.
- Ski Film Career Today there are two new generations of ski and snowboard filmmakers and I applaud every one of them By Warren Miller
I've been asked quite often if I had my career to do over, would I change anything? The only thing I would change would be to get along with a lot less sleep and make a whole lot more movies.
Idaho Business
- Harnessing the Potential of the Gigabit City
Local representatives attending the 2015 Gigabit City Summit discussed how gigabit connectivity can drive regional economic development.
- Bozeman, Montana Businesses, schools could have new broadband network option by mid-2016
The fiber-optic network would provide access to high-speed broadband, initially aimed at business and government, on a city-owned network that would then be leased to service providers who would sell service to customers.
Incubators and R&D
- Party-line vote kills gay rights bill in Idaho
"If I learned anything from the last four days, it's that there are incredible fears that are not based in fact, and I think there are some people that are advantaged by inflating the fears," he said. "Did we move the ball at all this week? I think so. But that was not the intent, the intent was to get the law passed."
Oregon Business
- Due Diligence on Accelerators -- What Entrepreneurs Need to Know
The following are some of the issues entrepreneurs need to consider about these programs before applying:
- Missoula's Dinny Stranahan Building Looking For Tech Entrepreneurs To Fill Out Office Space
This is a beautiful building in a wonderful location. Great for your startup.
- University of Montana researchers develop science for NASA
The mission will provide the highest resolution maps that show moisture on the surface layers of the earth, whether land is frozen or thawed.
Oregon Economic Development
- Half of Oregon job openings don't pay enough to get by, new study finds
The report recommends raising the minimum wage to help workers make ends meet
Utah Business
- Buzzword alert: Oregon's 'innovation economy' is officially here
Digital technologies are rapidly transforming every sector of our society. For Oregon to thrive and succeed in this competitive, global, ever-changing environment, we must lay the groundwork for a deep-rooted culture of innovation.
21st Century Education Initiative - "You Should Care..."
- Business community supports tax increases for schools, roads
"The bottom line is we are simply asking them to look at all of the options on the table," Beattie said during a news conference at the state Capitol. He said that could mean boosting one or both taxes.
Montana Education Excellence
- Why I Think Students Should Be Allowed to Cheat
Testing demands that students view knowledge as a disposable commodity that is only relevant when it is tested. This contributes to the process of devaluing education.
Montana Education/Business Partnerships
- Montana State University to host elementary, middle and high school students in regional robotics tourney
Teams are responsible for designing, building and programming their robots to compete against other teams. The robot kit is reusable from year-to-year and is programmed using a variety of languages.
- Flathead Valley Community College One of Three Institutions Nationwide To Win Prestigious 2015 Community College Bellwether Award
"In more than 1,200 national community colleges, this is one of the highest honors an institution can receive. The awards are similar to being selected by your peers for the Oscar or Emmy Award," said Dale, F. Campbell, Ph.D., professor and director of the Community College Futures Assembly and Institute of Higher Education.
Funding and Building your Business
- Shopping secrets: Montana Tech looking to partner with local businesses for research
Students won't just be sneaking in and out covertly; they'll be working with businesses to gather additional market research and customize an assessment that can address specific concerns a business might have.
- Missoula Businesses Donate $143,000 to University of Montana
"I give because supporting UM means supporting our community," said Vicki Corwin, vice president of Stewart Title, who chaired the 2014-15 campaign. "I want to thank all our donors who believe the same."
Energy and Climate Change
- Facebook Rolls Out a Tool for Testing Ads With Control Groups
Facebook wants to show the world that its ads really work.
- 7 Keys To Being Seen As A Superhuman Startup Founder
"Bet on the jockey (founder), not the horse (idea)." A great jockey is a great role model.
- Grant Funds for Montana Manufacturers
Eligible companies can receive up to $75,000 in matching grant funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to fund qualified projects.
Connectivity & Communications
- The Gathering Storm - Air pollution in Asia may be changing weather patterns in the United States.
Increasingly intense storms in the United States might have an unexpected origin: Asian air pollution.
- Are tiny crystals the next big thing in solar cells?
The model will give scientists in the research field a better understanding of the physical processes inside nanocrystal solar cells and enable them to improve solar cell efficiency.
Cool Stuff That's Coming
- Google Fiber Expands to 18 Cities in American Southeast
The search giant's gigabit broadband service is making its biggest expansion yet.
- No need for speed: Cable industry opposes 25Mbps broadband definition - Normal people don't need 25Mbps down or 3Mbps up, cable lobby says.
While 75 percent of American homes have at least two options for wired broadband of 4Mbps/1Mbps, only 25 percent have a choice of at least two providers at the 25Mbps/3Mbps threshold
- The FCC has set a new, faster definition for broadband
It's a simple accounting change that will have major ramifications.
- Elon Musk makes 3-D printing history with first 3-D printed rocket engine to ever experience flight
In an act of true technological achievement, the SuperDraco engines were made entirely with a 3-D printer out of an extremely durable metal superalloy called Inconel and will be the first 3-D printed rocket engine to ever experience flight.
- 2015 Gates Annual letter Our Big Bet for the Future - What's possible 15 years from now... - Bill and Melinda Gates
The progress we've seen so far is very exciting -- so exciting that we are doubling down on the bet we made 15 years ago, and picking ambitious goals for what's possible 15 years from now.
- 3D printers to make human body parts? It's happening
It sounds like something from a science fiction plot: so-called three-dimensional printers are being used to fashion prosthetic arms and hands, jaw bones, spinal-cord implants -- and one day perhaps even living human body parts.
- This Machine Guides Your Hand to Teach You How to Draw or Play the Piano
Can't play the piano? No problem; a glove will force your fingers to play that passage you can't seem nail.
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