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| MATR Newsletter - Tue Oct 18, 2016 |
I read that, by law, you have to turn your headlights on when it's raining in Sweden. How the hell am I supposed to know if it's raining in Sweden? (Thanks to Ray Trumpower for a smile)
Absentee ballots are in your mail box. Please fill yours out today. It's your future.
Montana Department of Commerce
Montana Politics & Legislature
- 2016 Montana Consultants Directory
The Consultants Directory is a non-exclusive compilation of firms and organizations that offer professional services with expertise in fields such as planning, engineering, architecture, and other forms of technical assistance.
Great Falls Development Authority
- Montana Infrastructure Coalition Update
Under current projections, the Montana Department of Transportation is expected to fall $27 million short of budget projections, putting many projects and the federal highway matching dollars at risk.
- Bullock, Gianforte discuss Government Accountability Initiatives
Democratic Incumbent Steve Bullock and Republican Candidate Greg Gianforte are talking about bringing transparency back into government.
Energy and Climate Change
- GFDA Top 12 10/9/2016
Here's the GFDA Top 12 for the week, celebrating great things happening to move Great Falls Forward. A great week for Great Falls!
- Here's the GFDA Top 16 for last week, celebrating great things happening to move Great Falls Forward.
We're looking for two great team members. Openings for Development Director and reposted Commercial Loan Portfolio Manager. We offer competitive salaries with excellent benefits, professional development, growth opportunities, and a flexible work environment. Work with a great team, help us move Great Falls Forward, and make a difference in people's lives! GFDA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Developing a more Entrepreneurial Montana
- National laboratory scales up quantum-dot solar windows that can power entire buildings
Imagine a future where a building's energy comes from its windows.
- Nevada Voters Weigh Deregulation of Electricity Market
November ballot measure backed by casinos would end monopoly of NV Energy, state's largest utility
Next Generation Broadband in Montana
- Makerspaces create entrepreneurs
We knew the value of making makers and the good that would come from people learning hands-on skills.
- Montana State University Blackstone LaunchPad business accelerator receives $50,000 from U.S. Small Business Administration
The Blackstone LaunchPad at MSU was one of 68 programs selected nationwide as winners of the Growth Accelerator Fund Competition on Aug. 31. It was the only organization in Montana to receive the award.
Rural Communities
- Conquering Montana's Divide - Montana’s broadband network growing at unprecedented pace, transforming rural communities
In this report you'll learn how the nine members of the Montana Telecommunications Association are working to bring state-of-the-art broadband internet, digital telephony, video, wireless and other telecommunications products and services to Montana's rural schools, businesses, residents, and emergency and health care services. Together, we are connecting Montana.
Government
- Federal loans given to Montana groups for rural community improvement
Two Montana groups received almost $14 million in federal funds this week to loan to rural and impoverished communities.
21st Century Education Initiative - "You Should Care..."
- NorthWestern negotiates taxable value down $220M, sending ripple effects through local budgets
The settlement is at about $2.4 billion. Negotiations avoided a formal tax protest, which could have had a bigger effect on local budgets.
Montana Education Excellence
- I made my classroom look like the real-world--and test scores soared
Just like in the real world, my students show what they can do through projects, teamwork, and research. Is it working? Well, according to state science exams, my students consistently score higher than other science classes in my district.
- High school program trains the next generation of IT leaders
Over the past 12 years, Hines has prepared more than 150 juniors and seniors for computer networking certification exams and careers in information technology through Laurel High's Cisco Networking Academy.
Community
- MSU receives nearly $1 million for program to help Native Americans succeed in nursing
The funds will enable the program to support several additional students: CO-OP was previously supporting 21 students over three years, and with these funds it will be expanded to support 27 students over three years.
- Montana's Record High Graduation Rate Bests National Average
"Graduation Matters Montana is working across 58 communities to raise graduation rates and ensure all Montana students are prepared for college, the military, and careers," Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau said.
Funding and Building your Business
- Missoula was one of 60 cities nationwide marking a perfect score. Billings ranks lower on equality than Butte, Bozeman
The average city score across the nation was 55 points.
- Upcoming Technical Assistance Opportunity
Twice a year we offer a limited number of technical assistance opportunities for communities located within Montana, Idaho, Wyoming and Colorado. Through our technical assistance program, we provide local leaders the tools and information to build prosperous, livable communities.
Government Technology
- You Can't Build A Business Without Accountability
As an investor and advisor to entrepreneurs, I see accountability, or lack of it, as an override to even the best idea.
- 6 ways to make your sales pitch more powerful
When you have an opportunity to pitch for a new piece of business, there's a palpable sense of excitement, isn't there?
Cool Stuff That's Coming
- Artificial Intelligence: The Next Big Thing in Government
The White House just released a report on the future of artificial intelligence. Some governments are already using A.I., but it could have a far wider impact.
Transportation
- These floating Jellyfish Lodges purify polluted water and air while growing food
A combination of trash-collecting tentacles, aquaponic gardens, and water filtration systems give back to the environment in an impressive feat of biodesign.
- Brain Chip Helps Paralyzed Man Feel His Fingers - Obama Geeks Out Over a Brain-Controlled Robotic Arm That 'Feels'
Pretty amazing stuff.
- New bionic lens could give you perfect vision for the rest of your life
Webb claims the lens will go beyond the standard 20/20 vision, giving patients the super power of seeing three times better.
- Today's TED Talk - A temporary tattoo that brings hospital care to the home
What if doctors could monitor patients at home with the same degree of accuracy they'd get during a stay at the hospital?
- Bye-bye batteries? MIT's new power sponge could hold key to electric cars
MIT researchers have developed an electrically-conductive sponge with a huge surface area that could pave the way for power storage that challenges today's batteries.
- President Barack Obama on How We'll Embrace Self-Driving Cars
WIRED guest editor President Barack Obama, WIRED editor in chief Scott Dadich and MIT Media Lab director Joi Ito discuss ethical concerns around artificial intelligence used in self-driving cars.
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