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| MATR Newsletter - Tue Dec 6, 2016 |
"For small creatures such as we the vastness is only bearable through love." Carl Sagan
UM Student Entrepreneurs Warm Up at EPIC Pitch Competition 12/7 in Missoula http://www.matr.net/ar ... .html
Montana Department of Commerce
Montana Code Girls
- DestinationNEXT Workshop in Big Sky, Montana Highlights Need for Tourism Master Plan for Big Sky
With grant funding from the Montana Department of Commerce's Economic Development Trust Fund, the Big Sky Convention and Visitor Bureau (CVB) and Prospera Business Network recently conducted a survey and corresponding workshop to determine the level of community support for the travel and tourism industry in Big Sky.
- Trulia Report Finds Housing Credit Development has no Significant Impact on Surrounding Home Values
"There Doesn't Go the Neighborhood: Low-Income Housing Has No Impact on Nearby Home Values."
Great Falls Development Authority
- Montana Code Girls to expand into Code Kids
"What we realized with conversations from parents, feedback and mail, is there's a need for after-school coding programs, not only for girls but also for boys," Holmes said. "One of (Jung's) core responsibilities will be to lead the transition of Montana Code Girls through this academic year to an expansion next June."
Early Edge Montana
- Great Falls Development Authority 3rd Quarter 2016 Index
Economic Growth, Diversification and High Wage Jobs
Artificial Intelligence and The Internet of Things
- 4 ways to enhance STEM in preK classrooms
Early childhood educator discusses how to leverage natural curiosity in prek classrooms for STEM learning and excitement.
Visit Montana - Montana Dept. of Tourism
- What if Computers Become Smarter Than Humans?
We may be rocketing toward an increasingly intelligent technology without enough thought about the implications for ourselves and our planet.
Energy and Climate Change
- Missoula's 10 Best Local Restaurants And Cafes, Montana Dining
From buffalo steaks and traditional brunch haunts to modern wine bars and historic venues, here are ten restaurants and cafés in Missoula that reflect the city's cultural heritage.
- The Little Town In Montana That Might Just Be The Most Unique Town In The World
After all, where else can you mine for your own sapphires, explore a ghost town, and sit down at an old-fashioned soda shop in the same day?
Developing a more Entrepreneurial Montana
- Scientists blend photosynthesis and quantum physics to improve solar cells
According to UC Riverside, this innovation could allow a photocell to "convert varying levels of solar power into a steady-state output."
- A catastrophic climate feedback loop long feared by scientists is happening
Global warming has become so serious that greenhouse gasses are simply rising out of the ground beneath our feet worldwide.
- Stanford unveils innovative solar generating station that will provide more than 50 percent of Stanford's electricity.
"It's a living laboratory for a university that champions sustainability, champions innovation, education and research to show the world that this can be done, and it can be done in a way that makes good business sense for the long term."
Montana Business
- $5M venture capital firm formed at MSU
"We want to signal to the investment community that we are willing to commit resources to make sure the technologies that come from MSU are successful," said David Washburn, executive director of the foundation.
Montana Economic Development
- Dolce - Your Solution to Employee Scheduling and Timekeeping
Dolce makes it simple, by integrating scheduling, timekeeping, and real-time sales, in one place.
- Made in Montana - Billings entrepreneurs sell their creations worldwide on Etsy
Each of the three Billings entrepreneurs featured here have Christmas items for sale, though what they sell isn't limited to the holidays. Discover how they got into their crafts and into Etsy.
- Tribally owned Montana tech startup lands $4.2 billion Air Force contract
Acevedo, CEO of S&K Technologies since 2007, considers the Air Force contract the latest in a long line of success stories, rooted in the tribes' identity as "A People of Vision" and the entrepreneurial spirit that thrives across Montana.
- Butte-Silver Bow County still trying to help MSE stay afloat
"We have spent countless hours doing everything we can to try to get MSE out from under this debt, and we are continuing to do that as recently as today," Vincent said Thursday, a day after news broke that a $5.2-million loan keeping MSE afloat was on the market.
- Synesis7 - Information analytic thrives in Montana
Synesis7 now brings in millions of dollars in annual contracts to Butte, Montana.
- Butte-based sp2nano and Montana Tech developing and testing emerging carbon nanotube technology
"We expect that we are going to be twice as good, which means that we'll weigh half as much as what the existing bulletproof vests weigh," said Craig.
- Freeman & Gaffney Associates - 21st Century Education Technology Consulting
We can help your team prepare your students for the future.
- Public lands the secret to Montana software companies' success
What makes Montana so special and so conducive for providing our employees with a great work life are the American public lands that surround our communities and the outdoor recreation those lands make possible. Our two companies opened shop in Montana largely because of the high standard of living that our public lands provide.
Careers
- In Eastern Montana, locals look to tourism to soften blow of lost oil dollars
"Tourists would come in and say, 'Do you have Montana agate pieces? Do you have yogo sapphire silver? ... I think there's something about 'Made in Montana,'"
Montana Data Focused Business Cluster
- Stephen Hawking says technology will devastate the middle class
The famous physicist pleads for humans to work together, as this is "the most dangerous time for our planet."
Business Plan Forums
- Michael Lewis and “The Undoing Project”: Why gut instincts are often wrong CBS Sunday Morning Interview
Their peculiar area of research -- how humans make decisions, often irrationally -- has had profound implications for an array of fields, like professional sports, the military, medicine, politics, finance and public health.
- Using agile to accelerate your data transformation
Data have become core strategic assets in most organizations, and data management has become a top priority for most C-suite leaders.
Government
- UM Student Entrepreneurs Warm Up at EPIC Pitch Competition 12/7 in Missoula
The goal of the competition is to encourage innovative and creative thinking as well as prepare students for the John Ruffato Business Startup Challenge, held annually at UM near the end of spring semester.
Other Economies
- Montana Senator Jon Tester Calls for the Immediate Approval of Government Watchdogs
Senator Blasts Congress for Leaving Accountability Positions Open
- Feds offer $270M for Blackfeet land in buy-back program
Under the land buy-back program, willing landowners sell the government their land allotments to be consolidated and turned over to the tribes. The land stays in trust for uses benefiting the tribes and their members.
- Montana Senator Jon Tester Reaches Across the Aisle to Outline VA Priorities
Tester expressed concerns that President-elect Trump is being advised by a Koch Brothers-backed organization, Concerned Veterans for America, which supports privatization of the VA.
Regional Business
- In Life After Coal, Appalachia Attempts to Reinvent Itself
The decline of the mining industry started long before the Obama administration and will likely continue even with Trump in the White House. That's why local leaders are starting to diversify their economies and prepare their people for an uncertain future.
- 7 Interesting Facts That Prove That the Netherlands Is the Country of the Future
The Netherlands has always been famous for its ambitious projects that amaze and impress people all around the world.
- How an economic developer is bringing factory jobs back to Mississippi
The Golden Triangle. That's a bit of a misnomer because it's one of the poorest regions in the poorest state: Mississippi.
Regional Economic Development
- What Would Dismantling Dodd-Frank Mean for Banks and Consumers?
Dodd-Frank and the agencies set up under it aimed to make banks stronger, to help them identify risks and respond to them sooner, and to protect consumers.
- A Policymaker's Guide to Smart Manufacturing
Ultimately, 3D printing will enable an era of "direct digital manufacturing," enabling users to literally press "print" to make parts and final products from 3D models.
Workforce Development
- Dynamic Delta Leaders: Education Is the Key
One of the great challenges here is a lack of vision from young people. I could talk about the brain drain specifically, but the root of it all is the lack of vision. They're leaving because we don't have a vision for the community.
- Welcome to the Multimillion-Dollar Business of Selling U.S. Cities
How do you tell the nation, and the world, your story? How do you even determine what your story is?
- Nonprofit Montana & Idaho Community Development Corporation looking to fund projects
"Bringing this additional capital to Montana and Idaho is a great win for everyone," said Dave Glaser, president of MICDC. "Through New Markets Tax Credits, we're able to fund projects that create jobs and build economic vitality in areas that really need it. We now have the opportunity to do more."
- How the Stars of 'Fixer Upper' Transformed a Town in Texas - Entrepreneurs across the country are shaping small cities.
"And some people still do that. But now, because of the way the world works, anyone in any sector can do it in any place of their choosing."
- Brad Feld Joins the Kauffman Fellows Board
The program is centered around established innovation leaders - if you are looking to grow and become a better investor you should think about doing this program.
21st Century Education Initiative - "You Should Care..."
- Bitterroot College sees spike in students taking career certification programs
"We are thrilled to get these industry requests for specialized programs."
Montana Education Excellence
- Virginia Education Department Launches School Performance Data Portal
If you're seeking pretty much any piece of data about your child's school, a new Virginia Department of Education website has you covered.
Funding and Building your Business
- Getting to know University of Montana Interim President Sheila Stearns
The Commissioner of Higher Education chose Dr. Sheila Stearns to lead UM during this transition period saying she will bring a fresh perspective to campus.
- University of Montana President Engstrom thanks campus community in Friday letter
Mary and I love this institution and we wish only the best for UM and for all of you. Thank you for your hard work and dedication. Go Griz!
- Next University of Montana president should provide 'inspirational leadership'
"Now is the time for everybody - for everyone who cares deeply about the University of Montana - to move forward in a positive way," said Regent Fran Albrecht, of Missoula, who challenged people to help UM move forward.
- Meet Chris Shook: New dean of UM School of Business Administration has own style
"Our school does some really great things, but nobody really knows about it," he said. "It's really frustrating. We're trying to get our message out there."
Connectivity & Communications
- Can Work Life Balance Be a Reality? Patagonia and Its Childcare Program Makes it Possible
Patagonia, the international outdoor retail company, which has been around for 33 years, offers in-house child care for its employees. And even through difficult economic times, the program has been left intact.
- Nine innovation tips from a leading angel investor
Jeffrey Tobias took some time out of his busy schedule to share his advice on how new tech-focused companies can get off the ground, how established businesses can create new tech-based products, and what angel investors really want.
- How do you make millennial employees happy? Let them volunteer
Many millennials don't see a job as just a job. They are much more interested in the mission and culture of a company than people of older generations.
- Recruiting, retaining talented employees won't get any easier in the new year
I can tell you that from where I sit and from what I hear from my clients, finding talented workers will likely remain a challenge in the new year.
Government Technology
- Inside the newsroom: The view from the Netherlands may keep us on the right track
She tries to have her team produce an article a day that looks to the future and asks, "How can it be better?" She sees the positive impact on the brain that such reporting can bring and she's creating a community of subscribers hungry for her team's work.
Non-Profit News
- Illinois Doubles Down on Blockchain Promises
"We think it's important to learn about this technology before we start figuring out how to regulate it."
Miscellaneous Ramblings
- The Heart of the Rockies "The High Divide" Video
We are a land trust partnership working together to conserve clean water, iconic Western landscapes and the communities that depend on them.
- MontanaQuest, Equine Guided Services and Horse Sanctuary in Missoula, Montana
"and I whispered to the Horse, trust no one in whose eyes you don't see yourself reflected as an equal" Don Vincenzo Giobbe ca, 1700a.d.
Cool Stuff That's Coming
- Top Google search Easter eggs, from Do a Barrel Roll to Kevin Bacon
Join New Atlas as we count down our favorite little jokes and bonuses within Google search results.
HACKING AND VIRUS ALERTS
- Largest "mass timber" building in the US opens its doors
They are lighter than concrete or steel, meaning smaller foundations are required.
- There's a powerful new way to dig up dead websites and posts that have been deleted - The Internet Archive's Wayback Machine
The Wayback Machine has been helping people see past Internet sites over the past 15 years, but searchers always needed to know the URL of a website to find the archived copies. Soon, however, you'll be able to use keyword searches to find old websites -- in fact, you can already test it out through a public beta.
- Researchers discover seaweed that tastes like bacon and is twice as healthy as kale
Researchers at Oregon State have patented a new strain of seaweed that tastes like bacon when it's cooked.
- Amazon just opened a grocery store without a checkout line
The service is called Amazon Go. It uses machine learning, sensors and artificial intelligence to track items customers pick up.
- Tech Giants' Global Dream Could Mainstream the Blockchain
A blockchain offers a way of readily sending money between countries, which is still a difficult thing in a world where the borderless connections provided by the internet are only part of what's needed.
Transportation
- Never Ever (Ever) Download Android Apps Outside of Google Play
This week, researchers revealed that a strain of malware hit at least 1.3 million Android phones, stealing user data as part of a scheme to boost ad revenue.
Events
- Gazette opinion: Montana running out of gas tax - Time to raise the state fuel tax to meet these public safety demands.
Every dollar of state money spent on highway-related projects leverages several federal dollars.
- Utah company debuts all-electric big rig prototype
Called the Nikola One, the full-size semitrailer uses a fully electric drivetrain powered by high-density lithium batteries with energy supplied by a hydrogen fuel cell that gives the truck an estimated range of 800 to 1,200 miles
- Trump's Transportation Plans, and the Impact on Montana, Remain Unclear
One-thousand, seven-hundred miles separates Washington D.C. from the Montana border, but decisions made in the nation's capitol can have a profound impact on the Treasure State, especially when it involves transportation.
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