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| MATR Newsletter - Tue Oct 3, 2017 |
later that night- i held an atlas in my lap- ran my fingers across the whole world- and whispered- where does it hurt? it answered- everywhere- everywhere- everywhere. ------When there are no words, there is poetry. This, excerpted from Warsin Shire's poem "what they did yesterday afternoon"
Gov. Steve Bullock
Montana Department of Commerce
- Governor Bullock Announces Montana's Minimum Wage Increasing
"People who work full time for a living shouldn't be living in poverty. This modest increase in minimum wage means more Montana workers will have a little extra money in their pockets," said Governor Bullock. "This economic boost will help hard-working Montana families make ends meet and ensure they aren't falling behind."
Montana Economic Developers Association
- 10th Annual Montana Downtown Conference & Downtown/Riverfront Opportunity Showcase - 10/18-20 - Great Falls
This year's focus is economic development, one of the key pillars of revitalizing any downtown!
- Technical Assistance Opportunity to Create Healthy, Economically Vibrant Montana Communities
Montana communities are invited to apply for technical assistance to help communities revitalize their economy, improve health, and protect the environment.
- Montana Department of Commerce Director Haxby-Cote Announces $127,500 in Grants to Support Tribal Business Development
"Native American Business Advisors provide critical services to entrepreneurs in Montana's Indian Country," said Director Haxby-Cote. "Their support helps Native American-owned businesses to grow, create jobs and strengthen the local economies of reservations and other tribal communities around the state."
Montana Politics & Legislature
- MEDA September Report - See you in Red Lodge this Thursday!
The conference , hosted by Beartooth RC&D, will take place October 5 th - 6 th , Old Roosevelt School, Red Lodge, MT. The agenda highlights success stories and tools that are used by Montana Superheroes working in the Economic Development arena. See you in Red Lodge to get powered up!
- Tax Increment Financing In Montana Seminar - 10/24 - Butte, Montana
The nuts and bolts of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Best Practices in Tax Increment Financing
Montana Technology Innovation Partnership
- Governor Bullock: Montana Legislature can mitigate budget cuts by approving selected tax increases
"If legislators will work with me, there is a better way to do this," he told a group of Montana mental-health providers meeting in Helena. "And that's both with certainly some cuts, and transfers, and revenue increases."
Big Sky Code Academy
- Montana Technology Innovation Partnership - Current SBIR solicitations
Here is a list of current SBIR/STTR solicitations. If you have further questions and/or would like to request MTIP's no cost services, click the button below!
Flathead Valley Community College
- America Campaign, based in Missoula: White House computer science grant to fund 21st century education
"This is a commitment to focus on increasing computer science education in our schools, and increasing diversity in computer science among women and underrepresented minorities." Devin Homes, founder and CEO of the America Campaign, based in Missoula
21st Century Education Initiative - "You Should Care..."
- FVCC Offers Grant Writing Workshop Series
"Grant writing can seem like a daunting process. This course will give attendees a framework for writing and managing grant applications, increasing the likelihood of success," said Ockert.
Missoula Schools Excellence
- Here's a great way to get kids to learn. Unfortunately, too many schools don't do it.
For a short demonstration of the theory, watch this short, million-plus-viewed clip about a boring teacher from the 1986 film, "Ferris Bueller's Day Off."
VR/AR, Blockchain, Bitcoin, Artificial Intelligence and The Internet of Things
- New Missoula County Public Schools fine arts standards emphasize common themes, skills across disciplines
The formal recognition of the obvious -- that the multiple forms of arts share common themes -- will open doors for new kinds of cross-discipline collaboration among teachers and reinforce those ideas for students, who "might not see that yet."
Energy and Climate Change
- The blockchain is the internet of money
The ultimate goal is to facilitate paid work: "Anywhere there's a phone, there's a job. You just pick up a phone and whatever your skills, people will send you digital-currency-based jobs. You can click buttons and make money anywhere in the world."
- "Machine, Platform, Crowd: Harnessing Our Digital Future"
"A clear and crisply written account of machine intelligence, big data and the sharing economy. But McAfee and Brynjolfsson also wisely acknowledge the limitations of their futurology and avoid over-simplification." -- John Thornhill, Financial Times
- IMF Head Foresees the End of Banking and the Triumph of Cryptocurrency
It could displace central banks, conventional banking, and challenge the monopoly of national monies.
Come Home Montana
- Utah regulators approve end of net metering, beginning of new deal for Rocky Mountain Power solar customers
Advocates for solar power in Utah were catching their breath Friday after receiving word that state regulators have approved a settlement intended in part to preserve the viability of the state's solar industry.
- From Wastewater to Energy: New Jersey Partnership Creates 'Sustainable Loop'
The agreement will help the wastewater plant operate independently of the regional power grid.
- Drawdown--The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming
Engaged citizens world over are doing something extraordinary. This is their story.
- Trump Administration favors change in electricity pricing to better reward coal and nuclear power
"This would prolong the lives of a number of 50-year-old coal and nuclear power plants at the expense of newer and cleaner sources of electricity including wind and solar," said Rob Gramlich, a consultant who formerly worked at a wind-energy trade association.
- California Mulls Banning Sales of Cars with Internal Combustion Engines
Eying European and Asian countries that have set, or are considering timelines to ban sales of cars that emit greenhouse gases, the California governor asked his chief air regulator to see why California couldn't follow suit.
- Microsoft bets on fuel cells to reinvent power-hungry data centers
Natural-gas-powered fuel cell technology, Microsoft engineer Sean James says, could allow future data centers to someday unplug from the power grid entirely.
Montana Business
- The millennials who transformed D.C. after the recession are now leaving for cheaper cities
Many are now packing off for job prospects -- buoyed by a stronger economy -- and a higher quality of life in lower-priced cities across the nation. Some, like Ferguson, are simply moving home.
Montana Economic Development
- Montana Food Show on Oct. 10 in Bozeman - We're all booked up for vendors, but we're looking for buyers to join us!
We invite food purchasers from schools, restaurants, hospitals, grocery stores, catering businesses, and other organizations to attend a private buying event from 10am-4pm.
- Livingston, Montana's Jeff Reed using technology to improve water usage in farming
He predicts technology may eventually allow up to a 50 percent greater efficiency in water usage.
- MarCom buys MSE lab equipment, plans to absorb five employees
MarCom is a Native American-owned, Idaho-based company that does work in radiological controls, environmental remediation, and cyber security and has an office on the second floor of the Hennessy Building in Uptown Butte.
- Montanans probe for piece of Chinese tourism market
Busloads of Chinese tourists stop at Big Sky Resort and Katie Grice wants to be ready.
- Under the Big Sky - Stories of people and places that make Montana a wonderful place to call home.
Under The Big Sky is a new documentary series from the Montana Television Network
- Blackfeet designer Belinda Bullshoe shines at Paris fashion show
Belinda is truly Montana made. Her grandmother taught her how to sew: "She told us, 'You know, you guys better watch my sewing, how I sew, because one day I'm not going to be here,'" said Bullshoe. "Well, after that, I started watching her."
Careers
- Wayfinding project planned for downtown Great Falls in effort to improve economic development, connectivity and tourism
The goals are to increase visitation in the downtown area; support reinvestment in downtown properties and businesses; increase revenue generated by parking structures and on-street metered parking; create opportunities to highlight significant historic buildings and districts; and showcase the Missouri River corridor and river trail system connections.
- Major agri-business complex planned for Cascade County, Montana with potential for 3,000 new jobs
A massive agri-business commercial food park is planned for Cascade County, about 8 miles southeast of the city off the highway between here and Belt that will eventually employ an estimated 3,000 people.
Come Home Idaho
- The Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT) is looking to fill the position of Board Treasurer in Washington, D.C.
This is a great opportunity for a Montana-based firm to get some amazing international trade exposure.
- 6 Ways Highly Emotionally Intelligent People Deal With Anger
And why they avoid being passive-aggressive at all costs
- ChickTech Missoula - retaining women in the technology workforce and increasing the number of women and girls pursuing technology-based careers.
ChickTech is a nonprofit dedicated to retaining women in the technology workforce and increasing the number of women and girls pursuing technology-based careers.
- 25 Trips to Take During Your Lifetime
Exploring the "lost city" of Petra, a walking safari in Zambia, a cruise to Antarctica: This isn't your average trip. Take your family vacation to the next level with 25 destinations worthy of your bucket-list.
- The new reality of old age in America - "I'm going to work until I die"
'It's not fun getting old'
- What's Up in Coal Country: Alternative-Energy Jobs
Miners may have just the skills for scaling wind towers and putting solar panels on roofs. And that's no small thing in Wyoming and West Virginia.
- Video interview with the Commit Foundation, a non-profit changing the way Veterans and Americans think about military transition
A discussion on topics related to transition work: the process, mission statement development, networking and learning from others, identity and mental health, dealing with ambiguity, etc.
Government
- Education board launches search for Idaho State University president
Board officials said Sept. 29 that the search will begin in October and a final selection will be made by March 2018.
Incubators and R&D
- Zinke dismisses charter use as a 'little BS over travel'
All of his travel was approved in advance by Interior's ethics officials "after extensive due diligence," Zinke said, adding that he works hard to "make sure I am above the law and I follow the law."
- Lt. Gov. Cooney seeks compromise with Montana legislature over budget
The state is dealing with an approximately $228 million deficit, and the legislature is expected to cut up to 10 percent from the state's social services that include health, education, corrections and other agencies.
- Congress Lets CHIP Expire, and States Scramble
Some states are already preparing to freeze enrollment or cut off children's health insurance as they face the near possibility of running out of money for the program.
- Bozeman picks Andrea Surratt as next city manager
"Cities on the coast deal with a lot of problems that we will see in the future,"
- Before Las Vegas Shooting, Nevadans Voted for Stricter Gun Control. Then Nevada Republican Attorney General Adam Laxalt Refused to Enforce It.
Nevada's recent politics suggest just how difficult it can be for states to enact gun control measures -- even when a majority of citizens favor them.
Regional Business
- Startup Accelerators Aren't Banking on Exits Any More
Accelerators are increasingly selling a range of services to generate ongoing revenue, without waiting years for startups to be sold.
Regional Economic Development
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce suing to block rule allowing consumers to sue their banks
The new CFPB rule would weaken a company's ability to make arbitration mandatory, allowing more people to file or join a lawsuit to press their complaints.
Washington State Business
- Strategic use of data: Site selection & the "underemployed"
With unemployment at record lows, businesses are now looking for people who have "settled" into jobs that are beneath (sometimes far beneath) their education and experience level.
- Huge Swaths Of America's Communities Are Economically Stagnant: How Can We Make Them Grow?
There's an enormous need to develop and implement policies that support the establishment and growth of businesses in stagnant communities-and redirect some VC dollars away from the coasts.
Workforce Development
- What would it take for Tacoma to become a hub for high-paying tech jobs?
Tech companies have similar wants: access to a tech-savvy workforce, public transit, a walkable and vibrant downtown and high-quality office space, said Joseph Williams, tech industry economic developmental director with the state Department of Commerce.
- Biotech hub looking to bring high-paying careers to Tacoma
The future of Tacoma might exist in a building dubbed "The Wedge."
Education
- Coalition unveils four strategies to tackle Maine's workforce challenges
"For years we've talked about the pending workforce shortage," Ed Cervone, director of Educate Maine, told Mainebiz on Wednesday. "It's no longer pending. It is a problem today and it is getting worse. The sense of urgency is real, we can't accept failure."
MAPS : Media Arts in the Public Schools
- Reuters Top 100: The World's Most Innovative Universities - 2017
The list is based on 10 different metrics, including academic papers on research, patent filings and a university's ability to transform its development and discoveries into real-world commercial impact.
- These are the 10 best and 10 worst states for teachers
New ranking analyzes states according to salary, turnover, per-student spending.
Universities and Economic Development
- Media Arts in the Public Schools (MAPS) now presenting the 2016/17 Film Class project: SAFE! You will remember this video for a long time.
This film is extra special...it is the last film that Peter Rosten advised students on...Thank you Peter for believing in Montana's students and for never playing it "safe."
Funding and Building your Business
- HELP the University of Montana Blackstone LaunchPad win $15,000 (and $500 for you!)
The Blackstone LaunchPad has the chance to win $15,000 by generating the most signups for our entrepreneur collaboration community on Ideator. Just follow these steps:
Connectivity & Communications
- Pat Your Head and Rub Your Tummy
Young start-ups need two things to survive: customer orders and funding.
Government Technology
- Democrats are pushing a $40 billion plan to bring the best Internet access to rural America
The Democratic Party is making high-speed Internet access a new plank in its economic agenda as it tries to regain trust among middle-class Americans in the country's heartland.
Non-Profit News
- Startups Deliver Gov Tech Pitches at STiR Demo Day 2017
This year's class of Startup in Residence entrepreneurs is the last to work exclusively with Northern California cities as the program prepares to expand nationwide in 2018.
- As Federal Data Disappears, New Tool Gives Power to Smaller Cities
"I've always been jealous of the bigger cities that have data teams and data officers," Woodbury says. "This gives more power to smaller cities that don't have data teams and graphic designers."
- Indiana's Analytics Strategy: Unlocking Data to Unlock Solutions
The state's Chief Data Officer Darshan Shah discusses his approach to using IT to improve citizen well-being.
Miscellaneous Ramblings
- Group helps Montana women join forces to fund worthy projects - 100 Strong Billings - How about in your community?
"It's kind of sweeping the nation," Vannatta said of the 100 Strong idea. "It's a pretty big trend."
Cool Stuff That's Coming
- Buy Nothing Project: free clothes, toys, food -- even a wedding
The premise of the group was simple: Offer up something that you don't need, or ask for something you do need.
Transportation
- "Personal thermostat" startup heats up for commercialization
MIT spinout prepares to launch line of wristbands that keep wearers thermally comfortable.
Events
- Next Steps in Lyft's 'Evolution': Public Partnerships, Fixed Routes, Autonomous Fleets
In this interview, Lyft's Director of Transportation Policy Emily Castor addresses how the rapid pace of marketplace innovation is disrupting established urban mobility systems and how the company's growing partnerships anticipate future urban mobility services.
- Winter Is Coming. What If Roads And Runways Could De-Ice Themselves?
"Think of it as a heating blanket,"
- Death of gas and diesel begins as General Motors announces plans for 'all-electric future'
The acceleration to an all-electric future will begin almost immediately, with GM releasing two new electric models next year and an additional 18 by 2023.
- Holiday Hiring Fair - 10/13 - Missoula
- Workshop: Teach Children How To Code, 10/18, Missoula
Wondering how you can get your kids interested in coding - even if you don't know anything about coding?
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