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| MATR Newsletter - Tue Jan 30, 2018 |
I chose the road less traveled and now I don't know where the hell I am.
Is that really the U.S. Census calling you? It's vitally important to Montana that you talk with them and are counted. http://www.matr.net/ar ... .html
Big Sky Economic Development
Montana Department of Commerce
- Explore New Business Opportunities With Government Agencies At The Montana PTAC Matchmaking Event! - 2/15 - Billings
Meet with buyers and learn how to sell to their agencies.
Montana World Affairs Council
- Public Invited to Nominate Candidates for Montana Tourism Awards - Nominations Will Be Accepted Online Through Friday, Feb. 2
Categories open to public nomination comprise Marketing Campaign of the Year, Event of the Year, Heritage and Cultural Tourism Award, Community of the Year, and Tourism Ambassador.
Montana's Outdoor Recreation Economy
- Montana World Affairs Council New Newsletter is Here!
These are exciting times at the Montana Council, as we begin a new year and new staff, who are no strangers to the global arena. In fact, our goal in the months ahead will be to connect all of us - adults and youth alike, with as much of the world as we possibly can in the most intimate and technologically savvy ways possible.
Great Falls Development Authority
- UM Wilderness Institute to Present Free Lecture Series, 'The Rivers Will Run'
The lectures will feature perspectives from scholars, writers, photographers, activists, recreationists, policy experts and managers. Each will discuss the implications of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act in the U.S. and abroad.
VR/AR, Blockchain, Bitcoin, Artificial Intelligence and The Internet of Things
- Here is the GFDA Top 10 for this week, celebrating work and successes to grow and strengthen the Great Falls regional economy.
WE ARE Hungry to Grow the Great Falls regional economy, create higher wage jobs, build our tax base, improve our market competitiveness, and enhance the quality of life and economic opportunity for residents of Great Falls, Cascade County and the entire 13-county Great Falls trade area.
- GFDA Business Education Calendar: First Webinar of 2018: Food Manufacturing
Here is our upcoming educational event for business owners, managers, and professionals for February 2018:
Energy and Climate Change
- A Debate About Bitcoin That Was a Debate About Nothing
Altucher predicts the price of bitcoin will reach $1 million by 2020. Rickards predicts the price of an ounce of gold will go to $10,000 in the same time frame. "So, who's right?" the opening speaker asks as a rhetorical lead-in.
- Butte's MSE Technologies property expected to transform into bitcoin mining operation
The company anticipates an investment of $75 million to $100 million into both Butte and Anaconda, Burrell said.
Come Home Montana
- Today's TED Talk - The thrilling potential for off-grid solar energy
In a bold talk about a true leapfrog moment, Amar Inamdar introduces us to proud owners of off-grid solar kits -- and explains how this technology has the opportunity to meet two extraordinary goals: energy access for all and a low-carbon future.
- Tesla's Massive Battery in South Australia Made $1 Million AUD in Only a Few Days
Tesla's Powerpack in South Australia is not only stabilizing the grid it's turning a huge profit too.
- These Architects are Building a Machine That Can Recycle Construction Waste into Reusable Materials
Beyond the economic, and possibly socio-historical, costs associated with the old buildings littering our towns and cities, there is a direct and equally significant environmental impact: carbon emissions.
Montana Business
- Montana Career Opportunity - Executive Director - Indian Law Resource Center
"We'll be looking for candidates who have the leadership skills to build on the Center's pioneering human rights work and who also have the creative vision to break new ground for indigenous rights."
- Montana - Still the last best place?
"So," a friend recently asked me -- actually a Californian -- "is Montana still the last best place?"
- From Empire Steel to Good Earth Market, properties for sale could transform downtown Billings
"The canvas is there to be painted," said John Brewer, president of the Billings Chamber of Commerce.
- Entrepreneurs and business manager embrace southwest Montana in middle age
Outdoors-oriented businesses and high-tech manufacturers play vital roles in southwest Montana's economy, according to Joe Willauer, executive director of the Butte Local Development Corp.
- Montana Career Opportunities - C++/.NET Software Developer, Software Engineer/JAVA Developer - Synesis7
Each employee helps position and project Synesis7 as the company leading the revolution in its industry, creating the new holistic business and solutions delivery model.
- Entrepreneurs discuss journey into the Big Sky State
Many small business owners in Butte and Anaconda are natives to the region, but a number are people who have moved to Montana to experience a different way of life. The following is a look those who have started businesses in the Big Sky state and the journey that got them to where they are today.
Montana Economic Development
- Tech, timber other sectors show growth in MT economic repor
The focus of the report this year is on higher education, a sector that's still critical to Montana's economy but showing some changes in how people perceive the value of a degree.
- Why the Bitcoin Gold Rush Is Moving to Montana
With cheap electricity and vacant warehouses, former lumber mills and manufacturing plants in the Northwest are being transformed into server farms to mine bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
- Wage growth in Missoula outpaces all cities in Montana
The Garden City was the only urban area in the state to see wage growth accelerate in 2017, mainly due to the frenetic pace of construction of commercial projects, public school additions and multifamily housing.
- DNRC Upholds Creston Water-Bottling Permit
Group opposing Montana Artesian Water Company anticipates appeal in court
- Clark Fork Charcuterie Products Coming to Missoula Fresh Market on Broadway
We expect to be available at Missoula Fresh Market on Broadway by the second or third week of February, and will be sure to keep you all posted; more Missoula stores, restaurants and other outlets to follow shortly after our initial roll-out.
- Butte, Montana-based aerospace and data-conversion company Synesis7 colors outside industry lines - Career Opportunities Available
"We can't not hit high tech," said Jaksha, noting the growth of the sector in other Montana communities. "We'll get left behind."
Careers
- Jeff Fee named interim leader of Missoula Economic Partnership
Fee, who takes over Feb. 1 as president and CEO, will not be paid and will not be a candidate for the permanent MEP post, said Scott Burke, chair of the MEP board.
Rural Communities
- These Are The Five Soft Skills Recruiters Want Most
Things like time management and organization aren't typically taught in school, but they are increasingly important in order to be competitive at work.
- Why Pivoting Makes You A Better Entrepreneur
A career is a jungle gym not a ladder.
Business Plan Forums
- Home at the Headwaters: After recovering from the loss of its founding industry, Three Forks looks to continue bucking the trend of small town Montana
But how it has managed to do what so many other small towns across the state have not, and whether it can continue to do so, are other questions entirely, ones that people like Townsend spend their days pondering.
- Ovando, Montana takes a lesson from Twin Bridges, embraces bicycle tourism
"Ovando, you always hear about the accommodations. It's certainly known," says Cunningham as she finished filling her basket. "It's totally cool to come here."
- Is That Rural Hospital Really Necessary?
It's true that the rural population is looking very different over time.
- Challis, Idaho, found success by embracing Lombard Trail users
"There are a lot of communities that are quite the places to go for people to ride their bikes; little breweries popping up, and little mountain-type groups. You have to get the trail systems so people know about it before you can get people to come."
- Colstrip, Montana begins transition plan away from coal
With $10 million on the table to the get the job done, Colstrip began laying plans Monday for life after power-plant shareholder Puget Sound Energy cuts ties to coal.
Government
- Count 'em down: Top 10 reasons to enter statewide B iz Plan Contest by Jan. 31
Here are 10 reasons you should enter your business idea :
Incubators and R&D
- Is that really the U.S. Census calling you? It's vitally important to Montana that you talk with them and are counted.
Here are the 3 contact center local numbers that typically appear on Caller ID:
- After voting for bill allowing bikes in the wilderness, Gianforte says he no longer supports it
Mack Long, national director of Montana Backcountry Horsemen http://www.bchmt.org/ and also heading the Professional Wilderness Outfitters Association, said opposition to allowing bikes in wilderness came mainly from concerns about safety, and outfitters expressed these concerns to Gianforte.
Regional Business
- Antibody breakthrough brings universal allergy treatment one step closer
The breakthrough brings researchers one step closer to developing a universal treatment that can prevent the fundamental immune response at the heart of all allergic reactions.
Washington State Business
- Study: more than half of Idaho residents are credit union members
While 55 percent of Idaho residents are credit union members, about 50 percent of Washington citizens and 49 percent of Oregon citizens are, Wilkerson said.
Wyoming Business
- Washington State University's 'Drive to 25' campaign puts the focus on research
That land has since become WSU's health sciences campus and a key piece of the school's effort to become one of the top 25 research universities in the nation.
Montana Education Excellence
- After 30 years in California, rifle manufacturer Weatherby is leaving for Wyoming
Weatherby's LinkedIn page lists the company as having between 51 and 200 employees, and the Associated Press reports that the company is expected to create 70 to 90 jobs in Sheridan, with more than $5 million in annual payroll over the next five years.
- How strong is Wyoming's oil recovery, and will it last?
In Wyoming, a state depleted of once robust fossil fuel revenues, the recovery has spurred hope.
Community
- $1 million Funding Available to Montana Schools for Broadband Upgrades
This is a terrific opportunity to get your students connected to high-speed broadband, but $1 million of the funding is only available until June 2018.
- MSU offers Science Action Club STEM training and kits for after-school programs
The program, called Science Action Club: BirdScouts, offers a hands-on citizen science curriculum from the California Academy of Sciences.
- School choice rally in downtown Billings promotes private alternatives for students
ACE provides private funding to students interested in public school alternatives. Penwell, like other speakers, presented their movement as an all-of-the-above opportunity.
Funding and Building your Business
- Scores of Billings residents discuss overcoming hate following racist, homophobic incidents
A community discussion on overcoming hate brought scores of Billings residents to Grace United Methodist Church on Sunday afternoon, following a week in which racist symbols were spray-painted on a local middle school and a half-dozen homophobic flyers were anonymously posted inside the church.
- THREE New Grant Opportunities
- Bozeman leaders return to crafting long-term goals
Bozeman leaders want to increase transparency and move city documents closer within reach for people outside of city hall.
Connectivity & Communications
- 9 Project Management Tools the World's Top Startups Actually Use
Want your teams to be more productive? Consider using a project management tool top startups use.
- Employee Ownership Pays Dividends in Rural, Says Private Equity Firm
The practice holds the promise of delivering good returns for investors while improving wages and protecting jobs.
- Want to Inspire Your Employees? Take Them Out for a Terrible Meal Together
By creating vivid, emotional moments, leaders can create deep loyalty and forge enduring bonds among employees.
Government Technology
- Trump could make 5G mobile network a government-run network
The newest, fastest mobile network to replace the current 4G network in the next few years might get a government takeover.
Cool Stuff That's Coming
- Welcome to the new Missoula Gov Blog!
With the new system, council members will make the main post and community members will be able to comment on those posts. We will also provide a way for you to submit a question you would like the council members to address. All comments to the site will require the use of your real name.
- Baltimore Rolls Out Smart Trash Cans
Soon, the cans will let them know if they are need of emptying.
- Government-Focused Information Exchange Goes Live - The government Digital Transformation Exchange (DTE)
A new information network is putting the collective wisdom of public sector IT agencies within reach of their colleagues and trying to solve some of the big problems that vex government.
Transportation
- Exclusive: New Startup Working on Software to Help Government Fix Housing Problems Enters Y Combinator
The startup, Statecraft, is in its early stages -- but it's got some very big ideas.
Events
- California governor pushes for 5 million zero-emission cars
Gov. Jerry Brown outlined a $2.5 billion plan Friday to help Californians buy electric vehicles and expand a network of charging stations as part of a goal of getting 5 million zero-emission cars on the road by 2030.
- Fiat Chrysler's Marchionne: The Future of Cars Will Be Electric and Commoditized
Carmakers have less than a decade to reinvent themselves or risk being commoditized amid a seismic shift in how vehicles are powered, driven and purchased.
- Your Uber Car Creates Congestion. Should You Pay a Fee to Ride?
An explosion of ride-hailing app services has transformed the way that people get around the city and is choking the streets. Midtown traffic crawls at an average of 4.7 miles per hour from 6.5 miles per hour five years ago.
- Maryland Could Soon Have the Second-Largest EV Charging Network in the US
The proposal put forward by utilities, environmental groups and charging-station companies would make Maryland a leader in advancing EVs on the East Coast.
- 20 Garage Designs That are Also Ingenious Feats of Architecture
These 20 interesting garage designs from around the world are definitely sights to see for every car and architecture enthusiast.
- The Beguiling Science of Making Planet-Saving Pavement
With the federal government reportedly inching--really, inching--toward a trillion dollar injection into American infrastructure, now may be the perfect time to make the gray stuff just a shade greener.
- Ford Paves a Path From Big Automaker to Big Operating System - "A total redesign of the surface transportation system with humans and community at the center."
"With the power of AI and the rise of autonomous and connected vehicles, for the first time in a century, we have mobility technology that won't just incrementally improve the old system but can completely disrupt it," CEO Jim Hackett said
- Waymo to buy 'thousands' of minivans for self-driving vehicle service
The announcement appears to represent a massive boost in the scope of the development of self-driving cars.
- Gov. Jerry Brown Calls for Five Million ZEVs on California Roads by 2030
The executive order calls for $2.5 billion for rebates and electric charging and hydrogen fueling stations, subject to approval by legislature.
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