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| MATR Newsletter - Fri May 11, 2018 |
"The historical lack of detailed federal data regarding outdoor recreational activities has handicapped both the private and public sectors. The public will no doubt be surprised at the economic importance of this industry." Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross Recreation Is Bigger Share of U.S. Economy than Ag or Mining, Report Says http://www.matr.net/ar ... .html
6 Montana high schools rank nationally as best in country http://www.matr.net/ar ... .html --- Montana tourism marketing stays flexible after big 2017 fire season - City Club Missoula Presents: Western Montana's Changing Firescape: How Does It Impact Our Community - 5/14 http://www.matr.net/ar ... .html
2018 Montana Politics
Gov. Steve Bullock
- How Women Can Win Their Races This Year
Gender equity advocates are excited about the prospect of a record number of women running for office. But Erin Vilardi, founder of VoteRunLead, says running isn't good enough.
Montana Department of Commerce
- Gov. Bullock urges U.S. House committee to skip Census question on citizenship
Gov. Steve Bullock this week sent a letter to officials in Washington, D.C., urging them to avoid political games that could distort the results of the 2020 U.S. Census by asking a question on citizenship.
Dorsey & Whitney LLP
- The Montana Dept. of Commerce and SBA Invites You To Participate In the Montana Booth at BUILDEX Calgary '18 - 11/7-8
BUILDEX Calgary is Alberta's largest tradeshow & conference for the Construction, Renovation, Architecture, Interior Design and Property Management industries.
Great Falls Development Authority
- Dorsey & Whitney LLP Third Annual Forum On Employer Sponsored Benefits - 6/7 - Webinar
Dorsey Benefits & Compensation Group will conduct its third annual forum on issues affecting employer sponsored health and welfare benefits. Sessions will focus on practical advice and guidance.
- Chambers USA 2018 Recognizes Dorsey Lawyers and Practices Including 4 in Missoula, Montana
Congratulations in Missoula to Steve Bell, Jack Manning, Erin McCrady, and Dan Semmens
21st Century Education Initiative - "You Should Care..."
- Road Trip! Join GFDA for our 2018 Economic Development Aspirational Trip to Alberta.
May 30th - June 1st, we will be making a round trip from Great Falls to Edmonton, Alberta for our 2nd annual aspirational trip, exploring leading edge ideas to boost economic development in our region.
- GFDA Top 10
The University of Providence broke ground on its new University Center, a $15 million investment in growing the University and expanding services it offers to students and the community.
VR/AR, Blockchain, Bitcoin, Artificial Intelligence and The Internet of Things
- STEAM approach increases elementary students' scores in science
A STEAM approach also gives all students opportunities for hands-on learning, increases the chances that girls will stay engaged in STEM-related subject areas, and reinforces the importance of the arts, they write.
- The Neglected Challenges of Rural Education
While the national focus is often on the poor performance of urban schools, rural and many small-town schools perform significantly worse than urban schools in many cases.
- University of Montana - Creative writing is more than just a numbers game
The future of the creative writing program at the University of Montana is now in doubt.
Energy and Climate Change
- AI Could Kill 2.5 Million Financial Jobs--And Save Banks $1 Trillion
A new report paints a grim picture for financial services jobs.
- Top AI Thinkers: Human-Machine Collaboration Is Here
Top AI thinkers including Future Today Institute founder Amy Webb, Primer CEO and founder Sean Gourley, and former world chess champion Garry Kasparov, share their thoughts on the future of machine and human interaction.
Come Home Montana
- Earlier runoff, less snow: Montana State professor warns of climate change's effects on recreation
"Spoiler alert," she said. "The climate is getting warmer, and we're going to have to deal with it."
- Gianforte Named Chairman of Subcommittee on Interior, Energy, and Environment
OGR Committee Chairman Trey Gowdy, R-S.C., made the announcement and welcomed Gianforte.
- Is Blockchain the Right Tool to Fix a Broken Competitive Retail Electricity Market?
Competitive electricity retail is a mess. Blockchain companies must take this reality into account when offering new transactive energy services.
- Idaho Power can take 1st step toward changing how it charges solar customers
"We agree, and acknowledge that the costs of serving on-site generation customers, when the true value of their interconnection is realized, may be less than the cost of serving standard service customers," the commission said in its long-awaited order.
- One simple chart shows why an energy revolution is coming -- and who is likely to come out on top
The cost of producing one megawatt-hour of electricity -- a standard way to measure electricity production -- is now around $50 for solar power, according to Lazard's math. The cost of producing one megawatt-hour of electricity from coal, by comparison, is $102 -- more than double the cost of solar.
- Is the country's energy grid at risk?
Government leaders and experts across the energy sector gather to discuss issues affecting the safety, security and future of the country's energy infrastructure and electric grid.
- Electricity markets are wooing Wyoming industry, but regulators remain cautious
The idea of free market, regional operation of electricity hasn't lost its glamour in the Cowboy State.
Developing a more Entrepreneurial MontanaDeveloping Funding Opportunities in Montana
- Updates from Blackstone LaunchPad at the University of Montana
Stay in touch with what's been going on with us lately.
- UM Entrepreneurs Earn Certificates, Fellowships to Pursue Passions
The University of Montana's Blackstone LaunchPad Pursue Your Passion program celebrated the conclusion of the 2017-18 school year by awarding certificates to six outstanding women and two inaugural fellowships on May 2.
Montana Business
- The Cornell eLab: To nurture job growth, U.S. universities seed start-ups
"Being able to get actual college credit for going through an incubator program was really important," Jameson said. "I didn't have to make a compromise."
Careers
- Montana Made: Cowboy culture alive and well in the Bitterroot
Montana is known for its "cowboy culture" and a way of life that takes you back in time. It doesn't hurt if the look matches that feel.
- Montana Voices: State's businesses know economic value of wild places
In just six years, Business for Montana's Outdoors has grown from an informal roundtable discussion into an organization with more than 175 business members from across the state.
- Why Hollywood loves Montana
"It is the film people think of when they think of Montana," said Allison Whitmer, Montana Film Office commissioner. "'A River Runs Through It' is the ultimate film. Our visitors from overseas come here just to go fishing."
- Get ready for a pint from new Montana breweries in Fort Benton, Lewistown, Malta
The local beer business continues to boom in Montana, and those planning summer adventures have plenty of new breweries to work into their plans.
Come Home Wyoming
- Turn a phone interview into a great opportunity
Here are some strategies to use that will help increase your chances of moving the interview to a face-to-face meeting.
- Montana Career Opportunity - Rural Development Specialist - Rural Community Assistance Corporation
Our dedicated staff and active board is working to make our vision of vibrant, healthy and enduring rural communities a reality across the West.
Business Plan Forums
- Wyoming Career Opportunity - Broadband Manager - The Wyoming Business Council
The Wyoming Business Council seeks a Broadband Manager to coordinate statewide efforts to promote, increase and improve broadband service across the state.
Government
- 8 Steps To Making The Most Of Startup Pitch Competitions
Entrepreneurs must beware of pitch competitions that are looking for ways to profit at the expense of founders.
- Finalists Announced for Early Stage Montana Business Showcase Event 5/22
The Eastern Montana competition was held in Billings on May 1st, and the Western Montana competition will be in Missoula on May 17
Idaho
- Senator Tester Secures over $30 Million for Montana Rural Water Projects
"Every Montanan needs clean water - it's that simple," said Tester, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. "These vital resources will build healthier families, stronger farms and ranches, and boost small businesses along the hi-line."
- Senator Jon Tester Revives Critical Support for Counties, Montana Reaps $14 Million in Rewards
"Over the last few years folks across Montana have experienced, firsthand, the severe consequences of letting SRS expire," Tester said. "Roads go unpaved, emergency services suffer, and schools lose out on critical resources. That's why I've been relentless in my efforts to reauthorize SRS and bring this much-needed funding back to Montana counties as we look for more responsible ways to cut debt and spending."
- Why the Internet is suddenly protesting on net neutrality all over again
Here's a look at the issue.
- Mulvaney Downgrades Student Loan Unit in Consumer Bureau Reshuffle
An effort by Mr. Mulvaney to refocus the agency away from its consumer finance enforcement and rule-writing mission and more toward providing consumers with information about their legal rights.
- Why Alaska's Experience Shows Promise for Universal Basic Income
Interest is rising following concerns that technological innovations would lead to massive unemployment as more work is automated.
Incubators and R&D
- Ketchum, Idaho Innovation Center
KIC is the epicenter of connection and support for existing and startup businesses in the Sun Valley region, renowned throughout the country as a beacon for work/life balance.
- Visiting Kentucky leaders ask about race, diversity, and Boise's lack thereof
The 180-member delegation from Lexington wanted to know about something in Boise that has not changed all that much. The population has boomed, but the city's racial make-up is still overwhelmingly white.
Other Economies
- Digital Sandbox's proof-of-concept program helps launch Kansas City startups
Digital Sandbox's mission is to provide proof-of-concept resources to support early-stage commercialization processes, including access to technology, business and market experts, and funding for early-stage market validation, prototyping and beta testing services.
Regional Business
- Delaware Bio Applauds Passage of Angel Investor Tax Credit Legislation
New law enhances Delaware as supportive environment for scientific and high-tech startups
- Portland Makes ADU Incentives Permanent
Development fees can add some $15,000 to the cost of building a home in Portland. Residents adding an accessory dwelling unit to their property won't need to worry about those expenses, as long as they don't use the limit for short-term rentals.
Regional Economic Development
- Recreation Is Bigger Share of U.S. Economy than Ag or Mining, Report Says
The report also said that rural communities and small business owners are a key ingredient in the growing economic engine.
South Dakota
- Montana & Idaho CDC is now MoFi
Montana & Idaho Community Development Corporation has changed its name to MoFi, a name that better represents its expanding geographic footprint and product line, said President Dave Glaser.
- A not-so-quiet revolution in economic development
The success of this retro-modern approach to economic development will soon have everyone clamoring to make their city or town attractive for that all-important piece of a modern economy: people.
- New Revitalization Toolkit for Smaller Legacy Cities
The Smaller Legacy City Toolkit compiles materials from respected sources to help local government, nonprofit, philanthropic, and private-sector leaders implement the eight revitalization strategies that were identified in the report Revitalizing America's Smaller Legacy Cities.
University of Montana & Montana State University Tech Transfer
- RuralX Economic Development And Community Development Event - 6/27-28 - Mitchell, South Dakota
The team at Dakota Resources says the event is open to anyone with a desire to make an impact on our rural communities.
Workforce Development
- U of M (Minnesota) Honored as One the World's Best at Spinning Off Companies from Research
And now, after helping launch scores of new tech companies over 12 years, the U operation has been named a finalist for an international award recognizing the best academic technology transfer units in the world.
Wyoming Business
- Giant talent shortage to emerge by 2030
The ever-widening gap between employers' needs and workers' skills could drive massive lost financial opportunities over the next decade-plus.
Education
- More Adults With Degrees Transform Economy
The governor's economic diversification committee ENDOW recommends the creation of a need-based state financial aid program.
- ENDOW To Host Fremont County Tours And Executive Council Meeting - 5/9-11 - Riverton, WY
The objective of this meeting is to prepare, present and discuss the most impactful and well-positioned economic sectors to drive diversification of Wyoming's economy now and decades into the future.
- Whitney Benefits donation part of broad Wyoming economic diversity effort
The $11.369 million donation last week by Whitney Benefits to support local education plays into a larger, ongoing effort by public and private organizations across the state to have more educated people working in a variety of jobs.
- Wyoming Business Council, ag industry look to add value to beef, expand markets
Recently passed legislation calls for the Wyoming Business Council to work with the agriculture industry, and in consultation with the ENDOW Executive Council, on a strategy to build USDA-inspected beef processing plants of all sizes throughout the state and market Wyoming beef locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.
- Wyoming air service plan moves forward
"The end goal is to improve efficiencies for the state, reduce costs and expand air service," said Wyoming Department of Transportation Director Bill Panos.
Montana Education Excellence
- The Gates Foundation And Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Want Your Ideas On The Future Of Education
The two social-impact organizations are extending a public invitation for collaborations on research and development to benefit students and educators.
Community
- 6 Montana high schools rank nationally as best in country
U.S. News & World Report recently ranked 6 Montana high schools as among the top public schools in the nation with "silver awards."
Funding and Building your Business
- Bill Gates says he's 'obsessed' with this new website -- here's why
See how people really live
- Please Vote Today! - Downtown Great Falls is a semi-finalist "America's Main Streets" contest
You can cast your vote for Downtown Great Falls by clicking here https://www.mainstreetcontest.com/profile/137
- How Cities Are Putting Citizens First
Recently, we explored some exciting examples of cities thinking and acting like startups.
Government Technology
- SBA - 25 percent of all businesses don't reopen after a disaster - Create a business recovery plan to avoid becoming a statistic
As part of its mission to help small businesses recover after a disaster the U.S. Small Business Administration has developed the following simple tips when thinking about developing a disaster recovery plan.
- Why Leaders Should Focus on Long-term Growth
CEOs who adopt long-term strategies eventually help their companies become more profitable, have happier employees and shareholders, and become better corporate citizens, according to a new book titled, Go Long: Why Long-Term Thinking is Your Best Short-Term Strategy.
- SF startup makes new office a home with no-shoes policy
"We want our office to feel like a home, to be comfortable and authentic," said Josh Reeves, CEO and co-founder of Gusto, which helps small businesses manage payrolls, benefits and human resources.
- Raising Money for Your Startup? Here Are 6 Things You Absolutely Must Do
Before you meet with any investors, you need a plan.
- New SEC report focuses on recommendations for increasing small business capital formation
A Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) report contains over 20 recommendations for the SEC to consider that would improve small business capital formation.
Miscellaneous Ramblings
- How Honolulu Cut $1 Million from the IT Budget and Continues to Innovate
Honolulu CIO Mark Wong slashed annual IT budget costs by $1 million for four consecutive years during his tenure at the Aloha State, yet he continues to innovate. Here's his secret.
Cool Stuff That's Coming
- Video: The Other Side of the Doors: Pat Williams - The Early Butte Years & Beyond
Former 9-term Congressman PAT WILLIAMS discusses his early years in Butte, his personal & political upbringing, his years in the Montana Legislature and in Washington with John Melcher and his successful 1978 Door-to-Door to Congress campaign ...
Transportation
- Future anti-aging drugs could flip a "metabolic switch" to mimic fasting
Fasting has been found to have a range of health benefits, and appears to slow down the aging process.
- Side effect of an old drug inspires new hope for treating hair loss
A new study, spearheaded by researchers at the University of Manchester, has uncovered an entirely new way to promote human hair growth - and it's inspired by a side effect of a nearly 50-year-old drug.
- New wood nanofiber biomaterial steals strength record from spider silk
Researchers at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology have developed a new biomaterial out of wood nanofibers that steals the strength record.
- And now the robots have taken up jogging
Proving that robots even exercise better than you, Boston Dynamics released a new video today demonstrating its Atlas bot going for what looks to be an afternoon jog.
Events
- Death on foot: Pedestrian fatalities skyrocket in U.S.
Pedestrian fatalities in the U.S. have skyrocketed 46% since 2009, creating an emerging public health crisis as researchers grasp to understand the reasons.
- Self-Driving Cars Take a Promising Step Towards Tackling Country Roads
Take me home, self-driving Prius.
- This Startup Wants To Replace Cars (And Subways) With Elevated Pods
Transit X's plan would set up fast-moving, solar-powered personal transit units to whisk you anywhere you wanted to go.
- Uber flags future of flying taxis with flashy new concepts
For its part, Uber imagines using vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft to carry people around urban centers.
- Why Traffic-Choked Nashville Said 'No Thanks' to Public Transit
One could point to the antitransit blitz funded by Koch brothers-backed Americans for Prosperity, including messages like “Highest Sales Tax in the Nation AND It Won’t Fix Traffic.”
- Cleantech Investors Should Put Their Money in Transportation, Says Village Capital
It listed five subsectors that could prove particularly attractive to investors: aviation and aerospace, electric vehicles, the sharing economy, mass transit, and trucking and logistics.
- Volvo's electric garbage truck to clean up in Germany next year
The Volvo FE Electric boasts almost double the carrying capacity of its sibling and will be put to work on the streets of Germany next year.
- 17 Experts Explain Why the Whole World Will Be Driving Electric Vehicles Sooner Than We Think
Though the full conversion to all-electric vehicles won't happen overnight, here are just some experts from a variety of different industries and fields who believe the world will be driving electric cars sooner than we think.
- Take Me Home, Country Roads: Alternative Vehicles in Rural America
'If they can't fix the potholes, how can we trust they'll maintain autonomous cars?'"
- Buses Are Under Threat, and Cities With Them
Which cities are winning the battles to prioritize road space? Where is the gold standard for frequent, fast, and reliable transit being set by buses? And how might that change local visions for the future of transportation?
- Save Lives With Smarter, Slower Streets--Not Self-Driving Cars
So forget robots. Engineers and the public officials who dole out their paychecks can start redesigning streets to make them safer. They can zoom in on their problem areas--is there a section of road where people keep getting hurt?--and start fixing roads today.
- Chandler, Ariz., May Be the First City to Adjust Zoning Laws for Autonomous Vehicles
City planners believe the eventual shift toward autonomous vehicles will reduce the need for parking and free up land for valuable building space.
- Automation/Technology Collaboration First Monthly Workshop - 5/23 - Missoula, MT
- STEP Forward MT: Women In Manufacturing - 5/22-23 - Missoula, MT
- MWTC TechEX Featuring Submittable And General Data Protection Regulation - 5/24 - Missoula
- Strengthening Economies In Wyoming: A Forum For Coal-Reliant Communities - 6/21-22 - Gillette, WY
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