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| MATR Newsletter - Tue Sep 26, 2006 |
"Democracy is a process by which the people are free to choose the man who will get the blame." -- Laurence J. Peter (1919 - 1988)
Hope you can attend "Today's (Tuesday) Roundtable - Frontier Angel Fund - What Do We Look For In A Startup? 9/26, Missoula" http://www.matr.net/ar ... .html ---also of note---"Be King of Missoula, Win Rolling Stones Tickets" http://www.matr.net/ar ... .html ---- Congratulations to City Club Missoula on its 2nd Anniversary --- "Governor Schweitzer touts soaring economy in City Club Missoula 2nd Anniversary Celebration" http://www.matr.net/ar ... .html
Come Home Montana
Developing Tech Jobs in Rural Communities
- Steve Corning: A developer with an eye on national trends
If not for an armed robber, Steve Corning might not have returned to his hometown.
- Montana-Jobs.net - Featured Career ~ Software Development Specialist
We specialize in custom software solutions for private businesses, state agencies and the federal government.
- Come Home Montana - Featured Career ~ Software Developer/Engineer
Zoot is located in beautiful Bozeman, Montana and we offer a comprehensive compensation package
Education
- South Dakota - The Richest State? Jack Schultz
“When people become rich, they tend to give things away. We in South Dakota must be some of the richest in the country, because we keep giving away the great minds of our young people.
- High Tech In Unexpected Places
From a dairy farm in Pennsylvania to the public schools of rural Louisiana, novel technologies are turning up in out-of-the-way places.
Montana Business
- WICHE Announces State Scholars Initiative Preannouncement for RFP
This is a pre-announcement of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the State Scholars Initiative to be issued on or about September 22, 2006. WICHE invites new state-level business-education partnerships to apply for federal State Scholars Initiative (SSI) grants.
- Getting behind early education. Business leaders to urge more investment at event
Helen Johnson-Leipold is one of the top business executives in the country who values child development as an investment.
- Career And Technology Education
South Carolina has made some important strides forward with the passage of the Education and Economic Development Act. Among other steps, the Act requires students to choose a nonbinding career path just before starting high school.
- Report Calls for Improvement in K-8 Science Education
"We are underestimating what young children are capable of as students of science -- the bar is almost always set too low," the report said. "Moreover, the current organization of science curriculum and instruction does not provide the kind of support for science learning that results in deep understanding of scientific ideas and an ability to engage in the practices of science."
- States Offer Web Sites to Help Students with one-stop shop for applying to the state's colleges and requesting financial aid.
Georgia is now among about 35 states with such sites, an effort by education officials to make college more accessible by demystify the daunting application process while making it easier for students to enroll in schools within their borders.
- The US doesn't need more college grads
To turn out a more capable crop of young adults, colleges and universities should do their part: Raise academic standards to ensure that only those who want to be in college get there.
- Montana Early Childhood Business Summit, 10/4, Missoula
The goal of this summit is to engage Montana’s business leaders in an early childhood agenda that will benefit Montana’s youngest citizens as well as create an environment in which current workers are more productive and efficient while their children are preparing to become our future leaders and contribute as an integral part of Montana’s future workforce.
- Survey finds MBA students most likely to cheat
''People tend to do what they think other people are doing,''
Montana Economic Development
- MATR Offers Outstanding Marketing Opportunities to Montana and Regional Companies and Organizations
MATR and its articles and postings are usually very high on the search engine rankings.
- Bank's closure sows doubt in Geraldine, Montana while other parts of the state are experiencing a banking boom.
The future of banking in this central Montana community is clouded. Great Falls-based Heritage Bank plans to close the Geraldine branch at the end of October, leaving residents worried about the economic viability of their small community.
- Montana's wineries begin to bloom
Eight wineries are in production, with a ninth label — Trail Creek Winery out of Seeley Lake — planning to join the mix early next year.
- Blackfoot Telecommunications Group joins forces with Eagle Satellite
The move puts Blackfoot on a more competitive footing with power players Qwest and Bresnan Communications, which have long appeared content to let the local company pick up rural customers while they duke it out over the juicy Missoula market.
- Under a Big Sky, They Turn RVs Into Dodges. Some motor home owners find refuge from California's sales tax behind Montana plates.
In addition to its wide-open skies, roaming grizzlies and world-class fly fishing, Montana has another lure for Californians: the prospect of a tax dodge.
- Livingston, Montana's super-low unemployment rate creates problem
'There just aren't any workers'
- Attorney: Great Falls malting plant not purchased
Reports that the malt plant north of town has a new owner aren't exactly true. But changes may be in the works.
Developing Funding Opportunities in Montana
- Talk by Evan Barrett covers governor's energy vision in Montana
Eastern Montana's potential energy development is a central focus of Gov. Brian Schweitzer's economic vision to improve economics "Outside the Boot."
- Montana Historical Society Makes Grants for Historic Barn Restoration
Any businesses, organizations or individuals interested in contributing funds as sponsors for the Society program to restore historic barns and other ag buildings can contact Brown at 406-444-7718.
- Site inquiry- 50k sq. ft. facility in Montana. Do you have space?
If you have a suitable building that's available, I need your submissions by COB THIS Wednesday, September 27.
- DirecTV Opens Missoula, Montana Call Center - unveils employee-friendly digs
The company said it will be among Montana's largest employers.
Funding and Building your Business
- Reminder of Today's (Tuesday) Roundtable - Frontier Angel Fund - What Do We Look For In A Startup? 9/26, Missoula
Members of the Frontier Angel Fund of Kalispell, MT invite innovative, high-growth companies who may want to compete to receive Angel funding and qualified investors who would like to learn more about being an Angel to a Roundtable at MonTEC on Sept. 26 at 11:30.
Regional Economic Development
- Startups seek help of angels
"Our company exists because of angel investors,"
- VCs ramp up Web 2.0 funding
That venture capitalists are excited about Web 2.0 startups was underscored by a newly published report which found that investments in those companies hit $262.3 million in the first half of this year more than the $199.2 million invested in this area during all of last year.
- Click Fraud Is Growing on the Web
When Joe Tedd, who manages DiamondHarmony.com’s Internet search strategies, noticed a sudden rise in mouse clicks with no increase in sales, he suspected fraud. It cost his company $17,000 in seven months.
- Mavericks start up with a purpose -- not just a business plan
For each of these companies, and more than two dozen others profiled in the book ``Mavericks at Work : Why the Most Original Minds in Business Win," scheduled for release Oct. 2, strategy begins with a critique of the products and culture of entrenched businesses.
- For younger workers, time off is best bonus
For most workers in their 20s and 30s, time is currency. And, like most currency, few are willing to give it away.
- Recommending Reading On Sales and Marketing
"There is no better way to continuously invest in your professional development than reading,"
- Where To Find Small Business Grants For Your Start-Up
Business grants are usually given to applicants that have a solid business plan, and the more detailed the reports are, the better chance of getting the grant.
- Startups and Advisory Board Members
First, lets summarize the two most likely reasons you would put someone on your advisory board (one or both of the following apply):
- CATI honored for technology transfer and technology-based economic development programs
CATI's commercialization management model assists businesses through product development, new market assessment, and by acquiring and licensing applied technologies that are developed - and mostly unused - by private industry and transferring it to entrepreneurs and existing businesses.
- Getting Help to Build A Vibrant Web Presence
In the past six months, he has seen 24 new competitors emerge on the Web -- which makes it harder for his store to stand out in search-engine results and has driven up the price of ads on Yahoo and Google.
Idaho Business
- Organic Farming as Economic Development
Woodbury County, Iowa became the first county in the United States to enact a policy to refund 100% of real property taxes for five years to any farmer transitioning from conventional to organic farming practices.
- How to Build Rural Business Networks
Networking can be a little tougher in rural communities where it requires more travel and where a smaller population base may mean fewer fellow entrepreneurs.
- Tourism goes broadband - Online tours and other offerings help promoters make timely pitches for the world's destinations
Marketers who not long ago waited for prospective tourists to send in postcards to get a glossy brochure have pushed into dramatically more timely promotional tactics, like video clips, live webcam feeds, and downloadable video tours.
Washington State Business
- Wall Street Journal recognizes Boise tech company for innovation. PakSense 'Smart Label' monitors temperatures of products during shipping
PakSense was recognized for its "Smart Label." About the size of a sugar packet, the label has a computer chip powered by a long-life battery that monitors temperature and will alert a company when the temperature exceeds upper or lower limits.
Government
- Giving up tax breaks to help kids. The tech industry has a new role in Washington state — as the poster child for education reform.
"We need to focus not only on quantity but on quality so that we have the kind of world-class education and research system that will keep this area competitive throughout the 21st century," Smith told the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce.
Other Economies
- Retiree payouts loom. Burden could overwhelm governments across U.S.
The bill is coming due for years of generous benefits bestowed upon the nation's public employees, and it's a stunner: hundreds of billions of dollars over the next three decades, threatening some local governments with bankruptcy and all but guaranteeing cuts in services like education and public safety.
Miscellaneous Ramblings
- Natural Nebraska is an economic engine. “If you don’t fold environmental quality in your economic development strategy, then you are undermining that strategy.”
“It’s there if you know how to use it,”
Incubators and R&D
- Secret shopping check is a scam
The Shopping Group Inc. in Kitchener, Ontario, has come onto our radar. A consumer almost got involved with a work-at-home offer of secret shopping, and came to find that it had all the components of a counterfeit check payment forward wire fraud scam.
- How-Tutorials at Your Fingertips - For Wired Do-It-Yourselfers, Videocasts Offer an Easy Assist
If you're interested in a do-it-yourself project and want to get to the nuts and bolts with a minimum of chatter, turn off your TV and turn on your computer.
- Fake half-suit for videoconferencing
Slobs who work at home can look their best for videoconferences with the Businessbib, a pullover half-suit that has a built in shirt and tie.
- Wozniak book reveals the core of Apple
"I think it's time to set the record straight," he says in his book. "So much of the information out there about me is wrong. I've come to hate books about Apple and its history so much because of that."
Montana Education/Business Partnerships
- Burns delivers more research funding for Montana State University than University of Montana - "MSU is a research institution while UM is not"
MSU's Washington lobbying firm has poured tens of thousands of dollars into Burns' campaign coffers. UM's Washington lobbying team did not donate to Burns' campaigns until last year.
Careers
- Billionaire, Tom Siebel, honored for professional, social impact by University of Montana School of Business
Nearly 180 business students, faculty and members of the western Montana community attended the 2006 Lewis and Clark Pioneer in Industry Awards, which honored Siebel and the late William Allen, former president and CEO of Boeing Co.
Non-Profit News
- What Are The Hottest Tech Skills Today? Think Fast
Employers pay premiums for skills that help their companies adapt quickly to fast-changing business needs, a study finds.
Energy
- Helping small states. Non-profits in Montana
Some 400 non-profit representatives from across the state will be in town this week for the fifth annual conference of the Montana Nonprofit Association http://www.mtnonprofit.org . One major topic of discussion: How to lure major national foundations to pay more attention — and donate more money — to rural states like Montana.
- His Bottom Line: Educating the World's Kids. At Microsoft, John Wood Wasn't Interested in Money. All He Wanted Was Change.
How to put this gently? John Wood is making the rest of us look bad.
Hydrogen News
- BPA wants to give utilities power over what energy they use
The BPA proposes to make hydropower a separate resource while charging utilities a different rate for any additional power they want from the federal agency.
- Wind turbines latest in urban chic
Not yet a trend, not even a fledgling movement, small-scale wind power in urban areas is beginning to grab the attention of a handful of committed energy-efficiency enthusiasts and environmentalists.
- New electric line doubles power flow. Aluminum conductor works well in the heat
The accolades are reserved for a 3M Corp. innovation that more than doubles the quantity of electricity flowing through its new conductor lines.
- Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle announces $80M renewable energy strategy
"As I've always said, when it comes to our energy future, we should be more dependent on the Midwest and less dependent on the Mideast," Doyle said.
Making the Most of the American Prairie
- GM developing home hydrogen refueling device
GM would join Honda, which has already created a model for a home refueling hydrogen unit.
Connectivity & Communications
- American Prarie Foundation October 2006 Newsletter
This fall American Prairie Foundation has opened over 5,000 acres of land to the public through the Block Management Program.
Community
- Summit Focuses on Broadband Growth
"As far as I can tell, we're the only country on the face of God's green earth that doesn't have a broadband strategy,"
- How to explain RSS the Oprah way
Today, I’m going to explain how RSS can help you live your best life online.
- Advertisers turn to text messaging. Medium low in cost, high in effectiveness
Get ready for the inbox on your phone to fill up faster. From fast-food chains to carmakers to consumer goods manufacturers and sports franchises, more companies are adopting text messaging as a way to target consumers on the move.
- Firm to unveil anonymous messaging. "This message will self-destruct in 5 seconds..."
A hallmark of ``Mission: Impossible" was the message that would self-destruct after a spy played it. Now a start-up company promises that same level of secrecy with a Web-based messaging system designed to leave no traces.
- The Future of the Internet II
Hundreds of internet leaders, activists, builders and commentators were asked about the effect of the internet on social, political and economic life in the year 2020.
Leadership Montana
- Planning 1 - 2 - 3 A Step-by-step Workbook for Writing a Comprehensive Plan
The term “comprehensive plan” means the vision of what the community wants to become and the steps needed to meet that goal.
- Be King of Missoula, Win Stones Tickets
So, if you were named King of Missoula (or Queen) for a day and could enact policies that would improve life in our growing city, what would you decree and why?
- GrowSmart Maine's Model Town Community Project to Show How a Town Can Manage Growth, Engage Local Residents
Experts will work with several partners and a selected town over 18-24 months to help it "explore new growth strategies and fully engage local residents, by combining the best elements of New England town meetings with ground breaking new technologies."
City Club Missoula
- How to Be an Extraordinary Leader
CIOs can take their leadership skills from good to great by focusing on what they do well—and doing it better.
Cool Stuff That's Coming
- Governor touts soaring economy in City Club Missoula 2nd Anniversary Celebration
The fourth largest state in the union has the ninth fastest-growing economy in the country, Gov. Brian Schweitzer told City Club Missoula members Monday night.
- Mom-and-Pop to Try Cellphone Payment.
Using radio frequency identification (RFID) chips, customers will be able to store credit card and bank account numbers in their cellphones and charge their bill by swiping the phone across a sensor in the checkout line.
- Vc's New Frontier - Social networking on your cell phone
More than half a dozen companies are emerging from test periods this fall, primarily in two flavors: those focused on making overseas long-distance calling over the Internet more affordable, trying to compete with Skype; and those letting users access social-networking programs on their cell phones.
- Online communities may be next business market
Ramakrishnan, a vice president and research fellow at Yahoo, has a hunch that the next great driver is search, which he called "the cash cow with a big target on it."
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