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| MATR Newsletter - Fri May 25, 2007 |
"Montana is a beautiful place, but you have to live here on its terms," Tom Brokaw (New DVD available - "Path to Eden: Preserving Montana's Resources and Culture for the Future," http://matr.net/articl ... .html )
To very worthwhile publications: "Montana Business and Technology - Competing Through Innovation 2007 SPRING/SUMMER ISSUE" http://www.matr.net/ar ... .html ---- "Montana Governor's State Workforce Investment Board Newsletter - March-May 07" http://www.matr.net/ar ... .html
Come Home Montana
PrintingForLess
- Montana Career Opportunities - Teachers - Gallatin Gateway School
Gallatin Gateway School Seeking Highly Motivated Teachers in the following classrooms: Special Education K-8, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, .5 FTE Foreign Language/Spanish, & .6 FTE School Counselor. Coaching available.
Developing a more Entrepreneurial Montana
- Printingforless.com Named Finalist in 2007 American Business AwardsSM
"We never stop investing in improving our customers' experience," says Andrew Field, founder and CEO of PrintingForLess.com. "This StevieSM nomination recognizes how our investments in technology, training and talent companywide have enabled us to set the bar even higher for exceptional service."
Montana Education Excellence
- Wanna be an entrepreneur? Go to Montana
The state with the biggest risk-taking business men and women? That would be Montana, where there are 600 entrepreneurs for every 100,000 people.
- Technology's next generation
Elementeo CEO Anshul Samar plans for his startup to reach $1 million in revenue next year ... just in time for him to graduate junior high.
Education
- Stevi High improves Newsweek ranking. “America's Best High Schools”
Stevensville High School is once again on Newsweek Magazine's “America's Best High Schools” list - the only school from Montana to receive the honor this year. The issue is on newsstands now.
- North Star elementary students rack up close to 6,000 miles
The 79 elementary students set the goal of walking 2,889 miles — equal to the distance between Seattle and New York, which would take about 42.5 hours to drive. They nearly doubled their goal since the beginning of the school year.
- 15 high school seniors from northcentral Montana awarded $20,000 by "GEAR UP"
"Going to college and not having to worry about money will make it easier to focus on my school work," said Slater Henkel, a senior from Browning, who was one of the recipients. "It's a pretty prestigious award. Even to be considered is an honor."
- 2007 GEAR UP Northwest Regional Conference, 9/16-18, Spokane, WA
Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) is a national initiative to help more students stay in school, study hard, and go to college. GEAR UP begins preparing students in middle school with the academic support and career and college planning required for successful enrollment in higher education.
- Montana State University science and nature film site wins Webby - "TERRA"
A popular Web site produced by graduate students from the Montana State University Science and Natural History Filmmaking program has won a Webby Award, the leading international honor for the Web.
2007 Montana Legislature
- Quality, Cost, and Access Challenges Confronting Higher Education Today
If current production patterns in postsecondary education persist, the nation will face a significant “degree gap” that puts it at a disadvantage relative to other leading developed nations.
- The University of Washington puts lectures online automatically with a new tool
In 24 classrooms at the University of Washington, devices are capturing lectures and almost immediately making them available to the entire student population via automatic Internet feeds.
- End image of Native student victims, expert says
Students deserve better
- Improving the college pipeline for at-risk youth needs to start in the third grade. "Help Yourself Foundation "
If the horizons of third graders can be broadened, if we can get to them before it is too late, the ramifications – for them, for our colleges, for our economy, for our nation – are great.
- State Scholars Initiative Kicks Off in South Dakota
The program places a heavy emphasis on changing the culture in communities, with everyone endorsing the idea that all students should plan on further career training after high school.
- High schoolers to graduate from University of Wisconsin's IT Academy
Employers who wonder where their future technologists will come from, take heart.
- Yale aims to nurture businesses
The new 10-week program is designed to make students "realize that working and staying in New Haven is probably a lot easier than they realize, if they have access to the right resources," said James G. Boyle, co-director of the Yale Entrepreneurial Institute and a member of the Yale Office of Cooperative Research.
- New legislation would invest in classroom technology to prepare U.S. students for work in the information economy.
It would add support for the Enhancing Education Through Technology (EETT) program for disadvantaged schools and children, funding professional development, equipment, and reform.
- Utah is ranked last (51st) again in spending on students. Idaho 49th, Montana 28th
Utah once again ranked last in the nation in per-pupil spending in 2005, according to a report on public education finances released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau.
- Six States Receive Grants to Expand Afterschool and Summer Learning Opportunities
"Governors recognize that learning doesn't stop when the school bell rings," said Raymond C. Scheppach, NGA executive director. "That's why they are teaming up with afterschool experts and others to develop innovative policies on expanded learning opportunities."
- Butte school district cutting teachers. Reaches into the tenured teaching ranks for the first time since the 1980s
“I see Butte growing, but we’re not seeing an increase in student enrollment,” said Superintendent Chuck Uggetti.
Montana Business
- Montana Legislature OKs new tax break for wind energy
"Gov. Schweitzer and the legislature worked together to do something good for energy users, economic development and the environment," van't Hof said in the release. "We are delighted by the constructive approach Montana's leaders have taken to projects like MATL's. We look forward to contributing to Montana for years to come."
Montana Economic Development
- Montana PSC resoundingly rejects bid to buy NorthWestern Energy
The state Public Service Commission Tuesday unanimously rejected an Australian company's proposed $2.2 billion buyout of NorthWestern Energy, saying the purchase puts Montana consumers at risk for higher rates and poor service.
- Chinese delegates hear business pitches from Montana businesses
"That is why all of you are in Montana today, looking for opportunity," Baucus said. "Looking for opportunity for your economy and for Montana's economy and looking for opportunity to create good-paying jobs."
- Commission sets schedule for Qwest investigation
The complaint says Qwest, the dominant telephone company in Montana, has earned $85 million more than its authorized “rate of return” in the state the past five years.
Developing Funding Opportunities in Montana
- Montana Governor's State Workforce Investment Board Newsletter - March-May 07
Spring is symbolic of new growth, renewed optimism, and inspiration that engenders creativity. In these early months of Spring, SWIB Staff will be looking forward to inviting your feedback as we prepare strategic plans for the next several years. Our intentions remain steadfast: to turn plans into action, support a high performance State Board, and promote strong local vision and leadership.
- Tom Brokaw DVD reminds Montana newcomers about "code of the West"
"Montana is a beautiful place, but you have to live here on its terms," Brokaw says.
- Montana Business and Technology - Competing Through Innovation 2007 SPRING/SUMMER ISSUE
Driven by technological innovation, a new set of industries is beginning to put Montana on the ‘technology’ map of the United States. Companies in the biotech, life sciences, information technology, aerospace and environmental sectors are becoming significant contributors to our state’s economy.
- Forward Great Falls campaign aiming to bring in $2.75 million
"We want to build awareness about the campaign and excitement about what we can make of Great Falls by working together," Doney said. "We are at a critical junction. We need to continue the effort to keep a strong, diverse economy in Great Falls."
GIS Technology
- New angel fund will help Idaho and Intermountain companies. "Boise Angel Fund."
New sources of money will soon be available for Idaho and other regional companies.
Funding and Building your Business
- New Montana State University GPS base station to aid students, researchers and community
"It will be helpful for our students, our researchers, and anybody within a 30-mile radius doing professional survey work,"
Regional Economic Development
- Verne Harnish's Famous Rockefeller Habit Seminar , "Build A More Effective Management Team", 11/8, Bozeman, MT
Here's a rare opportunity to build a more effective management team. Verne Harnish's famous Rockefeller Habit seminar is coming to Bozeman, Montana sponsored by the Big Sky Young Presidents' Organization chapter.
- Don't Let Emotions Affect Your Leadership
There are plenty of warning signs that deadlines and targets might be missed. Leaders too often ignore them for a very simple and very human reason: they need to be liked.
- The Top Ten Reasons Why PR Doesn't Work
PR folks need to better educate people about how publicity works.
- Inside Entrepreneurship: Good credit scores are essential
This is important news especially to startup entrepreneurs who expect to apply for traditional bank loans in the next couple of years.
Government Technology
- Canada Releases New National Science and Technology Strategy
As the development of a nation's science and technology capacity becomes a critical component for economies around the globe, it is becoming even more critical for countries (and states) to implement strategies that will enable future competitiveness.
- Sopris Foundation Conference -- "Innovative Ideas For A New West", 7/13-15, Missoula, Montana
Come to talk about the future of a place we are proud of. People came West for the mountains, rural lifestyle, vibrant towns. And, Westerners benefit simply by the chance to live here. A local economy, strong community, and fresh ideas build a meaningful life. But ranches subdivide. Commutes lengthen. Mom and Pops close. Communities fail. So what do we do to protect and enhance all that made this place special? Sopris Foundation believes that good ideas speak. Come listen.
- $425 million for schools in timber counties retained in bill funding Iraq war
The bill, part of a measure to pay for the war in Iraq, also includes $465 million to fight wildfires and $60 million for West Coast salmon fishermen.
- National Governor's Association (NGA) Center Eyes Increasing Employment and Volunteer Opportunities for Retirees
Policy teams from eight states have been invited to participate: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Maine, New Mexico, Ohio and Wyoming.
Idaho Business
- Maine Using IP Telephony to Enhance Service to Residents
The state is employing advanced Internet protocol (IP) telephony solutions from Avaya that increase the responsiveness of government workers, while providing intelligent communications in an affordable way.
Oregon Economic Development
- Albertsons LLC chooses Boise based PakSense labels to monitor fresh food shipments
"A quick return-on-investment analysis on the PakSense label convinced me that making the switch would save us a substantial amount of money — and provide better quality assurance for our customers," he said.
- The Shaw Group Announces Investment In Blue Water Technologies, Inc. of Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho
“We are not only making an investment in Blue Water, but we also intend to align a variety of other Shaw technologies to create distinct technological and competitive advantages in the marketplace,” said Ron Oakley, President of Shaw Environmental & Infrastructure (“Shaw E&I”). “This investment brings in a key piece of the water management platform Shaw E&I is actively developing.”
- Idaho Power Offers Enhanced Incentive Programs for Commercial and Industrial Customers
For 2007, Idaho Power offers new and improved programs that provide financial incentives for new construction projects, simple retrofits and those that are more complex.
- Affordable housing hard to come by in Idaho
"With the rental supply in the area, there is clearly a gap and the workforce is rapidly moving away," Naylor said. "Clearly, you need in some cases 1,200 units the workforce can afford."
Washington State Business
- Reseeding Oregon's Silicon Forest. 104 businesses trace roots to Tek
For the first time in the three decades since Intel came to Oregon, significant numbers of the chip maker's alumni seem similarly inclined. Some, like Muray, are starting their own companies. Others are taking skills learned at Intel to established Oregon tech businesses, refreshing a high-tech economy that has been stagnant since the dot-com bust.
Other Economies
- Biofuels firm Imperium seeks $345 million IPO
Biodiesel producers like Imperium could be attractive to investors who have soured on ethanol companies, which use increasingly expensive corn and other grains to make a gasoline substitute.
Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR)
- 'Brain drain' hurts California
California universities and colleges must make an unprecedented push to educate workers, according to a study released Wednesday.
Miscellaneous RamblingsUniversity Business Plan Competitions
- Silicon Valley Could Use A Downturn Right About Now
Silicon Valley is no longer any fun.
Incubators and R&D
- Montana University competitors face off over business ideas at 18th Annual John Ruffatto Business Plan Competition
"You can really tell the growth that's happened in the past couple years with the competition based on the prize money,"
University TechTransfer
- Rehberg Announces $956,000 in Solar Energy Research Funding for Montana State University -Bozeman
“I continually support energy research funding as a means to a more energy independent America,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “It’s vital our country turn its focus away from our dependence on foreign oil, and toward developing the next generation of clean, renewable energy and energy-efficient transportation and homes. I commend the faculty and staff at MSU for being a part of this process,” Rehberg said.
The Creative and Cultural Economy
- Tear Down This Wall? Harvard wants to get its research out of the lab—but are its policies standing in the way?
More than a dozen Harvard faculty members have said that the school’s unusually stringent conflict-of-interest rules have placed a hurdle on the path to innovation.
Careers
- Plan for Missoula performing arts center surfaces. Major Donors will be crucial to success.
“You don't have a place in the city where you can put the combined bands or orchestras of the three high schools in one place.”
Energy
- Advice for Recent Graduates Stepping Into 'The Big Unknown'
No matter how much they do to get ready, many students will feel a bit overwhelmed. But career counselors say there are steps everyone can take to get a head start.
Connectivity & Communications
- Running Cars on Hydrogen Made from Starch. Spud cars in Idaho?
A new way to make hydrogen from corn or potatoes could make fuel-cell vehicles more practical.
Transportation
- New Newspaper Launches in Montana's Flathead Valley. The Flathead Beacon
Maury Povich, Connie Chung and team of University of Montana grads create the Flathead Beacon.
- Promising technique will take bite out of spam
A key Internet standards body gave preliminary approval on Tuesday to a powerful technology designed to detect and block fake e-email messages.
- Business, Consumer Coalition Calls On Congress For Universal Broadband
The coalition says it is "imperative" that Congress acts so the U.S. doesn't fall further behind in making broadband networks an integral part of the nation's economic and social life.
- Parents turn to kids for tech support
Children are helping Mom and Dad complete online purchases and other Internet tasks, potentially altering family dynamics.
Community
- What "bike friendly" looks like
So what would cities look like if we provided the infrastructure for safe cycling? What does "bike friendly" actually look like?
- Profile of a (Mostly) Car-free Community Erlangen, Germany
Röthelheimpark is widely regarded as a first-class living environment by its inhabitants. Beside the quiet and slow-paced environment, the large green strip in the middle of the area is a highly prized gem in the eyes of the residents.
Leadership Montana
- Remember Me. I need to know.
Lizzie Palmer who put this YouTube program together is only 15 years old. There have been over 3,000,000 hits as of this morning. In case you missed it, here it is.
- In rural America, community philanthropy thrives
Enthusiasm for rural giving springs in part from concern for the future of places like Parke County. As manufacturers decamp and the number of farmers dwindles, many communities are searching for ways to survive and prosper. Persuading residents to give back to their communities, especially when they draw up their wills, is a leading strategy.
City Club Missoula
- Ten Leadership Taboos Exposed
"Leadership is being propagated as a task not unlike dieting or cooking," Smith told me in a recent interview. "We've come to the point where we want everyone to be a leader. But just because we may want that, it doesn't mean it can happen."
- Idaho Falls forms new City Club
The club’s mission is to provide civil dialogue and discourse in a nonpartisan, nonsectarian manner without advocating specific positions, and to encourage participation from the broader community at large.
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