|
|
|
| MATR Newsletter - Fri Jun 15, 2007 |
|
This MATR newsletter sponsored by: Add an event... Upcoming Events
New Events
MATR supporter: MATR Web services provided by:  To subscribe or unsubscribe from the free weekly MATR newsletter, please visit our list info page |
"I don't make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts." Will Rogers (1879-1935)
Here's an extraordinary story of the leadership that the Montana State University Leadership Institute is developing for the future of Montana. Congratulations to Daniel Czech for exhibiting the very best of leadership qualities. http://www.matr.net/ar ... .html ----- Unfortunately, Montana still needs to work on developing a better understanding throughout the state of the need and value of supporting the entire education system. "2007 Montana Legislature failed to fund education system again" http://www.matr.net/ar ... .html
Boomtown Institute
Come Home Montana
- The Agurban from Boomtown Institute - The Price of Gas
"Gas prices drive workers - and bosses - to telecommute"
- Making a Difference
I thought that this true story of how one person can change attitudes was excellent. Please take three minutes to view it.
PrintingForLess
- Montana Talent - Clerical Expert - Denver Henderson
Ideal position would be 30-40 hrs a week of challenging clerical work in Missoula, Montana.
- Montana Career Opportunity - Website Migration Implementer Utilizing Drupal
We are seeking to migrate the existing site and content to a new software and hardware platform, preferably using open-source software.
- Montana Career Opportunity - Chief Executive Officer - Providence Surgery Center
The Surgery Center Chief Executive Officer, CEO, is responsible for overseeing, managing & marketing the Providence Surgery Center.
- Montana Career Opportunity - Database Developer/Information Technology (IT) Manager, Adventure Cycling Association
Adventure Cycling's mission is to inspire people of all ages to travel by bicycle.
Developing Tech Jobs in Rural Communities
- PrintingForLess.com’s Krystal Cipriani Wins National Bindery, Finishing and Distribution Operations Manager of the Year Award
“Krystal’s strong record of performance as a bindery manager at PrintingForLess.com makes her well-deserving of this honor,” says Robert G. Whitton, R&E Council of NAPL Managing Director.
Montana Education Excellence
- The Creative Class A Key to Rural Growth
The creative-class thesis—that towns need to attract engineers, architects, artists, and people in other creative occupations to compete in today’s economy—may be particularly relevant to rural communities, which tend to lose much of their talent when young adults leave for college, the Armed Forces, or “city lights.”
- Rural Areas Offer Guides to Newcomers
Across the country, rural areas have seen a steady influx of urban dwellers in the past decade, some of whom are suffering a bit of Green Acres-esque shock.
Education
- University of Montana Students Sweep Regional Emmy Awards
University of Montana radio-television students recently swept the competition at the Northwest Regional Emmy Awards in Seattle. UM student-produced television programs won in all three student categories, including long-form news, short-form news and entertainment.
- Energy Technology Program University of Montana College Of Technology
“The degree is one which embodies the principles of traditional, renewable, sustainable, and alternative fuels and supports creating the knowledge base of the students in these areas. Additionally, the intent is to include the value added components of practical/internship experiences as well”
- Ahead of his times: Recent Montana State University graduate, Daniel Czech sponsors scholarship
"So many groups on campus do a lot of good stuff, but the people who work at the Leadership Institute http://www.montana.edu/leadership are some of the most talented individuals on campus," he said. "They work really hard at what they do."
- Montana University System Names Associate Commissioner
Tyler Trevor will begin his new job on July 15, subject to final approval from the Montana Board of Regents, said Commissioner Sheila Stearns.
- Drama accreditation spotlit at the University of Montana
“This is a healthy process,” says Dean. “There’s a reason schools go through these reviews, and it’s to make sure we don’t get complacent, thinking we’re doing just well enough. As a program, it will only make us better.”
- University of Montana Computer Science Department Rakes in Prestigious Grants
The small, six-member faculty has pulled in more than $3 million in the last four years in various grants for work ranging from NASA’s ORION project – the successor to the space shuttle – to creating models of receding ice sheets around the globe for use in schools.
2007 Montana Legislature
- States to Convene Summits on Early Childhood Development
"These grants will allow governors to convene their key stakeholders around state action plans for early childhood development", said John Thomasian, director of the NGA Center. "Governors are committed to improving and coordinating all services to better prepare the nation's youth for their first day at school."
- University of Idaho looking to recruit and retain more Indian students
"It looks like they're heading in a positive direction when it comes to developing stronger relationships with the tribal communities in the area," he said. "You're in a state where there's obviously a large population of Native American peoples, and you question why those relationships (with the tribes) aren't existing."
Montana Business
- Guest column: Public should expect legislators to help collect taxes
Whenever there is a proposal to close business tax loopholes we hear cries of, “It will have a chilling effect on business in Montana,” or “It sends an anti-business message to anyone thinking of moving a business to Montana.” Like who? Tax cheats? Nobody claims enforcing laws against drunken driving will have a “chilling effect on Montana tourism.” Why then should collecting taxes from out-of-state tax cheats have any effect at all on honest businesses?
- 2007 Montana Legislature failed to fund education system again
Montana's governor and Legislature have thrown down the gauntlet to Montana's Supreme Court.
- 2007 Montana Legislature missed chance to deal with immigration
Seven bills were introduced to prepare Montana for the anticipated influx. All bills died.
- Montana Gov. Holds Line Against Tourism Tax Bill
Would have pumped significantly more money into Montana’s promotional marketing: Senate Bill 284. would have pumped significantly more money into Montana’s promotional marketing: Senate Bill 284. Many in the tourism industry are not pleased with the results.
- Great Falls officials praise legislative economic development and education efforts
"They really worked together as a regional delegation and helped get it done," GFDA President Brett Doney said prior to the meal.
Montana Economic Development
- Ripple Marketing of Bozeman, Montana Unveils International Importing Company. Flat Earth Imports
Flat Earth Imports focuses on identifying, importing, marketing and delivering authentic products to specialty markets. The new firm’s clients benefit from a unique fusion of competencies, empowering them to reach new markets.
- Big Sky Airlines pulls out of Eau Claire, Wisconsin airport
Big Sky Airlines is pulling out of the Chippewa Valley Regional Airport after just three months of providing airline service between Eau Claire and Chicago's Midway Airport.
- Sun Road contract cuts out Montanans
No Montana contractors have qualified for a massive contract to reconstruct the Going-to-the-Sun Highway, even though most have previously worked on the road.
- General Mills cuts Montana jobs in centralizing move
"Loosing that local contact and local person on the ground is going to be a detriment to Montana wheat producers," said Will Roehm, a grain producer outside Great Falls and vice president of the Montana Grain Growers Association.
- Kalispell Man Builds on Popular Trademark - Trout Slayer
As for now, Trout Slayer Ale fans don’t need to worry about Beck and Bayern’s business agreement to discontinue the beer, Beck said. He is re-licensing the name to another brewery, which he should have done by August.
- Congratulations to VisionNet and their new website
VisionNet is a Supporter of MATR and we thank them for their continued efforts to improve the Montana economy.
Funding and Building your Business
- Project Giveback Reaches $1 Million Goal Towards New Madison Valley Hospital & Clinic More Than a Year Ahead of Schedule Thanks to Leadership of The Sun West Ranch.
We are so humbled by the community fundraising efforts and are looking forward to a top-notch facility that will provide quality healthcare to all residents and visitors that need it.”
- MWTC E-News
Schedule One-On-One Meetings with Canadian Trade Commissioners after MWTC's Luncheon June 25 (RSVP by June 18)
- The missing ink: Brian Schweitzer’s divided energy loyalties
Five Western governors signed a letter to Congress describing efforts by their states to reduce greenhouse gases. Guess whose signature was missing from the letter?
Regional Economic Development
- The Benefits of Using Your Own Bootstraps
Would-be entrepreneurs often think starting a successful business requires a large cash infusion to pay for an office, employees and professional marketing to make a cannonball splash in the market. But many are discovering the advantages of "bootstrapping" -- or using little or no external capital and conserving as much cash as possible to grow the business. It's about finding effective ways to build a business yourself without running thin on cash.
- Entrepreneurs piggyback on MySpace platform
This new "cottage industry" has become so prominent that even Facebook— a popular college social networking site — agreed in May to partner with some of these so-called "third-party" businesses.
- In pursuit of capital, be sure to track your private offerings
This article provides an overview of the information that should be maintained and tracked through the offering process.
- Capital-raising term sheets for angels and venture capitalists
For a variety of reasons, companies need to be careful not to fall into the trap of negotiating with each prospective investor.
- Economics of Free: A New Business Model
How companies are learning to value the concept of 'nothing'.
- Adventures of a Startup CEO: No Guts No Glory
10 lessons for building a successful start-up
- Many employees see CEO as father figure
All agree on one thing: Like it or not, being the father figure may be manageable, but it is all but inescapable.
- Inside Entrepreneurship: Getting past initial venture funding rejection
No one likes rejection, especially when it involves our best creative thinking and careerbuilding dreams.
- How Small Companies Can Build Cachet With Job Applicants
What are some advantages that small employers may have when trying to attract talent?
Utah Business
- SSTI Awards Honor Exceptional Achievement in Technology-Based Economic Development. Are Your Economic Development Efforts Among the Best in the Nation?
The awards program not only celebrates exceptional achievements in TBED, but also provides examples of role model initiatives for peer practitioners around the country to emulate or adopt. The award also can be used as promotional tool in your marketing, recruitment, and outreach efforts.
- Take the Money and Don't Run: Encouraging More Job Creation
Many state and local governments are using "clawback" provisions that let governments recover their money if companies leave town or go belly-up.
- U.S. Congress Proposes National Technology Effort Modeled After ConnectKentucky
"ConnectKentucky has brought together Kentucky's most innovative businesses, public agencies and educational entities to orchestrate a technology turnaround for the commonwealth," said Gov. Fletcher. "At an increasing rate, technology companies are locating in Kentucky, entrepreneurs are developing businesses in Kentucky and jobs are growing in Kentucky because the commonwealth now has the technology infrastructure and a more technology-savvy workforce to support business creation and growth."
- The Four Drivers Of Kotkin's Opportunity Urbanism
Joel Kotkin's Opportunity Urbanism "asserts that the fundamental (but recently forgotten) core mission of cities is to accelerate the upward social and economic mobility of its inhabitants.
- Bad Odds - For Economic Development, Casinos Don't Pay
While more states are approving commercial casinos in hopes of creating jobs and increasing tax revenues, economists are increasing skeptical of the benefits of legalized gambling.
Idaho Business
- Hot Utah economy blessing and curse for Utah employers
State labor market stays tight, so businesses start throwing in cash, perks
Oregon Economic Development
- Marketron of Hailey, Idaho merges with media software supplier
Marketron moved into its Hailey offices in 1998 when founder Jerry Cronin decided the Wood River Valley was a good place to draw talented people.
- Housing Developers Breathe Neighborhood Into Downtown Boise, Idaho
With a number of large-scale condo and apartment developments planned for downtown Boise, seven developers are transforming the formerly vacant downtown into a vibrant neighborhood.
Washington State Business
- Solar firm plans Portland factory
The company cited Oregon's efforts to nurture renewable sources of energy.
Wyoming Business
- Camp venture hits nothin' but net. NBC Camps
Fred Crowell says NBC Camps is the world's largest operator of basketball camps at which participants stay overnight.
- Bellevue startup, Smartsheet.com gets $2.69 million financing deal
The nine-person company competes against Microsoft Corp., 37 Signals, Google's JotSpot and eProject, a 110-person Seattle company that just landed $12 million in funding from Bay Partners and others last month.
- Paul Allen, others back new-engine firm. Infinia Corp. of Kennewick gets $9.5 million in venture funding
Big-named investors Vinod Khosla, Bill Gross and Paul Allen are among the backers of a tiny Kennewick company that is creating a new type of engine that uses pressure differences created by changes in temperature to create electricity and hot water.
Idaho Community Sketch
- Hiring gets aggressive in Casper
The figures put Casper eighth-highest in terms of expected hiring among 460 markets surveyed.
Miscellaneous Ramblings
- Lights! Camera! Legislature! Idaho Legislature on PBS tonight 6/13
The 3.5-hour “State Legislature” pulls together footage of both public debate and private conversations that took place during the 69-day session.
Universities and Economic Development
- Doctor Urges AMA to Recognize Game Addiction As a Disorder
Included in the report is the proposed medical definition of "gamer." Keep reading to find out if you qualify or not.
Incubators and R&D
- Is the U.S. winning back its competitive edge through its universities?
A new study suggests that American universities are luring more entrepreneurial talent from overseas than many think, fueling a boom in tech startups here.
- 'How Innovation Drives Our Economy' University leads the discussion
One of the challenges for every EDPro is elevating the community discussion on innovation. By guiding these discussions, we can move this issue to the center of the economic development agenda in this country.
- How Much U.S. Technological Innovation Begins in Universities?
How significant is the flow of technological know-how from university to industry? Has it changed over time? Which industries benefit the most from university research? What sorts of firms are best equipped to access university research?
Business Plan Forums
- Call for Research Proposals - Interventions for diseases disproportionately affecting racial and ethnic minorities
The goal of the CBPR initiative is to reduce and eventually eliminate health disparities through partnerships between heath disparity populations and researchers.
- San Diego State University is named top research university
“We're not at the plane that Stanford and Berkeley are at. We're not stealing their faculty. But we're at the plane that would be equal to the flagship universities of most states, like the University of Missouri or the University of Kansas,”
- Scientists Turn to the Internet and Venture Capitalists for Backing
“The Internet made the business possible,”
Careers
- 2007 Bend Venture Conference Featuring Guy Kawasaki, 10/19, Bend, Oregon
We are in the process of recruiting sponsors and presenting companies for what is lining up to be the best venture conference in the region.
- Surgical products company wins Governor's Business Plan Contest
In its third year as a contestent, Vector Surgical, an Oconomowoc business that is developing new medical instruments to improve breast cancer surgery, is the winner of the 2007 Governor's Business Plan Contest.
Non-Profit News
- Speaking as a Performing Art
Snarl.
Energy
- Montana Nonprofit Association June 2007 eNews
The Montana Nonprofit Association (MNA) http://www.mtnonprofit.org is a membership organization that promotes a stronger nonprofit sector, a supportive public climate, and the ability of nonprofits to accomplish their missions.
- American Prairie Reserve - June 2007 Newsletter
Green is everywhere on the prairie this month.
- Y.E.S. program offers hope, help to at-risk youth
A new nonprofit organization in Teton County is reaching out to at-risk youth and their parents, offering fun and educational programs to keep them from going astray or to help get their lives back on track.
- Missoula-born hearing projects garner international support
Past district governor Don Gatzke of Kalispell carried the proposed resolution requesting the Rotary International Board to consider “adding hearing health care as a tangible and effective means of furthering the objectives of the Rotary Foundation.”
Connectivity & Communications
- N.C. fines man $1,000 for switching car from diesel to soybean oil
"We're not here to hurt the small guy, we're just trying to make sure that the playing field is level."
Commuter Rail Development
- MTA Commentary-Interim Cap on New Universal Service Support
Here are some reasons why a cap on new universal service funding makes sense
City Club Missoula
- Dozens urge electric, not diesel, FasTracks commuter rail lines
Northeast Denver communities are heavily lobbying RTD to make all four heavy-rail corridors electric.
- Presidential Candidate Stumps For Light Rail. Would also create Cabinet Post for Water
New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson promised to redirect funding from roads to mass transit if he's elected President.
- A NYC First: On-Street Car Parking Spaces Removed for Bicycle Parking
This project represents the first time ever in New York City that on-street car parking spaces have been eliminated to make way for bicycle parking.
To subscribe or unsubscribe from the free weekly MATR newsletter, please visit our list info page