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| MATR Newsletter - Fri Nov 16, 2007 |
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"Mistakes are a part of being human. Appreciate your mistakes for what they are: precious life lessons that can only be learned the hard way. Unless it's a fatal mistake, which, at least, others can learn from." -- Al Franken
For those of you in the Seattle area, this should be a very worthwhile event: "The Northwest Chapter Of The Montana Ambassadors, 11/20, Seattle, WA" http://matr.net/articl ... .html--- Congratulations to Frontier Angel Groups' Bill Payne "These Angels Like to Work as a Team. NY Times Article Featuring Bill Payne of Montana's Frontier Angel Fund" http://www.matr.net/ar ... .html --- and congratulations to Bozeman's Steve Titus for his national press coverage: "Could the Solar Bug bring the sun to the car market? Free Drive EV, Inc. of Bozeman, Montana" http://www.matr.net/ar ... .html --- and, as usual, several stories about the excellence in Montana's education system because, as we all know, The State With The Best Education Wins!"
Boomtown Institute
Come Home Montana
- The Agurban from Boomtown Institute - Productivity Report
As development in the manufacturing sector increases, we are looking forward to working with those communities and contributing to the positive effects these manufacturing employers have on their economies.
Developing a more Entrepreneurial Montana
- Billings, Montana economy provides workers new opportunities
Opportunities abound for people hoping to improve their lives by boosting their job skills.
Developing Tech Jobs in Rural Communities
- Early-Stage Symposium measures Wisconsin's entrepreneurial climate
We are on the verge of a fourth wave (he prefers monsoon) of information technology that is the successor to networked computing, where the killer applications or sparks were network computers, the Internet, and enterprise software. The fourth monsoon, so labled because it will result in both casualties and a fertile period of change, is characterized by the transition from sequential to parallel computing, and where the spark is computer simulation.
Funding and Building your Business
- Tough business decisions accompany teleworking
While employees and the government are pushing for more telework options, business owners worry about the potential productivity and security risks of employees working from home.
Education
- These Angels Like to Work as a Team. NY Times Article Featuring Bill Payne of Montana's Frontier Angel Fund
“I’ve been an angel since 1980,” said William Payne, an entrepreneur who sold his dielectric-powder making company to DuPont in 1982. “I discovered that if I went to a conference and put ‘Bill Payne, Angel,’ on my badge, I’d leave the conference with 10 business plans, and I’m supposed to be retired.”
- Kodiak's Volpe unfairly tarnishes angel investors
Ignore for a moment that this message is coming from an early-stage venture capitalist who may compete with angels for deals. Instead, let's focus on the triteness of Volpe's viewpoint and his misleading use of data.
- In Search of Inexperience. Serial Entrepreneurs or First Timers?
Investing in “serial entrepeneurs” who have already been successful might not be all that it’s cracked up to be.
- Inside Entrepreneurship: Don't let funding challenges derail you
Tougher challenges require a tougher attitude.
University TechTransfer
- U.S. students 'middle of the pack' compared with world
A detailed study lets them know just how well kids may do if they really compete globally someday — and it's not exactly pretty.
- For her students, developmental math finally adds up
"If I were to tell you, 'I can't read,' or 'I can?t write,' are you going to be laughing? Why is it socially acceptable to say, 'I can't do math'?" asks Rosemary Karr, math professor at Collin County Community College in Plano, Texas.
- Web brings national parks closer to kids. "Tails from the Tetons"
"The general thinking is that kids are spending more time indoors rather than outdoors," said Jackie Skaggs, a Grand Teton spokeswoman. "There was a concern that we need to reach out and touch children with the mediums that they are comfortable with already."
Connectivity & Communications
- New compound with promise as an influenza vaccine is among six new MSU technologies available for licensing
In a MSU study, mice given the compound showed significant protection against influenza.
Cool Stuff That's Coming
- Social networkers reach out more with cellphones
The cellphone in your pocket or purse is becoming fertile territory for the hugely popular — some say overhyped — social-networking trend.
- Preserving One Web
The W3C hopes that its new tool will help developers build websites that will work well on any device, be it a phone or a video-game console.
- Fee Based News Web Sites Tear Down That Wall. The Wall Street Journal is among those listening.
Rupert Murdoch's announcement this week that he expects to stop charging for access to the Wall Street Journal's Web site is the latest example of a publisher giving up on the subscription-based business model -- a significant shift in the evolution of online content.
Incubators and R&D
- I.B.M. to Push ‘Cloud Computing,’ Using Data From Afar
I.B.M. is calling its initiative Blue Cloud. Most of the basic software needed for cloud computing is open source, meaning that the code is freely available and can be modified by users.
Regional Business
- Incubator RoundUp: New Incubators Help Grow Specialized High-Tech Companies
Over the past several months, universities, city and state governments, and private companies alike have announced the creation of high-tech incubators that will serve as springboards for developing specialized companies to help grow the regional economy.
- Oregon Scientists Use Monkey Clones to Extract Stem Cells
Not only is this the first time such cells have been produced in any animal other than a mouse, but the method, the researchers say, should also work in humans.
Developing Funding Opportunities in Montana
- Kirkland, WA based OVP leads $8MM investment into Idaho based clean tech startup M2E Power
The deal, to be announced today, will help M2E develop a system to power portable electronic devices such as night-vision goggles or cellphones using energy generated when a person moves.
Montana Business
- Due diligence treaties make deal syndication a snap
"It's the only up-front, thoughtful approach to syndication I've ever seen."
- Hawaii's Investment Tax Credit Program Generates $821M in Investment
In a survey conducted earlier this year, 45 percent of a sample of high-tech business owners said these credits played a "major influence" in their decision to grow and expand in Hawaii.
Montana Economic Development
- Could the Solar Bug bring the sun to the car market? Free Drive EV, Inc. of Bozeman, Montana
After exhibiting his latest prototype, he has 53 orders, and seven dealers have signed up to sell his cars. Multiple-unit buyers such as the Walt Disney Co. and the government of Aruba have also expressed significant interest. The 900-pound two-seater is currently being offered for about $15,000.
Regional Economic Development
- Montana Governor Schweitzer tells regents education system needs to move quickly
Schweitzer told the leaders of the state's university system that a strong education system has a direct link to economic development.
Government Technology
- FCC announces $400 million rural telehealth program
Program participants will receive funding to bolster existing telehealth networks or support up to 85% of the costs to design, engineer and construct innovative and efficient broadband systems, the agency said.
- The Community Economic Development Hot Report
The U.S. Census Bureau has launced a new information tool called the Community Economic Development Hot Report.
- Broadband Initiatives: Enhancing Lives and Transforming Communities
It is not meant to be an exhaustive accounting of all the ways that broadband is being used for the public good, but it does provide a sampling of the wide ranging possibilities
- 'Green mortgages' taking root
In effect, the mortgages pass energy savings on to homeowners in the form of increased buying power.
- Angel Investors Gain Expert Advice at Investor Summit
“Our role as angels is really the first round,” Villalobos said. “If we succeed and get that venture to execute…then getting VC funding is no problem.”
- Missouri task force will look to expand high-speed Internet to rural areas
The governor believes the lack of high-speed Internet connections is inhibiting job growth, education and economic expansion in rural areas.
Idaho Business
- Top U.S. Digital Cities Announced
American cities that excel in the digital arena are being recognized by the Center for Digital Government as found from the 2007 Digital Cities Survey. The seventh annual study examines how cities are using technology to create a seamless environment between local government and constituents.
Washington State Business
- PakSense Temperature Monitoring labels incorporated by JBS Swift & Co. to ensure product quality during distribution
New standard for product freshness set by PakSense
- Idaho Rural Partnership Digs Entrepreneurship!
Idaho Rural Partnership Board meeting on Tuesday focused heavily on encouraging entrepreneurship. (With Nancy Bergmann as chair, are you surprised?)
- Young professionals group forms in Kootenai County
A loose-knit, fledgling group is forming to recruit and retain young professionals and provide social, educational, leadership and networking opportunities.
- Boise skin care company, Episciences, showing growth, signs new European deal
Spokeswoman Trish Stack says the deal could double sales in 2008. The private company now has 20 employees and 2007 sales are projected at $3 million.
- Start-ups: Small start-ups thrive in Idaho but seldom become lots bigger. Growing our gazelles
At Telemetric, our management team thinks about this in every planning session. What is our "winner profile," and how do we become the leader in our market segment of 'commercial wireless communication solutions for electric utilities.'
Wyoming Business
- PAML of Spokane, WA Creates Lab Joint Venture with HCA's MountainStar Healthcare Network
It is another demonstration of why interest in clinical laboratory ventures remains white hot.
Miscellaneous Ramblings
- Forward Cody selects Montanan, James Klessens. Development expert looking forward to challenge in Wyoming
James Klessens of Joliet is currently the director of Two Rivers Authority, the city of Hardin's economic development arm.
Montana Education/Business Partnerships
- Burn while you earn: Desk treadmill keeps you walking at work
Too busy working to work out?
- Opting out of catalog lists is a click away. Web Site Helps Stop Unwanted Mailings
Catalog Choice (www.catalogchoice.org) is a project of three environmental organizations: the National Wildlife Federation in Virginia, the Natural Resources Defense Council in New York and the Ecology Center in Berkeley.
Energy
- Sidney, Montana High School-to-work program helps student gain health care experience
The Sidney High School’s school-to-work program allows students to spend time at selected businesses and see the advantages and disadvantages of career fields.
- Program builds business-school ties. Volunteers from Bresnan Communications venture into classrooms to impart knowledge, provide resources
The partnership between Bresnan and Central Heights is part of the ongoing Billings Partners in Education program, which is supported by the Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools and sponsored by Celebrate Billings.
Making the Most of the American Prairie
- Governors Schweitzer, Huntsman and Schwarzenegger Join in Creating Regional Pacts on Climate Change
The 30-second ad features Arnold Schwarzenegger, Republican of California; Jon Huntsman Jr., Republican of Utah; and Brian Schweitzer, Democrat of Montana, standing in casual clothes in scenic spots talking about the threat posed by greenhouse gas emissions.
- Automakers Announce Hydrogen Fuel Cell Cars
American Honda Motor Co., Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Corp. announced plans at the Los Angeles Auto Show on Wednesday to put alternative fuel technology vehicles on the road in California in coming months.
Montana Education Excellence
- Montana Hopes to Lure Tourists with Bison. The American Prairie Foundation
The American Prairie Foundation is working to reintroduce thousands of bison and other native species to parts of Montana, with the hopes of luring eco-tourists.
VIRUS ALERTS
- New Billings Career Center course introduces students to engineering
he Career Center is the only Project Lead the Way program in the state, but it has been successful in other states for the past 10 years.
- Montana Governor Schweitzer visits new Montana Tech program
The program is geared towards providing hands on training in hooking up power lines and instructor Jim Babst says it provides an opportunity for new graduates to stay in Montana and contribute to the economy.
- Regents to consider OK of MSU astrobiology center
The MSU center’s focus will be studying physical and catalytic properties of iron-sulfide compounds found in both biological and geological realms. Catalytic properties relate to the ability to speed up a chemical process.
- Scientific heritage: University of Montana opens country's first laboratory for Native students
“The idea behind the Native American research labs is to provide hands-on research experiences, both laboratory and field experiences, for Native students who have come from economically disadvantaged communities or from tribal colleges where you often don't have access to instrumentation and expertise,” said Ceballos, a research assistant professor at UM.
- Montana Board of Nursing change opens new opportunities for LPN program in rural communities
"This is an extremely important opportunity for people who live in Choteau and the surrounding community to step up to another level of health care job," said Ray Gibbons, administrator and CEO of Teton Medical Center. "This is a chance for us to invest in people who have chosen to live here."
- National rural educators name Susan Luinstra, Bynum teacher in Teton County, Montana best in nation
"Not until I had the opportunity to see for myself what happens in her classroom was I able to see the lifelong impact she makes on her students. She is in a class of her own when it comes to master educators and is well deserving of this award."
- "Five Stages Of Climate Grief", Dr. Steven Running (He Just Won The Nobel!), 11/26, University Of Montana, Missoula
His work as a lead author of the 2007 United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report – which presents strong evidence that humanity is artificially warming our world -- recently brought him a share of the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to the IPCC committee and Al Gore.
- The University of Montana 2007 Vision Magazine - Research, Scholarship and Innovation
Through cutting-edge technological advancements paired with common sense and the tenacious curiosity of University researchers, UM is evolving with wisdom, resolve and grace.
- A win-win plan for Billings students
Montana State University Billings and School District 2 finally have a proposal for starting a dual-credit program that will include college courses taught at the high schools.
- How online crooks put us all at risk. How well are we protecting ourselves?
A group of high-tech entrepreneurs has turned the Internet into a tool for massive fraud.
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