|
|
|
| MATR Newsletter - Fri Dec 14, 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 find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have.” - Thomas Jefferson
Highlighted Stories This Week -- "The Montana Board of Research and Commercialization Technology is accepting proposals for funding. Experienced counselors are available to help applicants." http://www.matr.net/ar ... .html --- An important measure of the quality of life in a state is how it protects and supports those with mental and physical challenges. Big salute to the staff at the non-profit Montana Advocacy Program (MAP) http://www.mtadv.org for persisting in bringing this report to light. It had a major impact in Maryland as the individual in question resigned yesterday. Keep up the great work attorneys and advocates at MAP! The citizens of Montana are proud of your efforts. "Judge unseals Swan Valley report of child abuse uncovered by the Montana Advocacy Program" http://www.matr.net/ar ... .html
Boomtown Institute
Developing Tech Jobs in Rural Communities
- The Agurban from Boomtown Institute - NetWork Kansas - E-Community Program
"Becoming an entrepreneurial community is a process, not a project."
Funding and Building your Business
- Maine Set Aggressive Goals to Carry State's Economy Into the Future
"It's not just cutting — it's the bleeding edge."
- Building a Statewide Angel Network
Wisconsin has done an outstanding job developing a collaborative and networked statewide Angel network. Each state should have one if it wants to give its entrepreneurs a chance to compete in the world economy. Without it, the state's economic development is at a severe disadvantage.
Business Plan Forums
- Is there a Web 2.0 Bubble? This is a great video that's worth your time. UPDATE- Copyright Claim Erases Parody Video From YouTube
Is your company bubble worthy?
- Firm Launches Revolutionary Data Resource for U.S. Venture Valuation, Deal Terms
The web's first competitive intelligence source revealing the specific deal terms of U.S. venture-backed deals, as well as individual valuations for hundreds of those companies.
- PricewaterhouseCoopers Money Tree Report. What are the VC's investing in and where?
The MoneyTree Report is a quarterly study of venture capital investment activity in the United States.
- These 10 principles will help you select workers for your company
Hiring the right people can make a world of difference in the success of your business, but many business owners do not approach hiring in the right manner and often make the same mistakes.
- CFOs for rent
Many companies want part-time or temporary finance experts
- Word of Mouth Versus Key Influencers
Sucking up to A-list bloggers may not be all that it’s cracked up to be.
- The Montana Board of Research and Commercialization Technology is accepting proposals for funding. Experienced counselors are available to help applicants.
Proposals are due March 3, 2008.
- Inside Entrepreneurship: LLC ownership may shape charity decision
This is the time of year when business owners consider ways they can get the most tax-saving mileage out of their charitable donations and business expenses.
University TechTransfer
- The University of Chicago Graduate School of Business to Host Venture Capital Contest with students as the VC's
After the students interview real-life entrepreneurs and assess the entrepreneurs' business plans, they will present investment recommendations to a judging panel of real venture capitalists.
Connectivity & Communications
- University of Texas forms $2M commercialization fund
The pace of technology transfer has stalled somewhat since it became possible in the 1980s thanks to legislation that allows universities to patent discoveries funded by federal research grants. Perhaps commercialization funds will be a shot in the arm for such programs -- and potentially a new source of portfolio companies for venture firms. -
- Commercializing a Campus Creation
At the University of California, Davis, officials are using Pandey's transition to light the path for other researchers and students in hopes of building momentum in moving other discoveries into the commercial arena.
- Technology Transfer: Use of Federally Funded Research and Development
The federal government spends approximately one third of its annual research and development budget for intramural R&D to meet mission requirements in over 700 government laboratories
Cool Stuff That's Coming
- Notification System a Lifesaver During Southern California Fires
The Motorola Web EOC system worked in tandem with the mass notification systems by letting everyone know what parts of the county were being evacuated at a certain time and where people were going.
- A low-cost route to the Web
California start-up Meraki powers several thousand wireless networks across 70 countries, bringing the Internet to those who otherwise could never afford it.
- Broadband Over Powerline a Home Networking Winner, Says Group
"Management and conservation of energy has become the overriding driver for smart grid, utility applications, where both broadband and low-speed powerline communications will play a role.
Incubators and R&D
- Communicating with Plastic
A new inkjet-printed technology enables a different kind of wireless connectivity between devices.
- Expandable Silicon
A new chip design could lead to cheaper solar panels, sensor networks, and flat-screen TVs.
Regional Business
- Top nanotechnology schools rent out their labs to businesses big and small
Thirteen nano-level university laboratories across the country are hiring themselves out to businesses eager to make their mark in the millennium of the minuscule.
Developing Funding Opportunities in Montana
- Third Annual Torch Awards for Marketplace Ethics For Companies from Montana, Idaho and Washington Companies. Does your company have what it takes to compete next year?
Any company in our service area is eligible, as long as it has a satisfactory record with the BBB.
- The Death of Main Street
Are big chains to blame, or is excessive regulation?
Montana Economic Development
- Angel: We mentor startups better than VCs do. "Age of the Angel: Best Practices for Angel Groups and Investors,"
"Age of the Angel: Best Practices for Angel Groups an Investors," is free for download and $7.69 for a paperback copy.
- What's better for angels, equity or convertible debt?
Ted Driscoll, a venture partner at Claremont Creek Ventures and an angel investor, says that if an entrepreneur plans to raise a venture round they should use convertible debt.
Regional Economic Development
- Poll Shows Montanans Strongly Support Business
The results of the 2007 Montana Chamber Power-Base (P-Base) poll show Montanans are eager to develop the state’s natural resources, address barriers to long-term sustainable growth, and create more good-paying jobs.
Utah Economic Development
- Where You Live Could Kill You
If you're committed to longevity, your best locational bet is a move to the certain counties in Montana, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, North Dakota and South Dakota, according to a new study comparing mortality rates in counties nationwide.
- Selling the Northwest's global genericism
Current real estate pitches emphasize wealth, urban amenities, and a let-them-eat cake luxury lifestyle that is the antithesis of anything remotely regional or rooted.
- WestWord Fall 2007 Newsletter - The Sonoran Institute
This issue highlights: our first workshop to help western communities plan their energy futures; an Oregon float trip that led to a river management breakthrough; legislative progress for smart growth; the success of a vision for a Montana community; and more.
Idaho Business
- Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman has budget priority right: Pay teachers more
Teachers are the cornerstone of any public-ed system. Without qualified, dedicated teachers, indeed, without enough teachers, classrooms get more crowded and our children don't learn what they need to know to go on to college or get jobs that can support a family.
Oregon Economic Development
- Ground Force Manufacturing of Post Falls, Idaho now a global force. Support-vehicle maker says China, oil sands drive super hot growth
Owner Ron Nilson says Ground Force expects to hire 60 more workers within the next five years.
- Idaho Innovation Alliance thinks big
Idaho’s tech industry has long needed a voice especially in the state legislature. But this group dubbed — the Idaho Innovation Alliance — has decided it doesn’t want to focus solely on tech companies. Instead it’s going after companies that are innovative and growing.
- ON Semiconductor to buy AMIS of Pocatello, Idaho in all-stock transaction
Phoenix-based ON Semi, which makes audio and power management chips used in mobile phones, cars and portable electronics, expects up to $50 million in pre-tax cost savings from the purchase in 2009.
- Idaho has abundant power? Think again. Two manufacturers skip Boise after utility says it can't provide electricity.
The separate proposals could have brought as many as 1,000 jobs each, an economic developer said, but one proposal would have needed between 240 megawatts and 480 megawatts of power - three to six times as much power as used by Micron Technology, the Valley's largest energy user, according to Idaho Power Co.
Montana Education/Business Partnerships
- Germany-based SolarWorld Group Selects Oregon for Nation's Largest Solar Production Facility
A region that attracts highly skilled technology workers located within a state that rewards companies that adopt environmental initiatives, were two of the primary reasons Germany-based SolarWorld Group selected Hillsboro, Ore., as the location for its newest manufacturing plant.
Careers
- Work force development group in Great Falls, Montana begins groundwork on project
Some smaller Hi-Line schools with declining enrollments could remain open longer if ways can be found to share teaching resources with the Great Falls district and area colleges through distance learning and other means.
Non-Profit News
- How to Find Your Passion And Make It a New Career
Lots of people are asking this question after leaving first careers or jobs they didn't feel passionate about.
- Tips for Finding Recruiters Who Specialize in Your Niche
Here are some ways of identifying recruiters who specialize in your area of expertise.
- Bill Gates: The skills you need to succeed
One of the most important changes of the last 30 years is that digital technology has transformed almost everyone into an information worker.
Energy
- Forest Helpers Contribution to the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest is Amazing
“It came to over 12,400 hours in 2007 alone.”
- Twin Efforts Aim to Popularize Online Giving. AOL Founder, Steve Case Wants the Not-So-Rich-and-Famous to Embrace Philanthropy
"There's a lot of evidence that this generation, my generation, is incredibly interested in changing the world around them and being civically engaged," Green said. "People have this latent power locked up in their social network, but they don't really know about it. People have the power to change the world just by influencing 10 friends."
- The Albertsons Boise Open distributes a record $2,026,000 to local charities
“Never did we think we’d be able to provide over $2 million to charity. Those numbers are just out of sight. … This community rallies behind this event like no other Nationwide Tour community, and it’s motivating.”
- Judge unseals Swan Valley report of child abuse uncovered by the Montana Advocacy Program
The mission of the Montana Advocacy Program (MAP)is to protect and advocate the human, legal, and civil rights of Montanans with disabilities while advancing dignity, equality, and self-determination. MAP http://www.mtadv.org/ is a non-profit 501-C-3 organization that deserves the support of all Montanans as it strives to protect and improve the lives of many in Montana. Please consider MAP as you plan your year-end contributions. Russ
- Fidelity Investments to give colleges charitable contributions. Students to decide how it's distributed.
The program, sponsored by the Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund, the country's fourth-largest public charity, will put the students in the role of real-life philanthropists.
Transportation
- How risky is the new era of nuclear power?
Power companies are beginning to file applications to build up to 32 nuclear plants over the next 20 years.
- A big chill for global warming. A techno-fix to quickly cool the planet needs research in light of new data that climate change is coming fast.
Scientists are now asking for government-backed research into emergency ways to cool the Earth quickly in case global temperatures reach a tipping point.
Montana Education Excellence
- Cars Take Back Seat in Planned Transit-Friendly Street. Transit-first street plan hailed
In Toronto, planners have unveiled a street design that separates a planned streetcar line from auto traffic, bike lanes, and parking. Many are calling it a first for the city -- making the street decidedly transit- and pedestrian-friendly.
VIRUS ALERTS
- World Center for Concrete Technology (WCCT) offers Tuition Free Scholarships for Montanans
Dr. Olin Joynton, President of the Alpena Community College in Michigan is partnering with Porter Block, Inc., and offering twenty tuition free education scholarships for Montanans.
- Thanks to Sen Baucus, Secure Rural Schools plan could have brought $93 million to Montana but the House stripped it out of the legislation
"This is big," Baucus said of the agreement he helped craft between Republicans and Democrats. "This deal will throw a lifeline to Montana's communities, pump millions into schools, roads, and community services. We're not across the finish line yet, but darn close."
- Montana Education / Students turning to College of Technology
UM officials agree the COT is an excellent fit for many students and it does offer less expensive programs and classes than does the mountain campus. However, they cautioned students who are looking to save money by enrolling at the COT and transferring to a four-year program later to be very careful in their planning.
- Scam alert: Federal court letter to credit card holders looks like a scam but isn't
The BBB has contacted attorneys in the case and the U.S. District Court. All appears legitimate.
To subscribe or unsubscribe from the free weekly MATR newsletter, please visit our list info page