|
|
|
| MATR Newsletter - Fri Jun 13, 2008 |
"Regret for the things we did can be tempered by time; it is regret for the things we did not do that is inconsolable." -Sydney Harris
Kudos to Idaho and the many organizations concerned about the future of their education system. "Idaho Gov. Otter touts schools change. "In many cases, we're a step behind nations we once led." http://matr.net/articl ... .html --- We did have a bright spot in Montana this week. "Secret donor gives $241,000 to coach Bozeman public school teachers" http://www.matr.net/ar ... .html
Vision Net
PrintingForLess
- Montana Judicial Video Network
The Montana Judicial Video Network, established in 2000, has evolved into a network that now extends to all 22 Montana Judicial Districts, has 38 individual sites, and carried over 1,500 hours of court related proceedings providing over $600,000 of fiscal benefits in 2005.
City Club Missoula
- PrintingForLess.com Goes to the Dogs and Increases Productivity
“Here at PrintingForLess.com, we bring our dogs to work on a daily basis,” says Andrew Field, PFL Founder and CEO. “Our dog-friendly policy helps staff morale and builds camaraderie among employees, so it is important for us to celebrate this fun day and help increase awareness for pet adoptions on a regular basis.”
Come Home Montana
- City Club Missoula - Nonprofit leaders urge investment in entrepreneurs in Missoula
Donations by western Montanans may help future entrepreneurs launch their own ventures, according to officials from two nonprofits.
Developing a more Entrepreneurial Montana
- American dreams - family from India adjusts to life in Montana
“I thought it would be colder. I heard we wouldn’t have electricity ... and I thought everyone rode horses,” she said giggling.
- Montana Career Opportunity - NET Developer - Corporate Design and Communications Assistant - Washington Corporations IT Services
A qualified candidate would be driven by a strong desire to work on a diverse range of projects and provide world class service.
- Montana Career Opportunity - Flash/Flex Developer - onedayLiVE.com
Local company is seeking a freelance Flash Developer with database experience to help build a desktop application.
Leadership Montana
- When Starting Out, Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Think of all the people you know and how they could possibly help you with some aspect of your business.
Montana Business
- J.K. Rowling on the power of failure- Commencement Address at Harvard
"The fact that you are graduating from Harvard suggests that you are not very well-acquainted with failure...."
- Own Up, Show Up, Stand Up. So you think you're a change leader?
If you've been busy implementing new strategies, systems and processes, you may be ignoring one of the most powerful tools for change: yourself.
- The Fallacy of Strength-based Leadership Development
Recent research from the Center for Creative Leadership shows a startling gap between the current strengths of leaders and the leadership skills and perspectives that are critical for success.
Montana Economic Development
- Fitting in. Woman finds productive, enjoyable role in Montana oil field job
"I'm the only woman out there doing this job," Terri Moore says. "I enjoy it. I like being outside and working with my hands. The day goes by fast. It's really a lot of fun."
- Lefse's in Montana? - Montana Manufacturing Center Spring 2008 Newsletter
A shortage of available workers in Opheim, Montana (current population est. 85) for the labor-intensive business is the result of a declining population (Census 2000 est. 111), a phenomenon that is occurring in communities all across the rural West.
- GlaxoSmithKline cuts 350 research jobs
Glaxo did not specify where the job cuts would be made among its worldwide R&D staff of 17,000 as consultations continue with employees
- Fine-tuned - “Your ’65 Jazzmaster needs a nut job and a neck tweak? Oh, man, you’d better take it to George in Missoula.”
From the seclusion of his eclectic workshop, George Weisel restores, repairs and builds some of the world’s finest guitars in relative anonymity. But he’s part of a local luthier triumvirate that’s gained national notoriety.
- Former MSU-Billings College Dean, Joe Michels opens business consulting firm - Solomon Bruce Consulting LLC
Solomon Bruce Consulting LLC works with small business, large business, governmental entities, non-profit associations. Our goal is to improve and increase your organizational objectives and goals.
Regional Economic Development
- Montana Lawmakers Seek Comments on Carbon Sequestration Report
Committee members believe it will be important for Montana lawmakers to closely monitor federal activity and be prepared to address during the 2011 Legislature a complete regulatory framework to guide the injection and storage of carbon dioxide.
- Great Northern Development Corp June 2008 Newsletter
- "5th Annual Rocky Mountain Oyster Festival!", 7/12, Washington, D.C.
Please do let me know if you would be interested in sponsoring this year. We need to have sponsors commit in the next 2 weeks. We would sincerely appreciate it. Jim McCray
- Glendive hosts Miss Montana events - June 12-14
Miss Montana contestants from across the state are in Glendive for a week of judged events culminating with a three-night production Thursday through Saturday.
- Helena's economy ranks high nationally
The study views economic strength as “the long-term tendency for an area to consistently grow in both size and quality.”
- Kids Count ranks Montana 29th in child well-being. South Dakota #1 and Wyoming #2 for Kids in Custody
The Annie E. Casey Foundation said the survey, now in its 19th year, is a way to give policymakers and the public information that may be used to enrich discussions about ways to secure better futures for children.
- How will Glacier County, Montana spend $188,943 from wind farm project?
NaturEner officials estimated Glacier County would receive Wind Generation Impact Fees of $578,283 over a three-year period.
Careers
- How a Rural Economy Remade Itself
This story addresses “Earn It” strategies that western North Carolina residents, aided by the local nonprofit HandMade in America, are using to redesign their rural economy. They’re working to increase the income of the region’s many craftspeople, farmers and very small business owners by returning to their roots and developing their assets — crafts, agriculture and tourism.
- Preparing America To Succeed
Education and retraining must move up on the U.S.'s priority list--with the public, academic, non-profit and business sectors all working together.
- Exodus from rural America called 'slow-motion crisis'
The crisis has been going on basically since the invention of the tractor, which meant fewer people were needed to work the family farm.
Developing Funding Opportunities in Montana
- Graduates glean wisdom from elders during Lincoln County High School commencement
Go find respected adults who can help teach you the wisdom you need to make the right decisions and choices in life, thank them for helping you get to this point in your life and get one piece of wisdom from them that will help you gain the wisdom to make life-changing choices. Then come back.”
Funding and Building your Business
- State-by-State Venture Capital Profiles
In 2007, investment in later-stage companies exceeded that of expansion-stage companies.
- Working on a band of angels - Network encourages co-investing by groups backing young firms
"One of the most significant trends in angel investing today is co-investing, because individual angel groups may not be able to take down a complete deal."
Incubators and R&D
- High court limits multiple royalties for patent holders
Monday's decision marks another instance of the Supreme Court reversing the Federal Circuit to weaken the position of patent-holders.
- Many Tech Workers Would Accept Pay Cut To Telecommute
In a poll of more than 1,500 IT workers, 37% said they would be willing to take a pay cut of up to 10% to telecommute full time.
- The Seven Cs : Partnership Danger Signs
Communication breakdowns abound in all relationships. Sometimes they are serious leading to downward spiraling such as in business partnerships. What can you do to avoid these breakdowns?
- Firing a Client
When to send a client along to another vendor?
- With help, you can create successful e-mail marketing
Try these attention-getting ideas to make the most of your e-mail marketing:
- Knowing When to Quit
Grab a sit and get ready. This is your education on quitting.
- Starting up: Thinking of joining a start-up? You'll need passion, initiative, flexibility
There's an old story from the Silicon Valley that has circulated for years that sums up the small business/start-up approach. According to this story, new employees had the fun task of ordering their own desks in kit form - then were required to lug it back to the office themselves and assemble it. This went on even as the company grew and prospered. That company is now known around the world as eBay. Clearly the company wanted its employees and others to know that it was still a "roll up your sleeves" operation.
- Revisiting the Term Sheet
We've seen this series used as the base for a number of college courses, we've been thanked by people all over the world for writing it, and we've been encouraged to publish a version of it in book form.
- A Bootstrap Culture for Entrepreneurs
So what does a bootstrap culture in a business look like?
- Experts tell businesses to stick to basics in tough economic times
Well-run business will survive and capture market share,” while businesses that aren’t well run face a much tougher time,
- Inside Entrepreneurship: Don't be too quick to dump dreadful day job
When should I quit my job and make a move to my dreams?
- Social Networks and Your Business Goals
Fortunately, there are many simple ways you can use these networks to help drive attention to your business and reach new audiences.
- Strategies: Be smarter not just smaller
While it's difficult to survive in today's retail environment, it's not hopeless, and many small companies are managing to thrive.
Montana Education Excellence
- Federal Agencies to Launch $8 Million Effort to Study Libby, Montana Asbestos Exposure
Five-year project will examine health effects of exposure to Libby amphibole asbestos
- Electrical engineering grad students earn prestigious NASA fellowships to focus on laser technology
Hoffman and Nehrir work with lidar, which stands for light detection and ranging. Their work involves sending a pulse of laser light into the sky and letting it bounce off the particles suspended in the air. By measuring the amount of light that bounces back, how that light is scattered and the time it takes to return, scientists can learn about the composition of the lower atmosphere.
- Washington State University's vision of becoming top research center
University officials are pursuing the dream on multiple fronts. They are building ties with laboratories and institutes statewide, talking about developing more research partnerships with the private sector, and retooling the way the university finds practical applications for its discoveries.
Montana Education/Business Partnerships
- University of Montana Paleontologist and Geosciences Professor George Stanley Earns Smithsonian Title
“I am really elated,” Stanley said. “This appointment affirms my efforts as an active international researcher in the field of paleobiology.”
University TechTransfer
- Secret donor gives $241,000 to coach Bozeman public school teachers
“It’s meant to help teachers grow no matter where they are” in their careers, King said. “It’s pretty exciting.”
Idaho Business
- Accelerating Economic Development through University Technology Transfer
This is the best authority and most widely read book on the subject.
- Supporting Technology Development And Transfer, 6/17, MSU, Bozeman, MT
You might be surprised to know that half of all engineering and computer science grads are staying in state — a real testament to the economic vitality in Montana.
- iRobot secures licensing agreement for University of Washington's Seagliders
A Seaglider can dive from the surface down 3,300 feet and back up every 3 to 9 hours. It remains at the surface long enough to transmit data it has collected, relay its position and receive instructions via a satellite phone network, before diving again.
Washington State Business
- Smaller Idaho tech firms bolster industry amid job cuts
Economists said in recent news reports that smaller firms have been performing a similar function in other northwestern states like Oregon.
- Meridian, Idaho company, TSheets unveils voice-command time keeping system
The company says TSheets can be set up in less than five minutes, eliminates paper timesheets and can be integrated with accounting software for payroll.
- RxElite receives $5MM funding from NPIL Pharma
NPIL Pharma offers development and manufacturing services in the pharmaceuticals industry. The company fields offices in Canada, the United Kingdom and India.
- Idaho companies should consider telecommuting, 4-day work week
Job flexibility has been a goal of family advocates and others for years. It's good business, too: Employers who think through plans to let some employees work at home can boost productivity, save on overhead costs and send a message of confidence and trust that boosts employee motivation and retention.
- Idaho Gov. Otter touts schools change. "In many cases, we're a step behind nations we once led."
Otter called the effort "one of the greatest challenges and subsequently one of the greatest opportunities in the state of Idaho." He said the education system has been "patched" long enough and now is the time to move toward true change.
- Mayor appoints two economic development assistants
“It’s vital to Boise’s future that we continue the mission of the city’s Economic Development Division to bring energy and innovation to our economic development efforts, particularly in the high-tech industry and in retaining and expanding existing businesses.
Education
- Madrona Venture Group raises $250 million
Nearly all of the firm's bets are in early-stage Pacific Northwest companies operating in the consumer Internet, software, networking and wireless sectors.
- Unsustainable Seattle
When you consider the carbon footprint of new construction, this city promotes growth and development policies that are wasteful, destructive, and myopic.
- Entrepreneurs take the hot seat, make a pitch. $1 million goal for 1 million women
They weren't messing around. At the event, three entrepreneurs were chosen at random to stand in front of the audience and give two-minute impromptu pitches about their businesses.
- Washington State University Center to Bridge the Digital Divide Seeks Grant Proposals for Community Technology Programs
“Eight to 10 proposals will be funded for projects that enhance education, improve financial literacy, foster social inclusion, provide access to information, provide employment skills or encourage micro-enterprise development.”
- IMedExchange raises $2.5MM to launch a virtual lounge for physicians
All but two of the 40 angel investors in the company's $2.5 million financing round are physicians. An additional 225 doctors or so have received a small equity stake in the startup as part of joining the company's advisory network.
- University of Washington regents approve proposed College of the Environment
"This idea is neither novel, nor is it risky. It's overdue."
Community
- Long-Term Payoff Seen From Early-Childhood Education
The Chicago program “demonstrates that public schools can effectively implement high-quality pre-K programs that produce long-term positive gains.”
- Rural Education and the 'Bigger Picture'
Fortunately, there are rural schools out there that recognize that the point of education is not simply to prepare kids for jobs. Place-based approaches to education are one way rural schools can encourage the life of the mind without encouraging kids to abandon the life of their communities.
Connectivity & Communications
- The Best Small Town You've Never Heard Of
“The downtown is really the heart of Exeter and the place where you meet friends and family members for a meal or whatever,” Collins said. “That’s something that so many other towns have lost.”
Cool Stuff That's Coming
- Berkman Center pioneers steer the course of cyberspace
"The Future of the Internet — And How to Stop It"
- International arrests of citizen bloggers more than triple
Authoritarian regimes around the world are dealing with troublesome citizen bloggers by arresting them, and they're doing it more often, according to researchers at the University of Washington.
- MTA Commentary—Parity Needed in Network Compensation
Internet voice providers increasingly are “gaming the system” to avoid compensating other networks, while at the same time creatively interpreting rules—or the lack thereof—to require network interconnection.
Legislative Newsletters
- Web inventor, Tim Berners-Lee predicts future of online world. Internet could alter ways government, science are shaped
Social systems developed on the Web could help people sort out the basic problems of what they believe (science) and what they do (government).
Government TechnologyVIRUS ALERTS
- 'Tele-Nurses' Save Precious Bucks on Ambulances
Instead of sending an ambulance every time someone calls 9-1-1, the Houston City Council voted to contract with a telephone nursing service for non-emergencies.
- Containing Internet Worms
A new method could stop Internet worms from spreading.
To subscribe or unsubscribe from the free weekly MATR newsletter, please visit our list info page
