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| MATR Newsletter - Fri Jan 16, 2009 |
"Never let the fear of failure be an excuse for not trying. Society tells us that to fail is the most terrible thing in the world, but I know it isn't. Failure is part of what makes us human." -- Amber Deckers (And helps us do better the next time... - Russ)
Lots of stories on the economy, legislature and education in today's newsletter. How can you get involved?: Invite Your Legislators To MEDA Day In The Rotunda, 1/21, Helena, Montana http://matr.net/articl ... .html --- Recommendations for change - Missoula County students brainstorm ideas to improve education in the future http://www.matr.net/ar ... .html --- Andrew Field has gotten involved.... Senate and Forbes.com Notice Small Business Stimulus Proposal from Montana Entrepreneur Andrew Field of PrintingForLess.com http://matr.net/articl ... .html
Warren Miller Freedom Foundation
Montana Chamber Choices
- Warren Miller’s World: Remembering 71 Years of Turns - Lurching from one near disaster to another...
Here in Montana, the skiing is beyond description – as in perfect.
PrintingForLess
- Montana Should Set Goals for Long-Term, Sustainable Growth
This should be the time when we pause and consider how we can create long-term, sustainable growth for our future.
2009 Montana Legislature
- Senate and Forbes.com Notice Small Business Stimulus Proposal from Montana Entrepreneur Andrew Field of PrintingForLess.com
“I wrote the proposal because many of America’s 20 million small and medium businesses (SMBs) might not make it another 90 days, and something needs to be done fast,” says Field.
Come Home Montana
- Invite Your Legislators To MEDA Day In The Rotunda, 1/21, Helena, Montana
Learn about the exciting efforts and accomplishments of Montana’s economic developers and economic development programs. View the slide show of business successes and visit the displays.
Leadership Montana
- Montana Career Opportunity - Systems Analyst/Programmer - S&K Aerospace
S&K Aerospace is seeking a Systems Analyst/Programmer to assist the Wildland Fire Decision Support System (WFDSS) at the Missoula Fire Sciences Laboratory in Missoula, MT. For more information, please visit http://www.ska-corp.com/JobOpportunities/tabid/72/Default.aspx
- Montana Career Opportunity - Fire Scientist - S&K Aerospace
S&K Aerospace is seeking a Fire Scientist to assist the Fire Program Analysis project at the Missoula Fire Sciences Laboratory in Missoula, MT. For more Information, please visit http://www.ska-corp.com/JobOpportunities/tabid/72/Default.aspx
- Cut Bank, Montana welcomes new veterinarian, Dr. Steven Hjartarson back home
With five years of experience under his belt, Dr. Hjartarson decided to return to Montana, where he worked at the Big Timber Veterinary Clinic. "I stayed there for a time until I opted to return home and practice here," he said.
- Montana Career Opportunity - Network Engineer - Community Medical Center
Candidates should have strong documented experience with Cisco, VMWare, Windows Server, Citrix, enterprise backup & storage.
- Deadline extended for Butte, Montana superintendent applications
The Butte school board Wednesday extended the deadline for applications for a new superintendent to get a larger pool of applicants.
Montana Business
- 10 Leadership Styles
Do you always lead with a style that’s most comfortable for you, or can you adapt your natural style to meet the need of a given situation?
Montana Economic Development
- New Index from Muzeview LLC of Missoula, Montana shows that a smart Web strategy allows law firms to punch above their weight
Muzeview LLC, a competitive intelligence services provider working with professional services firms, has released its Muzeview Law Firm Web Presence Index™, ranking different law firms against one another according to the strength of their presence on the World Wide Web.
- Access Consulting of Missoula, Montana brings Broadband to Elk River, Idaho for the First Time
In order to overcome the high cost associated with trenching for fiber or copper as well as the service issues often associated with satellite connectivity, Access Consulting turned to Proxim Wireless.
- Zoot Adds Third Data Center in Salt Lake City
New infrastructure provides greater geographic diversity, capacity for growing client base
- Greening up the dairy. Huls Farm in the Bitterroot Valley of Montana gets a $1.2MM methane digester
The methane digester got its first run in early January - some months past the Huls’ centennial anniversary in the valley. And when the replacement sensor arrives in the mail this week the Huls’ $1.2 million investment will officially begin turning the farm into a leaner, greener business.
- Smurfit-Stone preparing for bankruptcy
Smurfit-Stone Container Corp. may file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection very soon.
Regional Economic Development
- Business Facilities magazine - State of the Year Award: Montana is #2 in the Nation
Congratulations to all who are making sure that "Montana is On the Move"
- New brand for Billings unveiled - "Montana's Trailhead"
"If we all start to speak with one voice, it becomes not just a piece of artwork, but an attitude."
- Consultants with Praxis Strategy Group find strong base for economic development in Great Falls, Montana
Consultants with Praxis Strategy Group of Grand Forks, N.D., are researching ways to diversify the economy of Cascade County and four Sweet Grass Development counties to the northwest, focusing on strategies to increase development in agricultural processing, energy and small business development.
- Montana Infrastructure Water, Wastewater and Solid Waste Action Coordinating Team
a group of professionals from state, federal, and non-profit organizations that finance, regulate, or provide technical assistance for community water and wastewater systems meet frequently in order to coordinate and enhance their efforts.
- Plum Creek Timber Company, Inc. Expects Early Closing of Phase II of Montana Conservation Project
Plum Creek Timber Company, Inc. http://www.plumcreek.com/ , announced that the company and its conservation partners, The Nature Conservancy and The Trust for Public Land, expect to complete the second phase of their conservation transaction during February of 2009.
- Craig, Montana resort tax headed to voters
"We're just trying to get it so the tourists are paying their share. They're loving our poor little system to death. It's hard on everyone there." Pat Hunter, who co-owns Izaak's restaurant
- Stevi joins Horizons Community Leadership Program.
The program is available to communities of under 5,000 residents with a poverty level above 10 percent.
Careers
- The Future of Urban and Rural America are Linked
History tells us that in economic downturns, rural areas suffer tremendously. Can we make this time different?
- House Stimulus Proposal Contains Dollars for Rural Programs - Including $6 billion to expand broadband internet access
The House would increase funding to the Rural Business and Cooperative Programs. The plan allocates "$100 million for rural business grants and loans to guarantee $2 billion in loans."
- New Highways 'A Catastrophic Choice'
Alex Steffen of WorldChanging looks at the Obama administration's moves towards funding more highways, the appointment of Ray LaHood, and argues that we can do much better.
Funding and Building your Business
- How to Become a More Effective Learner
Tips from Psychology to Improve Learning Effectiveness & Efficiency
- Why Women Are the Superior Marketing Sex
In a remarkable number of case studies, female marketers seem to outperform their male counterparts.
Incubators and R&D
- The iPhone's Golden Touch
Tapping into the Apple phone craze, accidental entrepreneurs rake in millions by creating popular applications.
- How the Virtual Workforce Is Changing Everything
Some companies have found that work done by freelancers may be of better quality than what they were used to getting from their in-house employees.
- The Ins and Outs of Getting Your Company Funded By Angel Investors
"We haven't run out of money to invest."
- How to motivate a sales team
Several experts in sales management offer their ideas in this article on how managers can focus their teams to boost productivity.
- The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation announces two new programs to stimulate the economy with new high-tech, high-growth ventures.
“What we need is more entrepreneurs.”
- An Entrepreneurs' Guide To Public Resources
The help you need in a brutal economy.
- Starting up: Starting your own business takes courage, but it's well worth it
Here are 5 things you should consider if you've ever thought about going from an employee to an employer.
- Inside Entrepreneurship: Details critical in deferred salaries
Withholding for Medicare and Social Security taxes are due when the employee has earned the wage, not just when the employee is paid in cash for the work.
Montana Education Excellence
- Montana Governor Schweitzer says Montana University research grants need more oversight - The Inland Northwest Space Alliance
Schweitzer said he wants clearer and more timely reports on the use of grant money and is still awaiting a report he expected months ago.
- Reinventing the tech incubator
"If you're an entrepreneur and can't find desks, you have other problems."
Regional Business
- Montana's Bozeman High will add Chinese language and biomedical science classes next fall
Marilyn King, assistant superintendent for instruction, said the addition of a biomedical sciences class is dependent on a federal grant. Montana State University and local companies have offered to donate equipment.
- University of Montana Fire Center Conducts Research, Teaches Classes in Georgia
Research scientists with the National Center for Landscape Fire Analysis at The University of Montana are performing research on prescribed fire-related fuel consumption and thermal characterizations of fire in southeastern Georgia.
- Bitterroot Valley Community College seeks approval, not funding
With the 2009 Montana Legislature taking a don’t-even-ask approach to anything that smacks of new spending, advocates of a local community college have decided to hold off on their push for funding.
- Recommendations for change - Missoula County students brainstorm ideas to improve education in the future
It's a discussion where the superintendent of Missoula County Public Schools sees a role for nearly everyone - parents, teachers, the business community, civic groups and the University of Montana.
- Montana State University defends research program
Montana State University says a federally funded program that drew skeptical comments from the governor is defunct and no longer receiving money.
- University of Montana again in top 10 for Peace Corps volunteers
UM has a long tradition of significant participation in the Peace Corps.
Idaho Business
- Exchange Business, "Summit 1031 Exchange" Closes, Prompts Criminal Investigation
Summit had branch offices in eight western cities, including Kalispell, Montana.
Oregon Business
- Idaho colleges, universities to boost fees
Idaho university and college students should expect to pay more tuition and fees in the coming year to make up for state budget cuts.
- 'Invest in people, potential.' Nonpoliticians say Idaho needs to think beyond roads and bridges when it comes to the stimulus.
"We've got to think broader and smarter than just potholes. We need to invest in our people and our potential," BoDo developer and WaterCooler founder Mark Rivers said. "This will come from higher education, new innovation and our robust class of entrepreneurs."
- Ketchum Community Development Corporation gains $8.8 million in affordable rental housing funds
Michael Carpenter, chair of the CDC's Affordable Workforce Housing Team, announced Friday that after a competitive application process against 19 other projects throughout the state, the nonprofit organization was awarded $8.8 million in tax credits by the Idaho Housing and Finance Association.
- Boise State offers turnaround help to Valley businesses
The college is asking local businesses to contact the college immediately to benefit from the expertise available at the university.
South Dakota Economic Development
- Oregon companies having fun with job titles
Why be CEO when you can call yourself Chief Wisdom Officer? President sounds pretty dull, compared with Consultant of Leisure. And unlike a receptionist, a Director of Smiles can spread cheer with her nameplate alone.
Utah Business
- South Dakota Doctors Now Have Online Diagnostic Tool VisualDx to Evaluate Symptons
In South Dakota, rural physicians have a new diagnostic tool that will make up for the lack of doctors, particularly specialists, in rural facilities.
- Hot Springs, South Dakota included in the National Trust for Historic Preservation top 12 vacation destinations
Hot Springs, less than an hour from Mt. Rushmore, is famous for its healing waters, impressive collection of pink sandstone buildings, scenic beauty and excess of natural and cultural resources.
Utah Economic Development
- Efficient Fueling Systems, Easyloadpro.com and Proseedure Media Win Southern Utah "Concept to Company" Contest
Winners will receive cash and services to launch a business in the Southern Utah area
Washington State Business
- Salt Lake City considers geothermal power plant development
Mayor Ralph Becker last week included the development of a $70 million geothermal power plant among his "wish list" of projects that he hopes the federal government will help fund as part of President-elect Barack Obama's economic stimulus package.
Wyoming Business
- Washington Technology Center Awards $561,797 in Research Funding
Eight company-researcher projects have been awarded state funding for the development of innovative commercial technology applications.
- Washington Governor Gregoire says her program will put 20,000 to work
"This is our time, a time like no other, our time to show courage, our time to reach across the aisle ... to help our people, our time for all to light the lamp of generosity," Gregoire said. "All we have to do for this 'can do' spirit, all we have to do is reach back 76 years to the Great Depression. ... The first thing Franklin Roosevelt did was get people back to work."
- State of Washington Innovation Summit: We've introduced a blog -- start the dialogue now!
You're invited to start the conversation now.
Alberta Business and Economic Development
- Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal urges lawmakers to spend wisely in State of the State speech
Freudenthal said Wyoming residents need to understand the state is now in the beginning of a difficult period -- not at the end of one.
Education
- VC investment gap widens between Canada and U.S.: CVCA
"Venture capital is a key driver of job creation, economic growth, new technologies and innovation in Canada," said CVCA president Gregory Smith in a statement. "Yet Canada's venture capital investment has declined relative to foreign markets in recent years – a trend that will only worsen with the downturn in the economy and credit markets."
Government
- Joint Report Chronicles Progress and Challenges of States in Improving Competitiveness of U.S. High Schools
Our goal is to help state policymakers accelerate the development of a college- and career-ready policy agenda.
Community
- Montana Governor and Lt. Gov and Secretary of State Freeze Own Pay - Unions Ratify Negotiated Pay Freeze
“I am honored and proud to be part of this team of dedicated public employees,” said Governor Brian Schweitzer. “We are all in this together and the action today by the members of MEA-MFT, MPEA, AFSCME signals that we will get through this together. Our state employees are some of the hardest working in the nation.”
Connectivity & Communications
- Filling the Labor Pipeline
Those communities that realize tomorrow’s work force will need ever-changing skills are teaming up with area businesses and higher educational institutions to fill the labor pipeline.
Energy
- Online innovator, Julius Genachowski set to be nominated to head the FCC
“Julius will without doubt be the first true internet chairman” of the agency.
Miscellaneous Ramblings
- "Ecological Intelligence" by Daniel Goleman - (Available Spring 2009)
Ecological Intelligence draws on cutting-edge research to reveal why "green is a mirage," illuminates inconsistencies in our response to the ecological crisis, and introduces new technologies that reveal with "radical transparency" the eco-impact of products we buy, with the potential to drive consumers to make smarter decisions and companies to reform their business practices.
Cool Stuff That's Coming
- New York hunter mistakes llama for elk in Montana - Photo of hunting mistake becomes Web sensation
Sorry, that llama sure looked like elk
Legislative Newsletters
- New Web site in Japan maps out smells
Japanese are taking their noses global with a Web site that describes different odors around the world and pinpoints where they can be found on a map.
- Science closing in on cloak of invisibility
Researchers at Duke University, who developed a material that can "cloak" an item from detection by microwaves, report that they have expanded the number of wavelengths they can block.
The Creative and Cultural Economy
- Montana Senator Max Baucus Selects Top Staff Members - Jon Selib and Paul Wilkins
The six-term U.S. Senator announced today that Capitol Hill veteran Jon Selib will serve as his new Chief of Staff and that Melstone, Mont., native Paul Wilkins will serve as his Legislative Director.
- Welcome to Congress, YouTube
The leaders of both the Senate and the House announce that Congress is now in session, on YouTube. You can now find your Representatives and Senators' YouTube channels on two new special platforms.
- New Report from the NGA Center For Best Practices Highlights Benefits Arts and Culture bring to State Economies
Using Arts and Culture to Stimulate State Economic Development
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