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| MATR Newsletter - Fri Feb 27, 2009 |
"Give a man a fish, and you'll feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and he'll buy a funny hat. Talk to a hungry man about fish, and you're a consultant." -- Scott Adams
Important elements for your future: Education, Energy and Entrepreneurship.... University of Montana College of Technology Dean Barry Good “Start with us here, and you can go anywhere.” http://www.matr.net/ar ... .html --- Education standards must rise, says Alex Apostle, superintendent of Missoula County Public Schools http://www.matr.net/ar ... .html --- City Club Missoula - March Forum: "Montana's Energy Outlook: Policy And Practice", 3/9, Missoula http://matr.net/articl ... .html --- Montana Venture Workshop With Bill Joos And Venture Capitalists, 3/9, Missoula http://matr.net/articl ... .html
Montana Chamber Choices
2009 Montana Legislature
- International Trade Day At The Montana Capital, 3/13, Helena
This event is not only for current exporters, but their supporters and future exporters.
City Club Missoula
- Governor Schweitzer says he would like fast-tracking of stimulus
But the Legislature’s top Republican leader and its chief fiscal analyst said they seriously doubt the massive spending bill can be put on a fast track.
Montana Community Finance Corporation
- City Club Missoula - March Forum: "Montana's Energy Outlook: Policy And Practice", 3/9, Missoula
March panel speakers are Bob Rowe, President/CEO of NorthWestern Energy, Chuck Magraw, alternative energies representative, and Public Service Commissioner Gail Gutsche.
Come Home Montana
- Montana Community Finance Corporation makes financial contribution to the Small Business Development Center network
Linda Kindrick said that “the SBDC network is one of the state’s best kept secrets”.
Montana Business
- Sen. Baucus fights for "Last Best Place" for Montana
"Trying to trademark "The Last Best Place" is as ludicrous as someone trying to patent a Montana sunset," Baucus said. "If I have to insert this provision for the next 20 years, I will because that is how important this saying is to our state."
Montana Economic Development
- Hill County Electric (HCE) - The Three Phases That Keep Hill County's Workforce and Montana Energized
While the electric utility industry continues to talk about retirement booms and workforce development, Hill County Electric (HCE) is doing something a bit different; HCE is using a three-phase approach to not only address workforce development for their rural electric utility that serves 2,200 members, but to also increase development statewide.
- Zoot Enterprises Reports Record Client Growth in 2008
“The ability to provide a positive return on technology investments is increasingly important when times are tough. Zoot’s solutions enable our clients to achieve significant efficiencies through automation, while managing credit risk effectively,” said Dennis Dixon, president of Zoot. “Even with the economic recession and extreme turmoil within the financial services space, it’s not all gloom and doom, as witnessed by our company’s client growth.”
- Nice pays off - Missoula Job Service honors Good Food Store, Adventure Life for treatment of workers
“These are two businesses that are going over and above what is normal or standard in treating their employees,” said Wolf Ametsbichler, Missoula Job Service director.
- 2009 Made in Montana Marketplace Nearly SOLD OUT
“The level of interest surrounding the 2009 Made in Montana Marketplace is outstanding,” said Governor Brian Schweitzer. “Historically this show has been popular with both exhibitors and wholesale buyers, but this record interest demonstrates what a valuable marketing tool it really is. We know buyers are hungry for unique, locally made products, brimming with authentic Montana flavor and Montana entrepreneurs are ready to serve.”
- Study shows Montana pays highest freight rates
"Shippers need competition and they need a fair rate to move their goods to the marketplace."
Regional Economic Development
- EPA, developer talk about business opportunities in Libby, Montana
The primary challenge is funding and the Montana Board of Investments, which has roughly $70 million set aside for projects like this, is reluctant to supply money because of the Superfund status and lack of EPA institutional controls at the site.
- Sen. Baucus Goes to Bat for Montana's Small Businesses
“Montana’s small businesses are a vital part of our economy- they create good paying jobs and keep local dollars right where they belong- in Montana communities, “ Baucus said. “I’m working to make sure the next SBA administrator understands the issues facing Montana’s small businesses. I believe Mrs. Gordon Mills is a person of integrity, and I’m looking forward to learning even more about her during her confirmation hearing.”
- Montana's Workforce Training Grant Program
The Department is targeting this workforce training grant program to projects that can demonstrate tangible, measurable results involving employees working in the businesses that are receiving assistance. Potential applicants are encouraged to work with the Department's Regional Development Officer while preparing an application to the program.
- Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund (BSTF) Program Summary
The Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund (BSTF) program is a state-funded program created by the 2005 Legislature. It is designed to aid in the development of good paying jobs for Montana residents and promote long-term stable economic growth in Montana.
Careers
- How will we fit 15 more Seattles here?
If you look at projections for the Pacific Northwest, through the 21st century, a population equivalent to 15 Seattles will move into this "livable" corner of the planet.
- Two Inland Northwest Technology Companies Tap Sirti Technology Growth Fund for Market Acceleration
The Sirti Foundation Board and the Business Development Corporation of Eastern Washington announced today that they have completed two recent loans totaling $670,000 via the Sirti Technology Growth Fund. IBQ Systems and GeoData Technologies received a capital infusion to fund continued product innovation and market development.
- Energy company looks for biomass locations in Idaho or Washington state
Areva spokesman Jarrett Adams said the goal is to begin construction by 2010. Each plant would take two to three years to build. He said 400 jobs would be created by construction and there would be 100 permanent positions.
Funding and Building your Business
- GovJobsToday for Washington state
Gov Jobs Today http://www.GovJobsToday.com allows job-seekers to view and apply for public sector jobs in the Puget Sound region at one convenient location.
- Career switches aren't as far-fetched as they seem
What if you aren't tech-savvy and can't stand bodily fluids?
Incubators and R&D
- INROADS - Paving the Way for Montana's Disadvantaged Business Enterprises
INROADS, the Montana Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) Newsletter, is your tool to gain new ideas, meet new people, network with other businesses, blow your own horn, and move your business down the road to success.
- Dogs allowed: Creature comforts at the workplace
Supporters say pets in the workplace reduce stress among owners who worry about home-alone dogs, are a calming presence for even the non-owners and help employees form relationships. And in these times of disappearing benefits, pet-friendly policies are a free perk.
- Starting Up: Tough times are the right time for an integrated marketing plan
"The greatest fortunes are made in down markets."
Montana Education Excellence
- Canada's $2.3 Billion Investment in University Research Chairs
With the new announcement more than 1,900 chairs are currently supported by the program's awards. More than 30 percent of the Research Chairs have been recruited from outside of Canada, including 366 from the U.S. (some expatriates are included in this figure).
University TechTransfer
- Education standards must rise, says Alex Apostle, superintendent of Missoula County Public Schools
“We need to increase quality,” said Alex Apostle, superintendent of Missoula County Public Schools. “The standards are too low.”
- Montana's teens belong in high school
The Helena School District has launched an innovative new program in partnership with their Vo-Tech. Called Access to Success, it offers students who have dropped out the ability to come back and work on finishing high school and getting a professional certificate at the same time, while paying only a $30 registration fee.
- Missoula education leaders discuss community aid in educational changes
Only 18 of 100 entering freshman will have a college degree within 10 years, according to UM President George Dennison. In addition, the current generation of young adults will be the first that is less–educated than its parents, a trend that is not mirrored in any other developed country.
- Montana State University engineering student, Trevor Zuroff works to inspire a new generation to save the world
"I matured exponentially during that time," he said, showing off a tattoo he -- and the rest of his family -- got to commemorate the end of his cancer treatments. The tattoo shows an orange cancer ribbon and the date he entered remission: Dec. 3, 2007. "I feel the need to appreciate life more, and I've found in the last few years that I can really help other people and make their lives better too."
- University of Montana College of Technology Dean Barry Good “Start with us here, and you can go anywhere.”
Good has spoken at various panels and meetings in an attempt to change the community’s perception of the COT. He wants people to view the college as a place where they can prepare to enter the job market or find a gateway into the realm of higher education, rather than a place that simply offers remedial courses and job training.
Idaho Business
- Montana State University technologies to strengthen immunity available for licensing
The technologies could be used to enhance immunity against a broad range of pathogens or be used as adjuvants to boost the effectiveness of a vaccine.
- New Report Summarizes Federal Tech Transfer Activities
Over the five-year span, the number of active licenses of inventions and other intellectual property generated by research programs in the 11 agencies with internal research programs rose to 10,347, an increase of about 60 percent.
North Dakota Business and Economic Development
- Idaho manufacturers invited to take part in performance study
Idaho manufacturing companies are invited to take part in a national study to assess America’s progress in adopting manufacturing strategies not only to survive the current recession, but thrive in its eventual recovery.
Oregon Business
- Can Bismarck, North Dakota continue to grow?
So where does the community go from here?
Oregon Economic Development
- Chopper company, Erickson Air-Crane moving HQ to Portland
The company remanufactures helicopters from existing Sikorsky hulls for use in fighting wildfires, logging timber, positioning drilling rigs and moving construction materials.
Utah Economic Development
- The Oregon Entrepreneurs Network names Angel Oregon finalists
Two winners, selected by angel investors backing the event, will receive investments of $150,000 and $75,000.
- Micro loans on rise in Portland area
"The world has changed, banks are tightening down and micro loans are becoming a real option for people," said Mark Green, a principal with the Family Business Consulting Group in Salem. "People need money and will do what they have to get it."
Education
- University of Utah Joint Venture with Headwaters Incorporated Designed to Make Utah Home of Clean Carbon Energy - Headwaters Clean Carbon Services
The first project for the joint venture, Headwaters Clean Carbon Services (HCCS), will be to develop and operate a regional CO2 storage site that will serve several power plants in central Utah.
Energy
- In Education, Furniture Matters Too
Unlike children almost everywhere, those in Ms. Brown’s class do not have to sit and be still. Quite the contrary, they may stand and fidget all class long if they want.
- Western Governors University to Offer 30 Additional Scholarships for Urban Math and Science Teachers
"WGU continues to lead the way in transforming teacher education to meet the needs of K-12 schools," said WGU Vice President of Marketing and Enrollment Patrick Partridge. "Improving math and science education is critical to our success in today's global economy, and WGU is supporting that improvement by offering affordable, accessible teacher education."
Cool Stuff That's Coming
- PG&E bankrolling solar plants - Small Montana wind energy producers take on NorthWestern
"It sends the signal that they are going to open up the door to a bunch of big and small power providers," he said. "The more you can diversify the providers, the more you can keep power prices down."
Non-Profit News
- Marvell Plans $100 Computer Inside a Wall Plug
Plug computers would draw just about 5W of power, come with a 1.2 GHz CPU, a USB port and offer internet connectivity. They won't have a display but the devices can be used as a home server or a network attached storage for those vacation photos and music downloads.
The Creative and Cultural Economy
- Montana NonProfit Association - Policy Alert: Economy - Stimulus Bill, Nonprofit Grants, and Advocacy
I write to share with you important and time sensitive information regarding the stimulus bill, new resources on our website, and advocacy efforts that are underway on your behalf.
VIRUS ALERTS
- A Home Where the Buffalo Roam - The C.M. Russell Museum in Great Falls, Montana
The recovery of the American bison is a remarkable story of conservation and stewardship, and the Yellowstone herds draw thousands of visitors every year. But visitors won't be disappointed if they make the drive here to learn the bison's full story. It's an important addition to what was already one of America's premier Western art museums.
- Adobe Urges Stopgap Changes To Blunt Cyber Threat
Adobe Systems Inc. has found itself in the midst of a public relations maelstrom of the sort once reserved only for Microsoft Corp., as security experts chastise the company for not moving fast enough to address a critical security hole in its products even as third-party software makers offer makeshift fixes for the flaw.
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