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| MATR Newsletter - Fri Oct 14, 2005 |
"I like thinking big. If you're going to be thinking anything, you might as well think big." -- Donald Trump
New Event- Please plan on attending. MATR Roundtable"Innovation For All" With Paul Gladen, CEO of muzeview.com, 11/9,Missoula http://www.matr.net/article-16462.html
Come Home Montana
Developing a more Entrepreneurial Montana
- Come Home to Montana Job Opportunity - Interim Chief Executive Officer - Anaconda-Deer Lodge County
Anaconda-Deer Lodge County invites all qualified persons to apply for the position of Interim Chief Executive Officer. Under the Board of County Commissioners this position is responsible for all administrative functions of Anaconda-Deer Lodge County.
Education
- Ranging from Nice to Nasty – How States Treat Entrepreneurship - Montana ranks 38th - South Dakota 1st
Enormous differences in policies are evident in the new tenth annual ‘Small Business Survival Index 2005: Ranking the Policy Environment for Entrepreneurship Across the Nation,’ which I write for the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council.
- Better mousetrap builders - How small-time inventors - alone or in clubs - make widgets for fun (and maybe a profit).
Some weekend inventors fly solo. Many others now join inventor clubs to share lessons and tactics, gaining group-rate access to patent services. Surprisingly - in what one might imagine is an inherently secretive world - many even talk over specific ideas with peers, and the ideas flow.
- A mecca for entrepreneurs - Study says Phoenix, state (Arizona) top lists for new businesses
"A lot of talent has migrated here, and they're always looking for high-paying jobs," he said. "If they can't find it, they will build it."
Montana Business
- School panel withdraws plan providing classroom funding in Montana
The move, endorsed 5-3 by the Quality Schools Interim Committee, negates what had been one of the panel's most significant actions yet - a $4,000-per-classroom funding increase.
- Colleges understand their role in reviving Michigan's economy
Without some kind of training after high school, a lot of New Economy jobs are not an option for all but the most entrepreneurial. Period.
- Hundreds say high school reform threatens electives - Students, parents, teachers air concerns about requiring more math, science classes
"It's very important to give future generations the same opportunity I had in school," said Capital High School senior Erin Hanna, 17, during a student rally before the hearing. "To learn more than math and science. To learn about what life has to offer. This is a big part — music and enjoying the arts."
- All wrapped up in knowledge - USA TODAY gives 20 awards to creative instructors whose students can't help but care.
"USA TODAY is pleased to recognize the achievements of some of the nation's finest teachers," USA TODAY Editor Ken Paulson says. "Their collective work inspiring and educating the next generation is a testament to their remarkable creativity, passion and commitment."
- Our opinion: Regents tie universities' successes to Montana economy
Montana's university regents hit the nail on the head last week when they set three broad goals for the state's colleges -- goals with a shot at interrupting the dizzying cycle of rising costs, rising tuition, rising costs, etc.
- UM Launches New Paleontology Center
“This should put UM on the map for being a center of excellence for paleontology,” said George Stanley, a UM geology professor and director of the new center. “It also could help revitalize the economy of the Fort Peck area.”
Montana Economic Development
- Kalispell businessman, David Tacke of VenueTech gets prison
"The government is very pleased" with the sentence, said prosecuting U.S. Attorney Kris McLean of Missoula. "It sends the right message ... scam artists beware."
Developing Funding Opportunities in Montana
- Montana Dept. of Commerce Awards $800,000 to Roosevelt County and the Town of Culbertson
Governor Schweitzer strongly supports assistance to local agricultural companies. “Helping Sustainable Systems, LLC will keep good paying jobs in Roosevelt County,” said Anthony J. Preite, Director, Montana Department of Commerce. “The purchase of Montola will help sustain the grain market for current local growers.”
- "Old" Coal-to-fuels process big polluter
"The governor has said from the beginning, if this cannot be done cleanly, he's not interested in it," said Eric Stern, senior counselor to the governor. "The question is: Does the party doing it make that commitment? We're going to make that commitment."
- Butte-Silver Bow County seeks economic development proposals
“There was definitely a seed planted in our community and it was well worth it,” Penn said of the council’s decision to request proposals.
- Governor Schweitzer says Judith Gap wind farm is just the beginning in Montana
After Schweitzer announced his determination to put Montana in the energy-producing business, the crowd greeted his suggestions with enthusiastic applause.
- Bear Paw Development Corporation of Havre Earns National Recognition as
"It's a real testament to the professionalism of our staff, the commitment of our local government members and the great partners we have developed in both the public and private sectors," Paul Tuss, Bear Paw Development's executive director .
Funding and Building your Business
- Investment community failing start-ups says report - Mature Companies Attract Bulk of Venture Capital
According to the report, produced by a joint working group set up between the US Department of Commerce and the European Commission, this lack of investment in early-stage start-ups represents a "fundamental market failure."
- State needs more angel investors - Indiana Venture Center leader speaks to local entrepreneurs saying "It's not a local phenomenon, it's a national phenomenon,"
Forums, like the Midwest Venture Club of Evansville, where angel and venture investors can meet with entrepreneurs, are important for closing that capital gap in Indiana, Kidd said to a presentation of the Midwest Venture Club Wednesday. "If we don't do this, we (Indiana) will be even further behind," he said.
Regional Business
- Homers: Secrets on the Factory Floor
"If employers are able to tap into these drivers, and remain within the legal boundary, then they might be in a better position to allow their employees to blossom."
- Know Thy Company's Self - What kind of personality does your organization have?
Here in the United States, management consultants at Booz Allen Hamilton Inc. operate a Website profiler that enables companies to identify themselves as one of seven distinct types, ranging from Passive-Aggressive (very bad) to Resilient (very good).
- The Seven Rules of Tough Management
Tough management is a way to approach work. It is a practical, reasonable, and organized way to get to decisions more easily, make the numbers on a consistent basis, have those around you understand where you stand, and increase the business.
- Secrets of the M&A Masters - Revealing the paths to a successful deal.
The numbers do not inspire confidence.
- What small businesses need to know about market research
Your marketing plan should be the result of your market research.
- Meeting the Challenge of Email Security and Regulatory Compliance
I know this is a company sponsored whitepaper but the informaitno provided should be valuable to any company that uses e-mail in its business. Russ
- Use a rifle, not a shotgun, when hunting Venture Capital
This is just the simple reality of attracting outside investors and then converting their interest in your opportunity into money in your company's bank account.
- Finally, tips for reeling in that angel investor
Entrepreneurs have to appreciate that profitable angel investing isn't like gambling in Vegas. Don't expect angels to just throw down their money without careful consideration.
- 10 Steps to a Hugely Successful Web 2.0 Company
Step #1. 1. Solve the smallest possible problem (that is still big enough to matter) for the user and know exactly what problem you're trying to solve. (The next steps are even better....)
- Net start-ups face odd problem: more VC cash than they need
Many Internet entrepreneurs don't need the cash, because they're building products cheaply -- using open Web technologies, often with two or three developers. So in return, they're demanding that VCs have a lot more to offer than just cash.
Regional Economic Development
- Natural-beef market expanding fast - Demand rises amid mad cow concerns
''We were going broke. We were whining about how tough things were," said Connie Hatfield, a founder of the co-op Country Natural Beef, widely sold as Oregon Country Beef. Then, ''We found out about the market for antibiotic- and hormone-free beef."
- Welcome to “Halliburton’s Yellowstone National Park!”
Rep. Richard Pombo, a Republican from California and Chairman of the House Resources Committee, had proposed in a draft budget reconciliation legislative proposal, to sell 15 national parks to oil and gas interests and private developers.
Utah Economic Development
- The Coming Age Wave: What Does it Mean for Economic Development?
Too many communities attract retirees who remain isolated in a newcomer’s enclave, and often fail to become fully integrated in the community’s civic and economic life.
- Magazine pushes businesses - Rez Biz encourages entrepreneurs on Indian reservations
The creators of Rez Biz say there hasn't been anything quite like it before, and they hope the publication will connect Indians interested in running their own businesses by providing a road map made from the experiences of others.
- Tech executives push for digital medical records - CEOs urge greater use of tech in health care
``We believe that our fundamental capability has helped make every other industry in the world more effective, more efficient, more productive,'' said Intel Chairman Craig Barrett, the group's head, in releasing a 40-page report on health care technology. ``It's surely time to apply that capability to health care, which invests substantially less of its revenue base back into IT than any other.''
- Work Force Training Is Critical for Expanding Companies
“A successful business is a partnership between the employer and the employee,” she pointed out. “We see training as an essential component to making that partnership a profitable one for all involved.”
Government Technology
- Utah University and Utah State University set $$ sights high Business, education teaming up to ask Legislature for the funds to pump up the number of technology businesses in Utah
"The business community came to the universities and said, 'We would like to pump up the number of technology businesses in Utah,' " Brittain said. "They're calling on the research universities to hire these teams to create the technologies."
- Utah Space industry wants word out
Jake Garn, a former U.S. senator from Utah who flew aboard the space shuttle Discovery in 1984, said he is "amazed at how uninformed the people of Utah are, that how many people do not know every solid rocket motor for every shuttle flight was manufactured here in Utah? What sandhill have they had their heads stuck in?"
Idaho Business
- PTI 2005/2006 Technology Leadership Awards Competition
Awards are presented to local government officials who have fostered an environment of technology innovation in their organization while implementing technology programs and practices that have improved service delivery and the quality of life in their community.
- NASCIO Releases State Enterprise Architecture Assessment Report
Since 1999, NASCIO has provided materials and technical assistance in support of the ongoing development of state and territorial enterprise architecture (EA) programs.
Washington State Business
- Idaho Office of Science & Technology October 2005
- Small business is booming in Northern Idaho
Beck said the SBA's transition from district to centralized loan processing will speed up loan approval, as all lenders will be required to conform their applications to SBA standards, rather than having district personnel guiding them through the process. That means bankers will need to learn the SBA process, Beck said, and they will be trained in large part by the National Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders.
Government
- Co-workers live what they teach: E-work - The Center to Bridge the Digital Divide helps people, institutions and communities apply information technologies.
Creating or expanding e-work opportunities can be a new strategy included in economic development plans for rural communities.
Other Economies
- Michigan Plan to Encourage Collaboration Between Local Governments
"We must look beyond traditional local turf politics to find creative ways to work together to make government better and less expensive.
Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR)
- Google bringing jobs to Arizona - Cities may battle to attract Internet giant
In what will undoubtedly be viewed as a high-tech feather in the Valley's cap, Google, the Internet's leading search engine, is bringing at least 600 jobs - and possibly many more - to the region.
- Silicon Valley grows up: Tech industry matures, stabilizes
Tech companies are already being forced to adapt. As their markets age, they're consolidating, reorganizing and pursuing almost any opportunity for growth — even if it isn't as lucrative as their traditional businesses.
- Economic development initiative targets rural Iowa - MyEntreNet
“We really decided to make a long term investment in rural economic vitality and in helping rural Iowa improve its local economies through entrepreneurship,”
University TechTransferMontana Education/Business Partnerships
- New brain chip may aid paralyzed
The technology was developed at the U. but in the 1990s was spun off into a company called Bionics.
Non-Profit News
- PPL money helps kids learn about power generation
PPL Montana received more than 80 applications requesting a total of nearly $650,000 in funding for the fall grant cycle.
Energy
- The Montana Commission on Community Service is seeking proposals from eligible organizations for AmeriCorps grants
Grants will address pressing community needs in the areas of education, environment, healthcare and public safety.
- Tip of the Week The Consulting to Nonprofits Industry
In comparison to business consulting, several factors complicated management consulting in the nonprofit sector.
Connectivity & Communications
- Energy bargain blowing in wind - Xcel's regular electrical customers, facing higher rates, now will pay more than wind-power buyers.
The 29,000 Colorado Windsource participants who now pay as much as $6 more a month for "green power" soon will pay up to $10 less than their neighbors who use conventionally generated electricity.
Community
- AT&T solves VoIP's 911 issue
The national 911 service uses databases crammed with customers' home addresses to pinpoint the location of callers. VoIP is mobile. So home addresses are meaningless if a customer uses an Internet phone in a different location.
- Yahoo adds blogs to its news section
"The traditional media doesn't have the time or resources to cover all the stories going on,"
- The Internet enters a bold second act - Consumers seem to be the only sure winners.
It is the Web's sober second act, characterized not by soaring stock prices but by forces that are challenging traditional industries — from publishing to telecommunications — to adopt new business plans.
- How to Foil a Phish
This is the death of a phish.
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin mayor announces citywide wireless initiative
"It will create tremendous growth for a locally owned company and will open the door to new jobs, job training and other social and educational opportunities."
- Will Laws to Protect "Press" Harm Other Web Writers? The "Free Flow of Information Act of 2005"
Congress is preparing to consider a law that will likely legislate who can be called a "journalist."
- Downtown Missoula Wi-Fi Hotspots are on the Rise
The Missoula Downtown Association has been instrumental in assisting Missoula businesses implement wi-fi systems to improve the usability of their facilities.
Leadership Montana
- Ground breaks for Canyon Hideaway in Hamilton, Montana
It's emotional when you see the dreams of so many kids and parents become a reality, she said. And especially because of the way the community has supported the effort.
- Survey finds high interest in Bigfork planning - residents want a lot of say in how their community grows.
"What we're trying to figure out is how to have the most input into our own destiny,"
Cool Stuff That's Coming
- One Great Aspiration - Leaders who tap into the aspirations of their followers are leaders who have the opportunity to achieve greatness.
Leaders who tap into the aspirations of their followers are leaders who have the opportunity to achieve greatness.
- Recommended Reading: Picks for Career Inspiration
The founder of an international women's network suggests these books for learning more about leadership.
- Machine Makes Dishes on Demand
MIT Media Lab's Counter Intelligence Group, which develops innovative kitchen designs, has created a machine that makes dishes on demand and recycles them after diners have finished a meal.
- Bill Gates displays software's future to University of Wisconsin-Madison and University of Michigan students ~ Government urged to back science education, research
"The wealth of material for the motivated student is really quite mind-blowing, so we should have that available to every student."
- Progress at light speed - Ray Kurzweil
Where humanity will be by midcentury is barely conceivable to us now, he says. Humans will merge with their machines to make quantum leaps in intelligence and abilities. They will vastly improve their bodies using nanotechnology and live extremely long lives - or perhaps abandon their bodies altogether, continuing on indefinitely in a nonbiological form.
- Dual screen display from a single unit
Two viewing angles isn’t the end of it all - there’s also a digital TV tuner which ensures a stable picture even when traveling at speed and a 30Gb hard drive, so you won't run out of space for MP3s this lifetime.
- Changes in tech world almost too fast to follow
"That's what's so strange about it — there was nothing doing a month ago, and suddenly we're in full flood here."
- Startup brings expert advice -- if not experts -- to stores. Shoppers' questions are answered via computer
"We don't like to push this as labor reduction," he said. "But the fact is that they can certainly become more efficient about how they staff the stores."
- Tech people appear hyped about their industry again
Until last week, I thought AJAX was a cleaning fluid, or a Dutch soccer team. But no — it's an acronym for something you use to get money from venture capitalists
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