MATR Newsletter - Fri Apr 1, 2011 |
“Next to sex, laughs are the best things in the world.” Farley Granger
"The truth will set you free.... but first it will piss you off."
Montana Department of Commerce
21st Century Education Initiative - "You Should Care..."
- Statewide Tourism Awards Presented at Montana Governor's Conference
"I am extremely proud of the work being accomplished by our tourism industry," said Governor Brian Schweitzer. "The passion for our history, our places and the experiences to be had here elevates Montana in the eyes of our visitors."
The Best Place Project - Missoula, Montana's Five-Year Economic Development Strategy
- The Today Show - Florida high school first to have motion picture studio and "Horshak" as an educator - G-Star
The largest Film, Acting and Television Production high school in the nation; and the only high school in the world with a working Motion Picture Studio on campus.
- iPads in the Classroom
After a year on the market, the iPad is still the hottest tablet around. And students in Chicago Public Schools (CPS) have been lucky enough to use them in the classroom for an entire school year.
- What I Learned at School
If we want to understand how much teachers are worth, we should remember how much we were formed by our own schooldays.
- Kindergarten Shop Class
Ms. Winsor started Construction Kids two years ago, after she conducted a one-day building project at her son's preschool and was deluged with requests from parents and teachers for more.
- Teaching Little Fingers New Math Tricks
The program's emphasis on concrete problem-solving is new for some teachers who do not have strong backgrounds in teaching math to preschoolers.
- New education push: 1 million volunteers to help struggling students
Community organizers want you. Whether it's helping out in a classroom, tutoring after school, or mentoring a teenage church group, they're hoping to galvanize more on-the-ground service to bring up early reading skills and graduation rates.
- Businesses draw on young minds
"Young people do have a lot to offer as far as creativity goes in helping businesses."
Highway 12 Ventures
- The Missoula Area Economic Development Corp. names Beaton new interim executive director
"The challenges ahead of us are many, so we feel beginning to work with the Missoula Economic Partnership is the right thing to do for MAEDC's programs and the community. What we do see is an alignment of our programs into a single entity. It could take shape several different ways, but eventually you will see an alignment of our programs into their organization."
MSU Leadership Institute
- Contribution, Community & Mentorship - Highway 12 Ventures
What's fantastic is that it's completely repeatable in every community in our country. All it takes is a successful, credible entrepreneur like David willing to be a similar lightning rod in their own community.
Visit Montana
- MSU Leadership Institute students thank you so much!
We have a tradition of "Shout Outs" for good work at the MSU Leadership Institute
Come Home South Dakota
- 10% Off Great Bear Wilderness Fishing Trips
The Upper Middle Fork is home to some of the best Cutthroat trout fishing in Montana. And, given its secluded location, it sees very little traffic, especially in mid to late summer when fishing is at its peak.
- Members of the American Motorcyclist Association vote Beartooth in Montana their favorite highway
The winding, mountain highway climbs nearly 6,000 feet between Red Lodge, Mont., and Cooke City, Mont. Part of the route dips into Wyoming just east of Yellowstone National Park.
Missoula Public Schools Excellence
- Wyoming Company Seeks 200 Teachers In South Dakota Expansion
The company trains teachers to use its platform and curriculum, and then lets them set their own hours and teach the English classes from home or from an Eleutian center.
Montana Business
- Missoula stakeholder committee backs $1.14M ballot request to help fund teacher salaries, benefits
Missoula voters will be asked to contribute almost $1.14 million to salaries and benefits for teachers in a May 3 election, under a recommendation by a Missoula County Public Schools committee.
- Rocket scientist shares formula for success with Missoula students
"What you achieve with your life will not depend on what you start with."
- "If people are going to be upset at anyone, they need to be upset at Helena." MCPS trustees OK $1.14M general fund levy request to cover possible spending cuts by Legislature
"We are dependent on Helena," said MCPS Superintendent Alex Apostle, echoing frustrations by the board and others Wednesday night. "If people are going to be upset at anyone, they need to be upset at Helena."
Montana Economic Development
- Monte Dolack Gallery - April 2011 Newsletter - Issue #26
The gallery has the most complete collection available of Dolack posters crafted and designed by nationally known artist Monte Dolack for over 30 years.
- Profitmaking Concepts from Solomon Bruce Consulting LLC
Remember, the coach changes pitchers when the pitcher cannot produce strikeouts. Same thing with your organization-- make a change in order to win the game. Now is the time to make that change!
- Cieluch, Yturri win inaugural Fire Within awards in Great Falls, Montana
"We wanted to recognize strong women that have been role models by running their businesses in a way that influences our community in so many good ways," said Rebecca Engum, director of the Small Business Development Center, which is housed by the Great Falls Development Authority.
Regional Economic Development
- Baucus: Montana Can lead Energy Policy That Puts America Back In Control
Senator Responds to President's Plan for Energy Security, Says Montana Poised to Lead to Way to Energy Independence
- Businesspeople lay out pros, cons of Great Falls, Montana
"The quality of life is generally positive here, with the lack of traffic, ease of buying a home and close access to recreation," Nelson said, adding that good schools and health care help attract families.
Workforce Development
- Education and the Economy: Boosting State and National Economies by Improving High School Graduation Rates
Improving educational outcomes creates a wave of economic benefits that include boosting individual earnings, home and auto sales, job and economic growth, spending and investment, and tax revenue in the state.
Bill Payne
- Vocational education's moment in the sun
"Vocational education would no longer be "the neglected stepchild of education reform." Arne Duncan, Secretary of Education
Developing Funding Opportunities in Montana
- Boards of Directors for Startup Ventures
One condition of funding by professional investors is that an effective board of directors be installed.
Economic Gardening
- Embracing Angels: A VC's Perspective
Not only do I think we need to co-exist with angels, I think we need to embrace them, champion them and get Congress and other policy makers to enact tax and state policy that encourages more of them.
Funding and Building your BusinessMontana Education Excellence
- Startup Boot Camps Seek Army of Entrepreneurs
Business accelerators are spreading across the U.S. as early stage investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers try to speed how long it takes to create new ventures--from years to months
Montana Education/Business Partnerships
- "First Lady Nancy Schweitzer's Classroom Garden" On Apr. 3 Montana Ag Live
Discover the wonders of science as Montana's first lady Nancy Schweitzer shares the newest feature of the Governor and First Lady's Math & Science Initiative. Nancy's Garden enables fourth grade classrooms across the state to grow gardens, minds and healthy bodies.
- The University of Montana President's Update 3/28/11
University of Montana President Royce Engstrom and Adams Center Director Mary Muse discuss the events of Engstrom's upcoming inauguration planned for May 2, 2011.
Regional Business
- MSU students learn by helping architect
The program made Pattee appreciate downtown historical buildings, including the renovated Babcock Building that the students toured.
University Business Plan Competitions
- Small Business Owner Launches One-of-a-Kind Marketing Solution for Small Businesses
http://www.bizznesscard.com, a one-of-a-kind online marketing solution for small businesses, launches March 31, 2011, in 11 states including Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming.
Developing an Angel Network in Montana
- 22nd Annual John Ruffatto Business Plan Competition
The School of Business Administration at The University of Montana-Missoula will host the 22nd Annual John Ruffatto Business Plan Competition on Thursday May 12th, 2011 at the Gallagher Business Building.
Idaho Business
- "Financing High Impact Ventures: Creating Wealth and Jobs in Montana" Seminar Available in Your Community
This initial seminar is limited to 25 participants. To register please go to http://www.innovatemontana.com or contact [email protected] or by phone at 406-883-4044. If you are interesting in bringing this curriculum to your community, contact Liz Marchi.
Oregon Economic Development
- Idaho Power eyes solar energy
Utility officials say solar power has the potential to fit Idaho Power's needs far better than wind.
- Boisean Mason Fuller wins top national small-business award - Atlas Frontiers Resell Management
Mason Fuller, Atlas' CEO and president, is being recognized nationally as the Small Business Administration's 2011 Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
Utah Economic Development
- Forest Grove City Council approves incentives for new, growing businesses
"We want to make sure we keep up with our competitors, so to speak, and get our name out there," said Jeffrey King, the city's economic development coordinator.
Washington State Business
- Utah Governor's Economic Summit
Utah's business climate creates a "secret sauce" that has in the mix a solid work ethic, a belief that entrepreneurialism is not only valuable but very attainable and is so much a part of our cultural heritage. There are many challenges, but we can help kick-start our goals using Utah's "secret sauce."
Wyoming Business
- Online sales growth is worsening state budget trouble
In 1992 online sales were about 2 percent of all sales excluding food and vehicles, and in 2010 they were 9 percent. And in 2010 they grew at a considerably faster rate than sales at bricks-and-mortar stores, accounting for 20 percent of total sales.
2011 Montana Legislature
- Mark your calendar for Senator Enzi's annual Wyoming inventors conference on April 9
U.S. Sen. Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.) invites Wyoming residents to sign up for his annual Inventors Conference where attendees have the opportunity to learn how to turn entrepreneurial dreams into a reality
Education
- Montana - Cutting investment in job creation efforts? Now is not the time.
While others do more should Montana do less?
- Montana Republican Says Drunkenness is "Way of Life"; Opposes DUI Laws
Alan Hale thinks being drunk is a way of life. TEA party legislator yesterday made an impassioned speech on the floor of the Montana statehouse for the elimination of all DUI laws.
- Budget cuts violate the 'code' - Senator Williams asks for lean, responsible budget to make Gene Autry proud
I wish Gene Autry could have joined me for the 14-hour marathon debate on the state budget in Montana's Senate.
- Part 4: New UM satellite program filling need for higher education
This is the final part of a four-part series exploring the possible effects of more than $32 million in budget cuts to higher education in the next two years.
MAPS : Media Arts in the Public Schools
- DonorsChoose.org
Did you know? A teacher spends $40 per month on classroom essentials. A $10 automatic monthly donation would ease that burden.
- Former Intel CEO, Craig Barrett, blasts education in Arizona
Barrett said if Intel were starting anew, Arizona likely wouldn't be in the running for its business.
- Governor signs bill to grade schools
The idea was inspired by Florida's system of grading schools.
- As Sweeping Layoffs Loom, Schools Gird for Turmoil
"Parents are scared to death when they send kids to school, and teachers become the face of the system for parents," Dr. Green said. "We hurt relations with a lot of parents by laying off their child's teacher."
- For better public schools, why not tap the disciplines?
A study by McKinsey & Company finds that 47 percent of K-12 teachers graduate in the bottom third of their college class. The same report notes that talented college graduates avoid teaching not only because of poor compensation but also because of the field’s low prestige and lack of “peer-group appeal.”
Other Economies
- "After The Bell: Inside The Maps Media Institute" On MontanaPBS Apr. 16
MAPS students produce public service commercials, TV spots for fee-paying clients, documentaries and short dramatic films. They've even worked with Montana's first lady, Nancy Schweitzer. "After the Bell" is hosted by MAPS instructor, Ian Marquand.
Connectivity & Communications
- Why out-of-state companies won't move to Nevada
Supporters of this theory do offer examples. Ikea, the furniture company, and EarthLink, an Internet service provider, told a Las Vegas developer that they were considering moving here, but elected not to because the area's educational attainment lags national averages.
Energy and Climate Change
- Google chooses Kansas City for ultra-fast Internet
Google (GOOG, Fortune 500) will provide broadband Internet access to the city with speeds of about 1 gigabit per second. That's around 100 times faster than what most Americans have available to them today.
- Rural Broadband Funding in Jeopardy
Stimulating Broadband reports that $1.445 billion in funding for rural broadband loans and grants is in limbo, as Congress considers cutting these programs from the federal budget.
Miscellaneous Ramblings
- Using Heat to Cool Buildings
Novel materials could make practical air conditioners and refrigerators that use little or no electricity.
Cool Stuff That's Coming
- Two of the BBC's best April Fool's Day hoaxes ever
The BBC's normally staid Panorama documentary program offered this gem in 1957 on the early harvest from Italy's spaghetti trees
Non-Profit News
- In Wretches & Jabberers, two men with autism embark on a global quest to change attitudes about disability and intelligence.
At each stop, they dissect public attitudes about autism and issue a hopeful challenge to reconsider competency and the future.
The Creative and Cultural Economy
- UM Philanthropy Class to Award $10,000 to Missoula nonprofits - Interested organizations must apply by April 15.
A total of $10,000 will be awarded to at least one nonprofit organization in Missoula.
- Mixing art and business
Art used to be reserved for quiet galleries, but now it's on display at more places than ever, including service businesses where you least expect it. Read more: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/03/30/1605093/mixing-art-and-business.html#ixzz1I6V5BJiC
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