MATR Newsletter - Fri Jan 6, 2006 |
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"An expert is a person who has made all the mistakes that can be made in a very narrow field." --Niels Bohr
Here's an opportunity for you to contribute to the future of Montana: " The Montana Economic Developers Association (MEDA) Forms Working Groups to Explore a Wide Range of Topics. How Can You Contribute to a More Successful Montana Economy?" http://www.matr.net/article-17590.html
Come Home Montana
Developing a more Entrepreneurial Montana
- Featured "Come Home Montana" Community~CHOTEAU
Choteau is the starting point for many outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities in the Lewis and Clark National Forest and Bob Marshall Wilderness.
- Montana-Jobs.net Featured Career ~ Network Support Specialist
Entech is a locally owned IT consulting business providing area customers with implementation and support of Windows-based networks.
MEDA Entrepreneur Working Group
- Recommended Reading For New Entrepreneurs
"The World is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century" By Thomas L. Friedman "It's particularly important for those just starting out to understand the environment they're entering, and this book talks about how the environment has changed competition, making it more global for every company of every size. It says every company is a global company and you need to think about that when starting one."
Education
- Entrepreneurship and Rural Economic Development in Nebraska
In order to thrive in the 21st century and beyond, a community needs a strong economy that is both diverse and dynamic. Encouraging an entrepreneurial spirit and understanding and implementing the 21st century technology available to us are critical to the diversification of our economy.
- Top Ten Mistakes Made by Entrepreneurs (Please read this one if you're considering a startup!- Russ)
"While the language of the law can be intimidating, the concepts are usually quite straightforward,"
Montana Business
- Here's an Idea: Put 65% of the Money Into Classrooms. Report gives Montana D in education
"If you did this in all 50 states, it's $14 billion more a year,"
- MSU-B business dean, Joe Michels, quits
MSU-Billings Chancellor Ron Sexton said he appreciates everything Michels has done as dean of the College of Business.
- University Of Montana Seminar Examines Montana's School Funding System, 1/19, Missoula
The debate continues over Montana’s school-funding system despite a two-day Special Legislative Session in December. But what changes do Montana schools really need?
Montana Economic Development
- The Missoulian's "Western Montana InBusiness Monthly" Outlook 2006 - New beginnings and optimistic outlooks
As we march across the border of 2006, I urge you to spend some time with our Outlook edition. I learned a lot from the reports that follow; I know you will too.
Developing Funding Opportunities in Montana
- Rising wind farm raises hopes in Cascade County
"We're very bullish on the wind here." Cascade County Commission Chairwoman Peggy Beltrone
- Becon Hill Insitute releases State Competitiveness Report 2005. Montana Ranks 33rd
The report continues to show that if a state can gain a point in the index, it can also gain $994 in real per capita income.
- The Montana Economic Developers Association (MEDA) Forms Working Groups to Explore a Wide Range of Topics. How Can You Contribute to a More Successful Montana Economy?
Working Groups can take the form of a study, public policy proposal, training resource, information pool, working cluster, etc.
Funding and Building your Business
- Midwest Association Of Seed & Venture Funds, 1/17-18. Fargo, North Dakota
Who Should Attend on Jan 17th: Angel and Seed Investors - to learn from fellow early stage investors, find deal flow, hear more about how to invest in early stage deals, learn how to feed deals to venture capitalists. Venture Capitalists - to meet more seed investors and connect with regional venture capitalists and find more limited partners for your fund. Entrepreneurs - to know what equity investors are looking for. Service Providers - because legal, financial, consulting, HR, PR, marketing and other decisions are made early by new companies. University Representatives - to hear what is going on in equity markets relating to tech transfer programs Economic Developers - because new company formation greatly affects your State's economic future.
- Wisconsin cleans up Act 255. Law makes incentives work for VC funds
"If I wasn't able to do this, I would end up with some investors who could get tax credits, some who couldn't," said John Neis, a senior partner with Venture Investors. "[In that case] my fiduciary duty requires that I not cosider the tax credits because they don't benefit everybody."
Legislative Newsletters
- Some Boomer Owners May Look to Sell Their Businesses in 2006
He believes that when you take over another small business, it is often best to keep the founders as co-owners for two or three years. And, he says, it's usually wise to keep the old staff.
- Inc. magazine accepting growth-list applications for 2006
This is a great way to promote a successful company.
- Invitation from Sen. Conrad Burns to apply for R&D and infrastructure funds
Attached you will find a copy of the Federal Funding Application for Fiscal Year 2007 form. Please take a moment to read the instructions and application carefully.
- The Top Ten Lies of Venture Capitalists from Guy Kawasaki
Alas, entrepreneurs are also simple people: If they don't hear a conclusive “no,” they assume the answer is yes. This is an example of the kind of breakdown of communication between venture capitalists and entrepreneurs that causes much pain and frustration for entrepreneurs.
Regional Economic Development
- Montana Legislative branch interim newsletter
The Interim contains articles related to interim committee work, general Legislative Branch news, and other articles of legislative interest.
Idaho Business
- Innovate or perish
THE UNITED STATES is losing its competitive advantage and may soon lose its innovative edge. It does not invest fully in resources most critical for sustained high-tech leadership, and the most talented and productive regions of the Third World challenge our dominance with skills and efforts only we once possessed.
- Future is in globally distributed work, not offshoring
“The US might remain the farm for the world but Europe will become the museum of the world with China becoming the factory and India becoming the knowledge factory of the world.” Labour shortage will determine the map of the knowledge economy.
Incubators and R&D
- Micron says it will fill 900 high-wage jobs in Boise, Idaho
"This is really due to the success we're having due to our diversification efforts," Micron spokesman Dan Francisco said
Non-Profit News
- Montana State University brings home research bacon, despite Congress' spending cuts
"Given the challenges" in Congress, Tom McCoy, MSU vice president for research said, "my assessment is we did far better than expected."
- UM Vice President: Research key to understanding our flammable wilderness. "Vision" from the University of Montana
There’s an Italian proverb that reads: Out of a great evil often comes a great good. In the context of wildfire, this statement is certainly validated when considering the extent to which University researchers study the unique flora, fauna and animal life that live, thrive, and ultimately rejuvenate those blackened areas.
- Research Roundup at Montana State University (#255), Just go home?, Weed whacking, Island interest, Hidden gender
Energy
- Montana Nonprofit Association Monthly eNews
MNA is a membership organization that promotes a stronger nonprofit sector, supportive public climate, and the ability of nonprofits to accomplish their missions.
Connectivity & Communications
- A New Greenhouse-gas Emissions Market Emerges. Drivers atone for exhaust with carbon offsets
"This seemed like a great way to contribute until we can develop alternative energy."
- Gates shrugs off Google competition. Microsoft leader touts new digital products
"Consumers are getting more and more connected, and software is at the center of that," Gates said. "2006 is going to be a big year for the digital lifestyle."
- Google and Yahoo Aim at Another Screen
Both Yahoo and Google have emerged as potent threats to television networks because they are drawing ad dollars to their existing sites.
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