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| MATR Newsletter - Fri Feb 3, 2006 |
We hope those of you in Missoula will bring your ideas and help guide the future of the city. MATR, MDA and SCORE Roundtable With Missoula Mayor John Engen "The Future Of The Missoula Economy", 2/16, Missoula http://www.matr.net/article-17677.html
Governor Schweitzer Announces $15 Million Economic Development Grant for Eastern MT. Congratulations to all who were involved in this successful proposal. It's wonderful what can be accomplished when Government and Business experts collaborate.... -Full Project Narrative: "The New Homestead Act: Montanans for Bio-Product Development" http://www.matr.net/article-17958.html
Come Home Montana
MEDA Entrepreneur Working Group
- Montana-Jobs.net Featured Career ~ Corporate Trainer, Great Falls, Montana.
Davidson Companies is a financial services company with 47 offices located throughout the country including Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Nebraska and Utah to name a few.
- Featured "Come Home Montana" Community~GREAT FALLS
Simply put, Great Falls is a fantastic place to live.
Education
- Oakland, CA Economic Gardening client, Mannequin Madness wins $100K technology contest from Intel
I mention all of this as an example of how powerful the new web-based technologies can be, especially for small businesses, where the entrepreneur's time and attention is often the limiting resource to the growth of the business.
- Entrepreneur Day returns to MSU on Feb. 16
"The college's Alderson Program in Entrepreneurship can make a significant contribution to the economic development of the state and provide a framework for an outstanding educational experience for students," Sather said. "Within the college curriculum, entrepreneurship coursework is offered to students from any major in the university through a 30 credit-hour entrepreneurship minor. "
- Do You Have an Entrepreneurial Mind?
Yes or No: In school, I failed to wait for the teacher's instructions.
- Young Guns. University of North Dakota's entrepreneur programs churn out innovative go-getters
"The entrepreneurial programs were instrumental in taking that from a dorm-room project for me and my friends to an actual technological business." "In business, it looks like it's all about money, but it's really all about human relationships,"
Montana Business
- When K-12 just isn't enough, what about K-14? Program proposes the state extend public education for two more years
The program would initially cover tuition for low-income students, but backers want the state to ultimately sponsor two years of higher education for all Washington residents, regardless of academic merit or financial need.
- Speaker urges Idaho to invest more in education
"Companies that come here because it's a low-cost community, will be looking for the next low-cost community four years later," Barlow said.
- Into the blue: Students take off with new College of Technology in Bozeman aviation program
The COT's aviation degree program debuted last semester. Already more than a dozen MSU students are taking to the air with the courses.
Montana Economic Development
- Digimarc, BEAVERTON, Ore. and GCS Research, Missoula, Mont. Expand Relationship to Deliver Enhanced Digital Watermarking Solutions to the Geospatial Market
Agreement enables GCS Research to bring new digital watermarking-based products to the geospatial market based on Digimarc intellectual property and technology components.
- Anaconda panel maker struggles to stay open
“Our operation is successful; our business plan is successful,” Wilson said. “We’re not closed yet, but it could happen. Our position is a little tenuous right now.”
- Intercontinental Truck Body business in Conrad, Montana continues to grow. Now able to fulfill a $29 million contract from the US military.
“The people of Pondera County and the citizens of Montana are getting one heck of a return on their investment,” Dept. of Commerce Director Tony Preite explained. “With private investment plus these funds of $550,000, ITB is now able to fulfill a $29 million contract from the US military.”
Developing Funding Opportunities in Montana
- February Edition of The Montana Economic Developers Association (MEDA) Online News
The purpose of this webpage is to serve as a communication link within the MEDA membership and with those interested in our efforts to improve the economy of the State of Montana.
- Montana Governor Selects Winners of the Desiree Taggart Memorial Award
The awards provide an opportunity to publicly acknowledge outstanding businesses, programs and individuals who participate in the public workforce development system.
- Baucus announces $1 million grant for Mission Food Enterprise Center in Ronan, Montana
"I am committed to doing everything I possibly can to continue to invigorate and strengthen Montana’s economy," Baucus said. "We’re talking about creating jobs and investing in our Montana-made businesses."
- Governor Schweitzer Announces $15 Million Economic Development Grant for Eastern MT. -Full Project Narrative: "The New Homestead Act: Montanans for Bio-Product Development"
"Economic development in central and eastern Montana is a priority," said Governor Schweitzer. "This grant will help get dollars on the ground to help revitalize the economy with energy development while adding value to Montana's agricultural products."
- Montana Governor Schweitzer Invites Colorado Residents To Join Denver Chapter Of Montana Ambassadors, 3/6, Denver, CO
I look forward to sharing with you and update on the economy of Montana and talking to you about "Why Montana Makes Sense for You."
- Montana's Economic Ranking in the 2006 Development Report Card For The States
High scores on quality of life, employment, and investment in human resources are the brightest spots, demonstrating that Big Sky Country is a good place to live and work.
- Indian business conference draws more than 200
"When you are true to your values and culture, you can do well,"
- Young professionals’ forum Opportunities abound in Butte, but roadblocks are plentiful
Instead of sending the message that new ideas aren’t welcome, Butte needs to figure out how to retain its rugged character while moving forward,
- Bozeman and Missoula touted as retirement destinations
Bozeman snagged a spot in Arthur and Mary Griffith's book "50 Fabulous Places to Retire in America." The book profiles, but does not rank, different cities across the country. The only other Montana city to make the list was Missoula.
- Employers Seek Same Rights as Employees in Montana Courts
Twice in her most recent experiences, said Linda Beck, who works with BSEDC in recruiting businesses to the state, she has seen Montana lose in the final cut simply because it is not an "at will" employment state. "And not only did they decide, not to come to Montana this time," she said, "They decided never to consider the state again."
- Russ Connole selected as Economic director in Butte
Funding and Building your Business
- On Being an Angel
So in spite of the odds, you still want to become an angel investor? Here is some advice...
- Florida Governor Bush wants the Legislature to set aside millions for business investment.
Bush's pitch: Set aside a big chunk of that for business investment.
Legislative Newsletters
- Protecting the Outside Director: The "Red Flag Review"
A red flag is something the director encounters that is inconsistent with an important representation by management about the company's condition.
- Tag Sale. Millions from Yahoo transformed the life of Del.icio.us founder Joshua Schachter--and set him up to find the next big thing.
"Life changes fast"
- Fatal Funding Mistakes For Startups
"Founders need to have an adviser on their side,"
- Searching for an Angel In the Money Game
To be successful, Mr. Ryskamp advises looking at your proposal from the investor's point of view. Confidence helps, too. "I took a step back and asked myself, 'If I really had the money, would I be spending it on this?' " he says.
- The Art of Schmoozing
“It's not what you know or who you know, but who knows you.” Susan RoAne.
- Web startups try new, cheaper ad techniques
"It's less about billboards and Super Bowl ads ... or buying a banner on Yahoo ... and more about building grassroots support to get people on to your Web site."
- Inside Entrepreneurship: Tips for valuating your business
To value your business, appraisers would largely rely on recent acquisition activity for guidance.
Regional Economic DevelopmentIdaho Business
- TBED Resource Center February 2006 Newsletter includes stories highlighting state and local S&T strategic plans, indices or impact analyses.
The TBED Resource Center is an interactive website providing a wealth of information for practitioners, policymakers, university faculty, and researchers alike. With links to more than 3,400 reports, the website features information in a variety of TBED-critical topics in the U.S. and abroad.
South Dakota Economic Development
- Idaho Office of Science & Technology February 2006 Newsletter
The state needs to put more funding into targeted research and in helping emerging companies get launched, says Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne.
- S. Idaho tourism boosters hail new vintage aircraft museum
"All of the airplanes in this hanger will be flying at that air show," Terry Bagley told The Associated Press on Thursday. "These airplanes all fly. They've all been restored. They're beautiful. It's not a static display."
Washington State Business
- A Startup Grows, and gets funded, in South Dakota - Watch-out Xerox Parc. Here comes Telario
It's a pretty cool deal. You print out a document on Xpaper and that document appears on your screen. When you sign the document with a digital pen, the signature is stored digitally.
Wyoming Business
- $65 million in funding resuscitates NeoRx
A new focus, along with new management, enabled the company to bring in new investment
Miscellaneous Ramblings
- Wyoming recruiting in Michigan
The Wyoming group focused on recruiting mechanics, welders, electricians, truck drivers, nurses and construction workers.
Incubators and R&D
- 101 Dumbest Moments in Business
13. The furor dies down, but only after Sony says that the real intent was to prevent the spread of the malicious Celine Dion virus.
- "Where's George?" Web game that monitors geographic circulation of dollar bills used to forecast diffusion of a virus
Since money, like viruses, is transported from person to person, place to place, researchers feel that this model is the best way to track the movement of people.
- Ordinary People Have Best Ideas
Peter Skidmore, a program manager from Seattle, has officially come up with the best idea since sliced bread.
The Creative and Cultural Economy
- NIH's Research Grants Offer Seed Funding for Budding Scientists
The grants of almost $1 million each, to be awarded competitively on the basis of research proposals, "is a way for us to encourage the very best to establish themselves,"
- Rocky Mountain Laboratories scientists in Hamilton, Montana make advances in chlamydia research
In the United States, chlamydia is the most commonly reported infectious disease, with physicians reporting more than 900,000 cases in 2004, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- MSU researchers consider soldiers, citizens, sand flies and risk
It is work that has direct application for Montana soldiers, some of whom have undergone treatment for leishmaniasis in Germany before returning home.
- University of Washington leery of tighter security around research
The proposed regulations, aimed at stopping the transfer of sensitive technology to certain countries, could prevent many non-U.S. citizens from using equipment or software at universities such as UW without a special license.
Non-Profit News
- Creative workers play critical role in economy. Talented people can attract investment but cities must do their homework
"Too often the business community says, 'I'm not getting enough bang for my buck,' " Watson said. "It becomes an easy way of saying, 'I don't want to participate.' "
Energy
- New Benefit for Montana Nonprofit Association (MNA) Members! ReadyTalk Voice and Web Teleconferencing at 70% Savings
ReadyTalk is easy to use, secure, reliable and has many additional features designed to make your teleconferencing easier.
Making the Most of the American Prairie
- South African oil and gas company Sasol Ltd. tells governor Montana is promising as site for new synfuel plant
The governor, who said he is more optimistic than ever about getting a coal-to-fuel plant in Montana, also has plans to meet again Thursday with General Electric about a similar plant.
- Is ethanol the answer?
"The technology and the economics aren't there yet" to produce enough ethanol for a massive switch to E85, says Bob Dinneen, president of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), a trade group that represents ethanol producers.
Connectivity & Communications
- Wyoming buys Converse ranch. "It is accessible. It is central. It is beautiful."
In years past, whenever the five elected state officials pondered buying private land for state ownership, the opposition was sizeable, vocal and sometimes downright hostile.
Leadership Montana
- With Few Options, Rural Businesses Forced to Find Their Own Internet Access
While the Internet's reach continues to spread, the majority of small businesses located in rural areas -- two-thirds -- still do not have terrestrial broadband access to the Internet, according to a new study.
- One Out of Two Communities Evaluating Wireless Services, Survey Finds
The results highlight a growing awareness of the tremendous potential value of municipal wireless projects, as well as the real-world challenges to realizing this potential.
- Bill Gates sees cellphones, not $100 laptops, as way to help Third World
On the face of it, Gates seems to be taking his position only because that darn $100 laptop doesn't run on Microsoft's Windows operating system. Negroponte chose a free Linux-based operating system — and then gored Microsoft by saying he picked it not because it's free, but because it's better.
- Five Ways To Keep Your Google Searches Private
Word that the government has been seeking search data from Google has struck fear into the hearts of Internet Explorer and Firefox users.
- MySpace and Facebook changes the social landscape
ySpace has gone from zero to 47.3 million members since its launch in January 2004. MarketWatch.com reports an estimated 5 million new users per month.
- Leadership Montana Now Accepting Applications for Class of 2007…
Leadership Montana will present a seven session program of business and policy education. Also included will be a program of leadership skill development focusing on the principles of community trusteeship.
- New Montana mayors learn the ropes
"The point is to give training to newly-elected mayors who don't necessarily know what their job is when they get elected,"
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