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| MATR Newsletter - Fri Apr 11, 2014 |
“We think of data as the customer’s voice. It’s telling us what works and what doesn’t work. Data is the lifeblood of the business … We always begin with data.” --- http://www.matr.net/ar ... .html
Missoula, Montana - 2014 State of the Community Report To Be Presented and Discussed April 14 - The future is now. Reserve your seat at the table today. -- http://www.matr.net/ar ... .html
Big Data Week - May 5-11-14 - 30+ Cities Worldwide Including Missoula
ikuw Solutions
- First Annual Montana Cyber Triathlon, 5/3, Missoula - Solve the mystery and win money!!
First Place Prize $500 - Second Place Prize $250 - Third Place Prize $100
- Big Data: Love It or Face 'Permanent Pink Slip'
Someone who's 40, they should be concerned. Hopefully their organization will help, recognizing them as a leader and sending them back for training. They need to fill that gap, somehow, some way.
- The way that Oracle manages data will soon be obsolete
"I never ever, ever joined Oracle to become like them. I joined Oracle so they could be more like me. If you suck offline, you are going to suck more online."
- Big Brown Finds Big Money from Big Data
The primary goal of data analysis using ORION is to make UPS drivers more productive.
- For tech philanthropists, charity may begin with analytics
Google's charitable arm, Google.org, is among the new breed of philanthropies that rely heavily on measuring the outcomes and results of the causes they fund. Those that don't measure up don't get funded.
- Your Big Data Is Worthless if You Don't Bring It Into the Real World
If big data excels at measuring actions, it fails at understanding people's background knowledge of everyday things.
- The DATA Act just passed the Senate. Here's why that matters.
The DATA Act would fix that problem by establishing government-wide financial data standards for all federal funds spent by agencies or other entities receiving money. The measure would also centralize where most government financial data will be published online.
- New Spending Transparency Grades Issued for States. - See how your state compares.
Whether it's economic development subsidies or copies of vendor contracts, more state government spending information is becoming available at taxpayers' fingertips online.
Northwestern Energy
- 25 New Certified ScrumMasters Graduate in Bozeman Thanks to ikuw Solutions
"One of our goals is to provide opportunities for people to learn about the advantages of using agile methods like Scrum", said Kevin McManus.
PrintingForLess
- NorthWestern Energy's "Montana At A Glance" - An economic development fact sheet // January 2014
Economic vitality is crucial to Montana's future, and for more than 100 years, NorthWestern Energy has held a strong commitment to the communities it serves.
Visit Montana - Montana Dept. of Tourism
- How an offline medium can drive online metrics
Check out these stats from a recent survey commissioned by our friends at the US Postal Service, and see how offline can be the perfect complement to online.
Great Falls Development Authority
- In Montana, Cutthroat Trout Are Hungry Trout
Mike Cooney, the lead guide with Glacier Anglers, based in West Glacier, added: "You really don't need to worry about matching the hatch when you're fishing for cutts. I've had trips where I've gone through every fly in my box trying to find one that wouldn't work."
- Montana begins seasonal ad campaign with National Geographic Travel deal
Montana has become the first state featured on National Geographic's "Where the Locals Go" website http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/local-montana as part of a new $4 million advertising campaign.
Come Home Montana
- DOD Announcement Good News for Great Falls!
This announcement is good news for Great Falls! It provides stability while we continue to grow and diversify our private sector economy. Keeping all missile silos in warm status is better than we had hoped for.
- Great Falls Development Authority Quarterly Index - 1st Quarter 2014
Number of jobs Moody's predicted Great Falls metro area would lose 2012-2014: 200 --- Jobs created in Great Falls metro area January 2013 to January 2014: 1,056
Developing a more Entrepreneurial Montana
- Louisiana corrections firm says it will operate treatment center in Hardin jail and hire up to 115
A Louisiana corrections company plans a job fair April 16 at the Two Rivers Detention Facility in Hardin in an effort to find up to 115 employees to operate a therapeutic treatment center for Bureau of Indian Affairs inmates, beginning as early as May 15.
Hellgate Venture Network
- SCORE Partners with the US Small Business Administration to Recruit Montana Business Mentors
"SCORE volunteers enjoy a variety of personal and professional benefits," said Michelle Johnston, State SCORE Director. "You will enjoy the satisfaction of contributing to the success of others, many of them young people with a dream to thrive as an entrepreneur."
- Frontier Angel Fund Investment Portfolio
Latest update on portfolio companies.
Montana Business
- Hellgate Venture Network With John Connors Of Ignition Partners, 4/22, Missoula, Montana
We are very excited to have John Connors, Managing Partner of Ignition Partners http://www.ignitionpartners.com/ and former Microsoft http://www.microsoft.com VP of Finance & Administration, CFO and CIO, speak at our next meeting.
Montana Economic Development
- On Equal Pay Day Montana Governor Bullock Asks Business to Close Wage Gap
Today, on Equal Pay Day, Governor Steve Bullock and the Montana Equal Pay for Equal Work Task Force are asking Montana employers to pledge to close the wage gap in Montana. Employers can sign the pledge at http://www.equalpay.mt.gov.
- Missoula, Montana's Rivertop Renewables Accelerates Commercialization with $26 Million From Cargill, First Green Partners and Existing Investors
Rivertop Renewables (http://www.rivertop.com), a Montana-based producer of novel chemicals derived from natural plant sugars, today announced that it has raised $26 million from Cargill (cargill.com), First Green Partners (firstgreenpartners.com) and existing investors.
- Dream Home Showcase Features Missoula, Montana's EverLog™ Concrete Logs - Solid as a Rock
The destruction of hundreds of Montana homes by wildfire in 2000 led the owners of EverLog™ Systems to the question: "What if we could build a log home that wouldn't burn?"
- $26M invested in Missoula green bio-based chemical company - Rivertop Renewables
A few years down the road, if you find your wine glasses coming out of the dishwasher spotless, you might have Missoula scientists to thank. And you might thank them if your car is immune to rust from road deicers while you're at it.
Careers
- Kalispell Chamber Luncheon -2014 April "Main Street Montana Project" with Larry Simkins, CEO of Washington Companies , 4/15, Kalispell, Montana
Larry Simkins, CEO of the Washington Companies and co-chairman of the Main Street Montana Project will present findings and recommendations of the state-wide effortto develop a bottom-up, self sustaining economic development blueprint to support the creation, recruitment, and retention of Montana job creations in Montana.
- Net migration statistics indicate healthy MT economy
Economist Bryce Ward says positive net migration -- more people moving to a place than away from it -- can be the best indicator for how an economy is doing.
City Club Missoula
- Sheryl Sandberg back with new 'Lean In' for graduates
The most common question I get is, "I really want to 'lean in,' but HOW?" Especially from younger people.
- The Muse - "What do I want to do with my life (and how do I get there)?"
Build the skills you need to find a job and get ahead in your career with these free classes.
- What The Happiest People Know About Work
Study, work hard, and you will be successful. This was the mantra repeated by educators throughout my youth. None of them added "be happy" to the success equation.
Government
- Missoula, Montana - 2014 State of the Community Report To Be Presented and Discussed April 14 - The future is now. Reserve your seat at the table today.
Join Mayor John Engen, UM President Royce Engstrom, and County Commissioner Michele Landquist and discuss "The Future is Now: Today's Initiatives Serving Generations to Come" at CITY CLUB MISSOULA
Idaho Business
- Governor Bullock Applauds Report Showing Improved Transparency in Montana Government
The improved rating is attributed to the launch of the state's Transparency in Government Portal.
- Analysis: Rural Housing Programs in Decline - City officials irked at Helena's exclusion from rural home loan program
Federal spending on affordable rural housing programs has been on a downward trend for a number of years that threatens to continue until the programs eventually fade away.
- Charter proposes Montana initiative to block 300 percent tax increase
It is intended to reverse a Montana Supreme Court decision in December that upheld how the state Revenue Department reclassified the property of Bresnan Communications. Charter now owns the cable company that Bresnan had owned from 2002 to 2010.
- Why Do Cash-Strapped Rural Communities and Governments Have Rich Citizens?
Local government is strapped for funds here because the citizens don't want to spend the money to pay for it.
- Montana Tax News You Can Use - An e-newsletter for tax preparers and those interested in the state's tax system
Montana Tax News You Can Use is published weekly during tax season and periodically at other times. It is for anyone who helps people file taxes and meet their tax responsibility and for anyone simply interested in the state's tax system. It keeps you posted on what's happening at the department, lets you know about new ways of preparing and filing taxes and brings you up-to-date on some of the issues and trends popping up during tax season in Montana.
Regional Economic Development
- Coldwater Creek files for bankruptcy protection
It plans to hold going out of business sales in the coming months.
- Idaho Gov. Otter signs patent troll law
Idaho companies' defense against frivolous patent infringement lawsuits was bolstered Tuesday when Gov. Butch Otter signed a new law.
South Dakota Economic DevelopmentWorkforce Development
- When jobs fall short, job-creation loan recipients pay penalty
The state Board of Economic Development adopted a new policy today for businesses that receive low-interest state loans for projects but don't fulfill their job-creation agreements
21st Century Education Initiative - "You Should Care..."
- Collaboration is essential for successful workforce training
In places where workforce development is most successful, there's a one-to-one relationship with the community college president and the head of the workforce board...
Education
- Today's TED Talk Christopher Emdin: Teach teachers how to create magic
What do rap shows, barbershop banter and Sunday services have in common?
- Vice President Joe Biden Announces Drive to Award Credit for Apprenticeships
Mr. Biden said apprenticeships provide "a pathway to the middle class" for working families and "a pipeline of skilled workers for employers," and must be expanded.
- Engage students, faculty (and the community) in completion agenda
Faculty need to be engaged early and broadly and urged not be afraid of the data
Missoula Schools Excellence
- Some Colleges Try to Catch Students Up Before They're Behind
"How long can we sit back and see these types of results and not do anything about it?"
Montana Education Excellence
- Missoula County Public Schools survey finds tech infrastructure highest priority for upgrade
Littman estimated it would cost upward of $3 million to update the district's core wiring, servers and other central technological infrastructure.
Community
- University of Montana to get Ambassador Max Baucus' congressional files, remaining $850K in funds
"It's important to the state of Montana that he didn't just throw these in the trash, but recognized they have long-term historic significance," said Donna McRea, head of the university's Archives and Special Collections. "It's a continuation of our collection of political papers and it adds to the strength of that collection."
- Sun River robotics team earns spot in world competition in St. Louis
"This level of robotics should really be in every school in the state."
Funding and Building your Business
- Consultants offer ideas for Hamilton downtown masterplan
The city of Hamilton is mulling over ideas on ways to improve its business climate and aesthetic appeal.
Connectivity & Communications
- Kathryn Minshew: 7 Classic Startup Founder Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
In this 99U talk, Minshew shares common mistakes made by startup founders, and reveals the remedies to each.
- Companies Say No to Having an HR Department
"I just have a hard time understanding how somebody in an office two or four states away can do a better job of solving an employee problem than someone who has a vested interest in the employee."
Cool Stuff That's Coming
- Montana Senator JonTester doubles down to improve rural phone service
Following through on his pledge to improve telephone call quality in rural America, Senator Jon Tester is doubling down on his efforts to make sure calls made from rural America are not dropped.
HACKING AND VIRUS ALERTS
- Out in the Open: Build Your Own Siri With This Free Code - Jasper
It's more like Siri or Google Now, but instead of running on your smartphone, it operates from a small, stand-alone unit with a microphone and an internet connection.
- Seed Device is a smartphone, tablet, laptop, desktop and smart TV in one
Seed is a set of mobile and computer products that use the processing power and data of a single docked smartphone.
- Watch Paralyzed Men Move Their Legs Thanks to Implanted Neurostimulators
It may be just people raising their legs, but this is as exciting as it gets
- Battery Prototype Recharges Smartphones in 30 Seconds
A battery that uses nanotechnology to charge your smartphone in 30 seconds may sound like something out of a sci-fi movie but an Israeli startup claims to have created just that.
- Staples Wants to Bring 3D Printing to the Masses
Staples has been selling 3D printers for about a year. Now it wants to begin selling access to them.
- CHANGE YOUR PASSWORDS NOW! - Flaw Found in Key Method for Protecting Data on the Internet
A flaw has been discovered in one of the Internet's key encryption methods, making it urgent for virtually all Internet users to change their passwords.
- 'Heartbleed' bug: Experts say change all your passwords
"I don't think anyone that had been using this technology is in a position to definitively say they weren't compromised."
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