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| MATR Newsletter - Fri May 2, 2014 |
Montana Molecular CEO Anne Marie Quinn concludes there is no place she'd rather be. "This is a great time in the profession. Particularly to be a woman in science right now is exciting. There were so few female scientists when I was young, so I appreciate having this opportunity to bring young women into science through Montana Molecular," Quinn says. "It's rewarding to build something from the ground up. It's wonderful to have an impact on the young people we can hire, to get people excited about our technology and advance new products that have impact far beyond the borders of our state. We love this process of creating something new, and bringing recognition from the biotech industry to the state of Montana." http://www.matr.net/ar ... .html
Governor Bullock Looking for Industry Leaders for Main Street Montana Project Key Industry Networks http://www.matr.net/ar ... .html
Big Data Week - May 5-11-14 - 30+ Cities Worldwide Including Missoula
Montana Department of Commerce
- The University of Montana Big Data Science Initiative
At the University of Montana, the Data Science Initiative (DSI) focuses on "Big Data" analytics, offering courses and expertise in mathematics, statistics, computer science, and marketing analytics.
- Open Cloud Test Bed Bolsters Big Data Innovation
Although the MOC will begin as a research collaboration and testbed, the ultimate goal is for it to become an independent non-profit entity.
- University of Montana hires recruiting firm to boost enrollment
As the University of Montana's enrollment dwindles for the second consecutive year, administrators have placed their faith - and $2.1 million - in an Iowa-based recruiting firm in the hope of luring more students to campus.
- University of Montana Offers Interdisciplinary Big Data Summer Course on Electronic Discovery, Law
Professor Joel Henry said UM is the first university to teach this course and is serving as Symantec's pilot for its Academic Alliance Program, in which the company partners with institutions to offer students cutting-edge products and technology curriculum from industry leaders.
TEDx Events in Montana
- Gov. Bullock releases business plan for Montana, tourism a prominent part
Some of the report's key take-aways for the tourism industry:
Dorsey & Whitney LLP
- TED Talk - The emergent patterns of climate change
What goes into a climate model? Gavin Schmidt looks at how we use past and present data to model potential futures.
Next Generation Broadband in Missoula
- Dorsey & Whitney - "FLSA And State Wage Laws: The Laws We Love To Hate!", 5/22, Missoula, Montana
While it is always a challenge to ensure your employees are properly classified, prudent companies should review their exempt employees carefully this year given the intense focus of the Administration on this issue.
Northwestern Energy
- Cable companies expand public Wi-Fi for customer loyalty
So far, they've installed about 250,000 public hotspots -- up from 150,000 when it started in 2012 -- at high-traffic places like malls, public parks, cafes and small businesses.
- Pricey high-speed Internet hurts entrepreneurs
The USA is among the most expensive of 34 developed countries for high-speed Internet access when looking at the cost of a package of telecommunications services including telephone, television and 90 hours of broadband at 45 megabits per second.
PrintingForLess
- NorthWestern Energy says FTC approves dam purchase
"We've passed a major milestone at the federal level," said John Hines, vice president of supply for NorthWestern.
Blackfoot Telecommunications Group
- Pour Some Water On Me
When you need a waterproof paper with the best possible durability and tear resistance for your printed product, plastic or synthetic paper stocks are the best way to go.
Inteneo Systems
- Blackfoot Telephone Cooperative Celebrates 60th Anniversary at Annual Meeting on May 3
A legacy of innovation and unwavering community support defines Blackfoot today
Come Home Montana
- In Hiring, Algorithms Beat Instinct
Our analysis of 17 studies of applicant evaluations shows that a simple equation outperforms human decisions by at least 25%.
Developing a more Entrepreneurial Montana
- Montana Career Opportunity - CEO - Montana Healthcare Foundation
The new CEO will be a key player in identifying, selecting, and managing a small cadre of expert advisors to assist in handling the complex legal, financial, operational, and compliance issues facing the Foundation in the near term.
- Montana Career Opportunity - Loan Officer Position - Montana West Economic Development Corporation
We are seeking an individual with commercial lending and economic development non-profit lending experience.
- Montana State University Alumni Foundation selects Witt/Kieffer to lead search for new president and chief executive officer
"Montana State University is in the midst of never-before seen growth, unparalleled alumni engagement and historic philanthropic giving. It's an exciting time to be a part of campus and we look forward to finding a leader to energize and inspire our staff, alumni and friends to see MSU to the next level and beyond," said Kitty Saylor, 1982 alumna and interim MSU Alumni Foundation CEO and president.
- Montana State University begins search for new equity compliance director and Title IX coordinator
MSU's equity compliance director and Title IX coordinator will support the efforts of all four MSU campuses in providing an open, diverse and inclusive learning and working environment.
Montana Business
- Kauffman Index of Entrepreneurial Activity by State - Montana #1 Again!
Montana had the highest entrepreneurial activity rate, with 610 per 100,000 adults creating businesses each month
Montana Economic Development
- Montana State & County QuickFacts
- Missoula, Montana based Agile Legal Technology Launches in Montana and Illinois
The tools offered by AgileLT were developed by Dr. Henry and a team of programmers allow automated gathering of important digital information from huge amounts of data, search and review of information based on natural language requests, and exploration of the data relationships using 3D visual tools.
- Kauffman Foundation Names Montana Top State for Entrepreneurs
"The entrepreneurial spirit of Montanans has been an important part of our state's success throughout the years, but has been especially important through the recession and recovery," Bullock said. "These entrepreneurs have helped to strengthen our state's economy and provide consistent job and wage growth. I want to make sure Montana continues to support this type of innovation and entrepreneurism."
- Missoula startup to search legal big data on verge of growth - Agile Legal Technology,
"The Technology Transfer Office at the university has been wonderful, working with us to build the software and putting in place a royalty stream that works for the university and allows our business to grow," Henry said. "It's a win for the university and it demonstrates the value of this Cyber Innovation Lab."
Careers
- MEDA May Online News - and - SEE YOU IN HAVRE! MEDA SPRING CONFERENCE May 6th and 7th Registration closes Friday.
Get caught up on news items of interest to those involved in Montana's economic development arena.
Economic Gardening
- Why Google doesn't care about college degrees, in 5 quotes
The upshot is that Google values the skills and experiences that candidates get in college, but a degree doesn't tell them much about talent or grit.
- A Fan Asks Mike Rowe For Life Advice... His Response Is Truly Brilliant.
"Look at me," she said. "I take care of myself. I've put myself out there. Why is this so hard?"
Government
- Economic Gardening: A Homegrown Approach to Growth
Can an economic development strategy that is focused on fostering small businesses and a culture of local entrepreneurship truly grow a local economy?
Idaho Business
- The STATE OF MONTANA, The Office of the Governor (State) is seeking a contractor to provide marketing services for the Montana Main Street Project for the Governor's Office of Economic Development.
As the Main Street Montana Project further develops and refines strategies for the state, this plan will be updated to reflect the priorities identified through that process.
- Missoula to levy 84 percent more taxes in 2015 than 2005
"I think we're hearing from enough of the public to realize that this is of concern to the public, and I would hope that at the very least, we could get a coalition together to cap the special district," Councilman Adam Hertz said of a proposed new citywide taxing district.
- Why the Cult of Personality is the Wrong Leadership Model for Government
To sustain excellence over time, governments need to build leadership at all levels of their organizations.
- Is Your State Prepared for the Next Economic Bust?
It may not feel like it, but the past five years have been a period of economic expansion. That means that states that have not adjusted their budgets to the economic cycle will have a very rude awakening when this "boom" period ends, as it will.
- 'The Meat Racket': A Regulation 'Failure'
With millions of dollars in lobbying and a nationally organized movement using ordinary citizens, the meat industry beat back the Obama administration's attempts to better regulate the chicken and beef industries. "Big Meat" emerged from the battle stronger than ever, with firmer control of both producers and consumers.
- Beware the 'Race to the Bottom' of Film Tax Credits
Among the report's pithy observations: "Interstate and international competition could stoke a 'race to the bottom,'" even as the film industry struggles in comparison with the recovery of other portions of the economy.
- Democrats, Republicans slam the SBA for sidestepping Congress
Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-Ore.) echoed the same sentiment. Concerned that the SBA officials on hand have fallen "a little out of touch with the folks y'all are supposed to be representing," he reminded them that "we're the people who are elected, you are unelected officials." "It's our job, not yours, to come up with the programs that should be going forward," Schrader said bluntly. "You have heard uniformly, no one is supporting any of the programs you've come up with."
Incubators and R&D
- Otter unveils Idaho economic-development initiative
Jeff Sayer, director of the Department of Commerce and a contributor to the plan, said attacking the priorities laid out in the initiative will lead to improving the state's last-in-the-nation average wage. The initiative doesn't set a wage goal.
- Hey, Idahoans, where ya going? This survey says you're moving away.
Almost one in six Idahoans are planning to move this year, according to a survey of 600 adults in Idaho.
North Dakota Business and Economic Development
- Montana State University's Reijo-Pera and team: Stem cell research holds promise for male infertility
A Montana State University researcher and her co-researchers are receiving international attention for showing that skin cells from infertile men can be used to create the precursors of sperm - research that holds promise for treating male infertility.
Regional Economic Development
- The promise, the growing pains of oil boom town - Watford City, North Dakota
"It was sad to see," Sanford says. "They were trying to get things to happen ... but you couldn't force people to live here. There had to be a draw. There had to be a reason." Watford City now has a reason: Billions of dollars of oil in the shale under the ground.
21st Century Education Initiative - "You Should Care..."
- Can you help shape the future of economic development? You bet you can.
You can help set this direction by taking 5 minutes to give us your advice and guidance.
Education
- America's educational failings
In other words, if we really want to reduce inequality, we need to reform the system, spend money where needed -- such as early education -- and get to work at it now.
Montana Education Excellence
- With Free Web Courses, Wharton Seeks Edge in Traditional Programs B-School Continues -- MOOCs Push Ahead of Rivals
The school is still learning how best to translate its on-campus offerings to the Web, but officials say the venture has already strengthened the brand and delivered an edge over competitors in an area that could ultimately upend traditional M.B.A. programs.
Montana Education/Business Partnerships
- Montana Tech receives $1.3 million grant for K-12 science education
The goal is to equip 40 of Montana's sixth through 12th-grade teachers with the skills to provide science research opportunities for students.
- University of Montana SoBA Proposes Business Minor
More and more non-business students desire a foundation in business principles
- University of Montana, Missoula Schools to Showcase Innovative Partnership
"What a privilege to bring together exemplary K-12 teachers, University professors and academic administrators from both sides to refine and create leading-edge approaches to learning," said Roberta Evans, dean of UM's education college. "It is exactly this shoulder-to-shoulder learning that excites education professionals and fosters true change in school systems and universities."
Funding and Building your Business
- Meet the Montana Mafia
And there's new blood coming up, having learned the most valuable "mafia" lesson: stick to your guns.
Energy and Climate Change
- Beyond the "A" Round
The first thing to know about B rounds is that seasoned entrepreneurs begin thinking about them in the days immediately after (or even before) the closing of the A round.
- How To Manage Your Time Wisely When You're Running A Startup
Even if you've got the necessary business skills, a talented team and plenty of funding to get started, you'll still need to make sure you're using your time as efficiently as possible.
- For Team-Building Events, a New Ingredient: Fun
The new kinds of team-building events, many of which tap into pop culture, are much more likely to engage reluctant participants, and are better tailored to different corporate cultures.
- A Tool for Finding the Best Employees
Let's take inspiration from the hackathon and devise some fun, compelling, and challenging events that reveal those who are great at what they do, not just those who went to the right schools and can ace an interview.
- Unlikely partnerships with big businesses help small businesses thrive
Unlikely pairings of large and small companies are making a difference for small businesses.
- How AIRBNB Started - or How 3 Guys Went from Renting Mattresses to a 10 Billion Dollar Company
How to make $$$$$ out of zzzzzz
Montana Biotech
- The Supreme Court Dims the Lights on Coal Power
Legal experts said the decision, written by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, signals that the Obama administration's efforts to use the Clean Air Act to fight global warming could withstand legal challenges.
- Climate change and sustainability on the local level discussed in Bozeman, Montana - McDonald's sets 2020 sustainability goals
"My goal is to turn MSU into a living laboratory for sustainability so we can teach our students that there are different ways of doing things," said Kristin Blackler, MSU Sustainability Office Director.
- Could Bioenergy Fuel a Rural Resurgence?
Creating a grid of small energy-production plants that run off biofuels could help rural communities reduce their energy costs and promote economic development, say University of Missouri researchers.
- The bad side of the biofuel boom as it threatens the American Prairie
So what can be done to reverse or slow grassland loss?
- Electric cars tax credit should rise to $10,000, says Congressman
"If we're going to make real progress on climate change and we're going to reduce the cost of transportation, by the way, the cost of gas to our consumers, then we want to make this technology available."
Connectivity & Communications
- Settling a New Biotech Frontier in Montana - Montana Molecular
"If you start a biotech company in Montana, the governor and our senators take notice and will help with networking opportunities. If you are awarded an SBIR, the state of Montana will kick in matching funds too."
Government Technology
- Microsoft stops charging for Skype group video calling
The move could help Microsoft on its campaign to make the already-popular voice over IP (VoIP) and video conferencing platform even more ubiquitous.
- What "net neutrality" means to rural America.
When it comes to creating a "slow lane" for some Internet content providers, Grandma had it right: Don't play favorites. Here's what "net neutrality" means to rural America.
The Creative and Cultural Economy
- Government IT's Investment Trap of Investing in Technology Rather than IT talent
Too often, the workforce bears the brunt of cost-cutting and other austerity measures, but the whole organization suffers if the pendulum swings too far.
Cool Stuff That's Coming
- Shooting the Crown - Whitefish photographer releases new book on Crown of the Continent
Meant to promote stewardship, "The Wildest Rockies" showcases images that span the boundaries of Glacier-Waterton International Peace Park, tracking along the spine of the Rocky Mountains as the Whitefish native reanimates a landscape brimming with life.
HACKING AND VIRUS ALERTS
- Disney softens up 3D printing with new toy tech
Disney Research hopes to make a splash in 3D printing with new toy technology, and has developed ways to create soft, snuggly teddy bears along with interactive speakers that are also toys.
Transportation
- How Target's Huge Hacking Could Finally Make Credit Cards Secure
Today, Target-the retail chain where all those cards were stolen-said that, starting in early 2015, all of its own credit and debit cards will be "chip-and-PIN-enabled."
- Microsoft issues workaround for Internet Explorer bug
The security flaw allows attackers to slip malicious code into an innocuous website, using a compromised file.
- How To Justify Converting Parking Lanes into Bike Lanes
Every city that's ever considered removing auto parking to make room for a protected bike lane has been, understandably, nervous. North America's best city for biking wasn't immune.
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