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| MATR Newsletter - Fri Oct 3, 2008 |
"Governments never learn. Only people learn." -- Milton Friedman
Here's an example of a single Montanan being much more effective than governments. Foreign affairs was a focus of last night's VP debate. One of the items brought up was the number of madrases' being built in Central Asia, especially along the Pakistan/Afghanistan border. For the few of you who haven't read his book or visited the site, I'd like to recommend "Three Cups of Tea" http://www.threecupsof ... .com/ and The Central Asia Institute https://www.ikat.org/ as an example of what Greg Mortenson of Bozeman, Montana has been and is doing to build schools to foster a more stable region. His accomplishments are astounding when you consider the billions being spent to win the hearts and minds of the people of Central Asia. It's a wonderful statement about the vitality and innovation that is Montana. If you find the book compelling, please consider sending a copy along with a note to someone you know who may not know about this effort. Encourage them to add their thoughts to your note and send it along to someone they know. If just one child can be educated and encouraged to not join a terrorist group, your efforts will be a huge success. Best, Russ More about the Central Asia Institute: http://matr.net/news.p ... itute
Idaho National Laboratory
Three Cups of Tea - The Central Asia Institute
- Idaho National Laboratory helps convert Oregon, Washington nuclear reactors
"This conversion contributes to the overall objective of reducing the usage of HEU in research reactors around the world; working together we are making the world a safer place to live.”
2009 Montana Legislature
- What is a Montana man doing to educate the children of Pakistan and Afghanistan?
“Three Cups of Tea is one of the most remarkable adventure stories of our time. Greg Mortenson’s dangerous and difficult quest to build schools in the wildest parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan is not only a thrilling read, it’s proof that one ordinary person, with the right combination of character and determination, really can change the world.” -Tom Brokaw
Boomtown Institute
- Billings Chamber tries for local-option sales tax
The new legislation is designed to appease rural legislators because it provides a mechanism to channel a portion of the tax revenues to rural communities.
Come Home Montana
- The Boomtown Institute - Main or Wall?
Here’s my take on the current situation, the impact I see on the Main Streets I visit and my simple suggestion for rural American banks.
Come Home South Dakota
- Montana Career Opportunity - Public Affairs Coordinator - AAA MountainWest
This full-time position provides support and administrative assistance with our Public Affairs efforts through writing and distributing media communications, research, coordination of press conferences, and media relations.
- Montana's emerging restoration industry needs employees
Bruce Maxwell of Montana State University said that the average annual salary, many of which start in the $50,000 to $60,000 range, can help attract students.
Developing a more Entrepreneurial Montana
- South Dakota Career Opportunity - President - Sturgis Economic Development Corporation
Professional executive position responsible for economic development program and related activities for the Sturgis, SD area (population 9,274)
Montana Business
- Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania to launch a free online journal for high school students.
The site will offer articles, videos, podcasts, business-related learning simulations and interactive tools designed to help the coming generation understand business concepts and the role of business in today's global marketplace.
Montana Economic Development
- Montana SBA Seeking Nominations for State's Top Small Business Owners and Advocate Champions
Nominations are being accepted for outstanding small business owners and advocate champions in a variety of categories ranging from the Montana Small Business Person of the Year, to Financial Services Champion of the Year, and Small Business Community of the Year Award, which recognizes the top small business minded community in Montana.
- Toshiba and Clearfly Certify Nationwide Interoperability of Strata CIX VoIP Systems and SIP Trunking
“Using Clearfly ClearPhone gives small enterprise users of Toshiba’s Strata CIX40 IP business communication system the benefits of PRI without the expense.
- In Montana, businesses still getting loans, so far
“This is making us do business differently,” he said, but business is still good.
- Revenue Department: Drop in value of companies left Missoula short
Ward 3 Councilwoman Stacy Rye questioned the taxable value of Montana Rail Link in Missoula. A Revenue Department handout listed it as $311,086 in 2007 with estimated taxes at $66,022. “That has to be artificially low,” Rye said.
- YouMail Inks Deal With Montana Wireless Firm, SmartCall
SmartCall, which runs Ismart Mobile, a wireless carrier in Bozeman, Montana, will provide its customers with free cell phone voicemail services based on YouMail.
- Where you live matters when you're seriously ill - Montana one of only 3 states to rate an A.
Only Vermont, Montana and New Hampshire earned an A, according to America's Care of Serious Illness: A State-by-State Report Card on Access to Palliative Care in Our Nation's Hospitals.
- Climate change tops Montana electric co-ops' agenda
Climate change and the financial challenge it poses to producing and delivering affordable electricity to rural residents was the focus of the Montana Electric Cooperatives' Association's annual membership meeting Wednesday in Great Falls.
- University of Montana entrepreneurs make good on ski wear venture - Saga Outerwear
“One man’s crazy is another man’s delight.”
Regional Economic Development
- Montana Main Street conference focuses on revitalization
"The goal of our program is to combine preservation with economic development to spawn new life into downtown communities," Tony Preite, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce
- Sen. Baucus says plan includes $111 million for Montana
The Secure Rural Schools provision included in the economic rescue package will double the amount of funding Montana’s timber dependent communities currently receive through the SRS program, which compensates county governments for lost revenue due to declining timber receipts.
- Governor Schweitzer Announces Nearly $700,000 in Economic Development Funds for Projects in the Flathead - Glacier Stone Supply and Flathead Valley Community College
"More new jobs in the Flathead," said Governor Schweitzer. "These funds will create good paying jobs, new educational opportunities, and a skilled workforce for Montana businesses."
- Montana Gov. Schweitzer dicusses restoration economy at Montana Tech
"We'll create jobs for people who are chemists, for soil scientists and people who are actually driving the big loaders and big trucks and moving equipment around. We'll create more jobs during the next 10 years, cleaning up the mining mistakes of the past than we would have in some of the mining industries. So it's good for Montana's economy. It's good for Montana's fisheries. It's good for Montana's forests," Schweitzer said.
Careers
- Using Electric Cooperatives to Build Entrepreneurship in Rural America: An Investigative Conceptual Framework
Despite advances in entrepreneurship in the United States, stimulating business growth in rural areas continues to be a challenge.
- Rocky Mountain Investments Total $300M For Q3
The most active investors for the quarter were High Country Venture, with 3 deals, followed by DCM-Doll Capital Mangement, Canopy Group, Sierra Ventures, and Flywheel Ventures, all with two deals each.
- House strips measure to help rural counties
“Congressman Denny Rehberg is disappointed that the provisions were removed by the House Ways and Means Committee, said Jed Link, spokesman for Rep. Rehberg, R-Mont., Thursday. “He supports the Senate version of the bill, which includes this important funding.”
- Vietnam - US business trade development and business recruitment experts needed
What types of enterprises might provide an economic lifeline in Vietnam?
- 21st Century Skills, Education & Competitiveness - A Resource and Policy Guide
We urge policymakers and leaders in the business, education and workforce development communities to use this guide as a resource for shaping policies that are attuned to competitive needs.
- Ebb without Flow: Water May Be the New Oil in a Thirsty Global Economy
Just as the late 20th century saw an oil shock, the early 21st century may feature a water shock, where scarcity leads to a sharp price hike on a resource that has always been plentiful and cheap.
- 4.2 million new 'green' jobs predicted
"It could be the fastest-growing segment of the United States economy over the next several decades and dramatically increase its share of total employment."
- Thank you to the advertisers on MATR for supporting our efforts to improve the regional economy.
Please take a look at the products and services that these organizations offer. They deserve your business and support.
Funding and Building your Business
- Women fleeing tech jobs because of glass ceiling
The study found some of the barriers to advancement include: -- Women are more likely than men to perceive the workplace as a competitive culture, and don't consider the corporate culture a meritocracy.
- Tips for making better speeches.
The anticipated audience for the Vice Presidential debate threatens to exceed that of the first Presidential debate, and it's not necessarily because of the issues on the table. No, the crowd for this show is more akin to people who watch NASCAR races in hopes of a crash.
Incubators and R&D
- When Angel Investors Go Bad
Accepting money from the wrong source may be the beginning of your worst nightmare.
- Why the Web Fails To Please the Eye and Brain
Flash... It was fashionable in the late 1990s, but now simplicity is in favor.
- No venture-backed IPOs in last quarter. First time that's occurred since '78
For the first time since 1978, there were no venture-backed IPOs at all in that time period, and the pace has barely picked up since.
- Boise State offers MBA Upgrade program - Nov. 19-21
The three-day, six-session course is meant to help MBA degree-holders sharpen their knowledge in the areas of financial management, leadership and teamwork, financial modeling for decision making and tapping the Internet for market information.
- Tech: A New Take - Do women bring an extra something to technology research and development?
"Being a woman has served me well in moving from right-brain to left-brain activities, such as going from creative concept to implementation."
- Why won't the venture capitalist return my phone call?
To answer your first question, no, you aren't nuts and yes, you should move on.
- Credit Crisis Spreads a Pall Over Silicon Valley
High-tech entrepreneurs, investors and executives now believe the question is when, not if, the financial chaos will hurt the country’s cradle of innovation.
- 'Founders at Work' Chronicles the American Idols of Startups
If you've ever considered one day turning your own big idea into a business, "Founders at Work" is essential reading.
Montana Education Excellence
- Washington State University Scientists Land $8.5 Million Defense Contract
“We’ve been asked to make a material that is mechanically as good as steel, and yet can release chemical energy on demand.”
Montana Education/Business Partnerships
- University of Montana Western offers unique horsemanship program
The school's program in horsemanship is one that sets it apart from other schools across the country.
- Montana Schools Adapt to Autism Increase
“For over a decade there’s been virtually no increase in state funding for special education, which means that more and more had to be redirected to special education from a school district’s local monies,” McCulloch said.
- Program Introduces Junior High Girls in Montana to Technology Careers
The intent of the program is to encourage young women to consider careers in technology (i.e.: welding, CAD/CAM, CNC machining, manufacturing and engineering) fields.
- University of Montana, Tajikistan maintain popular exchange program
There are currently 35 to 40 Tajik students enrolled at UM. The number has increased rapidly and “we think the number will (continue to) increase.”
Idaho Business
- Career and Technical Education's Role In Workforce Readiness
How can employers be sure that individuals are ready for work?
North Dakota Business and Economic Development
- Areva seeks DOE loan guarantee for Idaho $2 billion uranium enrichment plant
Areva NC Inc., a French nuclear services company, has applied for a loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Energy for its planned $2 billion uranium enrichment plant in eastern Idaho.
- Priest River officials optimistic about community's future inspite of mill closure
True, they said the loss of about 200 jobs in a town of less than 1,800 people is a serious blow. However, the recent economic upheaval is only one of many tough times this timber-dependent community has weathered in the past.
- Idaho goes global to reach $60 billion GDP - The Project 60 Initiative
Gov. Butch Otter, along with representatives from 15 Idaho companies will visit several Asian cities next week to bolster international interest in Idaho's business opportunities.
- Kount receives U.S. Patent for proxy piercing technology
This is the second Kount technology to receive a patent. The first, announced last week, is the company's device fingerprinting technology.
- Starting up: Film industry could bring in millions to Idaho
The Film Office staff was fundamental in starting Idaho Media Professionals, a new statewide organization of personnel working in the film industry.
South Dakota Economic Development
- New North Dakota Venture Capital Group Formed - Arthur Ventures
Arthur Ventures is interested in companies involved in information technology, life sciences and clean technologies. Burgum says the typical deal will involve between $1 million and $2 million.
Washington State Business
- Futurist calls for more tech grads - Not everyone needs a college degree, he says
Barlow emphasized the need to revolutionize the way children are educated to be better equipped to compete in the global marketplace.
Connectivity & Communications
- University of Washington sues to end bank contract
"We gave instructions, and the instructions were not followed."
Energy
- Scholars Stew over Broadband's Rural Benefit
Access to high-speed Internet service in rural areas lags behind the cities and suburbs, but by how much? And to what effect?
Transportation
- Montana Gov. Schweitzer rallies supporters of ethanol
"History will judge us on what you're doing today," Schweitzer said. "In breaking the addiction to foreign oil, you will be judged the heroes."
- Utilities power up with Emeter with software that helps electric grids work smarter
Emeter has developed software that allows utilities to understand where and when their electricity is being used so utilities can better control their systems, avoid blackouts and manage power purchase to save themselves and their rate-payers money.
- enerG magazine covers all areas of alternative energy including wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, and biofuels such as ethanol.
enerG Magazine is an exciting new bi-monthly publication that focuses on the advances in alternative energy and how these new resources can be utilized to generate more power—power for industry, vehicles and our homes.
- A Solar-Powered Highway
Change is underway, however, as the state Department of Transportation is rolling out its first-in-the-nation solar-panel project along a major highway.
- Montana Senator Jon Tester’s Amtrak measure now awaiting President’s signature
Senate agrees to look into possibility of restoring southern Montana route
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