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| MATR Newsletter - Fri Dec 26, 2008 |
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“We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give”. Sir Winston Churchill
"Time to Reboot America -- "Ctrl-alt-del" http://www.matr.net/ar ... .html --- "MTA Commentary--Broadband comparisons and economic stimulus" http://www.matr.net/ar ... .html ---
2009 Montana Legislature
Boomtown Institute
- Montana Legislators Eye Slippery Financial Slope in 2009
“My guess is that 47 budget directors would be happy to take my place,” Ewer said. “We are in a far better place than just about any other state.”
- Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer optimistic about year ahead
I think since last year I've been suggesting that in the next legislative session there is going to be a lot more 'whoa cowboy,' than 'giddyup.'
Come Home Montana
- Boomtown USA - Leavenworth, Washington has a great story!
If you are in the northwest, I would encourage you to make a stop in Leavenworth, regardless of the season!
Developing Tech Jobs in Rural Communities
- Montana Career Opportunity - Staff Accountant - GlaxoSmithKline plc.
Must be proficient with General Ledger accounting and handle complex accounting transactions Organizational skills Knowledge of Excel required Verbal and written communication skills
Developing a more Entrepreneurial Montana
- Fargo, North Dakota duo head multimillion-dollar business - InterceptEFT
"Today's high-tech business environment with the Internet and electronic services eliminates geographic barriers," he said. "If you can provide a valuable service, you can have the same type of reach whether you are in New York or Fargo or wherever."
- Filling the Labor Pipeline
Those communities that realize tomorrow’s work force will need ever-changing skills are teaming up with area businesses and higher educational institutions to fill the labor pipeline.
Montana Biotech
- The Innovation Economy
The best opportunity for the U.S. to lead the global technology revolution, start thousands of new companies, and export high-tech products.
Montana Business
- Study: It pays for biomedical researchers to know their congressman
And from 1981 to 2003, having one Congressman on the NIH appropriations committee bumped research funding for a state's biomedical researchers about 6%.
Montana Economic Development
- Columbia Falls, Montana Aluminum to shut down
In July, CFAC shut down one of its pot lines and laid off 125 employees, citing soaring energy prices. Since then, hundreds of workers in the Flathead Valley have been let go from Plum Creek Timber Co., Semitool Inc., Goose Bay and the Troy Mine.
- Montana PSC Finds NorthWestern Not in Compliance with Bankruptcy Requirements; Going to District Court to Recover Fines
The specific violations are borrowing money for improper purposes, investing more than it is allowed to invest in non-utility activities, and improperly supporting borrowing by a subsidiary.
Regional Economic Development
- Montana Governor Schweitzer authorizes more environmental projects
Gov. Brian Schweitzer said the projects that have his final approval offer "substantial, long-lasting improvements to fisheries, wildlife, public drinking-water systems and outdoor recreation opportunities. In addition, this investment will provide jobs and boost Montana's restoration economy."
- Hydrogen proponent, Paul Williamson touts Montana's alternative energy bounty
Montana can be the perfect laboratory for making the United States energy-independent, given its supplies of oil, gas, coal, wind, water, solar, biomass, platinum, carbon and other energy sources, Williamson said.
- Montana Wants the Gift of More Wilderness for Next Christmas
All of us realize that our state is now and will continue to undergo significant changes in our population and economy. But, as best we can, we should preserve as much of Montana’s traditional life style as possible.
- Butte-Silver Bow County seeking share of major stimulus bill
"We're doing our part," she said. "So far we have submitted that ($74 million) and there's more to come. We're continuing to get different lists together for different departments." The $74 million already requested are for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements, as well as natural resource projects to improve and enhance Silver Bow and Blacktail creeks.
Developing Funding Opportunities in Montana
- Northern Colorado coalition pitches Angel tax credits with a work force initiative
"Along with the training bill, the group recommended a 30 percent tax credit for angel investors who provide needed funding for start-up companies in clean energy, bioscience, IT or aerospace industries"
- Want green jobs? Watch California.
Because the West is uniquely blessed with diverse renewable resources, it makes sense to start here.
- MTA Commentary--Broadband comparisons and economic stimulus
The next few weeks will be critical in forming appropriate strategies—and costs—for a broadband economic stimulus package.
- Time to Reboot America -- "Ctrl-alt-del"
My fellow Americans, we can’t continue in this mode of “Dumb as we wanna be.”
- The Novel That Predicted Portland - Revisiting the Future of Ecotopia
The novel, now being rediscovered, speaks to our ecological present: in the flush of a financial crisis, the Pacific Northwest secedes from the United States, and its citizens establish a sustainable economy, a cross between Scandinavian socialism and Northern California back-to-the-landism, with the custom — years before the environmental writer Michael Pollan began his campaign — to eat local.
Funding and Building your Business
- Venture Capital's Coming Collapse
The venture capital industry is staring at the most vicious shakeout in its history.
Incubators and R&D
- The Myth of the Active Investor
After examining "the cream of the crop of angel investors," Professor Rob Wiltbank found that they spent, on average, just 42 minutes per week actively dealing with the companies they funded.
- Why Europe is no land of brilliant start-ups.... "Make Love, Not "War"...
American tech entrepreneurs would rather answer e-mails in the middle of the night than have sex. It is the reverse for Europeans.
- Saints Capital goes marching in, buys startups
Saints Capital has become a $1.3 billion colossus by snapping up the assets of strapped venture funds, limited partners and other investors in alternative assets, often at pennies on the dollar.
- The Managers Recommended Reading List
Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers
- Seven Steps to Smarter Hiring
It's hard to hire the right person because managers use "voodoo hiring" methods that don't work.
- S.F. Networking 101 - HR Director Helps Those Laid Off Find New Jobs
"It's all about community," she said. "You are probably going to run into these people again and again during your career, and you always want them to be walking away with a good attitude."
- Why now's not the time to lay low - Communications vital for leadership and answers.
While it may seem counterintuitive, communicating now is an absolute imperative.
Regional Business
- University of Montana researcher Ken Dial releases new theory of bird evolution
Bird flight - an almost magical aerial dance to the human eye - had just become a lot simpler. And Ken Dial thought the basic nature and utility of the finding might help explain how birds evolved to take to the skies in the first place.
Idaho Business
- O'Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West Dec. 2008 Newsletter
We know that this is a time of growing economic uncertainty and anxiety for many of you, but we hope that you can take solace in the fact that much of our region is holding up relatively well under these stresses and strains.
- Report quantifies population needed to support various rural businesses
The report focuses only on South Dakota's 35 most rural counties. Both entrepreneurs and community leaders can use retail threshold calculations to identify the businesses most likely to succeed in rural areas, SDSU Extension Rural Sociologist Mike McCurry said.
North Dakota Business and Economic Development
- Idaho energy office disbands wind think-tank
"(Idaho)will no longer be able to respond to requests about wind issues and wind projects."
- Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter pushes plan to help Idaho Power; PUC leery
"It's a way in which to demonstrate to outside investors that there will be rate recovery and there's not going to be some effort to disallow those costs down the road," he said. "It helps to reduce the perception of risk."
- Where and when to give away old computers for Idaho students
Wondering what to do with your old technology now that you’ve scored a new computer or printer for Christmas?
Utah Economic Development
- North Dakota campuses looking to other states for students
In addition to Wyoming, states like Washington and California have unmet higher education needs that North Dakota campuses can tap into.
Education
- Qwest, Centerville clash over Utopia development - Dispute is over using funds to finish network
"We're eager to see the Utopia system deployed throughout the city and we'd like them to get started," Lutz said. "But right now, we're just seeking good legal advise on whether the RDA can get involved or not."
- Grow Utah Ventures Community Scholarship Program Opens Doors for Utah's Elite Entrepreneurs - Deadline for Applications: January 30, 2009
Applications are currently being accepted online at http://www.eliteutah.org. The deadline for the 2009 ELITE Class is January 30, 2009.
- Entrepreneurs launch firms in recession - Some banks are lending despite credit crunch.
"We intend to use the … funds to make more loans to credit-worthy customers and to find solutions for our mortgage customers late on their payments or facing foreclosure so they can stay in their homes," said Wells Fargo spokeswoman Angie Kaipust said.
Connectivity & Communications
- Education Policy Experts Sound Alarm Over America's Ability to Compete
Governors, Superintendents and Education Experts Offer Recommendations for Improving Competitiveness of U.S. Education System and Call for State and Federal Government Action
- Save the economy: bail out our kids
We are at a defining moment in American history. How we as a nation respond will determine whether it's the "fall of the Roman Empire" or the emergence of the New America. Yet, absent from the fever-pitched national discussion is the one subject that will determine our nation's fate: the educational progress of low-income children.
Energy
- Spur Broadband Deployment With Lower and Uniform Pole Attachment Rates
The economic analysis of the current, complicated rate structure for these pole attachments causes inefficient investment decisions and generally results in less broadband deployment.
- The Death of Corporate Voicemail?
Is corporate voicemail on it’s last dying breadth, heading for the same fate as those pink “while you were out” message slips that used to pile up on our desks?
- There’s Lots of Tech Help, Yes, on the Internet
There are hundreds (if not thousands) of other users out there, sharing their experience and wisdom, often free. So instead of getting on the phone, get online and start crowdsourcing your tech support needs.
- Broadband Stimulus Plan: How About Some Data First?
How do we make sure that the billions aren't spent creating the 21st century equivalent of ditches to nowhere?
- U.S. agency criticizes Web domain name plan
The NTIA letter argues that before introducing new domain names, ICANN needs to ensure that the plan would not jeopardize the stability and security of the Internet addressing system.
Miscellaneous Ramblings
- Alamosa solar plant's success helps prove resource's viability on large scale
The 82-acre SunEdison station north of Alamosa generated enough power this year to serve 1,652 homes, making it the largest plant of its kind in the nation.
- S.F. fliers may pay their way in carbon usage
The experimental program, scheduled to start this spring, would make SFO the first airport in the nation - possibly the world - to offer fliers the opportunity to purchase carbon offsets.
- Faster Climate Change Feared - Save a City, Win a Prize
New Report Points to Accelerated Melting, Longer Drought Ice sheets in the Antarctic and Greenland, above, are losing 48 cubic miles per year, pushing up sea level worldwide. Ice sheets in the Antarctic and Greenland, above, are losing 48 cubic miles per year, pushing up sea level worldwide.
Cool Stuff That's Coming
- iPhone fart app pulls in nearly $10,000 a day
There’s big money in fart apps — nearly $10,000 a day for the most popular ones.
- Microsoft's Fargo campus mocks Redmond's snow
Area Roads: In light of the continuing snowfall and icy road conditions, most local roads are snow-covered and slippery and will remain that way until March. For information on current road conditions, please look out the window.
- Letters announcing layoffs at Idaho State arrive — with postage due
"We want to make it right. If you paid the fee, let us know so we can reimburse you," he said. "We're very sorry that this happened."
Non-Profit News
- Smart Plug Could Save You $150 in Electricity
Research has shown that the average American family pays anywhere from $50 to $150 extra a year on wasted energy costs from plugged-in electronics that aren't being used, such as DVD players and TVs that are ostensibly "off" and cellphones that are fully charged but whose chargers continue to draw a trickle of electricity from the wall outlet.
- Biodegradable plastic made from plants, not oil, is emerging
Here is one word about an up-and-coming innovation in plastics: cornfields.
- The Flathead Community Foundation gives grants to seven local organizations
"Our goal for the committee was to make as big an impact as possible with the funds we had available. We focused on proven success of the organizations and their leadership as well as the merits of the project," grant committee member Muffie Thomson said in a news release.
- Support your local nonprofits
Let's get to work building and strengthening our communities. Now more than ever, nonprofits need you. Montana's communities need you.
- Inside Entrepreneurship: Nonprofit boards will welcome your talents
Q: I would like to contribute more to society in some way. I'm interested in joining a nonprofit board of directors and putting my MBA to work but don't know where to start. Any suggestions?
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