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| MATR Newsletter - Fri Jan 27, 2012 |
"He sets an example for how entrepreneurs should help each other." "Three degrees of Reid Hoffman - The real way to build a social network" http://www.matr.net/ar ... .html
University of Montana Launches Branding Research - Public Invited To Participate, 1/31- 2/1, Missoula http://www.matr.net/ar ... .html
Montana Department of Commerce
PrintingForLess
- Study says Montana has one of best business tax climates "You should be hear starting your company and living your dream"
"Montana does have a good tax climate," said Gov. Brian Schweitzer, a Democrat. "It's not new."
21st Century Education Initiative - "You Should Care..."
- Montana's PrintingForLess expands operations, possibly jobs
PFL CEO Andrew Field said in a prepared statement that Southwest Color will be an important part of his company’s success. “We fully expect to explore further strategic acquisitions in 2012.”
- PrintingForLess partners with shoplet.com
Our latest partner, Shoplet.com, offers all essential items for the office such as office supplies, furniture, cleaning supplies and more.
Great Falls Development Authority
- Are Your Students Prepared to Be the "Knowledge Workers" of Tomorrow?
In a world where knowledge workers are more in demand than ever, students must be able to keep pace with the evolving technical needs of employers.
- White House Introduces Race To The Top for Higher Education
States and schools competing for federal funding would have to demonstrate plans to achieve several goals laid out by the White House, including: revamping their funding structure for higher education; aligning standards with K-12 programs so students can complete college on time; and maintaining adequate funding for public colleges and universities.
- Knewton Prepares To Take Education by Storm
It customises your average educational content to meet the unique needs of each student.
The Missoula Economic Partnership
- EMTEQ Grand Opening Event , 2/2, Great Falls Montana
Don't forget to RSVP for the EMTEQ Grand Opening Event celebrating their newest location in Great Falls, Montana!
Hellgate Venture Network
- Missoula Economic Partnership Newsletter - Growing and Attracting Business in 2012 / CEO Search Update
It has been a sincere pleasure to reconnect with many of you during this interim period. You've offered valuable insight and asked thoughtful questions as this economic development effort continues to unfold. On behalf of the entire staff, I appreciate your continued support and look forward to working with all of you to accomplish the goals set for the community.
Vision Net
- Hellgate Venture Network RE-SCHEDULED: "Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Business Intelligence", 2/2, Missoula
Joe Garrett, President of Inteneo Systems http://www.inteneosystems.com/index.htm is our speaker and will tell us everything you ever wanted to know about Business Intelligence but were afraid to ask (in around 10 minutes, followed by Q&A!).
Visit Montana
- Vision Net eyes long-term growth - 2012 Great Falls Business Business Achievement award winner in the large business category
"We are what is often called that middle mile, the fiber between a telecommunication carrier and the local carrier." Rob Ferris, CEO of Vision Net.
- Vision Net Provides Solutions Re: "Unprotected videoconferences found vulnerable to hackers"
As you know, Vision Net provides a wide range of video conferencing products and services, including rental of sites.
Come Home Montana
- Alberta bison roam a new home in Montana - The American Prairie Foundation
"Our goal is to eventually create a nature reserve of 3.5 million acres ... of rolling hills and native prairie land."
Developing Tech Jobs in Rural Communities
- 'Silicon Prairie' fertile ground for online business - Bozeman's profile in the technology world has steadily risen over the years.
"Bozeman's only limited by who wants to live here and who wants to do what with their business."
- Montana Career Opportunity - CFO - Montana CDC
The ideal candidate for this position will have a love of modeling and solving financial puzzles and a background in solid accounting principles.
- Montana Career opportunity - Executive Director - Northern Rocky Mountain Economic Development District (NRMEDD)
Due to the fact that NRMEDD is in its formative stages, the District Board is receptive to innovative ideas concerning the organization's emerging role as a coordinative body for economic development activities in the region.
- Montana Career Opportunity - Information Technology Manager - American Prairie Foundation
Imagine... a prairie wildlife reserve of three million acres... a section of America's Great Plains restored to the grandeur Lewis & Clark witnessed and... a national treasure for you, your children and future generations to explore.
Developing a more Entrepreneurial Montana
- Getting Workers to Rural America is a Challenge
We have skilled people, desperate for a job in many places around the U.S. They aren't lazy. They just can't find a way to make the move. At the same time we have employers, desperate for skilled people, in many other places around the U.S., many in rural communities.
- Emerging markets are driving worldwide telecommuting wave
It provides less stress because of less commuting and provides a better work-life balance."
Montana Business
- Startup incubator just for teens is picking its next class
The Teens In Tech incubator started last year as a way for ambitious, bright teenagers to accelerate their business and app ideas.
Montana Economic Development
- Muzeview News: January 2012
Welcome to the January 2012 installment of Muzeview News. Begin this month by taking a look at our new infographic. It provides some interesting data and analysis on the marketing and business development activities of leading law firms in 2011.
Regional Economic Development
- Lake County Community Development Corporation January Newsletter
The Mission of Lake County Community Development Corporation is to 'enhance the quality of life and economic well-being of all residents of Northwest Montana with a primary focus on serving Lake County and the Flathead Indian Reservation'.
- New Executive Director Steps Up at First Best Place - Martin City's Steve Paugh takes over at Columbia Falls' "department of doing"
"If it's something they can do in a big city, I think we can do it here," Paugh said.
Bill Payne
- S.B.A. Readying Program to Invest in Start-Ups
The new investment program, part of the administration's Startup America campaign, is likely to commence this spring. But what remains unclear is whether it can win over the venture capital industry that it is meant to assist.
- The U.S. Competitiveness Project at Harvard Business School
At Harvard Business School, we are committed to pursuing ideas that have power in practice. The challenge to U.S. competitiveness has compelled the School to bring to bear this intellectual tradition rooted in applying sound management practices to solve large, complex problems.
- MIT sees promise in American manufacturing
"The single most important question in the study is: What kind of manufacturing do we need in order to get full value out of our innovation strengths?"
Careers
- Average Round Size in Angel Deals
Why have we seen a drop in the size of angel rounds of investment? Several possibilities come to mind:
Funding and Building your Business
- Sustainable Efficiency hiring Sales Executives in Multiple locations - Seattle, Portland, Salt Lake, Boise, Wyoming, and North and South Dakota
SEI is looking for self-starters to work in a full commission opportunity. Target income first year is $100,000+.
- Three degrees of Reid Hoffman - The real way to build a social network
"He sets an example for how entrepreneurs should help each other."
- For Utah's successful networkers, it's business AND personal
Members who don't perform well, who don't attend meetings or who pass bad referrals get the boot. They mean business.
- Energy boom boosts demand in Montana welding industry
"What I'm seeing is actually a tremendous growth in the industry, and most of it is energy related."
Government and University TechTransfer
- 10 Ways Top Business Leaders Avoid The Loneliness
The leadership position alone can cause loneliness and disconnectedness, and that sometimes results in self-defeating behaviors.
- Business Intelligence Is a Priority - CIO Spending Survey Spotlights Business Intelligence, Mobile Tech -
"BI has importance to line management and that's who has the budget. So if you can deliver a service that is important to line management you are pretty much assured of getting funding," said Rob Enderle, principal analyst at Enderle Group. "You can justify BI. It's one of those technologies that line management really likes because it adds value."
- News from Flywheel Ventures January 2012
Despite continued macroeconomic challenges, 2011 was a successful year of continued global market expansion and milestone achievements for the Flywheel Ventures portfolio.
- Great Startups Can Hook an Investor in 60 Seconds
Everybody knows about these, but few people seem to deliver a good one.
- Why Startup Founders Need to Talk to Their Customers [VIDEO]
Check out our interview to learn how Lean Startup Machine has helped participants figure out if their ideas are valid and pivot if they're not.
- The 2 Things About Your Start-up Idea That Actually Matter
How does your idea measure up?
- Going to Raise VC? Here's a Primer on Process, People & Powerpoint Deck
If you want a very quick primer on all the stuff nobody ever tells you about raising venture capital check out this video
- The Lean Implementation Journey: Next Steps For Small And Midsize Businesses, 2/8, Webinar
Lean is not something you achieve -- it's something you constantly and continuously pursue.
- Keep Term Sheets Simple for Quicker Cash to Spend
Your best strategy is to bring your own term sheet to the negotiation as a starting point.
- Attn Student Entrepreneurs: Highland Capital Wants To Help Kickstart Your Business
Highland will give preference to initiatives centered around "a breakthrough idea that is scalable," specifically for large, addressable markets -- and it's a bonus if your business or product is already showing some momentum and a little bit of traction to boot.
- If This Isn't How You Recruit, You're Doing It Wrong
"How many of you are satisfied with the way you find and recruit employees?"
Incubators and R&D
- Partnership for success: University Commercialization Institute provides expertise across state, region
A great example of all campuses in a state working together to promote tech transfer to improve the economy of the entire state.
- 'U.Va. Innovation' to Build on University's Leading Innovation Programs
"Innovation is the only way to build a strong economic future, and U.Va.'s innovation programs are setting a national example through their return on investment for all partners."
Montana Education Excellence
- Who Gets to See Published Research? Opponents of a proposed bill say it would work against the open exchange of ideas
The battle over public access to federally financed research is heating up again.
Montana Education/Business Partnerships
- University of Montana wants more money for research, patents
Last year, the University created five intellectual property licenses, or patents, from the grant money received, but Fanguy said that with extra capital they could produce about 10-12 patents per year.
- New Montana higher education chief emphasizes 'unified' college system, efficiency
Clayton Christian, the state's new commissioner of higher education, stressed the importance of a unified Montana University System at a Missoula forum Wednesday.
- University of Montana Launches Branding Research With Consultant Visit
"Everyone has their own perspective on what sets UM apart, so the more people who participate, the better."
- MSU math/science conference for girls seeks presenters, sponsors
Businesses and organizations who are interested in financial or in-kind sponsorships are also encouraged to participate.
Universities and Economic Development
- American Prairie Foundation and National Geographic are looking for students to follow in the footsteps of explorers, scientists and photographers on a Student Expedition this summer.
As part of the 12-day adventures that take high school students to the depths of the Reserve and Yellowstone National Park, participants have the opportunity to advance their photography skills and get behind-the-scenes experience in conservation.
- UM Launches Branding Research - Public Invited To Participate, 1/31- 2/1, Missoula
"Everyone has their own perspective on what sets UM apart, so the more people who participate, the better," said Beth Hammock, co-chair of the Brand Strategy Task Force. "The input we receive in the next couple of months will form the basis of the development of key messages for the University.
- Public Invited For Planning Sessions For New MSU College Of Business Building, 2/1-2, Bozeman, Montana
The College of Business received a $25 million gift from MSU alumnus Jake Jabs last fall. A portion of that gift will be used to construct a new building. With the assistance of Comma-Q Architecture of Bozeman and Hennebery Eddy Architects of Portland, the college and the university is gathering ideas from the campus community and public about the building's design.
Developing an Angel Network in Montana
- U.S. Government, Universities Must Partner to Address Shifts in International Competitiveness
In the context of the declining state of innovation in the United States, we have an opportunity to tap into universities in a variety of ways, among them:
- Harvard University Press "How Economics Shapes Science"
The data are processed through an economic framework, analyzing the incentives of researchers, what university science costs, who pays for it and who benefits. Paula's book can help corporate users of science and science policy makers see what levers they have (or do not have) to direct science.
Idaho Business
- Angel Investors Play Big Role For Start-Ups, Think Tank Says
The OECD urges tax breaks and co-investing programs for angel investors to spur economic growth.
North Dakota Business and Economic Development
- No money, no paid employees, no address but lots of tech talent - Boise's BOBEC Apps, LLC
We believe in the power of action, the value of community, the excitement of the adventure, and the belief in the impossible. Go gamify your journey!
Utah Business
- Dakota Business | Year End Reporting | New IRS Program | 5 Rules of Negotiating
North Dakota SBA District Office Newsletter
Education
- Business Students Go Head-to-Head in Pursuit of Invaluable Industry Experience
University of Utah students claimed another first place finish in the Intermountain University Think Tank contest
- Venture capital poured into Utah in 2011
That was a change from recent years when venture capitalists focused more on later stage, or better established, companies. Later stage companies generally are viewed as less risky investments.
Other Economies
- States weaken tenure rights for teachers - Group gives Montana a flunking grade for teacher policies
The changes are occurring as states replace virtually automatic "satisfactory" teacher evaluations with those linked to teacher performance and base teacher layoffs on performance instead of seniority.
- Obama Highlights Education's Role in Reaching National Policy Goals
"Innovation also demands basic research. Today, the discoveries taking place in our federally-financed labs and universities could lead to new treatments that kill cancer cells but leave healthy ones untouched. New lightweight vests for cops and soldiers that can stop any bullet. Don't gut these investments in our budget. Don't let other countries win the race for the future. Support the same kind of research and innovation that led to the computer chip and the Internet; to new American jobs and new American industries." President Obama
- A social network for teens on the autism spectrum - Squag
Squag http://www.squag.com/ is a social application customized for teenagers and tweens on the autism spectrum to help them connect with their parents and with one another.
- A Disrupted Higher-Ed System
Taken together, these announcements portend one potential future of higher ed that's more collaborative, social, virtual, and peer-to-peer--and where introductory courses are commodities offered free or close to free.
Community
- Alabama unveils new economic development plan
"Accelerate Alabama Strategy 1-11-12 Final" will target advanced manufacturing, technology and distribution and logistics.
Connectivity & CommunicationsEnergy and Climate Change
- Google announces privacy changes across products; users can't opt out
Consumers won't be able to opt out of the changes, which take effect March 1. And experts say the policy shift will invite greater scrutiny from federal regulators of the company's privacy and competitive practices.
- Pecha Kucha Bozeman inspires creative community
Devised by architects in Tokyo in 2003, Pecha Kucha events are held in more than 400 cities, bringing communities together and "inspiring creatives around the world," according to its website.
Cool Stuff That's Coming
- Eastern Oregon biofuel refinery, ZeaChem wins $235 million federal loan backing to make ethanol from poplar trees
ZeaChem http://www.zeachem.com/ plans a $390 million biofuel refinery in Boardman capable of producing up to 25 million gallons of ethanol per year.
- Mobile app adds an element of gaming to home energy metering
Gamification is a trend we've been tracking for some time already, but we hadn't yet seen it applied in this arena. Utilities and monitoring companies around the globe: be inspired!
- IBM, Oracle Make Competing Smart Grid Announcements
Analyst Charles King said data analytics for utilities is a small but growing market.
- Boise State veggie-oil diesel truck tries for 215 mph
Boise State University has a shocking blue football field, a talented squad to use it and, we now know, the fastest vegetable-oil-fueled diesel truck anywhere.
Government Technology
- TED Talks - Lisa Harouni: A primer on 3D printing
2012 may be the year of 3D printing, when this three-decade-old technology finally becomes accessible and even commonplace.
- The GSM Phone That Lasts 15 Years on a Single AA Battery
It boasts an incredible talk time of up to 10 hours and can keep its charge for up to 15 years if unused.
- MakerBot's 3-D Printers Let Consumers Dream Up Prototypes Of Pretty Much Anything.
Consider a random yet routine domestic mini-tragedy: The paper-towel holder in your kitchen is busted. Wouldn't it be nice if instead of making a trip to the mall or waiting for a delivery from an online retailer, you could simply produce a replacement, right at home, right now?
- At Grubwithus You Never Have to Dine Alone
Former college buddies find fast-track growth with a business that makes meals more social.
- Engine Runs On Liquid Air
There's a new kid on the engine block whose zero emissions just might give hydrogen fuel cells and battery electric systems a run for their money.
Transportation
- Maryland creates online database of business incentives - Maryland Finance Tracker,
The database is one of several Web-based tools that the agency has created of late as it aims to increase transparency
- U.S. Mayors Form Technology and Innovation Task Force
Last month San Francisco announced a partnership with Code for America to create a "civic startup accelerator," as well as the appointment of Jay Nath to the newly created position of San Francisco's chief innovation officer.
- Allegiant adds flights from Missoula, Kalispell, Billings and Bozeman to Oakland/San Francisco
"I can tell you we just checked a couple of the other (Montana) markets, and Missoula is going like hotcakes. The inventory is selling out very, very quickly," Leslie Wustrack, manager of marketing and advertising at Missoula International Airport
- Fold-Up Car of the Future Unveiled: Big Pics
They envisage it as a city-owned vehicle, up for hire like the fleets of bicycles available in many European cities, or put up for sale privately at around 12,500 euros.
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