Tri-Cities Tech Business Update

June 2008 Issue

• *Bioproducts facility opens doors
  At a new, $24.8-million facility, researchers and students will advance the science and technology for bio-based products and fuels to address the nation's energy and environmental challenges. more...
• Medical isotope firm to acquire Russian research center
  Advanced Medical Isotope Corporation, of Kennewick, Wash., has signed a letter of intent to purchase all the assets of the Center of Molecular Research, based in Moscow, Russia. more...
• *Local companies land DOE grant funding
  Federal funding for two local businesses is aimed at renewable power and cleanup of contaminated pipelines. more...
• *PNNL moving ahead on buildings
  Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Wash., is moving forward with three new buildings that will advance its national missions in energy, security, and environment. more...
• Program trains students in laptop computer repair
  More than half of all computers sold are the notebook (laptop) type, but repairing them requires different skills than for the traditional desktop computer. more...
• Employees rank among state's most satisfied
  Two local companies made the top 100 list for Washington CEO magazine's "Best Firms To Work For" ranking for 2008. more...
• Energy firm wins state manufacturing award
  The Association of Washington Business selected Infinia Corporation as the 2008 Small Manufacturer of the Year for the state. more...
• Computer company wins Micro-Business of the Year award
  NetworkTask.com, Kennewick, Wash., won the MicroBusiness of the Year award at the Mid-Columbia Small Business Award banquet in May. more...
• *Business plans grab attention
  If two winning business plans become reality, patented technologies developed at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory could help detect chemical agents in people and assist sports teams in tracking their athletes' body measurements. more...

• Stakeholders weigh in on master plan
  Property owners, Battelle executives, and other stakeholders provided feedback on four potential master plan concepts that TVA Architects, Portland, Ore., created for 317 acres within the Research District. more...
• Development update
  In preparation for development, the Port of Benton began preparing the grounds of the Richland Innovation Center (formerly the Richland Industrial Center), south of First Street. more...

• Free market research
  Entrepreneurs can get free market research through the Economic Gardening program offered through Western Washington University's Research Center. more...
• Online now
  The Spring 2008 issue of the Tri-City Alumni Update is online now. It includes information on local business opportunities, summer recreational events, Tri-Cities professional sports, and profiles of hockey greats Olie Kolzig aned Stu Barnes. more...
• Nominate websites for free redesign
  Does your website need an extreme makeover? Imageworks may be able to help. In a competition called "Refresh '08," Imageworks, Pasco, Wash., will donate a free redesign to a Mid-Columbia area website that is nominated as the most in need of help. more...
• Business buildings available
  Two new business buildings at the Horn Rapids Business Center in North Richland, Wash. will be ready for lease on June 1. more...
• *New blog invites ideas on R&D in Washington
  Universities and industries in Washington State spend $2 billion of federal funding in research an more...
• Tech facilities to operate jointly
  Companies can get increased access to micro and nano technology resources and expertise in Washington State. more...

• Starry night
  MAY 30. "Nighttime Astronomy:  What We See When Looking Up" is the topic of a galactic-size "eyes-on" tour of the night sky. more...
• Business expo
  JUNE 3. The Tri-City Regional Chamber is hosting the "Open for Business Expo," a business-to-business networking event. more...
• Making the most of SBIR funding
  JUNE 4, REGISTER BY JUNE 2. "Innovation to Commercialization: Using Government Funding to Kick Start Your Start-Up" is the topic of a free satellite broadcast on June 4. more...
• Make a million
  JUNE 11. Women micro-entrepreneurs can learn how to build sustainable businesses at a Seattle seminar, "Make Mine a Million $ Business." Attendees will receive tools and inspiration to grow their businesses to $1 million in revenues. more...
• Safety plans
  JUNE 17, REGISTER BY JUNE 13. "What is in a Safety Plan and Program?" is the topic of a special seminar presented by the Three Rivers Entrepreneur Network. more...
• Legal agreements
  JUNE 19. Learn how a few strategic documents can protect your business - in contractual engagements, funding requests, and as you add staff. more...
• Summer seminars for small businesses
  The Columbia Basin College Institute for Professional Development offers the following workshops this summer from 6 to 9 pm. more...

We invite your contributions! We will consider items that fit the mission of this publication, including your tech-related news, awards, and notices of upcoming events. Please send text and photos to Diane Kahler or call (509) 372-4133.

Tri-Cities Tech Business Update is published by the Economic Development Office at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Each month, we send you an e-mail message, giving you the link of news, tips, awards, upcoming events, and other information about local technology-based businesses and organizations that support them. With business and community partners, our goal is to build and diversify the Tri-Cities economy—adding skilled jobs in primary-sector industries that bring in outside dollars. Currently, more than 1,100 tech-related businesses, investors, and economic development stakeholders subscribe to the newsletter, mostly in the Mid-Columbia area and the rest of the Pacific Northwest. This newsletter (RL-P00-009) supports PNSO's vision for the future of the Hanford Site and surrounding area through the creation of research opportunities, new industries, and new business clusters.