Tri-Cities Tech Business Update

June 2008 Issue

News

*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. On May 8, Washington State University and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory dedicated the Bioproducts, Sciences, and Engineering Laboratory on the WSU Tri-Cities campus in Richland, Wash. Birgitte Ahring is overseeing the work there in her role as director of the Center for Bioproducts and Bioenergy at WSU and as a Battelle Distinguished Professor. See a 2.5-minute video, including a facilities tour, at the Tri-City Herald site. Contact Christy Lambert at (509) 375-3732, or Melissa O'Neil at (509) 372-7319.

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. The Center produces and sells isotopes worldwide. The acquisition includes technologies of separation processes, analytical works from multiple production and scientific partners, and several proprietary contracts. The Center will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Kennewick firm. Contact Jim Katzaroff at (509) 736-4000.

*Local companies land DOE grant funding

Federal funding for two local businesses is aimed at renewable power and cleanup of contaminated pipelines. InnovaTek, Inc., Richland, Wash., won a Small Business Innovation Research grant for $100,000 to develop a biomass-based power plant. The plant will use InnovaTek's proprietary steam reforming process with a solid oxide fuel cell for power generation from renewable, non-food sources. Vista Engineering Technologies, LLC, Kennewick, Wash., won a Small Business Technology Transfer Project for $98,000 to develop a way to evaluate pipelines at nuclear facilities remotely to locate any leftover radiological contamination inside. For InnovaTek, contact Patricia Irving at (509) 375-1093 ext. 222. For Vista Engineering, contact Wes Bratton at (509) 737-1377.

*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. In May, a joint venture between Lydig Construction Inc., Spokane, Wash., and George A. Grant Inc., Richland, was awarded a $106 million construction contract for the nearly 200,000-square-foot Physical Sciences Facility-the largest contract ever awarded in the Laboratory's 43-year history. Construction will be completed in 2010. In June, PNNL breaks ground on the Biological Sciences Facility and the Computational Sciences Facility. The buildings will replace laboratory and office space PNNL is using on the south end of the Hanford Site. Contact Greg Koller at (509) 372-4864.

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. A Kennewick, Wash. company, Educational Technologies Group (doing business as Marcraft), launched a new training module in December to address this growing gap. The Notebook Repair and Maintenance Trainer includes a curriculum, laptop computer, spare parts, tools, and labs to diagnose and repair a laptop computer, including system upgrades and virus and spyware removal. The product has been sold to schools and colleges nationwide; Pasco High School will begin using it this fall. The company produces electronics, computer, information technology, and mobile electronics training programs for classrooms in high schools, community colleges, universities, and technical education institutions. Marcraft engineers and designs the lab hardware, software, and courseware materials. Contact Robert Krug at (509) 374-1951.

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. Meier Enterprises, Inc. and Vista Engineering Technologies, LLC, both of Kennewick, Wash., made the list; the numeric order will be announced on June 19. Companies were selected based on confidential employee surveys on human resources issues, morale, and other considerations. Meier has an Employee Stock Ownership Plan that incentivizes employee-owners. Vista hosts regular events for employees and family members, such as hockey games, picnics, and an annual whitewater rafting trip.

For Meier, contact Denise Sweeden at (509) 737-6932. For Vista Engineering, contact Phil Ohl at (509) 737-1377.

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. These awards honor member manufacturers for their innovations, contribution to their communities, and commitment to their employees. Infinia Corporation develops alternative energy products based on Stirling engines. At Infinia, contact J.D. Sitton at (509) 735-4700. At the Association of Washington Businesses, call (360) 943-1600 or contact members@awb.org.

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. The firm's 11 employees provide a variety of services, including computer sales and repair, network design and installation, and point-of-sale solutions. BrightWeb Marketing, a division of networkTask.com, is a full-service web and print marketing agency providing Internet marketing and brand development solutions for businesses. NetworkTask.com, established in 2005, is owned by Craig Sutton, Aaron W. McCall, Timothy McCall, and Robert D.Marple. Recently, the firm appointed Bryan Rogers as Manager of Customer Support. See award ceremony photos online. Contact Craig Sutton at (509)783-9558.

*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. A Tri-Cities team from the Washington State University Institute for Technology Entrepreneurship placed second in the graduate student division of WSU's annual business plan competition in April, winning $10,000. The technology allows for the rapid and precise detection of chemical agents in humans. A separate team from the University of Oregon won first place at the New Venture Championship in Portland, Ore. and second place at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology competition, landing almost $35,000 in prize awards. Contact Robin Conger at (509) 372-4328.

Tri-Cities Research District

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. TVA will develop a single draft plan for review in June. After Washington State University's President Elson Floyd was briefed on the Research District, the WSU Tri-Cities campus began exploring ways to more closely integrate with the master plan process.

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.

Opportunities and Tools

Free market research

Entrepreneurs can get free market research through the Economic Gardening program offered through Western Washington University's Research Center. The service is offered through local Small Business Development Centers throughout Washington, including the one operated by Columbia Basin College in Pasco, Wash. WWU provides research about industry trends, markets, financial analysis, and competitive analysis. Find more information about the program online. Contact Bruce Davis at (509) 542-5635.

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.

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. Imageworks will donate design services worth $5,000 for the site makeover. A panel of marketing and business experts will narrow the nominees to ten, who will receive a comprehensive website evaluation. The top three winners will be announced at a ceremony at Vivid Learning Systems on June 26 in Pasco. Find more information and nominate a website online by June 6. Contact Rachael Drouhard at (509) 545-2509.

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. The space is suitable for shops, warehouses, labs, manufacturing, display rooms, office/conference rooms, and/or training. Each 4,720-square-foot building has super-saver insulation, three-phase power, 16 parking spaces, and one acre of yard space suitable for storage. The buildings are located at 2411 and 2415 Robertson Drive. Contact Dule Mehic at (509) 539-9387.

 

The Tri-City Development Council is selling its current building for $925,000 as it prepares to move to a new location. Zoned commercial general, the building is at 901 N. Colorado Street in Kennewick, Wash., near Columbia Center Mall. The 4,076 square feet of office space houses 13 offices, a conference room, work room, and storage loft, with a 27-space parking lot. The building will be vacated in early October. Brokers are welcome to inquire. Contact Carl Adrian at (509) 735-1000 or go online.

*New blog invites ideas on R&D in Washington

Universities and industries in Washington State spend $2 billion of federal funding in research and development each year-but what's the return? Is there a better model for how industry, universities, and a national laboratory can move research and development into the marketplace? In a new podcast series and blog, Mike Schwenk, Director of Technology Deployment and Outreach at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, asks the question about technology investment and real-world outcomes: "So what?" Join the discussion and subscribe to the bi-weekly podcast online.

Tech facilities to operate jointly

Companies can get increased access to micro and nano technology resources and expertise in Washington State. The Washington Technology Center Microfabrication Laboratory and the University of Washington NanoTech User Facility, both located on the University of Washington campus, now will operate jointly. The Washington Technology Center is a statewide economic development organization focused on technology and innovation. The NanoTech User Facility provides the Pacific Northwest nanotechnology community with access to advanced characterization and nanofabrication tools. Contact Steve Goll at (206) 543-1023.

Coming Up

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.  Amateur astronomer Roy Gephart and Columbia Basin College Observatory Director Mike Durst will reveal the secrets of stars and tell the story of how the CBC Observatory became a reality. The talk is part of the Community Science and Technology Seminar Series sponsored by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Columbia Basin College. The free seminar is May 30 from 8:30 to 9:30 pm at the Columbia Basin College Theatre, P Building, Pasco, Wash. Find directions and more information online.

Business expo

JUNE 3. The Tri-City Regional Chamber is hosting the "Open for Business Expo," a business-to-business networking event. Businesses can make new contacts and check out new products and services. It's June 3 from 1 to 7 pm at the TRAC, Pasco, Wash. Contact Elisabeth Holt at (509) 736-0510.

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. Presented by the MIT Enterprise Forum Global Broadcast Series, the broadcast features three entrepreneurs who used federal Small Business Innovation Research grants as the building blocks to success. Panelists also will explain what government agencies look for in awarding SBIR grants. The broadcast is from 4 to 5:30 pm at Columbia Basin College, L-102, in Pasco, Wash. More. Register by June 2 by contacting Alice Ettesvold at (509) 375-2068.

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. Speakers include Gov. Chris Gregoire and experts in financing, marketing, technology, business software, and insurance. The program, presented by the State of Washington Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development, is June 11 from 8 am to 4:30 pm at the Seattle Center Fisher Pavilion. Registration is $75. To register, or for more information, go online. Contact (212) 245-1245.

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. Sharon Dossett, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, will discuss the regulatory requirements and components of a safety program and explain how organizations can develop their own. She'll also discuss how PNNL works with small businesses to ensure the quality and implementation of their safety plans. It's June 17 from 7:15 to 8:30 am at the Richland Community Center in Richland, Wash. It's free, and a continental breakfast will be served. More. You must pre-register by June 13 by contacting Alice Ettesvold at (509) 375-2068 with your name, company, phone number, and email address.

Legal agreements

JUNE 19. Learn how a few strategic documents can protect your business - in contractual engagements, funding requests, and as you add staff.  At a noon seminar, attorney Sandra Muller of the Cicotte Law Firm, LLC, Kennewick, Wash., will speak about Legal Agreements for Businesses, including  master contracts for services, non-disclosure agreements before sharing your business plan, and employment agreements stipulating non-compete and confidentiality/non-disclosure commitments. The seminar is part of the Food for Thought Brown Bag Lunch Series for Entrepreneurs at the Applied Process Engineering Laboratory (APEL). The free seminar is from noon to 1 pm in the APEL conference room, 350 Hills Street, Richland, Wash.  Attendees are welcome to bring their own lunches. Seating is limited; please register to streamline the security log-in process by contacting Suzanne Mitchell at (509) 372-5146.

Summer seminars for small businesses

The Columbia Basin College Institute for Professional Development offers the following workshops this summer from 6 to 9 pm. Fees range from $25 to $114 per class. Classes are held at the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the Columbia Basin Access Center (CBAC) at 1620 North 20^th Avenue in Pasco, Wash. To register, or to learn about these and other courses in the series, contact Donna Campbell at (509) 542-4806. More information.

• June 16 - August 4 - Command Spanish-Banking Spanish, (CBAC- 124)
• June 24; 26; 30 - Quickbooks Series (CBAC- 115)
• June 17 - Starting a Business (SBDC)

 

Got News?

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 Andrea McMakin or call (509) 372-6013.

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 DOE-Richland's vision for the future of the Hanford Site and surrounding area through the creation of research opportunities, new industries, and new business clusters