Tri-Cities Tech Business Update

September 2008 Issue

News

AREVA signs $200 million contract to supply fuel assemblies

AREVA, a Richland, Wash.-based company, signed a $200 million contract with Taiwan Power Company to supply boiling-water reactor fuel assemblies for two units in each of two nuclear power plants in Taiwan. AREVA will provide core monitoring system assistance in addition to the fabrication service, reload fuel design, licensing analysis, and operation support. The company's fabrication plant will produce the fuel beginning in 2009 and continuing through at least 2021. Contact Denise Woernle at (434) 832-3848.

Technology in ethanol refinery got start in Richland

A $120 million ethanol refinery being built in Reno, Nev., is based on technology developed in the Tri-Cities, Wash. The plasma-enhanced melter system from InEnTec, with engineering operations in Richland, Wash., will be used to convert 90,000 tons of garbage into about 10.5 million gallons per year of ethanol that can be blended into gasoline for cars and trucks. InEnTec shares the patents on the technology with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory of Richland, Wash., and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Contact Jeffrey Surma at (509) 946-5700.

*InnovaTek lands funding for a biomass power plant

The Department of Energy awarded a $100,000 Phase I Small Business Innovation Research contract to InnovaTek, Richland, Wash., to develop a non-food, biomass-based power plant that will use InnovaTek's proprietary steam-reforming technology and catalysts with a solid-oxide fuel cell to generate distributed power in the range from three to 30 kilowatts. Bio-derived fuels can help displace natural gas, help meet emissions standards, and address fuel availability concerns. Contact Patricia Irving at (509) 375-1093, ext. 222.

*Medical isotope funding

XL Sci-Tech, Richland, Wash., received a $140,000 Phase I Small Business Innovation Research grant from the National Institutes of Health that will fund research to develop nanoscale medical isotopes for various cancer cells, or "molecular targeting." Contact Ben Peng at (509) 375-0884.

Wireless mesh network earns national recognition

A high-tech network designed and implemented by Lockheed Martin's Richland, Wash., team won first place in Special Enforcement Category for the Best Technology Uses in Law Enforcement in the United States. The award was given by the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Law Enforcement. The city of Ripon, Calif., uses the wireless mesh network to reduce crashes and injuries and provide extra safety precautions for officers on duty. The Ripon network features wireless technology, camera systems, and roaming software. Contact Dan Gregory at (509) 375-1500.

Local company provides medical isotopes to Kadlec Medical Center

Advanced Medical Isotope Corporation , Kennewick, Wash, delivered its first shipment of short-lived medical isotopes to Kadlec Medical Center in Richland, Wash. The isotopes will be used in positron emission tomography, which enables detailed measurement of the functions of specific areas of a body while also allowing the patient to remain conscious, comfortable, and alert. Contact Jim Katzaroff at (509) 736-4000.

ETG Inc. sells hands-on training products

Educational Technologies Group, Inc., a Kennewick, Wash.-based company, has sold its Marcraft-brand mobile electronics trainers to the Indiana Department of Corrections. The trainers provide hands-on experience in installing after-market electronics in vehicles, such as audio, video, remote start, etc. The trainers will be used to teach youth at correctional facilities job skills that will help them re-enter the workforce. Over 30 states currently teach the Marcraft mobile electronics program. Contact Cathy Boulay at (509) 374-1951.

Executive promotions at Vista Leak Detection, Inc.

Vista Leak Detection, Inc., of Kennewick, Wash., recently promoted Douglas W. Mann to president and William W. Pickett to vice president and general manager. Mann is responsible for business development and overall company management while Pickett oversees engineering, manufacturing, testing services, and new technology development for the company. Vista provides leak-detection products and services to airports, oil industry facilities, and military clients. Contact            Cody Freeman at (509) 737-1380.

Washington State ranks No. 3 for business

In Forbes' annual ranking of the Best States for Business released last month, Washington ranked third in the category "best state to do business," moving up from fifth place in last year's survey. In this year's survey, Washington did well in labor, economic climate, regulatory climate, and growth prospects but lower in business costs and quality of life. Read the full article.

Tri-Cities ranks second in economic development assets

A key economic development ranking lists the Tri-Cities as having the second highest concentration of employment in research, testing, and medical laboratories among medium-sized areas throughout the country. The listing came from the Business Facilities Ranking Report, which identifies areas that do the best job driving economic development. Other criteria evaluated included business climate, quality of life, and education climate. Read the article.

Tri-Cities Research District

Battelle donation put to work

The first phase of the $100,000 donation from Battelle to the Tri-Cities Research District is being used to attract technology-based businesses and researchers to the area, which could mean significant growth to the Tri-Cities. The Research District received the first installment of $34,000 and is focusing on methods for increasing visibility to improve recruitment efforts to the Tri-Cities. One goal is for the Research District to be an Innovation Eco System that assists research and technology companies with technology commercialization and marketing. Other activities include implementing the master plan for 500 acres of undeveloped property within the current 1,600 acres. The entire Research District is a planned demonstration site for clean energy and sustainable development projects and building practices.

Opportunities and Tools

Research funding grants

Washington technology businesses looking to partner with a university or nonprofit researcher on innovative technology projects are invited to apply for a funding award through the Washington Technology Center's Research & Technology Development Awards program . Each team can apply for up to $300,000 in a three-phase program. The Washington Technology Center can help interested companies find research partners. Notices of intent are due September 18, with applications due October 23. Contact Russell Paez at (206) 616-3102.

*Styrofoam packing peanuts requested for SIGN

The Richland, Wash.-based Surgical Implant Generation Network is asking for donations of Styrofoam^TM peanuts used to pack items for shipment. The company is an international non-profit organization dedicated to teaching surgeons in developing countries modern orthopaedic care for trauma patients. SIGN also designs, manufactures, and donates FDA-cleared orthopaedic implants to hospitals that treat the poor. To help reduce shipping costs and help SIGN stretch funds, the organization accepts donations of recycled Styrofoam peanuts.

To donate your recycled packing peanuts to the company, contact the SIGN shipping department at (509) 371-1107.

Alumni update available now

The summer issue of the Tri-City Alumni Update newsletter is now available on line. It focuses on recreational and arts opportunities and includes a profile of former Tri-Citian Travis Senger, now a film and video producer.

TRIDEC building for sale

The Tri-City Development Council's current office building is available for purchase. The building is located in Kennewick, Wash., near Columbia Center Mall as well as Lowe's® and Target. The facility includes nearly 4,100 square feet with 13 offices and conference space and a one-half-acre parking lot with 27 parking spaces. It has a new metal roof and exterior stucco and was extensively remodeled in 1993. Contact TRIDEC at (509) 735-1000.

Coming Up

Change Management and Control Imperative

SEPTEMBER 16. REGISTER BY SEPTEMBER 10. The Columbia Basin chapter of the American Society for Quality's September meeting will feature leadership and organizational development expert Joe Estey presenting "Change Management and the Control Imperative." Estey will share how successful, internationally recognized quality-focused organizations use transition as a process for improvement, rather than an obstacle to performance.  He will also share the Control Imperative principle everyone employs - willingly or unknowingly - to cope with transition in their personal and professional lives. The meeting will be held at the Shilo Inn in Richland, Wash. on September 16. Check-in and a networking session begin at 5:30 pm, chapter business and the buffet dinner start at 6 pm, and the presentation begins at 7 pm. The cost is $17 for ASQ members, $20 for non members, or $5 for the presentation only. Make reservations by September 10.

For more information or to reserve your space, contact Rich Higgins at (509) 539-4094 or send an e-mail with your name, phone number, member status, and type of reservation.

Seminars for Small Businesses

The Columbia Basin College Institute for Professional Development offers the following workshops in September, from 6 to 9 pm. Fees range from $25 to $55 per class. Classes are held at the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at 1600 North 20^th Avenue and the Columbia Basin Access Center (CBAC) at 1620 North 20th 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.

• September 24: What is a Business Plan? (CBAC - Room 124)
• September 29: Introduction to QuickBooks Pro (CBAC - Room 115)
• September 30: Starting Your Business: Questions You Were Afraid to Ask (SBDC - located at 1600 North 20^th Avenue in Pasco, Wash.)
• September 30: Quick Books Pro 1 (CBAC - Room 115)

SmartMap Expo

SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 2. The Tri-City Development Council's 6^th Annual SmartMap Expo, a large manufacturing networking event, will be held September 30 through October 2 at the Three Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick, Wash. This year's event includes the first annual MatchTech conference and luncheon, featuring keynote speaker Peter Chase, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Purcell Systems in Spokane, Wash. The MatchTech event provides manufacturers an opportunity to share their technology challenges with top-level researchers and be matched with potential solution providers through a web-based process. Other seminar topics include using technology to stay on top of your business, hiring the right people, and maximizing your website. Download registration form. Contact Gary A. White at (509) 735-1000.

Power of Angel Investing Seminar

SEPTEMBER 26. REGISTER BY SEPTEMBER 15. Delta Angel Group, in partnership with Connect Northwest and Gonzaga University's Hogan Program, will host an all-day seminar for accredited investors. Attendees will learn about "Due Diligence" and "Valuation & Portfolio Strategy" taught by Bill Payne of the Angel Capital Education Foundation. The workshop is designed for investors who have participated in the full-day Power of Angel seminar programs or have made five to ten angel investments, as well as for service providers and other entrepreneurial support professionals who are interested in learning more about the specifics of angel investing to help prepare their client entrepreneurs for equity funding. The cost is $100 for members of the Delta Angel Group and $250 for non-members; $100 will be credited toward a new membership if an attendee chooses to join the Delta Angel Group before 12/31/08. Download the registration form or contact Catherine Greer at (509) 358-2114.

Mark Your Calendar

Bridging Partnerships Small Business Symposium

OCTOBER 15-16. DISCOUNTED REGISTRATION BY SEPTEMBER 30. The 2008 Bridging Partnerships Small Business Symposium will be held October 15-16 in Pasco, Wash. The event will include breakout sessions with leading industry and government experts as well as a business expo with the Department of Energy's prime Hanford contractors, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, government procurement officials, and representatives from ports, municipalities, and state and federal agencies. There will also be networking opportunities with public- and private-sector decision makers. Early pre-registration is $50 per person if registered and paid by September 30. After September 30 and at the door, registration will be $75 per person. The registration fee includes a Hanford Site bus tour, the evening welcome reception, continental breakfast and lunch, breakout sessions, the business expo and handout materials. Download registration form under Calendar & Event Forms. Contact Kristi Kesler at (509) 735-1000.

Small Business Innovation Research conference

OCTOBER 28-29. The 2008 Idaho Regional Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer Conference will teach small businesses how to apply for and write grant proposals that can lead to millions of dollars in federal grants. The conference is scheduled for October 28-29 at the Doubletree Riverside in Boise, Idaho. Attendees will learn the steps necessary to compete for the more than $2 billion in federal grants available each year. Representatives from several federal agencies that offer the grants will attend, as well as some previous grant recipients. Two tracks will be available-one for those who are seeking their first award and another for those pursuing Phase II grants. Attendance is limited to 100 people and registration is $100, which includes all materials and lunch. Download registration form.  Contact Mark Strait at (202) 334-2650, ext. 2128.

Learn About Web conference

NOVEMBER 7. The first annual "Learn About Web" conference is scheduled for November 7 at the Three Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick, Wash. The conference will focus on teaching small- and medium-sized businesses how to best use websites as sales and marketing tools. Industry experts, both from the local area and from around the United States, will speak on topics such as social networking, search engine marketing, web design, and security. Contact Craig Sutton at (509) 783-9558.

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 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 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