Tri-Cities Tech Business Update

October 2008 Issue

News

Software helping hurricane teams

A Web-based software program that helps emergency responders better understand the potential impacts of disasters was created by developers in the Richland, Wash. office of Orion Network Solutions. The software was recently used in Texas during Hurricane Ike to monitor and identify potential flooding risks. The ability to monitor and evaluate conditions during natural disasters can help officials better manage emergency situations and can provide residents with additional information to make decisions about what actions to take, such as evacuating. Orion started in 1988 and specializes in information technology systems design and support services. Contact Maurice Smiley at 509-735-3550, extension 11.

Solar energy company expanding facilities and research

Infinia Corporation, a Kennewick, Wash.-based company focused on solar power, is expanding its manufacturing facilities for production of energy-generating devices that use solar power. The company expects its 30,000-square-foot expansion to be operational in early 2009. Infinia was also awarded a $9.4 million grant from the Department of Energy to develop a technology that could store solar energy for use in the future. The three-year project is one of 15 receiving funds to support President Bush's Solar America Initiative. Contact J.D. Sitton at (509) 736-3660.

Viper FanJet featured on Discovery Channel

The Viper FanJet, a member of the personal aircraft family manufactured by Pasco, Wash.-based Viper Aircraft, was featured on an episode of the series NextWorld on the Discovery Channel . The plane was featured on the episode Future Flight which explored the idea that flying might some day be as common as driving. Contact Dan Hanchette at (509) 543-3570.

New Software Product

Future Point Systems, based in Richland, Wash., has released enhancements to its Starlight Visual Information Systems software. Future Point Systems originally licensed the Starlight software from Battelle based on visual informatics development work done at PNNL. Version 4.0 of the company's software platform was improved based on feedback received from its user community and partners. New features include an improved user interface, simplified importation of data, broader OS support and increased analytic capabilities. New visualization capabilities include improved symbol encodings, extended support for geospatial data and an updated view that enables users to link related documents from multiple visualizations. A 30-day free trial of the software can be downloaded from the company's support forum. Registration required. For more information, contact Rich Remington at (408) 419-4534.

*Three PNNL staff members appointed to tech-based economic development positions

Washington state Governor Chris Gregoire has appointed Mike Schwenk of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to the Board of Directors for the Washington Technology Center. Schwenk is director of Technology Deployment and Outreach at PNNL in Richland., Wash. The Technology Center's Board of Directors comprises business and academic leaders who serve as the governing arm of the state-charted agency, which promotes technology and innovation-based economic development throughout Washington. Gary Spanner, manager of the Economic Development Office at PNNL, was named to the Advisory Board for the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of Washington. The appointment is for two years. Cheryl Cejka, director of Technology Commercialization at PNNL, has been appointed to a position on the Washington State University College of Business National Board of Advisors and also to WSU's Center for Entrepreneurial Studies.

*WSU ranks 18th in nation for entrepreneurship

Out of more than 2,300 schools surveyed by Entrepreneur magazine and The Princeton Review, Washington State University was recognized as having one of the top 50 entrepreneurship programs. The survey ranked the Center for Entrepreneurial Studies in the university's College of Business 18th in the undergraduate category. Criteria used in the evaluation included academics and requirements, students and faculty, and outside-the-classroom experiences.

Tri-Cities improves ranking in survey

The Tri-Cities Metropolitan Statistical Area, comprising Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland, Wash., moved up 40 spots to rank 29th on the Milken Institute's 2008 Best Performing Small Cities list. The ranking is based on job creation and retention, increasing wages and salaries, and overall economic and business growth. More information.

*PNNL staff member honored

Gary Spanner was named the Outstanding Alumnus of the year by the Columbia Basin College Foundation. Spanner manages the Economic Development Office at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, Wash and is also the chair of the Tri-Cities Research District that is home to numerous technology businesses. Spanner performs community service with the United Way, Tri-City Development Council, and Junior Achievement, and received the Sam Volpentest Entrepreneurial Leadership Award in 2006.

Tri-Cities Research District

Lockheed Martin donates in-kind services

Lockheed Martin is donating $150,000 worth of in-kind contributions to develop an innovative brand and image for the Tri-Cities Research District. Executive director Diahann Howard says the donation reflects the collaborative partnerships that are helping develop the Research District into an important regional asset. Lockheed has already created a new logo which is part of the new Research District website that was unveiled in September.

TechRealization summary

The past year's progress report was one of the main features of the TechRealization workshop held August 27. TechRealization was a follow-up to last year's TechImagination event, which generated the ideas and goals for much of the Research District. Progress has included incorporation as a non-profit organization and creating a board of directors, as well as receiving the designation as an Innovation Partnership Zone from the state of Washington. The master plan for the Research District was presented. The next phase of implementation will include infrastructure projects, clean technology demonstration projects, and marketing activities. Presentations and an executive summary are available on the TechRealization website.

Opportunities and Tools

Digital firms offer internships

Vivid Learning Systems and Imageworks Digital Media, both based in Pasco, Wash., are seeking interns for graphic design, interactive programming, marketing, and/or sales. The companies have implemented a year-round program to recruit and cultivate talent and provide real-world experience in a creative environment. Current internships are available for high school and college students looking to gain experience as well as for recent college graduates starting their careers. Contact Christopher Collier at (509) 545-9100 ext. 1514.

Microloan program established

Local companies may receive up to $250,000 in loans for business development and expansion. The Columbia Regional Economic Development Trust (CREDiT) has been set up to provide "microloans" to businesses in the Tri-Cities, Wash. community. Private for-profit and non-profit firms located in the Mid-Columbia region, whose businesses are in manufacturing, value-added processing, service, and retail are eligible, as well as non-profit entities that take on economic development projects. The program is administered by the Benton-Franklin Council of Governments. Contact Art Tackett at (509) 943-9185.

Resources online

1) The article "Web 2.0 taking over business communications" was published in the Tri-City Herald on August 31. 2) The article "Tri-Cities Research District seeing green" was published in the Tri-City Herald on September 29.

Coming Up

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.

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 brings together small businesses and Hanford contractors and 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. Registration is $75 per person and 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.

Washington Economic Development Association conference

OCTOBER 8-10. The 2008 Fall Washington Economic Development Association Conference, "Economic Prosperity through Partnerships," will include seminars on branding, project implementation and funding, plug-in hybrid vehicles, and business retention and recruitment tools. The conference will be held October 8-10 in Leavenworth, Wash. The cost is $275 for members and $300 for non-members and includes all sessions, luncheons, and receptions. Register online.

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.

Small Business Regional luncheon

OCTOBER 30. The Washington Policy Center will hold a Small Business Regional Luncheon to help small businesses understand how new legislation could impact their businesses, and to help them with ideas for making their companies more "green." The luncheon is October 30 at the Red Lion Hotel in Richland, Wash. Register online or by calling (888) 972-9272.

Seminars for Small Business

The Columbia Basin College Institute for Professional Development offers the following workshops in October, 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 20th 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.

• October 1: Quick Books Pro II (CBAC Room 115)
• October 9: Legalities of Owning or Buying a Business (instructor Tim Coleman's office, 8836 Gage Blvd., Kennewick, Wash.)
• October 13: Difficult People in the Workplace (CBAC Room 124)
• October 20: Keys to Effective Supervision, Session I (CBAC Room 124)
• October 22: Keys to Effective Supervision, Session II (CBAC Room 124)
• October 27: Introduction to Quick Books Pro (CBAC Room 115)
• October 28: Starting Your Business: Questions You Were Afraid to Ask (SBDC)
• October 29: Quick Books Pro I (CBAC Room 115)
• October 30: Managing Your Business for Profit In Challenging Economic Times (SBDC)
• October 30: Legal Issues in Human Resources (CBAC Room 124)

Mark Your Calendar

Entrepreneur University conference

NOVEMBER 6. REGISTER BY NOVEMBER 4. The Northwest Entrepreneur Network's "Entrepreneur University 2008: Raise Your eIQ" conference is scheduled for November 6 at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center in Seattle. The conference will offer two tracks for the distinct stages of creating and growing an entrepreneurial venture. The first track is for early stage entrepreneurs starting their businesses and preparing for take-off. The second track is for entrepreneurs ready to accelerate their businesses' growth and reach altitude. Each track covers marketing, sales, finance, and operations. The cost is $225 for members and $325 for non-members. Register online or by calling (425) 564-5701.

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 or visit the website.

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