Tri-Cities Tech Business Update

December 2008 Issue

News

HPM Corporation wins NASA contract

HPM Corporation, based in Kennewick, Wash., has been awarded the Occupational Health Services contract to provide occupational health and safety services to the site employees and contractors at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. The five-year contract went into effect November 1 and is valued at up to $24 million. HPMC partnered with Wyle Integrated Science and Engineering Group based in Houston, Tex, to offer occupational medicine, industrial hygiene, health physics, and respiratory protection. Contact Laura Mills at (509) 737-8939.

Areva wins $65 million contract with Canadian firm

Areva's Richland, Wash. plant will produce uranium powders for some Canadian nuclear power reactors under a new contract with the Cameco Corporation. The contract is for 11 years, with two five-year extension options, and is worth an estimated $65 million. Areva will supply slightly enriched uranium and blended dysprosium uranium powder for the Bruce Power A reactors in Ontario. Contact Ron Land at (509) 375-8780.  

*Medical isotope product receives favorable clinical review, hires new vice-president

IsoRay Medical, based in Richland, Wash., was featured in the November 2008 edition of the peer-reviewed journal Brachytherapy. The article recommended the company's Proxcelan^TM Cesium-131 brachytherapy seeds for treating prostate cancer. Brachytherapy treatment includes implanting titanium capsules containing the radioisotope directly into the cancerous prostate gland. The journal article is the first full clinical review of the treatment. IsoRay also hired Anthony Pasqualone as Vice President of Business Development in charge of Sales. Pasqualone has been involved in marketing brachytherapy extensively since 1989 including serving as the national sales manager at Theragenics Corporation, working with the team at Oncura, and most recently serving as vice-president of sales at SourceTech Medical. Contact Lori Woods at (509) 375-1202.

Vista Leak Detection to receive technology licenses

Vista Leak Detection, Richland, Wash., will be granted a revocable, nonassignable, exclusive patent license from the Navy for a portable fuel storage tank leak detection system to develop tank leak detection for industrial markets both within the United States and certain foreign countries. The technology provides the ability to detect fuel leaks from a storage tank at a leak rate of 0.1 gallons per hour, and the system has a 95% detection rate. Contact Will Pickett at (509) 737-1380.

*Senator Cantwell touts the Tri-Cities' green entrepreneurism

During a recent visit to the Tri-Cities, Senator Maria Cantwell said the region is uniquely positioned to develop alternative energy sources.  Cantwell visited Kennewick, Wash.-based Infinia Corporation, a solar technology company, and also referenced Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Washington State University's new Bioproducts, Science and Engineering Laboratory as examples of facilities that are leading the way in clean energy technology research. She said these are the types of organizations that will benefit from the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 which includes a $17 billion tax incentive package for companies conducting research and development to help entrepreneurs make investments in green technologies and create jobs. Contact David Reeploeg at (509) 946-8106.  

*TV story highlights "fuel of the future"

A new bio-engineering laboratory at the Washington State University Tri-Cities campus was featured in a local television news story. The state of Washington invested almost $25 million to build the Bioproducts, Science and Engineering Laboratory, part of focuses on developing bio-based fuels and renewable energy resources. The facility, a partnership between WSU Tri-Cities and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, houses researchers from both institutions as well as international scholars from Denmark. Watch the story.

*Energy Northwest adds two more utility members

Energy Northwest's Board of Directors unanimously approved two new members for the public power Joint Operating Agreement. Clark Public Utilities and the City of Port Angeles will now have the opportunity to help shape Energy Northwest's role in regional public power activities. This increases Energy Northwest's membership to 24, the largest number in the organization's 51-year history. Energy Northwest was formed as a Joint Operating Agency in 1957 to provide low-cost power for its publicly owned utility members. Contact Jack Baker at (509) 377-8322.

MEIER Enterprises, Inc. receives honorable mention

MEIER Enterprises, Inc., in Kennewick, Wash., received an honorable mention on the ZweigWhite 2008 Hot Firm List of Fastest-Growing Architecture, Engineering, and Environmental Firms. The annual list features design and environmental firms that have outperformed the economy and competitors to become industry leaders. Contact Denise Sweeden at (509) 735-1589.

*PNNL's technology assistance program awarded honorable mention

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's Technology Assistance Program received an honorable mention in the entrepreneurship category in the 2008 International Economic Development Council's Excellence in Economic Development Awards competition. The Technology Assistance Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy to provide technology-based companies with assistance and information to grow and diversify the economy. Since its inception in 1994, the Program has assisted more than 500 companies through more than 800 projects. Contact Brittney Kluse at (509) 375-2334.

Imageworks wins animation awards

Imageworks, of Pasco, Wash., received two 2008 Telly Awards, which honor the best local, regional, and national cable television commercials and programs, as well as the finest video and film productions, and work created for the Web. Imageworks was honored in the newly created category Use of Animation and Training for Corporate Use for their work on Lamb Weston's "Peel or No Peel" and Bechtel's "Past, Present, Future" animations. This year the Telly Awards received over 14,000 entries from all 50 states and five continents. Contact Christopher Collier at (509) 545-9100, ext. 1514.

Tri-Cities Research District

Port of Benton Commission adopts master plan

The Port of Benton Commission has approved the Tri-Cities Research District master plan and visioning report for 71 acres known as the Richland Innovation Center. The Port's property is located in the center of the Research District. Major elements of the plan include a nine-hole executive links golf course, research and development space, an amphitheater, and both residential and retail space. The plan has a sustainable development theme encouraging construction to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certified standards, and being a test demonstration area for clean energy technologies and research. The overall master plan is estimated to serve more than 20,000 workers and residents and cost up to $2.5 billion at full build out.

Medical device magazine touts Research District enterprises

The Research District was featured in an article about the benefits of research parks in the September/October issue of MX: Business Strategies for Medical Technology Executives. The article highlights the benefits of tech-based businesses partnering with research parks. Research District tenants mentioned include Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Washington State University Tri-Cities, Advanced Imaging Technologies, IsoRay Medical, Surgical Implant Generation Network, and XL Sci-Tech.

New logo and website

The Tri-Cities Research District has adopted a new logo, designed by Lockheed Martin, Richland, Wash., to reflect the sustainable goals of the district. The Research District also revamped its website with assistance from Jenographics, based in Richland, Wash. Both efforts stem from the recommendations made by a consultant in 2005 to help position the Research District as a recruitment magnet for the Tri-Cities community and to help research and technology companies successfully develop, commercialize and market their products worldwide.

Opportunities and Tools

Call for applications to present at Invest Northwest 2009

Life sciences companies from Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, British Columbia and Alberta are encouraged to submit their applications to present at the eighth annual CEO and Investor Conference, Invest Northwest^TM, organized by the Washington Biotechnology and Biomedical Association.  Invest Northwest will be held March 17-18, 2009 in Seattle, Wash. Download presentation applications and information on eligibility. Online submissions will be accepted until midnight December 7. Contact Tim Yeadon at (206) 732-6711.

Coming Up

*Washington clean technology documentary

DECEMBER 2. REGISTER BY DECEMBER 1. The Tri-Cities Research District will host the premiere of a new documentary, Evergreen: The Washington Clean Tech Story, that highlights companies and institutions that are significant contributors to clean technology in Washington State. The 55-minute film by an Emmy-winning producer features technologies being developed, commentary from political leaders about the need for clean technology, and interviews with technology developers. Interviews with seven local technology leaders are included in the film, and more are included on the companion website. The film will be shown at 5 pm at the Battelle Auditorium located at 904 Battelle Blvd. in Richland, Wash., on December 2. There is no charge but you must pre-register by noon December 1. To register, contact Alice Ettesvold at (509) 375-2068 with your name, company, email address, and phone number.

TRIDEC luncheon features William D. Ruckelshaus

DECEMBER 9. REGISTER BY DECEMBER 1. The Tri-City Development Council is hosting a luncheon featuring speaker William Ruckelshaus. The William D. Ruckelshaus Center is a neutral forum for collaborative problem solving that combines resources from Washington State University and the University of Washington. Panelists will discuss recently completed and ongoing projects conducted by the Center. TRIDEC members will have an opportunity to exchange thoughts with the panel on collaborative problem-solving. The event is scheduled for noon on December 9 at the Three Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick, Wash. The fee is $30 for TRIDEC members and $40 for non-members and registrations received after December 1. Contact Kristi Kesler at (509) 735-1000 to register.

Three Rivers Entrepreneur Network seminar

DECEMBER 16. REGISTER BY DECEMBER 12. The topic of the Three Rivers Entrepreneur Network December seminar topic will be "How to Succeed in a Startup Despite 7 Lawyers on your Board and a Crummy Economy." The speaker will be Skip Walter, an entrepreneur and independent consultant. Topics will include innovation from concept to commercialization, attracting capital, and finding growth partners. There is no charge to attend but pre-registration by December 12 is required. To register, contact Alice Ettesvold at (509) 375-2068 with the name, company, phone number, and email address for each attendee.

Mark Your Calendar

Ron Kysiak to speak

JANUARY 14. Ron Kysiak, the former CEO of the recently completed Northwestern University/Evanston Research Park, will be the next speaker in the Tri-Cities Research District Speaker Series. Kysiak's presentation will focus on getting municipalities involved for greater success in developing a research park. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Washington State University Tri-Cities are teaming to host a speaker series dedicated to educating stakeholders, the community, and other interested individuals and organizations on what it takes to success-fully build a research park. Speakers who are experienced in developing research parks across the country will share their perspectives. Meetings are held at the Washington State University Tri-Cities campus and are free to registered attendees. Register online.

 

Regional Economic Outlook

JANUARY 28. RSVP BY JANUARY 12. The Tri-City Development Council will hold the 2009 Regional Economic Outlook for the Tri-Cities, Washington region January 28 at the TRAC Facility in Pasco, Wash. Topics will include forecasts on issues such as health care, agribusiness, and the housing market. This year's keynote speaker is David Zach who will discuss trends, change, and traditions for shaping the future. Admission is $75 for TRIDEC members who RSVP and pay by January 12, 2009 and $85 for non-members and for all RSVPs after January 12. The entrance fee includes continental breakfast, lunch, all sessions, and all handouts. Contact Kristi Kesler at (509) 735-1000.

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