Tri-Cities Tech Business Update

September 2011 Issue

Tech News and Notes

Forbes Names Tri-Cities 11th Geekiest U.S. City

A statistical search has been conducted by Forbes for the geekiest towns in America, and the Tri-Cities ranks near the top for the highest percentage of smart people, as measured by the number of workers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics professions. More than 11% of Tri-City workers, or 9,700, work in science and technology. In 2009, there were 32 scientists or engineers for every 1,000 people employed in Benton and Franklin counties. That's almost 80 percent more than statewide. And, from 2004-2009, Benton County averaged more than 37 patents per 100,000 people! Read more...

Richland Among Washington Cities on 100 "Best Places to Live" List

Five Washington cities-Tacoma, Richland, Bellevue, Vancouver, and Spokane-are among a list of the 100 best places to live in America, according to a new report. Brighton, Mich.-based RelocateAmerica said the 100 cities "are well positioned for economic recovery, already experiencing strong economic recovery, or have proven overall economic stability. Factors such as employment, education, community leadership, and overall quality of life are strongly considered and all the data is examined to determine the Top 100." Read more...

DOE Prepared to Take Steps Toward Hanford Land Transfer

The Tri-City Herald reports that the Department of Energy (DOE) is prepared to take steps to transfer a parcel of Hanford land to the Tri-City Development Council (TRIDEC) in hopes of creating thousands of jobs. In a recent letter, DOE signals that the agency is looking favorably on the TRIDEC request, although it still is an early step in the process. TRIDEC has asked for 1,341 acres of Hanford land next to Richland city limits for economic development. It's joined in the request by the city of Richland, the Port of Benton, and Benton County.TRIDEC and its partners are proposing dividing it into a 900-acre site, which could support one or two large enterprises providing 2,000 to 3,000 jobs. In addition three smaller 100- to 200-acre sites would support another 400 to 500 jobs. Read more...

Strong Cities, Strong Communities

The Obama Administration recently launched Strong Cities, Strong Communities (SC2), a new interagency pilot initiative to strengthen local capacity and spark economic growth in local communities while ensuring taxpayer dollars are used wisely and efficiently. The Administration is seeking comments on the structure of the Challenge to help formulate the Federal Funding Opportunity. Due to significant interest in this initiative and to ensure stakeholders have ample time to comment, the Economic Development Association is extending the deadline for the submission of comments to September 7, 2011. Interested parties should submit comments in writing by e-mail to lboswell@eda.doc.gov or facsimile to (202) 482-2838. Click here to read the original notice for the Challenge.

I-Corps: To Strengthen the Impact of Scientific Discoveries

National Science Foundation (NSF) announced a new effort to help develop scientific and engineering discoveries into useful technologies, products, and processes. The NSF Innovation Corps (I-Corps) program, a public-private partnership, will connect NSF-funded scientific research with the technological, entrepreneurial, and business communities to help create a stronger national ecosystem for innovation that couples scientific discovery with technology development and societal needs. Read more...

WSU Aligns Small Business Development Centers with CAHNRS

Washington State University's College of Agriculture, Human and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS) is all about engagement, says CAHNRS Dean Daniel Bernardo, so it makes perfect sense for the Washington Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) to be aligned with his college. Formerly part of the Office of Advancement and External Affairs, the Washington SBDC was moved to CAHNRS in late spring when that administrative unit was restructured following the departure of the former vice president, John Gardner. Beginning Sept. 1, Anson Fatland will join WSU as the associate vice president for economic development and external affairs, but the SBDC will remain with CAHNRS and WSU Extension. Read more...

Tech Opportunities and Resources

Tri-City Procurement Technical Assistance Center

Interested in selling your products or services to the ports, cities, counties, school districts, colleges, state agencies, federal agencies, or others? Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) staff can help. PTAC services are free and include helping with how to begin to do business with government entities, assisting with registrations and certifications, locating contacts, reviewing proposals, locating teaming partners, and more. If your business is woman-owned, veteran-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, or minority-owned, PTAC can help with special steps that may be applicable for you or certifications that could be beneficial for your business. For more information regarding PTAC, contact Ashley Bennington-Coronado at 509.736.0510 or by email at ashley.coronado@tricityregionalchamber.com.

Business Negotiation Strategies

Assistance through PNNL Economic Development Office's Mentor-Protégé Program can help small technology-based businesses with negotiating business agreements. This free program is designed to assist with the development and growth of small businesses. Experienced professionals are teamed with protégé organizations to offer advice and tips on business negotiation strategies. Get started today-call the Economic Development office at 509-372-4296. Read more...

Harvesting Clean Energy

 Register now for the11^th annual Harvesting Clean Energy Conference, October 23 - 25-the Northwest's premiere gathering of the agriculture and energy industries to advance rural economic development through clean energy. Drawing on top-notch presenters with real-world experience getting successful projects built, this year's power-packed agenda will focus on the practical steps, helping you understand: Where are your best opportunities in renewable energy, biomass, and biofuels, or upgrading to energy efficient equipment? What financing, technical expertise, and partners are available to help? Read more...

Regional Open for Business Expo Planned

Mark your calendars-the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce will present its Regional Open for Business Expo 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 26 at TRAC in Pasco. The event, which is sponsored by Gesa Credit Union, is a business-to-business trade show to help companies looking to launch or grow their business in today's economy. Attendees will discover business solutions with timely and relevant information through seminars like, "Show me the money," and "Give me the business." Read more...

Tech Dates and Deadlines

Science & Technology Discovery Series

September 9. Discover your world through Washington's leading scientists and researchers. Technology Alliance's Science & Technology Discovery Series kicks off September 9th with a look at the research innovations behind Microsoft's Kinect motion sensor technology by Dr. Peter Lee, Distinguished Scientist and Managing Director at Microsoft Research Redmond. Also coming up in the 2011-12 season of the Discovery Series are presentations by marine microbiologist and director of the UW School of Oceanography Ginger Armbrust; Chee Chew, engineering director at Google Kirkland; WSU Tri-Cities wine guru Thomas Henick-Kling; Pablos Holman, notorious hacker and inventor at Intellectual Ventures; Stefan Kappe, malaria expert and associate member at Seattle BioMed; Christof Koch, chief scientific officer at the Allen Institute for Brain Science; Curtis Wong, WorldWide Telescope stargazer and principal researcher at Microsoft Research; and more!  Read more...

The Innovation Showcase

September 16. Would your company benefit from the opportunity to: Expand your network to include those in the startup community with a keen interest in putting you on a path to achieving your next milestone? Work with expert coaches-at no cost to you-to hone your pitch before you meet with investors? Become a member of a collegial community interested in following your future successes? Are you a Washington company: Commercializing around groundbreaking IP that you control? Headed by a CEO who is still building out the team? With a prototype completed or very nearly so? Which has creatively financed its efforts through grants and bootstrapping to make it this far? If you can answer yes to these questions, you are encouraged to submit your free application. Applications received by Friday, September 16th will be considered for the Fall 2011 Innovation Showcase. Read more...

8th Annual NH3 Fuel Conference

September 18 - 21. Participants at this year's NH3 Fuel Conference can expect an excellent technical agenda covering NH3 as a solution to energy independence. Topics include NH3 production, storage, delivery, end uses, as well as regulatory, environmental and safety topics. The keynote speaker is award-winning author Thomas Hager who will discuss "The Alchemy of Air: Roots of the NH3 Revolution". There will also be a tour of the J.R. Simplot Rivergate NH3 terminal complex. The conference is being held in Portland, OR. Those from industry, academia or government and interested in learning more about NH3, one of the most promising alternative transportation fuels, will not want to miss this event. Read more...

Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine

September 20. Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine are among the most promising fields in the history of medicine. With stem cells, scientists see opportunities to make great strides in treating diseases and injuries, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, spinal cord injury, and blindness, among others. This half-day symposium will present an overview of some of the most cutting-edge stem cell research projects and discuss the best ways to generate tomorrow's companies that will develop corresponding transformative therapies. Read more...

PubTalk

September 20. PubTalk provides a great way to take that first step toward becoming "angel investable." Hone your presentation, gain exposure, and receive immediate feedback at this informal fun event featuring food, drink, a keynote panel, and company presentations. Attended by business leaders, entrepreneurs, service providers, and angel investors, PubTalk will be held September 20 from 5:30-7:30 PM at The Sunshine Mill in The Dalles, OR. Deadline to apply to present your company is September 8, 2011. Contact Robin Cope, Gorge OEN, 541-296-8080 robinc@gorge.net. Read more...

Webinar - Quickbooks for Government Contracting Recipients

September 22. 10:00 am- 11:30 am. Learn how to use Quickbooks accounting software to manage government accounting requirements. Before you can receive Phase II funding for SBIR/STTR grants, you will need to verify you have a compliant accounting system. This session will demonstrate the features in Quickbooks to be used in managing your government grants and contracts in a cost effective manner. Topics included are: setting up a chart of accounts; time and effort reporting; creating a budget; reporting by project; and separation of costs by project. Read more...

Government Contracting Class

September 27. "Developing Your Capability Statement" A capability statement is like a resume, only you use it for government contracting. It provides potential clients with a concise overview of your company's qualifications and experience. This session will cover effective use of capability statements, types of capability statements, and essential elements and examples. If your company already has a capability statement and you are looking to improve on it, bring a copy to receive constructive feedback in order to make improvements. RSVP www.washingtonPTAC.org/PTACTrainingEvents1.shtml. The class will be held Sept. 27 from 9:00am-10:00am at the Tri-Cities Business & Visitor Center and is FREE to members & non-members. Read more...

Smartmap Expo 2011

September 28 - 29. Find out which advanced manufacturing concepts work for you, and which don't by registering today to exhibit or attend the premier manufacturing networking event in the Pacific Northwest, Smartmap Expo. The Expo will feature the latest technologies, products, and services; offer the opportunity to locate new suppliers and service providers; and allow you to network with industry professionals and meet new customers. Read more...

TREN Event

September 30. The Three Rivers Entrepreneur Network (TREN) presents its September seminar: How Life Science Will Heal, Feed & Fuel the World. Life science is changing how we live. Come hear from Chris Rivera of Washington Biotechnology & Biomedical Association (WBBA) how Washington State has emerged as a national and global leader in life science. Learn how our state's economy is benefiting from this sector, and how companies and research in the Tri-Cities are contributing. The WBBA is working diligently to help grow this vital sector and will provide an overview of innovations in Washington's life science industry. Read more...

NEW! - Gorge OEN's Mini Boot Camp: "How & Why to Seek Angel Investment"

October 8. You have a good business idea that you want to make better-or you have an established business and need to go to the next level. But you have questions ranging from who your customer really is, to how to price your product or service, to what kind of financing is available. If only you had access to a great team-even for one day-to give you honest feedback, help you convert your good idea, or expand your business. Welcome to Oregon Entrepreneur Network (OEN) The Gorge Mini Boot Camp. Attendees will participate in a day-long immersion with legal, technical, marketing, financing, and business planning experts who represent a wide variety of fields and include members of the Gorge Angel Investor Network. They are eager to get to know you and help you to put your best foot forward when seeking angel investment. This is your chance to take a quantum leap in one day. Read more...

Abstracts for Young Professionals in Energy International Summit

October 15. Young Professionals in Energy (YPE), the world's premier energy networking organization, has opened registration for its second international conference, set for April 23-25, 2012 in Las Vegas at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Early-bird pricing is in effect until October 1 for the second major gathering of YPE's membership. The event will feature panel discussions and presentations by YPE members from around the world on such vital energy issues as the world oil supply, shale gas, renewable energy, and funding new energy projects. Abstracts are now being accepted for speaking opportunities at the event. Please email bruce.haring@ypenergy.org with your proposal. Deadline for submission is October 15, 2011. Read more...

PNNL This Month

Gregoire Names PNNL's Schwenk to State Economic Development Commission

Washington Governor Christine Gregoire has named Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's Mike Schwenk to a newly-strengthened Washington Economic Development Commission that, for the first time, includes members from the private sector. Schwenk, PNNL's director of technology deployment and outreach and vice president for Battelle, joins 14 other private sector members appointed to the committee. Read more...

Battelle Receives $2 Million Award to Test Energy Efficient Carbon Capture

Battelle researchers based in Richland, Wash., have been awarded nearly $2 million from the Department of Energy's Office of Fossil Energy and the National Energy Technology Laboratory to study how well a new carbon dioxide capture process can work to pull greenhouse gases out of emissions from coal-fired power plants. Scientists estimate the new process has the potential to save more than 50% of total costs over current emissions treatment options. Read more...

Technology Available for Licensing

PNNL technologies and patents that are available for licensing can be found on the Available Technologies website. Search by Portfolio name, by Industry application, or by entering keywords into the dynamic search tool.

Featured Technology-Platinum-Loading Reduction in PEM Fuel Cells. Researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have developed a technology that supports the minimization of platinum (Pt) use, thus reducing the cost of manufacturing proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells by up to 1/3 without decreasing overall performance of the fuel cell. The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the cathode is known to be a rate determining step for overall PEM fuel cell reactions, so it is critical to develop a low-Pt loaded catalyst, which can catalyze the ORR as well as a commercial, fully loaded Pt-carbon catalyst. Read more...

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