Tri-Cities Tech Business Update

May 2012 Issue

Tech News and Notes

LSDF announces awards

The Life Science Discovery Fund (LSDF) has awarded nearly $450,000 to foster commercial translation of new health and health-care products. Recipients include Dr. Darrell Fisher of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory who will test an innovative technology for delivering high-dose radiation to solid tumors that cannot be removed surgically. Kennewick-based Advanced Medical Isotope Corporation (AMIC) is the commercialization partner for the LSDF grant. In other news, AMIC recently finalized a contract with Kennewick General Hospital for the supply of short-lived radioisotopes primarily used in Positron emission tomography (PET) as well as for other medical isotopes utilized for diagnostic imaging and for therapeutic applications. Read more...

Delta High wins 2012 Science Education Advocate Award

The Delta High School of Richland will be honored May 10 with a 2012 Science Education Advocate Award. The award is presented by Washington State LASER to celebrate people and organizations who take the lead in advocating for or delivering effective, engaging science education to students. Local business leaders, teachers, scientists, and college professors created Delta High School. This school answers the call to raise a new generation of technical talent, as well as, more scientifically literate citizens. Read more...

Washington State ranked number five in tax system for entrepreneurs

Washington State has one of the best tax systems in the country when it comes to supporting entrepreneurship and small business, according to a report out this week from the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council. Washington State, which has no income tax system, ranked fifth behind South Dakota, Texas, Nevada, and Wyoming. Read more...

Tri-Cities ranks high for metros in weekly wages

In its latest analysis, Garner Economics' research economist Tom Tveidt reports that in February 2012, 344 of 372 U.S. metropolitan areas added employment over last year. Tri-Cities ranked 18 among the 344 metro areas in weekly wages, with a lower-than-average cost of living. Compared to the rest of the country, the Tri-Cities cost of living is 6.80% -- lower than the U.S. average. The numbers provide convincing evidence of widespread post-recession growth. While trends in employment are the typical gauge of economic wellbeing, earnings can provide a deeper measure of the value of economic change. Read more...

Tri-City Herald: WSU Tri-Cities wine center gets state funding

Ground is expected to be broken on a Wine Science Center at Washington State University Tri-Cities in late 2012, thanks to $5 million included in the state capital budget passed April 11. It brings the pledged money for the project to $13.4 million, which is enough for the school to move ahead next year on the 45,000-square-foot building. Read more...

Rotary Entrepreneur wins at international competition

David Wyatt, owner of Kennewick-based Loftics and recent recipient of a Richland Rotary Entrepreneurial award, has been honored again in an international photography competition sponsored by the Professional Aerial Photographers Association (PAPA) International. Wyatt's dramatic aerial panoramic titled "Rattlesnake Summer" was selected as the Judge's Choice for Best Scenic in a field of entries submitted by the international membership of PAPA. In 2011, Wyatt's "Red Mountain" was chosen as Best of Show, People's Choice and Best Scenic Aerial Photograph. Wyatt's photos can be seen at www.papainternational.org/gallery.asp.

University of Oregon student team places at Stu Clark Investment Competition

Emerald Algae, a team of graduate students from the University of Oregon, recently placed fourth in the University of Manitoba Stu Clark Investment Competition, taking home just over $3,000. The team was formed to explore business potential for a PNNL technology, and recently formalized as Emerald Algae Solutions, a biotechnology company providing an algae-based platform technology for treating agricultural wastewater while producing value-added biomass. To date, Emerald Algae has been awarded $5,000 from business plan competitions.

Tech Opportunities and Resources

LSDF Announces 2012 Commercialization Grant Competition

The Life Sciences Discovery Fund will be allocating up to $1,000,000 in the next round of its Commercialization Grant competitions. LSDF will hold public information sessions in May and early June to describe the competition in greater detail. The information session schedule will be posted on the LSDF website as it is available. The request for proposals, application instructions, and other key documents will be posted no later than May 7. Read more...

Cleantech Open entrepreneurial support

Cleantech Open is on a mission to find, fund, and foster entrepreneurs with big ideas that address today's most urgent energy, environmental, and economic challenges. CLEEN | NW is the regional arm for the greater Spokane area and now has an insightful summary of four venture pitches available at http://www.cleantechopen.com/app.cgi/blog/71/ with a financial panel review at http://www.cleantechopen.com/app.cgi/blog/72/.

Online directory of workforce development updated

The Workforce Board has updated its online directory of Washington workforce development programs. The Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board created the directory to provide an in-depth look at the state's education and training programs (short of four-year college programs) and the funding that flows to each program. For details about over 40 programs, including funding sources, participation and more visit www.wtb.wa.gov/WorkforceDevelopmentDirectory.asp.

Innovate Washington group looks to create business in the state

During the past couple of years, many people have worked to affect a particular change across Washington: to create a thriving ecosystem to accelerate technology-based economic development and achieve sustainable job growth. The result is an organization called Innovate Washington. A true public-private hybrid, Innovate Washington empowers entrepreneurs, large companies, state government, investors, and industry leaders to become highly collaborative. Read more...

Tech Dates and Deadlines

Mid-Columbia Small Business of the Year Awards

May 3. The 17^th Annual Mid-Columbia Small Business Awards -- "Leaving Your Print" -- is holding its dinner banquet at the Shilo Inn in Richland. This event recognizes small businesses in Benton and Franklin Counties for their exceptional customer service, outstanding commitment to employees, and superior community relations. Nominees include: 1st Choice Restoration, Bettendorf's Printing and Design, Dura-Shine Clean, Imageworks, Oasis Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab, Ojeda Business Ventures, Paws Natural Pet Emporium, Pediatrics for You, Servpro of Tri-Cities West, Sylvan Learning Center, and Tri-Cities Digestive Health Center. For more information or to RSVP, contact the Pasco Chamber of Commerce at 547-9755 or email admin@pascochamber.org.  

Cleantech Open Accelerator & Competition application deadline

May 8. The Cleantech Open Accelerator & Competition consists of a number of key activities: extensive mentoring, training, business clinics, access to investors and capital, numerous opportunities to showcase to the media and the public, and the competition itself. Since its inception in 2006, the Cleantech Open has awarded over $5 million in cash and services to support cleantech growth companies. The 581 participating companies of the Cleantech Open's accelerator programs have raised more than $660 million in external capital. Read more...

Energy Storage for the Grid: Watchful Waiting or the Perfect Storm?

May 8. Enterprise Forum Northwest hosts "Energy Storage for the Grid: Watchful Waiting or the Perfect Storm?" from 5:00 - 8:30 p.m. at MOHAI in Seattle. Attendees will get answers to questions regarding the where, how, why, and at what scale of energy storage from a panel of industry experts. Learn of promising energy storage strategies and how entrepreneurs, the changing energy marketplace, grid operators, and utilities are responding to the call to build the foundation for a clean energy economy. Read more...

Introduction to Government Contracting 101

May 9. What does it take to become a successful government contractor? Introduction to Government Contracting 101 is an opportunity to learn of the services and continuous support that the Procurement Technical Assistance Center has available to help with the contracting process. The event is from 9:00-10:30 a.m. at the Tri-Cities Business & Visitor Center, and is a great opportunity to learn how to get ready for the growing government procurement market. Cost is free. Read more...

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Walla Walla Industry Day

May 10. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District will host "Walla Walla Industry Day 2012" at the Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center. Learn about the tools needed to do business with the Corps, upcoming opportunities, and how to compete for those opportunities. There is also the opportunity to showcase capabilities to Corps personnel. Seating is limited. RSVP by May 7 to wallawallaindustryday@usace.army.mil indicating you will be attending the Walla Walla event, and if you would like a 15 minute capabilities presentation slot.

TREN EVENT -- The Social Media Sciences -- Achieving the Real Goal...Customers!

May 17. The Three Rivers Entrepreneur Network presents its May seminar: The Social Media Sciences - Achieving the Real Goal...Customers! How does social media fit into your online marketing strategy? With so many to choose from, how do you choose the right social networks for your business? And how do you a build a relevant following in social media? Read more...

Technology Alliance State of Technology Luncheon

May 22. The Technology Alliance will hold its 2012 State of Technology Luncheon, "Building a Billion Dollar Business, Optimizing Economic Opportunity," in Seattle. More than 800 business, research, and policy leaders will gather at the event for a keynote conversation featuring John McAdam, President, CEO and Director of F5 Networks. The Technology Alliance will also announce the findings from its latest comprehensive study measuring the economic impact of Washington's technology-based industries. Registration and networking begin at 11:00 a.m. at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel; the luncheon program is 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Register online at http://billiondollarbusiness.eventbrite.com/. Read more...

Meet the Buyer: Doing Business with the Hanford Contractors

June 12. The Hanford prime contractors and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) purchase millions of dollars' worth of products and services from businesses each year. Attendees will learn more about how to sell to the primes and PNNL, and be better prepared to take part in this marketplace. This session will cover the following key topics: What products/services do the Hanford primes and PNNL purchase? Where and how do you start selling to them? What is the buying process? How do I locate opportunities? The event is from 9-11 a.m. Cost is free. Read more...

WCTA first annual meeting

June 14. Join Washington State's Cleantech leadership for the inaugural Washington Clean Technology Alliance (WTCA) Annual Meeting from 7:30 - 10:00 a.m. at the Sheraton Seattle Metropolitan Ballroom. The first WCTA annual meeting will feature Washington State University President Elson S. Floyd and University of Washington President Michael K. Young sharing the stage. They will cover topics including the role of the institutions in the economy, the development of biofuels, job creation, the development of promising new clean technologies, and their relationship with the state. Read more...

PNNL This Month

Technical advancements lead to SBIR Phase II grant

OMAX Corporation has completed several Technology Assistance Program projects with PNNL. Most recently, PNNL recommended and demonstrated improved test methods for evaluating very-near-surface hardness related to cutting methods. The improvements paved the way for the OMAX to apply for, and subsequently win a $450,000 National Science Foundation SBIR Phase II grant. Read more...

PNNL estimates potential HVAC energy savings for U.S. commercial buildings

U.S. commercial building owners could save an average of 38 percent on their heating and cooling bills if they installed a handful of energy efficiency controls that make their heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, also known as HVAC, systems more energy efficient, according to a recent report from the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. The estimated savings were based on computer modeling and simulation of building energy usage. The controls that could provide these savings are not widely available commercially, but the report's authors hope their analysis will encourage manufacturers to expand their production. Read more...

PNNL Farmers' Market supports local businesses

In support of local agriculture business, PNNL will be hosting a farmers' market the first Monday of every month from 4-6 p.m. beginning May 7 and running through September 10. The PNNL Farmers' Market will be held at the Richland Innovation Center at University Dr. and Innovation Blvd. (formerly Q Ave.) in north Richland. It will feature a variety of food vendors selling everything from fresh vegetables to granola, and is an opportunity to shop sustainably by supporting local businesses.

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