Tri-Cities Tech Business Update

March 2008 Issue

News

Infinia Corporation announces $50M financing, new executives

Infinia Corporation, Richland, Wash., has closed on a $50 million series B preferred stock financing led by GLG Partners with participation from Wexford Capital LLC and prior investors Vulcan Capital, Khosla Ventures, EQUUS Total Return, Inc., Idealab, and Power Play Energy, LLC. The capital will be used to fund the commercial launch of the Infinia Solar System, a solar power generation product that harvests energy from sunlight to generate clean, emissions-free electricity. In other news, Infinia recently named two executives:  Gregg Clevenger as Chief Financial Officer and Terry Smith as Vice President of Engineering and Product Development. Clevenger, a former investment banker with Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and Argent Group Ltd., will be responsible for Infinia's finance and human resources functions, including forming strategic and commercial relationships worldwide. Smith, who will lead the firm's solar product development team, managed Infinia's Space Generator Program since 2003. He has nearly 20 years of experience in engineering, product development and "phantom works" activities at Boeing and elsewhere.

Contact J.D. Sitton at (509) 735-4700.

InnovaTek and WSU win technology development grant

InnovaTek will collaborate on fuel cell development with Washington State University using funding recently awarded by the Washington Technology Center. InnovaTek, a Richland, Wash.-based developer of patented technologies for sustainable power and environmental safety, will work with WSU to improve InnovaTek's hydrogen fuel processor technology. WSU will receive $64,275 in Phase I Research and Technology Development funding from Washington Technology Center and an additional $12,812 from InnovaTek. The partners will develop a microchip-based control system that integrates InnovaTek's InnovaGen fuel processor with commercially available fuel cells. More information.  InnovaTek is featured in the March 2008 issue of Biodiesel Magazine.

Contact Patricia Irving at (509) 375-1093 Ext. 222.

Turning agricultural waste into energy

The Port of Benton has made a deal with an Oregon pellet maker and a Western Washington company to turn local agricultural waste into an energy source. West Oregon Wood Products of Columbia City, Ore., will use the Port's patented recipe to make the pellets from agricultural waste. Evergreen Fuel Technologies of Woodinville, Wash. will use gasification to convert the pellets to create energy that will be returned to the Mid-Columbia's power grids. Port officials are negotiating to purchase 40 acres in Prosser, Wash. to site the project and create local jobs.

Contact Roger Wright at (509) 375-3565 or Scott Keller or (509) 375-3060.

PNNL recognized in state, nation

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Wash., ranked No. 2, following Microsoft, in Washington CEO magazine's 2007 ranking of top 50 high-tech firms in Washington. PNNL ranked No. 6 in the state's Top 25 biotechnology and biomedical firms, moving up two places from last year. The rankings, published in the February 2008 issue, are based on number of employees. In other news, PNNL won three Federal Laboratory Consortium Awards for Excellence in Technology Transfer. The Laboratory was honored for software that predicts building energy use, a project that expanded the availability and use of energy-efficient lights, and an improved method for manufacturing titanium parts. More information.

Entrepreneurial firms honored

Two technology-related firms were among those honored at the Richland Rotary Club 2008 Entrepreneurial Awards on February 12 in the Tri-Cities, Wash. C2IR Services and Gen-X Energy were recognized for their startup successes, along with ProTrain, May's at the Port, Sundance Aviation, and Willow Crest Winery. Dick Hoch, a successful business leader and long-time Tri-Cities advocate, won the 2008 Sam Volpentest Entrepreneurial Leadership Award.

Business magazine touts Tri-Cities companies

Three entrepreneurial firms based in the Tri-Cities were featured in the January 2008 issue of Washington CEO magazine. IsoRay Medical, Inc., Advanced Medical Isotope Corp., and Advanced Imaging Technologies were featured in a story on companies whose products, services, or founders had a historical connection to the Hanford Site.

New building will house economic development, tourism agencies

Three organizations—the Tri-City Development Council, Tri-Cities Visitor & Convention Bureau, and Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce—have begun constructing a new building that will become their shared home later this year. The $2.8 million, 14,650-square-foot building on Young Street and Grandridge Avenue near the Three Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick, Wash. is expected to be completed in late 2008. It will provide separate work areas and common shared spaces including a conference room, lobby, and an outdoor patio. Naming rights sponsorships are available.

Contact Deanna Smith at (509) 735-1000.

Tri-Cities in top ten high-tech jobs nationwide

In recently published data from the National Science Foundation, the Tri-Cities ranked No. 7 in U.S. metro areas for science and engineering employees per capita, out of nearly 400 total metro areas of all sizes. In population data from 2006, 9.3 percent of Tri-Cities occupations were in science and engineering (7,880 out of 84,340 total jobs), beating out areas including San Francisco, Boston, Seattle, and Portland. More information.

Incubator association dissolves as other organizations fill in

The Tri-Cities Enterprise Association, which provided incubator space, mentoring, and other services for new firms since 1987, is disbanding. Its 20-year federal grant from the city of Richland has ended, and during that time, other services in the Tri-Cities began providing similar services and facilities. The Columbia Regional Economic Development Trust, a nonprofit organization under the Benton Franklin Council of Governments, has applied for the right to administer the Small Business Administration micro-loan program that was formerly administered by TEA. Washington State University will purchase the former incubator building in the Horn Rapids area in Richland, Wash. to help meet WSU's regional growth needs. Two other TEA facilities in Richland and Kennewick were or are being sold.

Contact Gwen Luper at (509) 943-9185.

IsoRay names new acting CEO

IsoRay, a Richland, Wash. company specializing in production of Cesium-131 brachytherapy seeds for cancer treatment, announced that Chief Executive Officer Roger Girard resigned from the company for personal reasons and board member Dwight Babcock was named Chairman and Acting CEO. Babcock, with more than 30 years experience as a CEO, has realigned the management team to achieve the company's objectives of accelerating sales growth while reducing manufacturing costs and other expenses. The company continues to pursue new international opportunities, including its recent joint venture in Russia. During Girard's years of service, IsoRay achieved commercial-scale production of medical isotopes for cancer treatment.

Contact IsoRay at (509) 375-1202.

Opportunities and Tools

R&D funding available

Applications are due April 24 for Washington Technology Center's Spring 2008 Research & Technology Development funding. Approximately $1 million is awarded annually to projects that include Washington companies partnering with academic and non-profit research teams. Notices of intent are due March 20 with projects beginning July 1. Proposal materials are online. A teleseminar with more information will be held on March 4 from 10 to 11 am.

To reserve your space, contact Russell Paez at (206) 616-3102.

Life sciences funding

The Life Sciences Discovery Fund has published a request for proposals for its LSDF 08-02 project competition. That competition will award approximately $18 to $20 million in grants in December 2008. The fund supports research that can lead to improvements in health and health care and promote economic benefits for Washington's citizens. Letters of intent are due March 26, 2008. More information.

Contact the Life Sciences Discovery Fund.

Nominations sought for Mid-Columbia Small Business Awards

Small businesses are invited to apply by April 4 for the 13^th Annual Mid-Columbia Small Business of the Year Awards to be presented by the Three Rivers Alliance of Chambers on May 7. The awards are given to small businesses in Benton and Franklin Counties (fewer than 60 full-time employees, locally owned and operated, and for-profit) that demonstrate honesty, fairness, ethical business practices, and concern for employees and customers. A Micro-Business of the Year Award also may be presented for companies meeting the same criteria with fewer than ten full-time employees. Get nomination forms from any local Chamber of Commerce, the Tri-City Development Council, or by contacting Tracy Hill at (509) 967-1063.

Getting greener? Nominate yourself.

Washington CEO magazine invites organizations to enter its Green Washington Awards competition. Entries are being accepted from companies, nonprofits, and government agencies of all sizes in Washington that have contributed to environmental sustainability, including clean technology and carbon footprint reduction. Top companies will be featured in the magazine. To enter, complete an online survey. The deadline is March 21.

Contact Joyce Halldorson at (206) 388-0827.

Science news alerts

A new website, Science Northwest, gives people a way to be notified about science research news in the Northwest. The website includes news from the University of Washington, Washington State University, the University of Oregon, Oregon State University, Oregon  Health & Sciences University, the University of Idaho, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Institute, and the Institute for Systems Biology. People can sign up to be notified each time a news release is posted on the site.

Contact Greg Koller at (509) 372-4864.

Which jobs are best?

Ways to evaluate the quality of jobs in a particular community are described in a recent Tri-City Herald article, "Get more bang for your buck in economic development."

New executive MBA program

Washington State University is launching a Master of Business Administration program geared to working professionals at its campus at the Riverpoint Higher Education Park in Spokane. The 18-month program will begin August 25 and will consist of online courses and weekend classes. Students will compete in an executive-level business plan competition and visit international businesses. WSU will accept up to 40 students; the deadline to apply is June 15. More information. WSU continues to offer its evening MBA program at the Tri-Cities campus.

Submit abstracts for the Micro Nano Breakthrough Conference

Prospective authors are invited to submit 300-word abstracts by March 17 to the 5th Annual Micro Nano Breakthrough Conference. The event, co-hosted by the Washington Technology Center and Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute, will be September 8-10, 2008, in Vancouver, Wash. Topics relevant to micro- and nanoscale technologies, including nanoelectronics, green nanotechnologies, and nanomedicine, are especially encouraged. The program includes 30 presentations and 30 posters. Accepted authors will be notified by May 16; accepted abstracts will be distributed to all conference attendees and posted on the conference website. Submit online. 

Contact Skip Rung at (541) 231-4883.

Coming Up

Community Leadership Seminar from CBC

MARCH 5, 12, 19; REGISTRATION ACCEPTED UNTIL CLASS IS FILLED. The Institute for Professional Development at Columbia Basin College presents a three-day leadership course featuring local community leaders and state representatives including Rep. Larry Haler, Rep. Maureen Walsh, and Sen. Jerome Delvin. Participants will observe leadership styles and learn how key leaders from organizations such as Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Tri-City Development Council, the United Way, and others use their leadership skills professionally and personally. Participants will have opportunities for networking and relationship-building with local leaders. The three-day seminar costs $175.75 and provides two CBC credit hours. Class sizes are limited. More information.

Register by contacting Donna Campbell at (509) 542-4806.

Getting lean

MARCH 11, RESERVE BY MARCH 5. The March 11 meeting of the American Society for Quality, Section 614, will address the benefits of the lean production system. Presenter Lois Quinn, an independent consultant with 18 years of process improvement experience, will provide tools participants can use to identify seven common time wasters and integrate lean management into their businesses. The meeting will be held at the Shilo Inn at 50 Comstock in Richland, Wash. The cost is $17 for ASQ members and $20 for non-members, which includes a buffet dinner and a networking/social hour beginning at 5:30 pm. Tickets to attend the presentation only are $5.

Make reservations by March 5 by contacting Steve Prevette at (509) 373-9371 with your name, phone number, member status, and type of reservation.

Financing for companies in transition

MARCH 18, REGISTER BY MARCH 14. The Three Rivers Entrepreneur Network presents its March seminar, "Alternative sources of financing for companies in transition: A non-traditional approach."  John Sumpter, Managing Director of Aequitas Capital Management, will describe how investment firms can provide a variety of funding sources to help companies that are growing or downsizing, seeking mergers or acquisitions, or undergoing other transitions. The seminar, which includes a continental breakfast, is March 18 from 7:15 to 8:30 am at the Community Center in Richland, Wash. More information. It's free, but register by March 14 by contacting Alice Ettesvold at (509) 375-2068.

Ethics from an ex-con

MARCH 19. DISCOUNTED REGISTRATION BY MARCH 12. The Tri-City Development Council, with presenting sponsor CH2M HILL, will hold the TRIDEC 44^th Annual Meeting at the Pasco Red Lion from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm on March 19. This year's guest speaker is Patrick Kuhse, a successful stockbroker, entrepreneur, and former international fugitive imprisoned for conspiracy, money laundering, and bribing a public official. Kuhse will draw upon his experiences after four years in prison to share his unique perspective about translating common critical thinking errors into personal and professional ethical challenges and dilemmas. The cost is $35 for TRIDEC members if paid and registered by March 12 and $45 for non-members and all registrations received after March 12 or paid at the door.

Contact Kristi Kesler at (509) 735-1000.

Summit for Oregon small businesses and start-up companies

MARCH 25-27. Small and start-up businesses can attend the Oregon Small Business and Innovative Research Summit, hosted by the Pacific Northwest Defense Coalition and the Portland State Business Accelerator. The three-day workshops are aimed at businesses seeking to capture funding through Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs. The courses will cover proposal writing and preparation, accounting and financial procedures, and will feature panel discussions. The SBIR courses will be taught by the Greenwood Consulting Group, a nationally recognized SBIR/STTR consultant. There are discounted registration fees for PNDC and PSBA members and two fee schedules for the general public; lunch is provided each day. Register online.

Contact Brice Barrett at (503) 312-3175.

Seminars for small businesses

The Columbia Basin College Institute for Professional Development offers the following workshops in March, from 6 to 9 pm. Fees range from $25 to $40 per class. Classes are held at 1620 North 20th Avenue in Pasco, or as noted below. To register, or to learn about these and other courses in the series, contact Donna Campbell at (509) 542-4806. More information.

• March 3 - Intro to QuickBooks Pro (CBC- 115)
• March 10 - QuickBooks Pro I (CBC- 115)
• March 11 - Starting Your Business (to be announced)
• March 12 - Intro to Payroll Basics (CBC- 115)
• March 17 - QuickBooks Pro II (CBC- 115)
• March 19 - Payroll Using QuickBooks I (CBC- 115)
• March 20 - Legalities of Owning or Buying a Business (Attorney Tim Coleman's office, 8836 Gage Blvd., Kennewick, Wash.)
• March 26 - Payroll Using QuickBooks II (CBC- 115)

Research District master plan

MARCH 7. Contracts to prepare a master plan for the Tri-Cities Research District will be signed in a ceremony on March 7 at 10 am in the Battelle Auditiorium in Richland, Wash. The master plan will outline buildings, facilities, amenities,  landscaping, and a marketing approach to attract more science and technology companies and jobs to the Tri-Cities. Representatives from Battelle, the Port of Benton, Solaris Group LLC, and the Portland, Ore. firm that will develop the master plan will sign the contracts and speak. Media and local business and community leaders are invited to attend.

Contact Gary Spanner at (509) 372-4296.

Mark Your Calendar

Valuation and portfolio strategies for angel investors

APRIL 14, REGISTRATION CLOSES MARCH 21. Valuation of pre-revenue companies is one of the most important issues in the angel investment process. Entrepreneurs, members of angel investing groups, and anyone interested in learning about establishing a pre-money valuation for seed and start-up companies are invited to attend a four-hour Valuation and Portfolio Strategies Workshop presented by the Washington Technology Center. The workshop will be facilitated by Bill Payne, Senior Program Consultant at the Kauffman Foundation and an active angel investor, board member, and advisor to entrepreneurs. The workshop is April 14 at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue, Wash., from 12:30 to 5:30 pm. The fee is $100, and registration ends March 21. More information. Download a registration form online. 

Contact Elaine Kong at (206) 616-1078.

2008 Washington State Technology Summit

APRIL 15. DISCOUNTED REGISTRATION UNTIL MARCH 14. "Innovation for the Next Washington" is the theme for the 2008 Washington State Technology Summit to be held April 15 from 7:30 am to 5 pm at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue, Wash. Technology leaders and innovators from around the state will discuss future opportunities in clean technology, renewable energy, global health, and advanced materials and manufacturing. Organizations sending speakers include the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Yahoo!, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Washington State University, and Energy Northwest. Registration is $190 until March 14 and $220 after. Register online.

Contact Michele Morgan at (206) 685-1920.

Tech industry investment forum

APRIL 24. Entrepreneurs can present and market their companies at the 2008 Washington Technology Industry Association Investment Forum and Technology Showcase on April 24 at the Bell Harbor International Conference Center in Seattle, Wash. This event brings together over 300 angel investors, venture capitalists, industry analysts, and media to see emerging technology businesses in the Northwest. It's free to apply and $500 ($750 for non-members) to present at this day-long industry showcase and investment forum. Apply by February 29. Up to twenty-six companies in clean tech, digital media, web services/software, and wireless will be selected to give a funding and/or sales pitch to industry experts who will provide feedback. In addition, in partnership with the Alliance of Angels, three early-stage and three growth-stage companies will be selected to present to angel investors. For these tracks, the deadline to apply for consideration is April 1, but companies are encouraged to apply by March 14. Apply online for the early-stage track. To apply for the growth track, email Rebecca Lovell or call (206) 389-7321. Registration fees vary by time of registration and member status. For more information, to apply to present to industry representatives, or to register, go online.

Contact Leah B. Van Zee at  or (206) 448-3033 Ext. 133.

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