Tri-Cities Tech Business Update

September 2013 Issue

Tech News and Notes

Governor Inslee Small Modular Reactor Letter of Support Backs Tri-Cities

Governor Inslee

"I am writing in support of the U.S. Department of Energy's (USDOE) initiative to facilitate the development of small modular reactors in the United States, and to promote a domestic small modular reactor (SMR) industry that will advance carbon-free energy and avoid the financial burden imposed by large nuclear reactor plant construction. The Tri-Cities community in Eastern Washington is an ideal partner for the USDOE in this initiative. As you know, the Tri-Cities is home to USDOE's Hanford Site - formerly a key component of our nation's defense weapons complex, and today host to the nation's largest stockpile of nuclear waste. ...The proposed SMR project provides an opportunity for the region's workforce to transition to an industry with comparable workforce skills to those required in Hanford cleanup, and it would support family-wage jobs." Read more...

Washington State: Where Else?

Washington State epitomizes and embraces diversity, and is the subject of a new video put together by Choose Washington State. In the video world-class companies explain why they choose Washington as a place to do business, including its pioneer spirit, diversity, connectivity, passion and can-do culture. It features PNNL and the Tri-Cities Research District, and emphasizes the astonishing natural beauty and diverse landscapes, a rich rural interior that feeds the world and harvests the wind, world-class universities and research institutions, and an entrepreneurial spirit. View the video...

Dade Moeller: New Strategic Hire; Strategic Appointment; Service Award

Dade Moeller recently announced that Darrell Fisher has joined the firm as a principal medical dosimetrist to support the company's expansion into radiation medical physics. Also in the news, Matt Moeller was appointed to the Illinois Institute of Technology Health Physics Academic advisory board, and the Institute of Nuclear Materials Management recognized Glenda K. Ackerman with the Edway R. Johnson Meritorious Service Award, which recognizes accomplishments in the nuclear materials management profession. Read more...

Seeking Capital? Why Not Try a 'Direct Public Offering'

Finding capital to start a new company can be frustrating and tough. In order to make their goals, a few entrepreneurs have turned to a "Direct Public Offering" (DPO). In a typical initial public offering (IPO), a Wall Street underwriter markets shares to wealthy clients and institutional investors, taking a cut of the proceeds. In a direct offering, shares are marketed directly by the issuing company, typically to customers, supporters and, these days, social media followers. The process requires a lot of time and effort to deal with the hundreds of potential investors but costs considerably less since the middle man is cut out. Companies like Ben & Jerry's and Annie's Homegrown have used this method successfully to raise funds when they first started out. Read more...

Tech Opportunities and Resources

Make a Corporate Connection

Would you like to make a connection with a leading company in your field? Tech startups are invited to apply to be considered for a match with an established corporation. The new service, called Corporate Connections, is offered by UP Global in partnership with NYSE Euronext and has nearly 30 leading corporations such as Verizon Wireless, Intuit, Garmin, and Coca Cola eager to connect with innovative startups. Corporations may be seeking new technologies, strategic partners, acquisition targets, or joint ventures - and may be interested in mentoring or advising promising startups. Corporate Connections identifies the best potential matches among the applicants and makes the initial introduction. There is no cost, and startups can apply at any time. Read more...

Tri-Cities Business Certificate Program

The Tri-Cities Business Certificate Program is being offered by the UW Foster School of Business. It's a six-session program that provides business owners and professionals the opportunity to study proven business fundamentals and learn how to best apply them to growing companies. Each class features award-winning faculty from the UW Foster School of Business. Topics include Leading a Highly Effective Organization, Marketing and Branding for Business Success, Developing a Sales-Oriented Company, and others. Classes will be held from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Columbia Basin College in Pasco beginning September 9 and running through October 14. Cost is $200. Register at http://bit.ly/TriCities13

Host an Open House for National Manufacturing Day

In recognition of National Manufacturing Day, October 4, manufacturers, educational institutions, and others are encouraged to host events that will highlight the importance of manufacturing to the nation's economy and draw attention to the many rewarding high-skill jobs in manufacturing fields. Impact Washington is looking for manufacturers around the state to host "open house" events that highlight what their company is doing and what is happening right here in Washington. Contact Linda Adams at (425) 438-1146 x107 to find out how to be a host company for National Manufacturing Day. Read more...

Tech Dates and Deadlines

Life Science Discovery Fund Proof of Concept Grant

September 4. The Life Sciences Discovery Fund is accepting applications from Washington state organizations for its Proof of Concept grant. Proof of Concept Grants provide up to $250,000 in total costs to enhance the commercial viability of health-related technologies or concepts developed by non-profit organizations or enhance the competitiveness of early-stage companies for private equity investment. Pre-proposals are required. Read more...

Geekwire Summit

September 12. The GeekWire Summit explores the topics that shape Geekwire's daily coverage of the technology world, and identifies the trends that promise to change the world in the years ahead. The lineup this year includes Silicon Valley venture capitalist (and early Twitter investor) Bill Gurley, Microsoft Halo leaders Bonnie Ross, Zillow co-founder Rich Barton and many others. It's also a chance to hear directly from tech's top newsmakers. Read more...

Understanding Government Contracting

September 17. The state and federal governments purchase millions of dollars' worth of products and services from small businesses each year. Workshop attendees will gain useful tools that will assist them in better understanding complicated government solicitations. The session is free and will be held at the Tri-Cities Visitor & Convention Bureau from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. Read more...

Grow Your Business with Email and Social Media Marketing

September 18. Learn great tips and hints, and discover best practices as you explore marketing your business with email and social media. Permission-based email marketing and engaging with your existing customers first is key. This information-packed seminar will demonstrate how email marketing can really help drive business success. Breakout sessions will encourage constructive thinking on marketing messaging, goals, crafting great content, and more. The event is sponsored by the West Richland Chamber of Commerce and will be held at the Sandberg Event Center in West Richland, Wash. from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. Cost is $15. Lunch will be served. Read more...

Startup Weekend Tri-Cities Registration Open

September 20 - 22. Startup Weekend is an opportunity for entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas; it's a 54-hour event where developers, designers, marketers, investors, product managers, and startup enthusiasts come together to share ideas, form teams, build products and launch startups. Startup Weekend Tri-Cities September 20 - 22 will give entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs the opportunity to find out if their startup ideas are viable. Registration cost is $75, includes seven meals, and is now open. Read more...

Meet the Buyer: Doing Business with Washington State Department of Transportation

September 24. Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) purchases millions of dollars' worth of products and services from area businesses each year. Attendees will learn more about how to sell to WSDOT and be better prepared to take part in this government marketplace. Read more...

Smartmap Expo

September 25 & 26. This year's Smartmap Expo, The Magic of Manufacturing, focuses on growing your manufacturing business through innovation and inspiration. It will feature the latest technologies, products, and services, with opportunities for networking with industry professionals. On display at the Smartmap Expo will be final projects of Girls Learning About Manufacturing (GLAM), which is an educational program introducing female high school students to the exciting world of manufacturing. Read more...

Start Smart Workshop

October 7. The three-hour practical and interactive workshop will help attendees learn how to save time and money by planning now for business success. Participants develop an action plan and also receive a step-by-step workbook. The workshop is sponsord by WSU Tri-Cities and begins at 6:00 p.m. at TRIDEC. Class size is limited. Cost is $25 per person and includes a step-by-step workbook. Read more...

Government Contracting Workshop - Walla Walla

October 9. What does it take to become a successful government contractor? Learn about the services and continuous support that the Washington Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) has available to help your company with the contracting process. Read more...

Life Science Discovery Fund Mentor Program Grant

October 4. The Life Sciences Discovery Fund (LSDF) is accepting applications from Washington state organizations for its Entrepreneur Mentoring Program. The Entrepreneur Mentoring Program Grant will support an initiative to mentor entrepreneurs within Washington state companies attempting to commercialize products and services that improve human health and health care. LSDF expects to make one award for up to $300,000 in total costs for two years. Read more...

Future Workforce Needs in Clean Energy

October 17. The Tri-Cities Research District is sponsoring a joint event with Columbia Basin College to educate the public, legislators, and higher education institutions about regional energy efforts and new technologies to assist utilities in meeting the climate initiative milestones in 2015 and 2019. Speaker topics will include Mid-Columbia Energy Initiative, WSU Tri-Cities Bio Chem Cat project, HAMMER, PNNL smart grid, and other energy-related work. In addition, Barbara Hins-Turner will provide an overview of Pacific Northwest Center of Excellence for Clean Energy. This event will provide the opportunity for discussion between higher education and industry to understand gaps in current curriculum/degree programs and those needed for future regional growth; as well as provide time for visiting educational displays, networking, and open discussion with legislators. For more information contact Diahann Howard at dhoward@portofbenton.com or Clayton Gibson at mailto:cgibson@columbiabasin.edu

Global Entrepreneurship Week Presentation

November 19. During one week each November, thousands of activities around the world inspire millions to engage in entrepreneurial action while connecting them to potential mentors, collaborators, and investors. This year, PNNL is teaming with the Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (TCHCC) to host entrepreneur Richard Tait, founder of the board game Cranium, at a TCHCC luncheon. Save the date! Details to follow.

PNNL This Month

Plug Power Awarded $650,000 DOE Contract

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded Plug Power a $650,000 contract to demonstrate the use of hydrogen-based fuel cells to power the refrigeration units in semi-trailer trucks that transport perishable and frozen foods. ... Researchers at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory - a contractor that manages government programs for the DOE - will oversee the program. Read more...

Facial Scanning Is Making Gains in Surveillance

The Homeland Security Department hired the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to test the BOSS system at an arena in Kennewick, Wash. The plan, according to a "privacy impact assessment," was to use 30 volunteers whose facial data would be mingled in a database among 1,000 mug shots to see whether the system could reliably recognize when any of the volunteers were present. Read more...

Could Electric Cars Threaten the Grid?

Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have calculated that the grid has enough excess capacity to support over 150 million battery-powered cars, or about 75 percent of the cars, pickups, and SUVs on the road in the United States. But there's a catch. While power plants and transmission lines have excess capacity, things can get tight when it comes to distributing power to individual neighborhoods. Read more...

Four PNNL Staff Selected for State Academy Membership

Steven Ashby, Ted Bowyer, Allison Campbell and Ruby Leung selected for membership in the Washington State Academy of Sciences.

Four scientists at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have been selected to join the Washington State Academy of Sciences. Steven Ashby, Ted Bowyer, Allison Campbell, and Ruby Leung will join other scientists and engineers from across the state being recognized for outstanding scientific achievement and leadership. Academy members provide expert scientific and engineering analysis to inform public policy-making, and work to increase the role and visibility of science in Washington state. 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