Tri-Cities Tech Business Update

April 2008 Issue

News

Corporations flock to Stepframe to reward employees

A Richland firm's online tool that rewards employees for their accomplishments is becoming a hot commodity for Fortune 500 companies. Stepframe Interactive, Inc. recently won a $1.3-million contract with Safeco Insurance to provide a web-based employee reward and recognition tool. Stepframe is negotiating contracts for similar web portals for Starbucks Corp. and Expedia.com. Safeco's more than 7,500 employees nationwide will be able to specify the rewards they prefer, such as money or gifts, as well as honoring their colleagues. American Express, which is partnering with Stepframe on this project, sends employees Safeco-customized gift cards. Originally developed for T Mobile's 40,000 employees, the Stepframe web tool won a national human resources award in 2005 and has been proven to improve employee satisfaction and retention rates. Stepframe expects the Expedia.com program to be ready this year, with the Starbucks rollout in 2009 after the web interface is translated into 14 languages. Contact Chad Langford at (509) 943-9500 ext. 201.

Vista Engineering announces transaction with GTI

An acquisition will expand the services and equipment of Vista Engineering Technologies, LLC. The Kennewick, Wash. company is acquiring the Richland, Wash. operations of Global Technologies, Inc.Ten GTI employees with government clearances will join Vista Engineering as security escort professionals. As part of the acquisition, Vista Engineering also will administer GTI's environmental assessment contract with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife as well as acquiring equipment from GTI's Richland office, which will close. Vista Engineering Technologies offers engineering and other technical services to government and private-sector clients. The company will move into a new, 15,000-sq-ft building in the Spaulding Business Park this spring. GTI, headquartered in Idaho Falls, specializes in research, technical services, and quality assurance services in the environmental and energy sectors. Contact Phil Ohl at (509) 737-1377.

Companies team up to produce retirement planning software

A new product, a consumer-friendly retirement software program, benefitted from the multimedia expertise of PixelSoft Films of Kennewick, Wash. PixelSoft Films had provided computer programming since 2006 for the professional version of the retirement planning software for Cravens & Associates, a financial planning firm in Pasco, Wash. After the success of that product, Craven & Associates asked PixelSoft to create an entertaining, easy-to-use version for consumers. PixelSoft did the programming, videos, and website graphics for the new product, which sells for $29.95. The software features a "retirement analyzer," a customized year-by-year look at the future, based on an individual's current circumstances. A video guide helps users to find answers such as when they can safely retire and when they may run out of money. Contact Stephanie Hansen at (509) 783-7919.

Medical isotope firm opens doors at new location

Advanced Medical Isotope Corp. held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 26 at its new facility at 6208 W. Okanogan Ave., Kennewick, Wash. The 6,000-sq-ft facility will produce about six containers daily of medical isotopes, each having materials for about ten syringes. A $1.5-million linear accelerator initially will be used to make the isotope Fluorine-18, which, in combination with other substances, can help diagnose cancerous tumors and heart problems through imaging scans. Since its startup in 2006, the firm has raised $6 million in investment funding and expects to raise $25 million more through the public market, where it trades on Pink Sheets, the over-the-counter securities market. Contact James Katzaroff at or (509) 736-4000.

Kennewick architecture firm "designing" its future

In less than a year, a fledgling architect-engineering firm is making its mark with a specialized suite of services: architecture, engineering, interior design, and project management. In March, Arculus Design & Technical Services, Kennewick, Wash., landed a contract to design a 28-house subdivision in Kennewick for Habitat for Humanity. In separate ongoing projects, the company is providing design modifications for the Mid-Columbia Library System in Kennewick and for the Richland School District. The company, which targets commercial and municipal projects, hopes to hire more architects and engineers for anticipated new contracts. Contact Stan Jones at (509) 783-0123.

*Tri-Cities bioproducts and bioenergy gearing up

Recent events are lining up to position the Tri-Cities as one of the Northwest's top locations for bioproducts and bioenergy advancements. With funding for a "star researcher program" from the state of Washington, Washington State University Tri-Cities' Center for Bioproducts and Bioenergy has appointed a new director. Danish researcher Birgitte Ahring will lead the university's new center as the Battelle Distinguished Professor. In addition to her role at WSU, she'll continue as Chief Executive of BioGasol, a firm researching second-generation techniques for ethanol production. Much of the WSU Center's work will be conducted in the new, $24.8 million Bioproducts, Sciences, and Engineering Laboratory. A partnership with WSU and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, BSEL will open in May on the WSU Tri-Cities campus. There, researchers and students will find new ways to recycle byproducts and other waste into fuel and other beneficial products. In a separate development, PNNL is slated to receive approximately $1 million from the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to conduct biomass research. Also see "The future of biomass in Washington and Oregon," below under the section, "Opportunities."

Tri-Cities Research District

Master plan under way

In March, three owners of land in the Tri-Cities Research District signed contracts to have TVA Architects of Portland, Ore. design a master plan for developing 330 acres of the Research District. The agreements between TVA and the Port of Benton, Solaris Group, and Battelle Memorial Institute will provide a unified approach to Research District growth. The plan is expected to be completed in August.

Development updates

Our Dream Continued, LLC is building a 48,000-sq-ft building by the lake in the Stevens Center Business Park, at 2490 Garlick Blvd. The building will house the offices of several affiliated companies, including Garlick Enterprises, Inc. and Stevens Center Management, Inc. The building, expected to be completed in August 2008, will include space for other tenants and meeting areas for organizations.  

Construction began on three new buildings that comprise the 200-000-sq-ft Physical Sciences Facility on the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory campus. The Physical Sciences Facility, to be completed by 2011, will house scientific research important to national and homeland security as well as science agendas. Two other buildings on the PNNL campus will break ground in June and are expected to be completed in 2010. The 75,600-sq-ft Computational Sciences Facility will host information analytics capabilities, computer laboratories, and electronic and instrumentation labs. The 73,100-sq-ft Biological Sciences Facility will house biological and nuclear magnetic resonance laboratory space. 

The Willow Pointe Community, prime riverfront property in north Richland, has sold at least seven residential units to date, with more available. A total of 64 units are planned in the residential and commercial development.  

The Port of Benton has leased land to a private developer for two 25,000-sq.-ft. office buildings. The developer is seeking tenants. The Port of Benton also has leveled and opened 12 acres of property along the Columbia River waterfront for commercial development near Penford Food Ingredients Company and is seeking building developers.

Research District to receive Innovation Zone funding

Washington state will allocate $275,000 in capital grant funds for the Innovation Partnership Zone in north Richland, which coincides with the Tri-Cities Research District. The funding will be administered by the Port of Benton for capital projects in the District, such as sustainable development equipment and infrastructure. The Research District was designated as one of the state's 11 Innovation Partnership Zones last year, bringing together research, higher education, innovation, and economic development to strengthen the regional economy.

Opportunities and Tools

The future of biomass in Washington and Oregon

A new report says that the Northwest can have a sizeable biofuels industry if nontraditional feedstocks, such as municipal waste, and new conversion technologies are used. The analysis is part of a new report issued by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, "Biomass Resources Biofuels in Oregon and Washington: A Business Case Analysis of Opportunities and Challenges." The value of the Northwest's agricultural and forestry crops for traditional uses exceeds their potential value as a resource for biofuels, the report says. The authors make a case that the region can benefit most from developing unconventional biofuel approaches that are consistent with regional resources and economics. The report is available online. Contact Christy Lambert at (509) 375-3732.

Need an intern for your business?

Washington State University Tri-Cities is seeking business and nonprofit owners who need interns for specific projects. Undergraduate and graduate students in business, engineering, and science will be available for projects from May 5 through July 31, 2008. Example projects are developing marketing or business plans, databases, a website or e-commerce tools; providing market research or graphic design; and carrying out projects in bioengineering, engineering design and instrumentation, and data compilation for regulatory applications. Some projects require the business to pay a fee; others don't, depending on the nature of the project and the type of organization requesting the intern. WSU Business LINKS matches students to available openings. Business must submit applications by April 15. For an application or more information, go online. Contact Johan Curtiss at (509) 372-7351.

Resource for Washington tech industries

The Washington Technology Industry Association invites you to become a member. The largest state technology association in North America, the WTIA is a resource for technology businesses in Washington state to connect, find new customers and employees, receive discounted business services, and have their voice heard in state and national government. The WTIA offers a health plan, 401K plan, and discounts on computer hardware, human resources services, and more. For more information, go online. Find information about the Southeastern Washington chapter. Contact WTIA at (206) 448-3033 ext. 107.

Sustainable business network wants your opinion

The Mid-Columbia Sustainable Business Network has formed to help Mid-Columbia-area businesses and organizations incorporate socially responsible and environmentally sound practices into their operations. A public seminar in March highlighted the Industrial Footprint Project at Boise Inc.'s Wallula, Wash. plant. The April 24 meeting from noon to 1 pm at the Kennewick Library features xeriscaping (waterwise landscaping) for businesses. The network invites comments from local businesses and organizations about their interests in sustainability in the community. Fill out the questionnaire. More information is online. For more information, or to be added to the listserve, contact Jessica Geenen at (509) 378-1289.

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. Projects begin July 1. Proposal materials are online. Contact Russell Paez at (206) 616-3102.

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. 

Coming Up

2008 Washington State Technology Summit

APRIL 15. "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 $220. Register online. Contact Michele Morgan at (206) 685-1920.

Tech industry investment forum

APRIL 24. Entrepreneurs can 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. Registration fees vary by time of registration and member status. Register to attend. Contact Leah B. Van Zee at (206) 448-3033 Ext. 133.

Alternative Energy Expo and Electrathon

APRIL 25-26. Celebrate Earth Month at the annual Alternative Energy Expo and Electrathon sponsored by the Franklin PUD, Energy Northwest, and Columbia Basin College. This family-friendly community event will feature displays and hands-on activities designed to educate the public about solar, wind, and renewable technologies. Activities on Friday, April 25 will be held from 9:30 am to 4 pm and are targeted for local schools but open to the public. Saturday's events from 10 am to 4 pm will include an Electrathon America electric car endurance race, exhibits and speakers on alternative energy, and door prizes throughout the day. The fair is free and open to the public. More information. To reserve a display booth at the expo, contact Darroll Clark at (509) 546-5944. 

Seminars for small businesses

The Columbia Basin College Institute for Professional Development offers the following workshops in April, from 6 to 9 pm. Fees range from $25 to $55 per class. Classes are held at 1620 North 20^th Avenue in Pasco. To register, or to learn about these and other courses in the series, contact Donna Campbell at (509) 542-4806. More information.

April 9, 16, and 23 - QuickBooks Pro Series

April 17 and 21 - Keys to Effective Supervision

April 23 - Starting Your Business

April 24 - Employee Performance

April 30 - What is a Business Plan?

May 5 - Excel for Business

Growing your sales

APRIL 17. "Target your Audience and Your Sales Strategy to Create Sales Success" is the topic of a Food for Thought Brown Bag series for entrepreneurs on April 17. Marketing consultant Steven Lambert, Principal of Straightline Consulting, will speak on systematically generating new and repeat sales, targeting your sales initiatives, and five traits for successful sales. The free session is from noon to 1 pm at the Applied Process Engineering Laboratory, 350 Hills Street, Richland, Wash. Register in advance to streamline security sign-in. Contact Suzanne Mitchell at (509) 372-5146.

All about employee handbooks

APRIL 22, REGISTER BY APRIL 18. Sandra Muller, Cicotte Law Firm, LLC, presents "Employee Handbooks: The Basics and Beyond" on April 22. She'll discuss why employers need a handbook, what it should contain, and best practices for handbooks. This Three Rivers Entrepreneur Network event is from 7:30 to 8:30 am at the Richland Community Center, Richland, Wash. It's free and open to the public, but you must register by April 18. More. Register by contacting Vanessa Vance at (509) 783-6699.

Mark Your Calendar

Internet pioneer Vint Cerf speaks

MAY 9, REGISTER BY MAY 8. The Technology Alliance's 2008 State of Technology Luncheon: Information, Imagination & Ingenuity is May 9 at the Westin Seattle, featuring a keynote conversation with "Father of the Internet" and Turing Award winner Vint Cerf, Vice President and Chief Internet Evangelist at Google. More than 1,000 business, research, government, and community leaders come together at the luncheon each year to celebrate Washington's technology-based economy. Networking and registration begin at 11 am, and the luncheon program is 11:45 am to 1:30 pm. Sponsor packages with reserved seating are available; individual tickets are $85 with online registration by May 8. Find more information and register online. Contact Katy Tollefson at (206) 389-7261.

Early-Stage Investment Forum

MAY 9, INVESTORS REGISTER BY MAY 7.  The 8th annual Early-Stage Investment Forum, presented by the Northwest Entrepreneur Network, is May 9 at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center in Seattle. Selected early-stage companies will pitch to investors. The event is open only to presenters and investors. The deadline to submit business plans for presentation has passed, but accredited investors can register to attend until May 7. More information. Contact Peter Quinn at (425) 564-5700.

IT Day

MAY 14. Lockheed Martin's Information Technology Day is May 14 from 9 am to 5 pm at the Three Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick, Wash. This year's theme is "IT Day: 2008 Spotlight Tri-Cities." The event is free to exhibitors and attendees. Exhibitor space is limited; vendors can inquire by contacting Jennifer Tuttle. For more information, and to register beginning in early April, see the website. Contact an IT Day representative at 1-877-444-5674.  

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