Chinese Provinces- U.S. States Business Cooperation Seminar & Inaugural Ceremony of Joint Working Group for Trade and Investment Cooperation Between Chinese Provinces and Washington State

Sponsored by: Daohe Global & Washington State Sichuan Province Chamber of Commerce          

WHEN: September 22, 2015, 1:30 PM to 6:00 PM

WHERE: Leonesa Ballroom, Grand Hyatt Seattle

                721 Pine Street, Seattle, Washington, USA, 98101

REGISTER HERE

PROMO CODE: SEATTLECHAMBER

Please join the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce and the People’s Republic of China’s Ministry of Commerce for an invite-only afternoon of networking and collaborating as officials and key decision makers in top companies discuss long-term cooperation and partnership opportunities between China and the United States.

Over 200 of China’s top governmental officials and business decision makers in agriculture, aerospace, ecommerce, investment, and technology, will be present at this private event.

The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber is excited to announce the event will begin with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Establishing Joint Working Group for Trade and Investment Cooperation between PRC Provinces and the State of Washington. Following the signing of the MOU, key decision makers in a multitude of industries will be sharing their experiences and ideas while promoting future business endeavors.

                                GUEST SPEAKERS INCLUDE:

·         Doug McMillion, Wal-Mart Stores Inc., President and CEO

·         Liu Shaoyong, China Eastern Air Holding Company, President

·         Pan Gang, Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group Company Limited, President

·         Ralph Haupter, Microsoft, Corporate Vice President and

Chief Executive Officer of Greater China Region

·         Reid Hoffman, LinkedIn, Executive Chairman and co-Founder

·         Zhou Xijian, Daohe Global Group Limited, Chairman 

                                               

                                                *Please note speakers are subject to change based on availability and schedule changes

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS AND ORGANIZERS

Dahoe Global; Washington State Sichuan Province Chamber of Commerce; Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), People’s Republic of China; United States Department of Commerce; Washington State; Trade Development Bureau of MOFCOM; Washington State Department of Commerce; Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce; China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products; China Chamber of Commerce of Foodstuffs and Native Produce

18 Washington State Tech Companies to 2015 Mobile World Congress

                    18 Washington state tech companies are bound for Barcelona, 2015 Mobile World Congress.

The Washington State Department of Commerce aims to increase awareness and sales in international markets for innovative technology businesses.

Demonstrating the state’s leadership in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector, the Washington State Department of Commerce is leading a delegation of 18 companies at GSMA Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, the world’s largest conference for the mobile tech industry. This is the fourth consecutive year Commerce has showcased new platform solutions and services in mobile apps, game design, productivity, security and location mapping developed by some of the state’s most creative and forward-thinking businesses.

“Washington is one of the nation’s vital hotbeds for established and new businesses that are pushing the envelope in digital media and mobile technology development,” said Brian Bonlender, state Commerce Director. “By putting our delegation on the international stage at Mobile World Congress, we are providing them with an opportunity to increase global awareness of their technologies and pave the way for future growth.”

The Washington State Department of Commerce Pavilion, themed “Choose Washington,” features a mix of established mobile technology businesses and startups for conference attendees to view demonstrations and learn more about their unique solutions. Pavilion exhibitors include: APImetrics,Apptentive, autograph, Black Pixel, Buddy Platform Inc., Codeproof, General UI, Glympse, Guppy Games|Media, IndoorAtlas, INRIX, Studio Pepwuper, PlayFab, Orca Wave, Sequitur Labs, Sirqul, and Syntonic, TouchBase, plus the non-profit organizations, One Redmond and Washington Interactive Network.

“As a startup, Mobile World Congress offers tremendous opportunity to introduce our technology to major global brands. We participated in the conference as part of the Washington State Department of Commerce delegation two years ago and found the experience to be extremely valuable as we were able to focus on our business goals instead of logistics. After participating last year on our own, we enthusiastically signed up for 2015, and we are already seeing the benefits from being a part of this great community,” said Bryan Trussel, co-founder and CEO of Glympse.

The Department of Commerce team organizes business matchmaking introductions for their exhibitor companies to meet with mobile carriers, hardware manufacturers, enterprise mobility strategists and marketers to negotiate licensing agreements and grow global awareness of their unique technologies and services. Though customer relationships often take years to develop, Washington State companies have already reported nearly $8 million in new sales as a result of their participation in this event over the last three years.

Many of these companies are smaller startups that wouldn’t be able to attend international trade shows of this caliber without the export vouchers provided by Commerce. Made possible through the Small Business Administration’s State Trade Export Promotion (STEP) program, these funds help offset the cost of attending major international trade events.

Washington State ICT Industry Snapshot:
• 14,000 companies with 176,600+ workers
• 90,000 software developers
• 300 game design companies
• $700 Million in 140 VC investments, another 260 startups financed by founders and angels
• $600B in market cap among the top 10 public ICT companies
• $2.6 Billion in mobile app development

Washington state has grown its presence each year as the world becomes more familiar with the region’s leadership in mobile technologies and role in shaping the future of information and communication technology, Bonlender said.

For more information on the Choose Washington Pavilion’s featured companies, download the free iPad app for iOS users at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/choose-wa/id954735761?mt=8. The app also provides handy quick reference information from GSMA about the show venues, hours, badge pick-up and more for all attendees.

The WA Dept. of Commerce's event press kit is available HERE.

Congratulations to the 2014 UW Business Plan Competition Sweet 16

On April 29, 36 student-led startups from colleges and universities across Washington state gathered at the University of Washington to compete in the Investment Round of the annual UW Business Plan Competition.

This years’ teams, selected from a pool of 92 applicants, demonstrated innovation and inspiration across sectors—solar energy, wearable technology, public health and safety, even sauerkraut! After four hours of pitching to 300+ judges—entrepreneurs, lawyers, investors, and other top professionals—the sixteen top-scoring teams were announced. These teams will move on to the next round of the 2014 BPC, and a chance to win the $25,000 Grand Prize! Stay tuned.

Top Teams:

ChooseVets.com (University of Washington – Tacoma)
Outsource your life and empower a veteran. ChooseVets is a web based, peer-to-peer market through which customers can hire local military veterans to complete common or specialized tasks, jobs or errands. ChooseVets will charge a brokerage fee for connecting its customers with its military veteran independent contractors. ChooseVets' contractors can perform a diverse range of personal services and labor, ranging from landscaping to remodeling houses. Through ChooseVets, businesses and individuals can not only find reliable, skilled people to get needed tasks accomplished, they can show their support for America’s veterans and help them reintegrate back into their local communities.

Aurora Plasmonics (University of Washington)
Aurora Plasmonics has developed a new, non-invasive theranostic agent that allows for a new blood declotting procedure with simultaneous imaging capabilities.

FastBar (University of Washington - Bothell)
FastBar increases bar revenue and improves the attendee experience with a cashless RFID payment system designed for pop-up events.

FDCARES (University of Washington)
FDCARES, LLC is an evidence-based training, safety and quality assurance company dedicated to transforming and improving fire department services for non-emergency patient care. FDCARES supplies fire departments with products and services that optimize their medical response system for non-emergency 911 callers and high-volume users of Emergency Medical Services and Emergency Department care. The results are better care, fewer costs, and safer communities.

Flu Finder (University of Washington)
Current flu diagnostic tests are unable to achieve effective early diagnosis for most flu-¬infected individuals. Flu Finder has created a flu test that is accurate, inexpensive, and can be administered by anyone, anywhere, with results in less than 20 minutes.

Innovii (University of Washington)
The Innovii Challenge is a competition where teams of 3 to 5 high school students are given a twenty dollar bill and ten days to create, develop, and execute a profitable micro-venture. 

IonoMetal Technologies (University of Washington)
With its revolutionary patented technology and demonstrated tool, Ionometals will not only make the earth a better place to live by reducing landfill of semiconductor waste, but also help save approximately $0.5MM for every semiconductor testing company.

Korvata (University of Washington)
Korvata Inc. creates cutting edge alternative chemistry products that enable companies to mitigate their environmental impact. Korvata, a Delaware Corporation, received the top award at the 2014 UW Environmental Innovation Challenge (EIC). Its patent-pending technology enables customers in the food & beverage and CPG industries to significantly reduce their carbon footprints.

Loopool (Bainbridge Graduate Institute)
Loopool is both a technology and a philosophy for the management of a sustainable textile and apparel supply chain ecosystem.  It is a process used to reclaim textile and apparel waste and convert it into high quality bio-based fiber for the creation of new textiles and apparel. Loopool is a holistic closed-loop garment recycling system and a business model representative of the new era circular economy.

Mobile Foam (Washington State University)
Mobile Foam provides companies with the necessary chemicals and portable molds to manufacture polyurethane blocks, allowing for organizations to bypass shipping costs of individual blocks by manufacturing their own building materials on the site of construction. This method will allow organizations to construct houses in a faster, more cost effective manner, allowing for increased housing production rates while creating long lasting quality homes.

NOVA Technologies (Western Washington University)
As the thirst for energy increases, the world’s superpowers are becoming dangerously covetous. In desperation to stave the inevitable, the most pristine natural wonders are sacrificed in the name of progress. Pipelines, mines, fracking sites, nuclear deposits, and coal dust risk the stability of a delicate environment; yet we continue. Imagine if the entire surface area of a skyscraper could function as a solar system. Thousands of square feet of solar windows, entire buildings, entire cities generating localized power. NOVA Technologies is proud to present the very first fully transparent photovoltaic solar window: the NOVA Solar Window.

OlyKraut (Bainbridge Graduate Institute)
OlyKraut combines local produce, the magic of fermentation, and delicious original recipes to create sauerkraut that's more than a condiment--it's a health tonic, a kick in the tastebuds, and an investment in the local food system.

OpsMagic (University of Washington)
OpsMagic combines off-the-shelf cameras and advanced computer vision to automate observational studies, empowering businesses to tune operations to consumer demand.  By building software intelligence and analytics on top of everyday video infrastructure, we solve the pain of a person using a stopwatch and some paper to measure business processes.  Instead, we enable businesses to quickly understand customer demand, rapidly iterate on continuous improvements, and immediately see cause and effect.  OpsMagic solves a major hassle in business operations measurement by tapping into new source of big data in video.

Projected Talent (University of Washington)
Projected Talent is revolutionizing the way that businesses hire student interns. It's online platform allows businesses to "audition" multiple candidates on short-term projects, avoiding the commitment of a long-term hire until they find the right fit. It also provides students with the opportunity to gain experience in a variety of fields by working on projects for a number of different companies.

Spectral DNA (University of Washington)
Spectral DNA's goal is to deliver a conformable solar fabric that can be fully integrated into a multi-use model for ubiquitous power generation. We aim to micro-design these 3D conformable fabrics into clothing, and other needed uses and applications for ubiquitous power. This can be used as a mobile power generation house without connecting to wires.

Trestle (University of Washington)
Trestle is the answer to the question "what would it look like if Nest built a router?" - our passion is simplifying the complicated process of setting up a wireless router and increasing network speeds by up to 10x, and our goal is delighting our customers with the most user friendly technological experience they've ever had. Trestle is hassle-free software to set up, secure and optimize your wireless network so easy that even your grandma can do it.

Alternates:
vHab (University of Washington)
vHab is a rehabilitation technology platform that allows clinicians to follow a stroke patient's recovery throughout the entire course of their treatment and adds a gamified patient environment that will improve recovery outcomes. Designed to be mobile and integrative, vHab aims to use advances in motion capture, electromyography, and virtual reality to engage the patient in a dynamic, gamified therapy environment while recording precision metrics and seamlessly reporting to their clinician.

Legato (University of Washington)
Legato is a convenient mobile application that provides an interactive speech therapy solution for children.

Want to know more?
•    Follow the progress of the 2014 BPC on Twitter: #UWBPC2014
•    Join in for the Final Round on Thursday, May 22, 1-4:30pm in Dempsey Hall. 

WA Names Tech Sector Leads

Department of Commerce Director Brian Bonlender recently named Maura Little  and Will Saunders  to the sector lead team in the Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness.  All told, the three target industries they will focus on represent more than $35 billion in payroll for residents of Washington State: Information and Communication Technology and Life Sciences.

“Our sector-based economic development strategy is a reflection of the fact that we face intense international and interstate competition for good jobs. We have to be constantly vigilant about identifying opportunities and strategies for cultivating employers in Washington,” said Bonlender.  “We can’t rely on luck for the next Boeing, Microsoft or Amazon to develop here.”

Little joined the Department of Commerce as the Life Sciences and Global Health sector lead. She has deep background in the life sciences field, including liaison work for then-Congressman Jay Inslee with industry leaders and helping to draft and pass related legislation. After that, Little was Washington State Director of Government Relations for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network working on healthcare and other life-science issues at a state level.

Saunders brings more than a decade of experience in the information and communications technology field to his position of sector lead for the industry.  Most recently, Saunders has been the director of the Washington State Broadband Office since 2010 and has worked with app developers, educators, public and private providers and economic development agencies across the state.
Sector-based economic development heads the list of Commerce’s five core strategies for job creation, Bonlender said.

Little and Saunders join Kristine Reeves (Military and Defense), Alex Pietsch (Aerospace) and Steve Sewell (Maritime) to represent the State of Washington in their respective industry sectors.  They are tasked with identifying and pursuing new economic development strategies that keep Washington State in the forefront of these key industries, and advance the Governor’s goal of targeted company recruitment, retention and expansion.
 
The Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness supports the Governor’s Working Washington Jobs Agenda, which recognizes that these sectors are critical to our future prosperity --  if these industries are doing well, our economy will be doing well.

Small Business Tech Grants Open

Innovate Washington the statewide public-private partnership that is the catalyst for economic growth in Washington’s innovation economy, has launched its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant-writing program.

Innovate Washington connects innovators and researchers across the State with the entrepreneurial and financial capital needed to produce world-class companies and high-value jobs that will form the backbone of our region’s future economy.

Under the program Innovate Washington provides grant-writing support for qualified Washington-based small technology businesses interested in applying for SBIR/STTR Phase I federal R&D funding.  The program’s primary goals include enlisting first-time SBIR/STTR participants as well as those in rural and economically disadvantaged areas, minority and women-owned businesses and to increase their chances of submitting a successful proposal.

“This is an excellent opportunity for small technology businesses across Washington to increase their chances of receiving funding from these federal programs,” said Bart Phillips VP of Economic Development for Innovate Washington.  “As these businesses grow, Innovate Washington and its partners can provide additional business consulting services to help accelerate their growth.”

The program is made possible by a $55,000 grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration under its Federal State and Technology (FAST) program. Interested technology businesses are strongly encouraged to first view the Innovate Washington SBIR/STTR introductory web presentation in order to gain a clear understanding of the program and eligibility requirements. All grants must be awarded on or before March 31, 2013.  Candidates are encouraged to contact Jim Sampson, Senior Program Manager, Special Projects for Innovate Washington for more details on how to apply.

“The SBIR/STTR program is but one example of how Innovate Washington is expanding market opportunities for the citizens of Washington,” said Phillips.  “Initiatives in advanced energy, aviation biofuels and the smart and efficient building technology sectors are just a few of the areas where Innovate Washington is creating value.”

Contact: Innovate Washington, Jim Sampson, 509.358.2006.

Win $ for High Tech Small Business

WA Innovation Summit 2012

(Click on image for a larger view)

 

Opening for Director, Accelerator Services

Vacancy Announcement:  DIRECTOR, ACCELERATOR SERVICES
OVERVIEW

The Innovate Washington Foundation (IWF) is a nonprofit economic development organization committed to increasing the economic impact of innovation and technology throughout the state of Washington, in all industries and economic sectors.

IWF focuses on designing and implementing programs that directly impact Washington and Pacific Northwest companies, research institutions and entrepreneurs through our mission of making Washington the best place to develop innovative ideas and launch innovative companies.

The Director, Accelerator Services supports the IWF mission by leading the system of services and programs focused on start-up and high growth technology company acceleration, product commercialization and entrepreneur support. In support of these areas, the Director will design and execute strategies that ensure statewide access to IWF Accelerator Services, including business consultants, executive entrepreneurs, grant programs, targeted loan funds and access to investment capital.  The Director will manage ongoing evaluation of current services, and identify new services that could be developed to maximize IWFs impact on Washington’s innovation economy. This position is accountable for measuring and reporting the results of the Accelerator Services Group (ASG) in terms of balanced return on investment.

It is expected that the Director will have deep experience with leading self-managed and consultative teams in the technology sector.  The incumbent will have private sector experience including providing assistance in product development, market assessment, segmentation and planning, business and strategic planning, financial modeling, capitalization, sales management and organizational development.  In addition, Accelerator Services projects will include technology and intellectual property assessment, assistance in preparing client companies for public, private or institutional financing including government grants and introductory access to equity funding sources and loan funds.  Experience in energy, clean technology, aerospace, or health science sectors is a plus.

This position serves on the IWF management team and provides the leadership and entrepreneurial experience needed to help meet IWF’s mission and vision.

This position reports to the Vice President of Economic Development.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the Accelerator Services Group (ASG) to deliver a full complement of effective services to start-up and high-growth clients.

• Define and continuously improve ASG services to meet IWF’s state-wide mission and effectively leverage public investments in technology focused economic development.

• Recruit, develop and lead ASG staff. Establish and maintain processes for open communication, group collaboration, and apply coaching principles to foster an environment of creativity, teamwork, and accountability.

• Develop and implement systems to track and manage ASG client-defined milestones in support of delivering on client support contracts and within a project based “scope, schedule and budget” framework.

• Oversee development and coordination of the ASG client intake/review process to evaluate the commercialization potential of client applicants and their proposals.  Negotiate agreements with clients for ASG services.

• Stay engaged with IWF clients’ long-term business performance to measure outcomes and return on investment attributed to IWF services as well as to identify opportunities to provide additional assistance through ASG services if requested by the client.

• Facilitate, and develop relationships within the existing state-wide network of professional service providers, investment community, and economic development organizations to assist clients secure relevant assistance not provided through IWF.

• Advance the IWF mission through community outreach, active collaboration, and engagement with external constituents and partners statewide.

• Develop recruitment strategies for, and integration of, Executive Entrepreneurs. Manage Executive Entrepreneurs’ contracts and associated performance- based deliverables.

• Other duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Discernment/Judgment

Makes decisions authoritatively and wisely, after adequately contemplating various available courses of action.

Drive for Results

Demonstrates concern for achieving or surpassing results against an internal or external standard of excellence. Shows a passion for improving the delivery of services with a commitment to continuous improvement.

Initiative

Does more than is required or expected in the job; does things that no one has requested that will improve or enhance products and services, avoid problems, or develop entrepreneurial opportunities. Plans ahead for upcoming problems or opportunities and takes appropriate action.

Innovation

Applies original thinking in approach to job responsibilities and to improve processes, methods, systems, or services.

Organizational Understanding

Understands agendas and perspectives of others, recognizing and effectively balancing the interests and needs of one's own group with those of the broader organization.

Coaching

Works to improve and reinforce performance of others. Facilitates their skill development by providing clear, behaviorally specific performance feedback, and making or eliciting specific suggestions for improvement in a manner that builds confidence and maintains self-esteem.

Collaborative Leadership

Promotes and generates cooperation among one's peers in leadership to achieve a collective outcome; fosters the development of a common vision and fully participates in creating a unified leadership team that get results.

Influence

Asserts own ideas and persuades others, gaining support and commitment from others; mobilizes people to take action, using creative approaches to motivate others to meet organization goals.

Team Leadership

Willingly cooperates and works collaboratively toward solutions that generally benefit all involved parties; works cooperatively with others to accomplish organization objectives. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director, Accelerator Services manages a geographically distributed staff, as well as various independent contractors and interns.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education credentials demonstrated by the equivalent of a master’s degree in business, science or engineering or a combination of degrees in these fields.
• A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience managing complex projects within, or as a consultant to, technology-based businesses.
• At least five (3) years of experience in a start-up or high growth enterprise.
• At least five (5) years of supervisory leadership experience.

Required Skills / Experience:

• Demonstrated technical skills with a strong combination of innovation, commercialization, engineering, new product development, business administration and entrepreneurship skills.

• Demonstrated success leading in a team environment and facilitating effective communication across a broad base of stakeholders.

• Demonstrated team building and management skills.

• Demonstrated experience with developing and implementing business, strategic, financial, marketing and communications plans.

• Strong computer literacy, including: competency with Microsoft Office applications in a Windows environment; competency with the Internet as a business tool; prior experience with customer relationship management systems and software.

• Demonstrated ability to work in an environment where confidentiality is required.

• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills. 

• Demonstrated excellent public speaking ability.

Preferred Qualification and Attributes:

• Previous profit and Loss accountability in a high growth technology-based business.

• Experience with technology assessment, market and business development, contract negotiation processes and techniques, and commercialization processes.

• Entrepreneurial experience is highly desirable, specifically that related to building successful technology based businesses intent upon bringing new products to the market place.  Lessons learned from unsuccessful entrepreneurial endeavors are also a plus. 

• Demonstrated ability to energetically and effectively execute a volume of varying tasks under deadlines.

• Demonstrated knowledge of the patent process, including experience working with legal experts for patenting and licensing of technology, and the practices surrounding the protection of all forms of intellectual property.

• Experience with at least two stages of technology company equity financing; experience with debt financing. 

• Experience as a participant in the development of successful grant proposals to include subsequent grant execution, performance, and reporting.

• Significant leadership and management experience including supervision of individuals and teams in dynamic organizational environments.    Experience managing and coaching high performing teams; experience with Agile is very desirable.

• Expertise in the development and maintenance of effective multi-organization partnerships.

• Outstanding customer service attitude, commitment, personality and approach.

• Keen ability to both hold “the big picture” and simultaneously ensure the execution of the many details involved in a high-growth company environment.

Equivalent education / experience may substitute for all required qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license / certification / registration.

How to Apply

The position is open until filled. The first review of compiled applications will take place 03/19/12.  Application materials should identify skills and experience as they relate to the duties and responsibilities of the position, and to the stated required and desirable qualifications. 

Applicants should send a cover letter, current resume, and the names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses of three professional references to:

Innovate Washington Foundation
Accelerator Services Vacancy Announcement
Attention:  Diane Wick
PO Box 1495
Spokane, WA  99210-1495

Or email:  spok.hr.info@wsu.edu

Learn More about Innovate Washington Foundation at:  www.innovatewashington.org

The Innovate Washington Foundation is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer with a policy of equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam.

WA Leader in Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Washington’s commitment to investing in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) jobs has placed it among the top states in the country when it comes to entrepreneurship and innovation.

                   According to a new study from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and National Chamber Foundation (NCF), the Enterprising States study highlights how state and local policies—including those in Washington—play a vital role in spurring job creation and economic development.

“By embracing many of the strategies at the core of our free enterprise system—competitive tax rates, open trade, and commonsense regulation—states are helping to jumpstart our economic recovery and create more jobs,” wrote Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber, in a letter to Governor Chris Gregoire. “Many of the new ideas, new companies, and new jobs will come from local initiatives that allow the free market to do what it does best.”

The Enterprising States study was released as part of a U.S. Chamber event where a group of bipartisan governors from around the country discussed the role of the free enterprise system in job creation. Through this study, the Chamber is highlighting bipartisan state and local policies—including those in Washington—that have proven to help create jobs and that will be key to our economic recovery. The study is part of the U.S. Chamber’s American Free Enterprise. Dream Big. campaign, a comprehensive nationwide effort to create 20 million jobs in the next 10 years.

Specifically, the study highlights how Washington is playing a pivotal role in fostering the conditions for job growth through the Education Legacy Trust Fund program, being a global leader in aerospace research and development, and a strong focus on rail and container port initiatives to drive exports.

“This study provides an in-depth look at the vast and complex network of economies we call the 50 states and territories,” said Margaret Spellings, executive vice president of NCF and former secretary of the Department of Education. “By highlighting lessons learned we hope to create a roadmap to economic resilience and an ongoing dialogue that makes every state’s jobs picture stronger.”

The Enterprising States study highlights six factors that drive job creation: Innovation, productivity through investments in workforce development and training, science and technology, infrastructure, exporting, and competitive tax rates. The study found that states are much more active than the federal government on the job creation and economic development front. For example, the study found that high tax rates do not lead to either healthy economies or budgets.

Similarly, the study looks at how states have implemented initiatives for streamlining red tape to help businesses sort through the many layers of government regulation and have incentivized private-sector investors primarily with tax credits. It also highlights that targeted investments in infrastructure projects at the state-level can create growth‐friendly environments in communities. Science- and technology-based economic development and clean tech initiatives are proliferating amongst virtually all of the states. There is widespread support for doubling exports and there are also states that have made significant headway using strategies for foreign direct investment (FDI). Finally, cultivating people through workforce development will drive economic growth at the state-level, the study shows.

WA Broadband Summit

Industry, community and government leaders will meet for an informative and interactive one-day event to explore broadband access and adoption in Washington State.
Interactive afternoon sessions will allow broadband stakeholders to discuss important issues, and vote on the preferred strategy and policy directions that Washington State should take on critical broadband-related initiatives. Make sure your voice is heard in the broadband arena!

Just announced! Featured speakers and panelists confirmed to date include:

~ Mr. Marc Berejka, Senior Policy Advisor, Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of Commerce
~ Mr. Erik Garr, General Manager, National Broadband Plan, Federal Communications Commission
~ Mr. Mario Villanueva, State Director, Rural Development, US Dept. of Agriculture
~ Mr. Dan Reed, Corporate Vice President, Technology Policy and Strategy, head of eXtreme Computing Group (ECG), Microsoft
~ Mr. Ari Steinberg, Engineering Manager, Facebook
~ Mr. Jeff Goltz, Chair, Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission
~ Mr. Edward Wright, Wireless Data Solutions Engineer, Verizon Wireless
~ Mr. Mark Anderson, CEO, Strategic News Service

View the complete event agenda online!  Register soon, as seating is limited!

DATE/TIME: Tuesday, June 15 - 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
PLACE:  Microsoft Conference Center, Redmond
REGISTRATION: 7:30 – 8:00 a.m. (continental breakfast provided)
RECEPTION: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
COST: Only $40, which includes lunch
Register Now! 

New! Follow Washington Broadband (WABroadband) on Twitter for the latest updates!

Questions? Email Alisha Reitan.

Washington's Innovation Summit 2010

Hope you enjoyed the first time in Tacoma Washington Innovation Summit last Friday.

Here's a link to numerous photos of speakers, panelists, exhibitors - and only one crowd shot for the luncheon address.

Our thanks to the Washington Technology Center and the many hosts and sponsors that brought this special event to our community.

Washington's Innovation Summit 2010

I look forward to seeing you tomorrow!

There are 272 pre-registered attendees.

Please note the following speaker changes made after our program book went to press:

• Added to the morning Welcome: Congressman Jay Inslee, U.S. House of Representatives, State of Washington, First District
• New moderator for the morning Aerospace session: Bill McSherry, Director of Economic Development, Puget Sound Regional Council; Special Advisor to Governor Gregoire
• Additional speaker added to the morning Defense session: Jayne Shelton, President, Isotron
• Speaker replacement in the morning Defense session: Irvine Alpert replaced by Tina Gonsalves, Sr. Director Creative and Brand Strategy, Onvia

An updated agenda and speaker biographies can be found here.

Comments Open on 2nd WAve of Broadband Applications

Washington’s Department of Information Services informs us the state’s 2nd wave broadband stimulus review process begins today.

You have an opportunity to submit written comments about an application submitted by a Washington company or organization for federal funding under the National Telecommunications & Information Administration’s (NTIA) Broadband Technology and Opportunities Program (BTOP).

Here is the link to NTIA’s Database of BTOP Applications:

The Deadline is 5:00 pm on Thursday, April 8, 2010.

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT COMMENTS SUBMITTED PRIOR TO OR AFTER THE TIME PERIOD ALLOTTED WILL NOT BE INCLUDED IN WASHINGTON’S STATE BROADBAND REVIEW PROCESS.

Comments are limited to the scope of the questions below. Any comments that exceed the scope of the questions will be redacted and disregarded.  The questions are:

1. If overbuild is an issue, then the commenting party should provide information on the adequacy of service to that area. Please describe in detail the services provided today, or any future plans to provide service, including but not limited to the location, speed, and price of such service and the community anchor institutions currently served or not served.
2. With respect to the adequacy of the application, please provide a detailed explanation about how the application meets or does not meet the requirements of the 2nd wave broadband stimulus NOFA.

You are limited to 5 pages, on 8x11 paper, double-spaced; not including the cover page. Any additional pages will be removed from the review process.

The cover page should provide the following information:

• Name of Commenter
• Name of application you are commenting upon
• Date of your submission
• Contact person, email and phone number for any questions

Group Filings

Parties that decide to file as a group may file comments up to 10 pages, on 8x11 paper, double-spaced; not including the cover page. Please note that an individual commenting party may not also participate in a group filing. In that eventuality, the individual commenting party’s filing will be disregarded.

When comments are accepted, written responses must be either mailed with return/receipt or submitted by hand delivery to the attention of Angela Wu, Broadband Policy and Programs Manager at Department of Information Services, 1110 Jefferson St., SE, PO Box 42445, Olympia, Washington, 98504-2445. The office is closed by 5:00 p.m.

If you have questions about this Notice, please contact Angela Wu or 360-902-2983.

Pierce County Gets One of 13

Gov. Chris Gregoire and the Washington State Department of Commerce announced the recipients of more than $16.5 million in grants and loans from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for energy efficiency, clean technology, transportation and bioenergy programs throughout the state.

The 13 private and public projects were selected based on their energy savings, jobs created or retained and matching funds – and support projects across the state, including:

LeMay Enterprises
Applicant: Dan Schooler – 253-537-8687
Category: Transportation
Project: Natural gas refuse truck deployment
Award: $931,422 ($700,000 loan / $231,422 grant)
(Pierce County) LeMay will purchase new diesel waste collection trucks and convert them to compressed natural gas, and install a compressed natural gas refueling station for their fleet. Funding will help cover the incremental cost of truck conversions and help with part of the refueling station cost. Project will enable LeMay to take first step in their strategy of converting most of their 100-truck fleet to compressed natural gas. Project could save about 1 million gallons of petroleum diesel over the lifetime of 10 trucks, while achieving significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Supports 35 jobs during the conversion phase and retain 18 permanent jobs.

To see a full list of Washington projects receiving funding visit here.

Washington's Innovation Summit 2010

Full Agenda Now Available for first Washington Summit in Tacoma - AND a brace of discount options for Tacoma registrants:

Washington's Innovation Summit 2010

Register now and take advantage of early-bird, hotel and travel discounts for the Washington Innovation Summit 2010 in Tacoma.  

Through March 5, take advantage of the early-bird registration rate of $190, a savings of $40. And don't forget to take advantage of Tacoma hotel, travel and merchant special offers (page 5).