Copyright State Science & Technology Institute 2002. Information in this issue of the SSTI Weekly Digest was prepared under a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration. Redistribution to all others interested in tech-based economic development is strongly encouraged — please cite the State Science & Technology Institute whenever portions are reproduced or redirected. Any opinions expressed in the Digest do not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
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MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING OFFICIALLY ESTABLISHES USIP
The National Governors' Association (NGA) and the federal government signed an agreement officially establishing the United States Innovation Partnership (USIP) on June 25, 1997. The USIP brings together the Governors and the White House to improve the operation of the national science, engineering, and technology system.The purpose of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is to outline policies and procedures for a general working relationship between the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, the U.S. Department of Commerce, other Executive agencies as appropriate, and the NGA in support of the creation and maintenance of the USIP.
USIP includes 22 governors and the federal administration. The USIP's Executive Committee will consist of NGA's lead governors on technology, Connecticut Gov. John G. Rowland and Maryland Gov. Parris N. Glendening, as well as Commerce Secretary William M. Daley and Dr. John H. Gibbons, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
Gov. Rowland, in a written statement, said, "States are already investing in the technology sector of their economies. State and federal governments need to join forces to maximize this investment in science and technology. By working together, we can create a national innovation system to keep our companies and our citizens competitive in the global marketplace."
USIP's current activities include exploring better ways to move ideas with commercial potential from the laboratory to the marketplace, linking investments in the SBIR program with state economic development objectives, promoting electronic commerce, and removing barriers to the development and deployment of new technologies.
For more information on the U.S. Innovation Partnership, send e-mail to USIP@nga.org, or contact Tom Unruh at NGA, 202/624-7833.
SBA ANNOUNCES SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS
The Small Business Administration (SBA) held its annual Small Business Week celebration June 1-7. Small Business Week is designated each year to honor the nation's small businesses and to highlight their contributions to the national economy and their local communities.David Guiliani, president and CEO of Optiva Corporation in Washington state, was recognized as the National Small Business Person of the Year.
Optiva manufactures the Sonicare brand of sound wave-powered toothbrushes. The company started in 1988 as a technology transfer project for the University of Washington. With the help of a grant obtained through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program, the company has grown from 10 to 250 employees with over $50 million in sales in 1995. Optiva's "built in the USA" strategy also helped create more than 1,000 jobs for small- and medium-sized businesses in the Pacific Northwest.
The ceremony also included the first ever Lifetime Small Business Advocacy Award. SBA's Office of Advocacy presented the award to Milton Stewart. Stewart was the first presidentially appointed Chief Counsel for Advocacy at the SBA. He is currently President of the Small Business High Technology Institute of Phoenix.
The winner of the Entrepreneurial Success Award was Constance Macricostas, Chairman and CEO of Photronics Inc. of Brookfield, Connecticut. This honor is given to a former "small" business, by SBA size standards, that has grown into a large business with SBA assistance.
SBA recognized leading business owners from each state, plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam at the ceremonies in Washington. A complete listing of the SBA award winners is available on the SBA home page at www.sbaonline.sba.gov/sbaweek/
BACHULA NAMED ACTING UNDER SECRETARY FOR TECHNOLOGY
Gary Bachula has been named the Acting Under Secretary for Technology for the U.S. Department of Commerce. Since joining the department in 1993, Bachula served as the Deputy Under Secretary for Technology, reporting to Mary Good. In that position he has been a strong supporter of SSTI and the U.S. Innovation Partnership.
POSITION AVAILABLE
The Maine Science and Technology Foundation seeks a high energy President and CEO who will work with a diverse, gubernatorially appointed Board of Directors and provide leadership to the staff in the areas of strategic planning, policy development, program oversight, finance and administration, and public outreach. MSTF is a state chartered, industry-led not-for-profit organization that stimulates science and technology-driven economic growth in the state of Maine.The candidate will have experience and demonstrated achievements in the science and technology field and the ability to communicate the importance of science and technology to economic growth. A strong facilitator, the candidate will have the ability to communicate effectively and clearly with MSTF's stakeholders, including government, educators, the business community, a broad partner base, Board of Directors and staff. The candidate will have experience working with diverse constituents and value collaborative relationships, inside and outside the organization.
The President will work with a statewide steering committee of business, government, education, and research communities to develop and implement a science and technology action plan for Maine, set and measure benchmarks, and report the results to the Executive and Legislative branches of state government.
Salary is commensurate with experience. A Master's Degree or higher level of education is preferred. Interested candidates should submit letters of application describing their qualifications for the position, enclose a resume, three letters of recommendation and respond by July 10, 1997 to Search Committee, Maine Science and Technology Foundation, 87 Winthrop Street, Augusta ME 04330. MSTF is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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