SSTI Digest

Joining a growing number of states investing in clean energy to promote economic growth and remain competitive, Delaware Gov. Jack Markell signed into law four renewable energy bills that he says will create new jobs by fostering the expansion of renewable energy industries such as wind and solar. Expanding the state's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) and updating the Green Energy Fund to address a backlog in recipients waiting for grant dollars are among the new laws in the Clean Energy Jobs Package detailed below. SS 1 for SB 119 extends and expands Delaware's RPS so that 25 percent of the state's electricity must come from renewable sources by 2025, up from the current target of 20 percent by 2019. The bill also includes solar energy targets and provides incentives for local labor and manufacture of solar energy targets.

Adding to a growing number of states seeking to increase their percentage of power from renewable sources, Gov. Jack Markell last week introduced the Delaware Clean Energy Jobs Act.  A key component of the legislation is increasing the state's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), which governors often say generates job growth.

The overarching goal of the Delaware bill is to create a competitive climate for the clean energy market, which is addressed under four main goals, including:

The third installment of SSTI’s Tech Talkin’ Govs’ series includes excerpts from speeches delivered in Delaware, Maine, Missouri, New Hampshire, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah and Wisconsin. The first and second installments are available in the Jan 13 Digest and Jan. 20 Digest, respectively.

Delaware Gov. Jack Markell, State of the State Address, Jan. 21, 2010 “We have a proud legacy of technology innovation that we will build on. Together, we will create a Delaware where entrepreneurs and inventors imagine the new products and services that make life better, more productive and more enjoyable for millions, and workers make good livings delivering these wonders to the world.

Gov. Jim Douglas plans to merge the Vermont Departments of Economic Development and Housing and Community Affairs.

Eleven gubernatorial elections were held across the U.S. on Tuesday, resulting in the selection of three new governors - with TBED initiatives spread throughout their campaigns' messages.

Only one of the races resulted in a change of party affiliation in the top state position, Missouri, where Democrat Jay Nixon defeated Republican Congressman Kenny Hulshof after current-Governor Matt Blunt declared he would not seek another term. Democrats now hold twenty-nine governorships, expanding on their significant gains in 2006. Governors retaining their seats include John Hoeven (R-ND), Christine Gregoire (D-WA), Brian Schweitzer (D-MT), Jon Huntsman (R-UT), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Mitch Daniels (R-IN), John Lynch (D-NH), and Jim Douglas (R-VT).

Delaware Economic Development Office announced Ken Anderson as its new director of entrepreneurial and small business development.

Delaware Gov. Ruth Minner, State of the State Address, Jan. 18, 2007 "Over the coming year, our Economic Development Office will market a new initiative to promote the Technology-Based Seed Fund, the Emerging Technology Center, and the New Intellectual Property Program—all part of my New Economy Initiative. These programs fit together as a one-stop service for those wishing to start a business. "We can provide entrepreneurs with ideas for business by offering a patent for new products, we can help fund new start-ups through the Technology-Based Seed Funds; and we can help get new businesses off the ground by providing resources and guidance through the Emerging Technology Center." Idaho Gov. Butch Otter, State of the State/Budget Address, Jan. 8, 2007

The Delaware Emerging Technology Center (ETC) is seeking an individual to be the center's inaugural executive director. The ETC is a public-private partnership focused on providing services and working to tailor programs to the unique needs of technology businesses and entrepreneurs in the state. Compensation is commensurate with experience and includes an attractive incentive package. A full description of this opportunity and others is available through the SSTI Job Corner at http://www.ssti.org/posting.htm.

Complete descriptions of the position openings described below are available at http://www.ssti.org/posting.htm. The Delaware Economic Development Office (DEDO) is seeking someone to serve as its capital resource director. The incumbent will provide financial incentives and tools to assist businesses in creating, expanding or retaining employees, among other responsibilities. Toward that effort, the director will work with various other financial sources, external partners and resource centers to provide more opportunities to all clusters, entrepreneurs and various individuals. He or she should have a bachelor's degree, with 3-5 years in specific industry experience. A Master in Business Administration degree is preferred.

Bob Dayton was named president of the Delaware BioScience Association.

The first two installments of SSTI's annual look at how TBED will play in the 2006 legislative priorities of the governors can be found in the Digest archives on our website: http://www.ssti.org/Digest/digest.htm

Delaware Gov. Ruth Ann Minner, Budget Proposal, Jan. 26, 2005 "My budget also includes $632,400 to fund 10 additional math specialists. We put 22 math specialists in middle schools last year, and while I had hoped to add more than 10 this year, we simply cannot do that and maintain our modest budget growth...

Gov. Ruth Minner launched over the summer the final component of her New Economy Initiative to provide a network of support and services to technology-based start-up companies.

The Emerging Technology Center will partner with private firms, regional organizations and universities to identify gaps in available services and provide access to technology development resources and laboratory facilities for product development, according to the governor's press office. The mission of the center is to seek individuals who have the capacity and desire to become tech-based entrepreneurs. Primarily, the state is interested in identifying those who have recently retired from technology-based corporations, individuals separated from their jobs due to business changes, new residents, professors, and graduate students.