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SSTI Digest
People
Pennsylvania Governor Mark Schweiker has been named President and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. The Governor will assume his new position on Feb. 1.
2003 S&T Calendar Filling Up
Although only a few events remain for 2002, SSTI's web calendar of S&T items has brief descriptions and contact links for more than 120 regional or national conferences, meetings and workshops planned for 2003.
SSTI's calendar ranges from venture capital forums to workshops on how to secure federal technology funding for programs such as the Small Business Innovation Research program. Annual meetings for many associations involved with tech-based economic development also are included. The calendar is available at http://www.ssti.org/calendar.htm.
Suggestions for additional events for inclusion should be directed to ssti@ssti.org. Please note: events should be intended for a regional, national or international audience.
Ugly Fiscal Crisis for States Getting Uglier
The need for the creation of high-wage jobs through tech-based economic development continues to grow at a time when many states are finding it increasingly difficult to make the necessary investments to be true players in a knowledge-based economy.
At a time when most states begin preparing budgets for fiscal year 2004, further cuts are required to balance the current year's budgets in nearly half the states. Comparisons to the Great Depression of the 1930s have slipped into some of the discussion of just how severe the crisis is for most states.
North Dakota Governor's Budget to Focus on 'Smart Growth'
To build the state’s economy and create opportunity, North Dakota Governor John Hoeven is launching Smart Growth, a host of programs linking education, job creation and career development to build the state’s economy and communities. The Governor announced his plan with release of the 2003-2005 executive budget.
Smart Growth includes funding for these initiatives:
Useful Stats: Defining High Tech Employment
What constitutes high tech employment? Through aggressive marketing of its annual reports, the AEA, formerly known as the American Electronic Association, has captured most of the media's attention around the country. While a very good report, AEA's Cyberstates only reports employment in its member industries, which represents just one-third of the nation's industrial R&D. The result is, when many people think of high tech, they only think of information and communication technologies (ICT).
New Strategy Outlines Future for Arizona Bioscience
A new biotech report funded by a private foundation finds Arizona possesses many of the essential elements needed to become a national leader in the biosciences. Now, all the state needs is at least 10 years and a $1.4 billion public-private investment, according to the report Platform for Progress: Arizona's Bioscience Roadmap.
The Flinn Foundation is counting on the encouraging findings of its report, the detailed roadmap therein, and the momentum of the planning process to help energize the entire state to make the necessary effort. The planning process was overseen by a 25-member committee of state, business, university and economic development leaders.
Hawaii's HTDC Launches New Tech Portal
Earlier this week, the High Technology Development Corporation (HTDC) launched HiTechHawaii.com, the state's newest and most comprehensive high technology web portal. A collaboration with the Hawaii Technology Trade Association, the site provides a single point of access to information about Hawaii's technology industry, including business and technology resources, job listings, events and news articles.
HTDC will be responsible for monitoring and keeping HiTechHawaii.com up-to-date. Among other features, the portal provides helpful information on doing business in Hawaii, tax incentives, funding opportunities, and meetings and conventions resources. The site also has valuable search capabilities, including a direct search and link to HTDC's Technology Business Directory and TechJobs Hawaii.
OTDC Seeks President and Chief Executive Officer
The Oklahoma Technology Development Corporation (OTDC), a private, not-for-profit corporation dedicated to the creation and expansion of high-technology businesses in Oklahoma, is seeking a President and Chief Executive Officer. OTDC operates the Oklahoma Technology Commercialization Center, a state-funded initiative of the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology designed to stimulate and encourage technology-based business growth and assist with the processes of technology commercialization and early stage business development.
People
Howard Bell is the new executive director of Wayne State University's Research and Technology Park. One of the state's SmartZones, the park was recently named the permanent site for Michigan's $50 Million NextEnergy Center.
Laurence Gebhardt has been selected to serve as the first director of Idaho's TechConnect East.
Chuck Henderson has announced he will retire as president of the University of Nebraska's 130-acre Technology Park next June.
Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack announced that the Director of the Iowa Department of Economic Development, C.J. Niles, will be stepping down effective December 31. Mary Lawyer, the department's chief of staff, will serve as interim director.
People
Howard Bell is the new executive director of Wayne State University's Research and Technology Park. One of the state's SmartZones, the park was recently named the permanent site for Michigan's $50 Million NextEnergy Center.
People
Laurence Gebhardt has been selected to serve as the first director of Idaho's TechConnect East.