Free tuition offerings continue to evolve in states across the US
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham became the latest governor to propose a plan for free tuition, with what has been called the “one of the most ambitious attempts to make higher education more accessible.” If approved, the plan would allow in-state students to attend any of the 29 state public colleges or universities, regardless of income. It is designed as a “last-dollar” program.
People in TBED
William "Sandy" White has been named president and CEO for the Columbus Technology Council.
Resource Updates on SSTI Website
During the past week, SSTI has made several additions to its website <http://www.ssti.org> that readers may want to note:
2003 SSTI Conference To Count Toward IEDC/CEcD Recertification
Certified economic development professionals have an extra reason to attend Building Tech-based Economies: From Policy to Practice, the nation's premier educational and networking experience for the TBED community. The 2003 SSTI Annual Conference will be recognized by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) as a professional development event that counts toward the recertification of Certified Economic Developers (CEcD).
Pass the Digest Along!
With more than 20 new governors and hundreds of newly elected state legislators, mayors and city council members across the country, many states and communities are seeing fresh faces in key positions that will influence the shape and direction of tech-based economic development policy, funding and program implementation. SSTI encourages its readership to get issues of the SSTI Weekly Digest in their hands to help bring your new partners into the larger tech-based ED community as soon as possible.
Ohio Creates $100M Tech Infrastructure Fund, Approves $50M for Capital Fund
With the passage of HB 675, the FY 03-04 Capitol Budget Bill, the Ohio Legislature approved funding for a $100 million Innovation Ohio Revolving Loan Fund and a second $50 million installment for the Wright Brothers Capital Fund. Both measures are key components of Ohio's $1.6 billion 10-year Third Frontier Project — the state's largest-ever commitment to expanding high tech research capabilities and promoting start-up companies to build high wage jobs.
Washington Tech Center Seeks Federal Program Development Manager
The Washington Technology Center (WTC), the state's science and technology organization that stimulates growth in the state, is seeking someone to become Federal Program Development Manager. WTC helps Washington companies develop commercially viable technology through statewide programs and services.
People
Patrick Jones, executive director of the Biotechnology Association of the Spokane Region, has been named executive director of Eastern Washington University's new Institute for Public Policy and Economic Analysis.
Northwest Technology Investor Network Established
A regional partnership of economic development organizations, led by the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), announced the launch of the Northwest Technology Investor Network last week. The network is an online forum that links investors and entrepreneurs in the high-tech sector.
116 Resources for Building Tech-based Economies
From angel capital to university technology commercialization, there are myriad facets to technology-based economic development (TBED). The key to success lies in a solid understanding of your respective element of the field — from grasping the policy issues to developing effective programs and practices to implementing sound evaluation techniques.
Washington Tech Center Seeks Manager, Statewide Programs
The Washington Technology Center (WTC), based in Seattle, WA, is searching for a person to fill the newly created position of Manager of Statewide Programs. This person will design and develop a statewide network of programs, services and connections to serve companies and entrepreneurs across Washington State.
People
WSA (formerly the Washington Software Alliance) announced that Kathy Wilcox will step down as the organization's president and CEO at the end of 2006. Wilcox intends to work with for-profit and nonprofit businesses as an advisor on operations, business development, board structuring and fundraising.
Transforming Regional Economies: A Peek at the Conference Agenda
SSTI's is very excited to be holding its 10th Annual Conference in Oklahoma City, Oct. 31-Nov. 2, 2006. The event has become the premier professional development experience for the tech-based economic development community, the only event to bring together representatives from every aspect of transforming state, regional and local economies through science, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Something for Every TBED-er in Final SSTI Conference Agenda
Sometimes quality takes longer to achieve than we'd like, but your patience paid off as SSTI has assembled one of our finest slates of sessions yet to anchor the 10th annual conference, Nov. 1-2, in Oklahoma City. Providing the core of the conference, the 24 sessions are structured to allow ample discussion time among participants, something we're told sets SSTI's conferences apart from the rest of the field.
Maximize Your Professional Development Dollars with Pre-conference Options
On Oct. 31, SSTI will offer four exciting options as pre-conference activities. Registration is separate from the full conference fee. Seating for each will be limited.
Turning Innovations into Enterprises: A Practitioner's Guide to Technology Commercialization
What to Expect at an SSTI Annual Conference
If you're new to SSTI's annual conferences, you're in for a treat when you join us in Oklahoma City, Nov. 1-2. Here's what you can expect:
Opening Night Reception to Showcase Generosity, Spirit of Our Oklahoma Sponsors
On the evening of Oct. 31, SSTI's conference participants will be treated to a fun-filled evening of dinner, drinks, art, culture and entertainment thanks to the overwhelming generosity of the conference's 22 local hosts.The event will be held at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, a stunning 100 percent non-publicly funded cultural art museum and research center.
SSTI Conference Brochure Available Online
SSTI is pleased to give regular Digest readers the first peek at a PDF version http://www.ssti.org/Conf06/brochure.pdf of the brochure for SSTI's 10th Annual Conference, Transforming Regional Economies, to be held in Oklahoma City on October 31- November 2, 2006.
Four Appointed to SSTI Board
SSTI is pleased to announce four new appointments to our board of trustees:
Job Corner: EMTEC Seeks Candidates for Three Positions
The Edison Materials Technology Center (EMTEC), a collaborative technology development organization based in Ohio, has position openings for a Small Business Development Center (SBDC) program lead center director/business counselor and two Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) program positions. The SBDC position is responsible for directing a nine-county SBDC program in the Dayton region.
What's Next for TBED?
While politicians across the nation are worrying about where their paycheck will come from in January, TBED programs are determining the best investments elected officials should make for transforming regional economies to be more competitive in a knowledge economy. Join SSTI in Oklahoma City Nov. 1-2 to learn about some of the most successful TBED strategies around the country and trends that should influence future directions.
Maximize Your Professional Development Dollars with Pre-conference Options
On Oct. 31, SSTI will offer four exciting options as pre-conference activities. Registration is separate from the full conference fee.
Transforming a Regional Economy: Moving Forward Together
SSTI Job Corner
For more information on the positions below, visit SSTI's online Job Corner at http://www.ssti.org/posting.htm.
Final Component of Ohio's Third Frontier to Be Placed On Nov. Ballot
Following defeat at the polls two years ago, Ohio's state legislature has agreed nearly unanimously to again have voters decide on whether or not the state can issue bonds in support of the final component of Gov. Bob Taft's tech-based economic development strategy -- Ohio's Third Frontier Initiative.
Publisher's Note: Stickley, Sheets Join SSTI
SSTI is proud to announce the addition of two new staff members to its team. Sheri Stickely will join SSTI on Aug. 15 as a Vice President. Sheri is leaving the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Technology (OCAST) to join SSTI. She has served most recently as Interim Executive Director and has been with OCAST since its inception in 1987.