Past judges of the Excellence in TBED award program have told us they want to read a clear, concise and compelling story about how tech-based initiatives are improving local, state and regional economies. To assist applicants in their quest for the trophy, SSTI has provided several resources for writing an outstanding proposal. First, we recommend downloading the brochure, which explains the program philosophy and provides complete instructions.

SSTI conference attendees are invited to enjoy the Ecotrust Natural Capital Center's Rooftop Terrace and take in the stunning Pearl District skyline. The Opening Reception is being hosted by Business Oregon on Sunday, Sept. 15 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM PT. The history of Ecotrust is a story of innovation, adaptation and evolution. Led by Spencer Beebe, the organization's mission has evolved into an ambitious one: to lead an American economic revolution by deploying new business models that build economic, social and environmental wellbeing.

Around the country, practitioners have gotten creative in their efforts to solve problems seen as barriers to economic growth. In Arizona, BioAccel has developed an innovative approach to funding and serves as a promising model for organizations dedicated to technology driven economic development by working with universities, medical centers and entrepreneurs to translate late stage discovery research into commercial products.

For as little as $2,000, you can highlight your organization, support SSTI -- and receive a registration to this year's conference in Portland, OR, Sept. 15-17! The more support we receive the larger the impact of the conference. Over the last few years SSTI has been able to introduce automatic polling, discussion groups, dine-arounds and numerous other opportunities because of the generous support of our sponsors.

To learn how you can join SSTI and gain full access to all SSTI's information resources, including the SSTI Member Listserv, webinars and the Weekly Funding Supplement which provides our members with with application information, eligibility criteria and submission deadlines for hundreds of funding opportunities offered by the federal government and others click here or contact Noelle Sheets at sheets@s

Don't miss this opportunity to impress the entire country with the work you're doing to improve local, state and regional economies through tech-based investments. To apply, send us a five page narrative describing your efforts to: Commercialize and Expand Research Capacity; Increase Access to Capital; Build a Culture of Entrepreneurship; and Improve the Competitiveness of Existing Industries. We will also recognize a promising initiative that has demonstrated innovativeness, creativity and a well-defined action plan.

SSTI Online Events: Every Third Thursday at 3:00 PM ET

SSTI is honored to welcome advertising legend Dan Wieden, co-founder+global executive director of Wieden+Kennedy and the man behind the "Just Do It" slogan as the keynote speaker for SSTI's 2013 Annual Conference being held in Portland, OR, September 15-17.

Dan Wieden grew up in Portland, graduated from the University of Oregon and worked briefly in public relations before trying his hand at copywriting. In retrospect, it wasn't such a bad career move.

SSTI Online Events: Every Third Thursday at 3:00 PM ET

Major research universities are an invaluable asset in building thriving high-tech regions, but institutions of all sizes can play a key role in local innovation economies. Our July webinar will feature two successful regional networks connecting smaller colleges and universities to maximize their contribution to the high-tech economy. These networks are promoting inter-institutional collaboration, while also providing entrepreneurs with easy access to research services and commercializable technologies.

Check out SSTI's new website for our 17th Annual Conference in Portland, OR, September 15-17! Get details about the conference, including the preliminary schedule, and register at our discount rate. Since our first conference in 1996, SSTI's annual conference has grown to become the nation's largest gathering of those working to encourage economic growth through science, technology and innovation.

At the upcoming SSTI Annual Conference in Atlanta, SSTI staff will present on the role foundations have played in support of Venture Development Organizations (VDOs), accelerators, and other regional economic development organizations. Through research and interviews with various foundations, SSTI staff have identified nearly 200 examples of foundation grants to organizations that support a regional innovation system.

At SSTI's 16th Annual Conference, you will have the opportunity to explore comprehensive, flexible programs and innovative, "lean" models to support and cultivate faculty entrepreneurs. Join National Science Foundation's Rathindra "Babu" DasGupta, the University of North Carolina's Judith Cone and Marnie LaVigne from the University at Buffalo as they discuss what universities need to do to create a class of Faculty CEOs. Learn more about this session...

Online registration for SSTI's 16th Annual Conference in Atlanta ends Friday, October 26, at 5:00 PM EDT. But even if you miss the deadline, you can still attend by registering on-site. On-site registration will open at 8:00 AM on Monday, October 29, in the Grand Foyer of the Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center. Let your colleagues in the Southeast know they can still join us in Atlanta! See our registration page for fee details...

Yes, it could happen. SSTI's 17th Annual Conference in 2013will be the first conference since NASVF members became SSTI members expanding SSTI to include more than 350 organizational members nationally. It is our hope that this conference inspires more collaboration, creativity and economic success around the nation. Your organization could host SSTI's 17th Annual Conference during the fall of 2013. The nation's greatest thinkers and practitioners for building tech-based economies could descend on YOUR city to build momentum for and place a spotlight on the work you are doing.

SSTI would like to visit your city and bring 350 of our closest friends! Bids for the 2013 conference are due January 14. To request a conference information packet and discuss this exciting opportunity contact Noelle at sheets@ssti.org or 614-901-1690.

Capture national attention. Tell us your story, win an award, attend SSTI's Annual Conference for free, and share on a national platform all of your enviable accomplishments. Those are the simple steps that make up SSTI's 2013 Excellence in TBED awards program. Now in its seventh year, the awards are dedicated to recognizing and showcasing innovative approaches and impressive outcomes from tech-based groups working to improve their state or region's competitiveness. We'll begin accepting applications on April 16 with applications due June 11.