Several SSTI members met yesterday with Sen. Moran (R-KS), his staff, and staff for Sens. Coons (D-DE) and Rubio (R-FL) to express support for the creation of a fund to commercialize university-developed technology, and also encouraged the bill's sponsors to broaden eligibility for funding to include public and nonprofit organizations working with institutions of higher education to commercialize technology. SSTI as part of its efforts in DC will be working on this issue over the coming months.

It's easy to recognize a great thing when you see it. Over the years, judges of the SSTI Excellence in TBED awards program have seen promising tech-based economic development initiatives worthy of showing off to the community. If your organization is working toward improving economic conditions through a creative approach, we want to hear about it. This is a great opportunity to capture national recognition and secure support for your program. Judges also look for strategic partnerships and a well-defined action plan.

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. Writing samples from past award winners are available to gain a better understanding of what the judges are looking for in the narrative.

Do you like to plan ahead? Do you have some funds left over you need to spend this fiscal year? Why not register early for SSTI's 16th Annual Conference in Atlanta, Oct. 29-30? Every year, our conference offers engaging conversations and expert opinions from the world of technology-based economic development. Visit our site for more information about this year's conference, including our opening reception at the Georgia Aquarium on Oct. 28. Read more at ssticonference.org... Interested in becoming a sponsor of this year's conference? Many sponsorship opportunities are still available!

Each year, a group of talented and dedicated practitioners from across the country converge to learn from one another, share successes and challenges, and participate in a national dialogue on improving innovation and competitiveness. This year's theme, The Power of Re- Defining, Imagining and Energizing Regional Economies, echoes the need for bold, innovation-centered ideas and TBED organizations are leading the charge.

Instant Access to Best Practices from 20 Leading TBED Practitioners Over the last four years, SSTI has interviewed many of the nation's experts who are heading up programs recognized for applying innovative approaches to generate substantial economic gains for their region. Each of the 20 podcasts succinctly describe critical components involved in elevating these programs to a level of national recognition and offer advice that is applicable across several sectors of economic development policy and practice.

E. William (Bill) Colglazier, recently retired executive officer of the National Academy of Sciences and the National Research Council, has been selected the Science and Technology Advisor to Secretary of State Hilary Clinton.

Maine Governor Paul LePage named Phillip Congdon as the new commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development. Cogndon is a licensed professional engineer who spent more than 20 years with Texas Instruments in Dallas. He replaces Acting Commissioner Thaxter Trafton.

Fifteen years ago this week, the SSTI Weekly Digest launched with two pages faxed to a distribution list of 56. We faxed it on Fridays because, at the time, Sprint offered free faxing on Fridays. When we started the Digest, one of our board members expressed concern about not having enough material to produce a weekly newsletter; as it turned out, that's never been a problem. As technology has changed, so has the Digest, and we're always looking for the best ways to communicate and get out the news.

National recognition for your organization's achievements is priceless. Past recipients of SSTI's Excellence in TBED Award tell us the recognition has helped to generate positive publicity, raise funds, and attract the attention of key stakeholders and legislators. SSTI's 2011 awards program kicks off May 17 with an open call for applications.

Bob Crowley, president of the Massachusetts Technology Development Corp., will step down June 30. Crowley has held the position since 2002 and has been with the quasi-public agency since its beginning in 1978.

Mitch Adams, executive director of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative is resigning after leading the agency for nearly a decade.

Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy named ING executive Catherine Smith to lead the Department of Economic and Community Development.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo nominated Julie Shimer, the president and CEO of Welch Allyn, a medical diagnostics equipment manufacturer, to chair the Empire State Development Corp. She would join Kenneth Adams, ESCD's president, at the agency.

Much like Travelocity's Roaming Gnome, SSTI's Excellence in TBED vase is known to get around. Recently, it was spotted on the campus of the University of Maryland, posing with Kermit the Frog and UM grad Jim Henson, at the Maine State House in Augusta, proudly on display in the offices of JumpStart in Northeast Ohio, and posing with the staff of the Washington Technology Center. Where will it turn up next? Follow us on facebook to find out! http://www.facebook.com/ssti.org. The 2011 awards kick off May 17.

Ohio Gov. John Kasich named James Leftwich as the director of the Ohio Department of Development, effective March 25. Leftwich has worked at the Dayton Development Coalition for six years, including three years as president and CEO. Leftwich will take the post previously held by Mark Kvamme, a California venture capitalist named the state's development director in January. Kvamme was appointed director of Job Creation within the governor's office, effective immediately.

SSTI is introducing a new category in our awards program to recognize the Most Promising TBED Initiative. Through strategic partnerships, leveraged resources, and diversified funding, these initiatives have "all the pieces of the puzzle," they just haven't been around long enough to demonstrate the impact SSTI generally seeks in an Excellence in TBED award winner. Proposals submitted in this category should address a specific need in a community geared toward improving overall economic conditions.

The Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development is looking for an executive director who is an ambitious, successful professional that will provide leadership in Kentucky's efforts to develop a knowledge-based economy. The executive director will work in partnership with all levels of government, academia, and the private sector to help create a supportive high-technology environment.