SSTI Digest

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.



The Life Sciences Discovery Fund (LSDF) of Washington State is seeking leadership staff to help mold and direct this new organization from the ground up. The LSDF acts as a foundation, managing more than $35 million per year in grants to researchers and organizations across the state. The program is part of the governor's economic development strategy to promote life sciences research that will foster a preventative and predictive vision of the next generation of health-related innovations, enhance the competitive position of Washington, and improve the quality and delivery of health care. Current opportunities include a director of programs and a grants administrator.



The New Mexico Technology Research Collaborative (TRC), New Mexicos lead organization for developing and commercializing technology, creating new companies, and generating new jobs, is seeking someone to serve as its executive director. He or she will be responsible for the overall direction and management of the TRC programs, mission and goals including resource development, finances, contracts, and assets in accordance with the organizational mission and operational policies. Candidates should have a terminal degree in a scientific, medical, legal or business domain and 10 years of experience as a leader of technology research/commercialization programs/projects.

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

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.

Citing a reorganizing, the Delaware Economic Development Office fired 20 percent of its staff (10 positions) last Thursday. According to the Associated Press and local news sources, among those relieved of their duties were Janet Wurtzel, chief operating officer, and Rob Propes, entrepreneurial and small business support director.

July has been a tech-friendly month for Delaware Gov. Ruth Ann Minner. On July 14, the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) named her "BIO Governor of the Year," recognizing her contributions toward growing the state's biotechnology industry, one of the strongest concentrations in the country. Further attesting to her grasp of biotech issues, Gov. Minner also serves as a co-chair of the National Governors Association Biotechnology Partnership.

As promised in her 2004 State of the State Address, Gov. Ruth Ann Minner released a New Economy Initiative last week that includes several new elements to encourage economic growth in Delaware. The $34 million package is expected to generate at least $16 million more in federal and private match. Many of the elements of the plan were recommended by the governor's Strategic Economic Council.

Tech-based economic development remains high on the agendas of the most of the governors who gave State of the State or Budget Addresses this week. Selected excerpts are provided below:

Judy McKinney-Cherry is the new director of the Delaware Economic Development Office.

John Wik, director of Delaware's economic development office, is resigning in September to pursue interests in the private sector.

This week, the SSTI Weekly Digest continues its series on governors' State of the State addresses, highlighting those portions concerning programs, policies and issues immediately affecting the tech-based economic development community.