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Review of MEP Underway

The National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) has begun a review of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) that will examine the program's mission and execution. MEP requested the independent analysis.

As part of the study, NAPA will consider whether there are barriers that prevent small firms from obtaining technical and business advice they need to improve innovation, productivity and competitiveness. NAPA will then identify business models for providing services.

The report is scheduled to be completed in February 2004. NIST is asking interested parties to comment on the study by going to http://www.napawash.org/pc_government_performance/ongoing_nist.html

TBED Comings and Goings

G. Michael Alder has been named executive director of the Biotechnology Association of Alabama.

Thomas Anderson is the new director of the Automation Alley Technology Center in Michigan.

Colorado Governor Bill Owens has appointed Tim Fritz as the director of the Office of Aerospace and Aeronautics.

Hempstead (New York) Mayor James Garner was elected to serve as the 61st president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors during its annual meeting this week.

TBED Comings and Goings

G. Michael Alder has been named executive director of the Biotechnology Association of Alabama.

TBED Comings and Goings

Thomas Anderson is the new director of the Automation Alley Technology Center in Michigan.

TBED Comings and Goings

Colorado Governor Bill Owens has appointed Tim Fritz as the director of the Office of Aerospace and Aeronautics.

TBED Comings and Goings

Hempstead (New York) Mayor James Garner was elected to serve as the 61st president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors during its annual meeting this week.

TBED Comings and Goings

The Arlington Technology Incubator (Texas) has selected Geoffrey Grant to serve as the new director beginning July 1.

TBED Comings and Goings

The Charleston Gazette reports Ron Hatfield, director of jobs development for the West Virginia University Institute of Technology's Technology Research and Development Corp., will also serve as the new executive director of the Upper Kanawha Economic Development Corp.

TBED Comings and Goings

Joseph James has announced his resignation as head of the Prince George's Economic Development Corporation (Maryland).

TBED Comings and Goings

The new executive director of the Virginia Piedmont Technology Council is Gail Milligan.

TBED Comings and Goings

Tucked in the fine print of Illinois' budget bills was language to merge seven financing agencies, according to the June 11 edition of The Bond Buyer. Among the agencies included in the merger are the Illinois Development Finance Authority, the Illinois Research Park Authority (inactive), the Illinois Community Development Authority and the Illinois Rural Bond Bank.

Iowa Legislature Passes $503M Values Fund

Package Isn't All Governor Expected; Veto Possible Changing mindsets within a state to embrace making significant public investments toward building an innovation economy can be a daunting task, particularly with the fiscal environment all state goverments are currently facing. With an aggressive series of town meetings and web forums, and strong vision and top-level leadership, Iowa succeeded to make its first big steps toward that goal with late-night votes by the State Legislature this week during a special session.