5.0 INDIVIDUALS, BUSINESSES RECEIVE MANUFACTURING AWARDS
UW News Service Aug. 26, 2004 -- Ten Wyoming manufacturers and individuals were recognized Wednesday in Casper at the sixth annual Manufacturing Awards Celebration. They were honored for demonstrating excellence and ongoing improvement in manufacturing and business management, or for their outstanding support of the manufacturing industry.
Ceremonies were sponsored by MAMTC-Wyoming (Mid-America Manufacturing Technology Center) in partnership with the Wyoming Business Council and the University of Wyoming, along with the Wyoming Manufacturers' Association.
Receiving individual and business awards were Byan Systems, Inc., Lusk, MAMTC Leading Edge Award; Y-Tex Corporation, Cody, Legacy of the Year Award; Chris Manegold, Casper Area Economic Development Alliance, Inc. executive director, Friend of Manufacturing-Public Sector Award; The Casper Star Tribune, Friend of Manufacturing-Private Sector Award; CE & MT, Inc., Gillette, Friend of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Award; and Custom Fiberglass, Inc., Casper, Environmental Stewardship/Pollution Prevention Award.
The Manufacturing Entrepreneur of the Year Awards were presented to Creative Mulch, LLC, Lyman; D & D Machine and Welding, Thermopolis; CC Technology/Delta Nu, Laramie; and Waxberry, Inc., Cheyenne.
MAMTC, a statewide manufacturing assistance program, is headquartered at the University of Wyoming with branch offices located in Casper, Cheyenne, Gillette, Powell, Riverton and Rock Springs.
MAMTC's field engineers are manufacturing technical and environmental experts who provide hands-on consulting services in the areas of quality, process, business systems, marketing, information systems, product development and testing, strategic planning and assessment and value-added agriculture. MAMTC, which has helped manufacturers in 22 of Wyoming's 23 counties since 1995, receives support from the Wyoming Business Council and UW.
Gov. Dave Freudenthal, the awards ceremony featured speaker, said he was pleased to be part of the celebration of manufacturing in Wyoming.
"It's safe to say that manufacturing will play an incredibly important role in Wyoming's future as we keep an eye toward diversifying our economy," he said.
"Strengthening our manufacturing sector creates valuable goods and important jobs, as well as brings businesses with senses of commitment to their communities and state. The state of Wyoming can work with the manufacturing industry to create an environment that allows opportunities for the industry to prosper."
MAMTC State Director Larry Stewart cited the importance of partnerships in developing local businesses.
"This is the sixth year for this event and it's exciting to see our partners and the manufacturers come together to support this growing industry," he said. "As MAMTC works to help businesses throughout Wyoming improve business performance and profitability, we are fortunate to have such strong partners."
For more information about MAMTC, call Stewart at UW, (307) 766-4812.
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6.0 AVOIDING INVENTION PROMOTION SCAMS
Dawn Rohan, Patent and Trademark Depository Librarian, Wyoming State Library
You've probably seen the late-night commercials. They promise help for inventors, including a free market analysis. This free market report - usually too vague to be useful - is often the hook to get you to sign up for a scam.
Too often I hear from SBDC counselors with clients who have been conned. Not only does the inventor lose a lot of money (the average is $20,000) but the company's activities may prevent the inventor from obtaining a patent in the future - assuming the idea qualified for a patent in the first place.
These companies often start by charging exorbitant fees for a patent search that nearly always returns positive results for the inventor. But anyone can perform a free patent search at any of the 84 Patent and Trademark Depository Libraries (PTDLs) located throughout the country, including Wyoming. Librarians will even train you on the proper method of patent searching. I often make appointments with searchers to guide them through patent searches.
Do not believe a firm that guarantees you will receive a patent or that your idea will make money. No one can guarantee a patent, and the vast majority of inventors earn nothing.
Another common trick is the "Global Patent." There is no such thing as a global or international patent. Patents are only enforceable in the country where they were issued. There is a Patent Cooperation Treaty application that simplifies filing applications in member countries, but this is not a global patent.
Be aware of when this company starts promoting your idea. There are serious consequences related to the timing of your patent application. If you intend to file a patent in another country, you cannot describe the invention in a printed publication nor have it in public use or on sale before applying for the patent. The United States is the only country that allows a one-year grace period from public disclosure and the date of application for a patent. However, the USPTO strictly enforces this one-year rule.
Often the inventor discovers the invention promotion company did not file for a patent but for a "Document Disclosure," which is not a patent. The company may have been publicizing the invention for months when the inventor discovers the scam. They now have a limited time to apply for a U.S. patent and no chance at a patent outside the U.S. If they do not discover the scam until after a year has passed, their chance at a U.S. patent is lost as well.
Legitimate invention promotion companies exist. The trick is avoiding the majority of companies that are scams. The PTDL cannot tell you if a particular invention promotion company is legitimate. However, I can point you to resources that will help you make that determination.
The first place to seek information is the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office website. As a result of the American Inventors Protection Act of 1999, the USPTO will publish complaints concerning companies on its website. The USPTO does not investigate or offer opinions regarding these complaints.
Check for complaints with the Better Business Bureau or the Chamber of Commerce where the company is located. Make sure you have their correct location, as dishonest companies will use multiple addresses.
The Federal Trade Commission also takes complaints about invention promotion scams and has a helpful web site with tips.
The National Inventor Fraud Center is a website offering a registered patent attorney's advice on invention promotion companies and a list of "Good Guy" marketing resources, including their fees.
The Patent and Trademark Depository Library has a Scam Prevention brochure published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office which includes scam warning signs and questions to ask invention promotion companies. If you would like one, contact me at ptdl@will.state.wy.us or 307-777-7281. The Wyoming PTDL is located in the Wyoming State Library, 2301 Capitol Ave., Cheyenne. Our services are free and available to anyone.
The PTDL can provide legal reference assistance and assist in identifying registered patent attorneys. However, we cannot offer legal advice or endorse specific attorneys.
This article appeared in Fall 2004 edition of the Business Voice.
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7.0 UPCOMING CONFERENCES/TRAININGS/SEMINARS/WORKSHOPS
7.2 SEE Your Future "A Vision For Wyoming"
This full day event will help small businesses and entrepreneurs build a sustainable entrepreneurial economy around their business or vision.
This event will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., October 28 in the Union Ballroom on the campus of the University of Wyoming, Laramie.
Cost is $45 and registration and additional information is available on-line at: www.uwyo.edu/sbdc or by calling the SBDC State Office at 800-348-5194
7.3 National Fall SBIR Conference in Boise, ID November 1 - 4
Description: The National Science Foundation, in association with the Department of Defense and the Small Business Administration, and all 11 SBIR agencies is sponsoring this 2004 National Fall SBIR/STTR Conference.
Program Managers and representatives from all participating agencies will provide insight into how to work with their respective agencies and answer your own special questions during the one-on- one opportunities.
Who Should Attend: Sales and Marketing Professionals, Small Business Owners, Entrepreneurs, University Researchers with a business/entrepreneurial streak, Scientist seeking commercialization strategies, all small businesses in need of securing federal funding resources.
When & Where: Boise, ID November 1 - 4, 2004. The entire SBIR/STTR Conference and the Small
Business Tech Expo will take place at the Boise Centre on the Grove at 9th and Front Streets.
Room blocks at three hotels in the Boise, Idaho downtown area have been reserved: the Grove Hotel, the Statehouse Inn, and the Owyhee Plaza Hotel. The Grove is located within a block of the Centre, the
Statehouse is about a block away, and the Owyhee is about two blocks away.
To receive the special Conference hotel rates, be sure to specify that you are
attending the SBIR CONFERENCE. ALL hotels require a credit card guarantee. Cancellation policies may vary. Be sure and check with the hotel of your choice.
The Advance Full Conference Registration fee, received by Oct. 11th, is $350, after Oct. 11th and On-Site will be $425.
All information including the agenda are now available at the conference
SBIRWorld web site at www.sbirworld.com/boise
7.4 CO-OP AMERICAS'S GREEN BUSINESS CONFERENCE, November 3-5 in San Francisco
Immerse yourself in the green business revolution at this hands-on conference. Join the conversation with other pioneers in the progressive business movement. Learn from your peers in this value-packed three-day event as you discuss the many ways to build your business and a proprerous, sustainable economy.
Ramada Plaza Hotel International, San Francisco
November 3 - 5
$395 - $495
Details available on-line: www.coopamerican.biz
7.5 AG TECHNOLOGY SHOW SEEKS AG INVENTORS
BILLINGS, MT -- Ag Inventors can now sign up for the 3rd Annual Ag Inventors Contest to be held during the Ag Technology Show January 13 - 15, 2005 in Billings, Montana at the Holiday Inn Trade Center. The contest is open to inventors who have an idea, an innovation or an invention that has a farm and or ranch application, and is commercially viable and original.
There is no cost to enter and the deadline for entry to the contest is December 3, 2004. "A jury committee will select 7 finalists out of all of the entries submitted to the show organizers. The inventor finalists will be invited to display their idea or invention at the three day tradeshow free of charge," said Cynthia Berst, tradeshow producer. "A panel of 5 judges will select the $1,000 Top Inventor Award and show attendees can vote for their favorite inventor for the People's Choice Award."
Berst is hosting the Ag Inventors Contest during the Ag Technology Show, a regional farm & ranch tradeshow, because of the valuable exposure for the inventors. "The contest finalists gain tremendous access to manufacturing and marketing companies and to the various government agencies that assist them how to turn their innovation into a viable business." said Berst.
The winners of the Ag Inventors Contest 2004 were Fred Davison of Highwood, MT who won the $1,000 Top Inventor Award for his E-Z Reach Gate Winch. The People's Choice Award was given to Kent Granmoe of Glendive, MT for his Hydraulic Pressure Relief Tool. "The contestants came from all over Montana and Wyoming and all of them received great exposure with an article about the Ag Inventors Contest and their idea in their hometown newspapers," explained Berst about the benefits of contestants entering the contest.
A complete set of inventor rules and entry forms can be obtained by interested inventors by writing to Cynthia Berst, Bright Cat Productions, PO Box 20044, Billings, MT 59104-0044 or by calling (406) 855-5765 or by email brightcatproductions@yahoo.com.
"This is going to be another fantastic tradeshow and inventor's contest," said Berst. "Farmers, ranchers, exhibitors, attendees - everyone will have an opportunity to see the newest, latest and greatest innovations that are up and coming or already in the marketplace today at the tradeshow."
The Ag Technology Show 2005 is the place to be if you're in the farming and ranching community for both Ag buyer and seller. The show will be opening at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 13, 2005 and closing at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 15, 2005. Exhibitors and attendees come from a large regional area and both admission and parking are free.
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8.0 COMPETITION TIP: SEEK OUT NEW INSIGHTS!!!
Many challenges must be mastered to enter the SBIR winner's circle. Those experienced with the SBIR competition process offer abundant resources to help improve proposal quality and chances of winning. They include SBIR winners, agency personnel, professional service providers, SBIR outreach personnel and others.
It seldom happens that a small business enters the SBIR competition arena with all the tools at its disposal for winning in the SBIR competition.
Frequently, a technical expert with little business experience creates an enterprise to engage SBIR competition. Or, ongoing businesses may engage SBIR competition with little government contract/grant management familiarity. New knowledge and insights are vital to enable these small businesses to hone their competitive edge.
Small businesspersons should seek the advice of experienced people. Relationships developed through state, regional and national conferences, workshops, and other networking opportunities enable tapping into these resources. These lessons are learned much more efficiently than the hard way - by working alone and perhaps stumbling in the process.
Savvy small businesspersons always are eager to gain new insights into the SBIR competition process. They are thirsty for new information on proposal evaluation procedures, new policies, new "hot buttons" at the target agency, or new areas of emphasis. They follow this practice even though they may be veteran SBIR winners. Perhaps they are veteran SBIR winners BECAUSE they follow this practice.
We see many cases where small businesses insist on "going it alone" in the SBIR competition process, and neglect opportunities to gain insights from others. Whatever the reason for this approach, the end result is generally the same - more rejections than necessary before finally capturing awards (if they ever do), and delays in getting underway with the targeted projects.
Aggressively seek out new insights into the SBIR competition process. It will give you a competitive edge!!!
This competition tip first appeared in the May 26, 2000 issue of the Wyoming SBIR Newsletter. Follow this link to a complete set of Competition Tips.
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9.0 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND PUBLICATION INFORMATION
TO BE ADDED TO OR REMOVED FROM THE DISTRIBUTION LIST FOR THIS NEWSLETTER, SEND NAME, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER, AND EMAIL ADDRESS TO jillkline@vcn.com.
Prepared by: Jill Kline, WSSI Outreach Coordinator, 307.682.2660 or toll free in Wyoming, 866.703.3280, jillkline@vcn.com, and Gene Watson, WSSI Program Manager, 307.742.7162, ewatson@wyoming.com.
This newsletter is published every other week as part of the Wyoming SBIR/STTR Initiative (WSSI). The mission of the Initiative is to increase the number of federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program awards to Wyoming. The Wyoming Business Council (WBC) funds the initiative which is administered by the University of Wyoming Research Office. Please contact Jill Kline (see contact information above) with your comments.
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