Week of April 11 - April 17, 2005 ~ v.7, n.15
Top Stories

Allergan's Gibson To Keynote Venture Forum
Dr. John R. Gibson, Senior Vice President, Pharmaceuticals Development at Allergan, will a Keynote Speaker at Larta Institute's 2005 Venture Forum, America's largest showcase of top-tier emerging companies, May 25-26, 2005. Dr. Gibson is scheduled to speak on Day 1 of the Venture Forum, May 25, which is devoted to life sciences companies funded by the National Institutes of Health.

U.S. Budget Calls for Record SBA Loans, Cut in VC Program
President Bush's 2006 budget calls for a record amount of lending to small businesses through the SBA's main loan programs.
The news isn't so good, however, for small businesses who rely on the Small Business Administration's help in accessing venture capital.

Slow Adoption of Technology in Schools
Why do some schools still debate the usefulness of technology? Because the usefulness of technology in schools is still debatable.


Available Now from Larta Research!
2005 Federal Technology Funding Guide
Larta Institute's annual guide to government technology funding is recognized as the nation's leading survey on Federal technology funding opportunities. Winning Government R&D Money: Federal Technology Funding Guide 2005 provides detailed information on Federal funding processes, programs, and ways to win government R&D money.
purchase report now for only $99

Send comments and submissions to James Klein, Larta VOX Editor, at voxeditor@larta.org

Larta University


SSTI, the State Science and Technology Institute, calls Larta University one of the "...best programs in the country," having "...helped hundreds of entrepreneurs, implemented innovative programs, and assisted client companies to raise hundreds of millions of dollars."

April 14: Entrepreneurship Series #7: Moving the Product: Sales & Distribution Strategies
Companies should be aware of all the sales and distribution channels available, determine which ones would be most appropriate, and how to manage them to expedite growth. Companies have managed to prosper immensely from building the right alliances, where businesses share valuable assets ranging from a customer base to marketing activities, from suppliers and procurement to product development. Topics covered in this course include: how to sell, getting the most out of distribution networks, and forming valuable strategic alliances.
Location: West Los Angeles

May 5: 2005 Employment Laws That Impact Your Business
Last year, Governor Schwarzenegger signed into law for 2005, several new federal and state employment laws and regulations that will impact your business. It is critical that your human resources and personnel directors and managers understand the implications of these new laws as well as the deadlines for compliance. Among the new laws that will be discussed are:
changes to California's "Sue Your Boss" law; pending regulations regarding employee meal periods and rest breaks; mandatory sexual harassment training for managers and supervisors; new benefits for registered domestic partners; Workers' Compensation Act revisions; revisions in employee documentation;
Paid Family Leave Insurance policy; and important new court decisions.
Location: West Los Angeles

Larta University's Course Schedule

Tech Sector News
Sponsored by LATimes.com

Top Stories in Hot Technology Sectors

Biotechnology
Cells That Go Back in Time (Wired)
Lop off a newt's leg or tail, and it will grow a new one. The creature's cells can regenerate thanks to built-in time machines that revert cells to early versions of themselves in a process called dedifferentiation.

more Biotech news

Communications
In-Flight Calls Could Cause Turbulence, Opponents Say (Washington Post)
Many shudder at the prospect of the federal government lifting its ban on cell phone use during flights, as millions of dollars are being spent on research to determine whether wireless communications pose a threat to airline navigation systems.

more Communications news

Hardware
Dell: Time for a New Model? (BusinessWeek)
Its direct-sales strategy has been a winner so far. However, in today's global market, that approach may need some adjusting.

more Hardware news

Internet
US Claims Victory On Web Betting Ban (Washington Post)
The United States claimed victory in a closely watched international trade case challenging the US ban on Internet gambling.
more Internet news

Investments
Aftershock (The Economist)
Money is moving back in, and out, of venture capitalists' coffers.
more Investment news

Media
Patent litigants target DVRs (CNet News)
Forgent Networks, which has so far garnered more than $100 million dollars in fees on its so-called JPEG patent, is going after the digital video recorder industry.

more Media news

Security
Nine-Year Sentence for Spammer (Wired)
A Virginia judge sentenced a spammer to nine years in prison in the nation's first felony prosecution for sending junk e-mail, though the sentence was postponed while the case is appealed.

more Security news

Semiconductors
AMD's dual-core Opteron due this month (CNet News)
Advanced Micro Devices is expected to launch new Opteron chips that combine dual processing engines on a single slice of silicon.

more Semiconductor news

Software
Businesses Snub Windows Fix (Red Herring)
Microsoft’s patch is a must for computer security, but only about one in four businesses using Windows have installed it.
more Software news

Events Calendar

This calendar lists events endorsed by Larta Institute.

April 12: 7 Secrets to Sales Success in 2005
This WITI San Diego Speaker Series Workshops is presented by the principals of The Whetstone Group. Join us as the speakers take us through the process, strategies and tactics that will teach you how to increase your revenues and sales capabilities! Members: $25; Non-Members: $40. For more information, contact Jennifer Beckey at 858 344-3825 or JJBeckey@yahoo.com.

April 14: Entrepreneurship Series #7: Moving the Product: Sales & Distribution Strategies
Topics covered in this Larta University course include: how to sell, getting the most out of distribution networks, and forming valuable strategic alliances.

April 18-20: Global Conference 2005
The Milken Institute Global Conference brings together some of the world’s most extraordinary thinkers and decision makers for three days of intensive discussions on a wide range of economic, business, public policy and social issues.

April 20: Energy Savings Strategies - A Workshop for Manufacturers
In conjunction with Southern California Edison (SCE), the California Manufacturing Technology Consulting (CMTC) will present a "hands-on" workshop designed to pinpoint waste in your manufacturing process. The Workshop entitled, Energy Savings Strategies--A Workshop for Manufacturers, will provide practical solutions to reduce energy waste and improve productivity. CMTC integrated energy use with "lean" manufacturing principals in a unique and first of its kind assessment tool called Value and Energy Stream Mapping (VeSM) which will be explained at the workshop. VeSM workshops have been scheduled in Ontario at the Hilton Ontario Airport on Wednesday, April 20, 2005. Price: $49.00. Please contact CMTC at (800) 300- 2682 ext. 3009.

April 20-22: Vegas Venture Forum
The Technology Business Alliance of Nevada (TBAN), City of Henderson Economic Development Division, the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, and the Nevada Development Authority presents the second annual Vegas Venture Forum — Building on Success — at Lake Las Vegas, Nevada. Fifteen invited, pre-screened companies will present their business models and funding requirements before an audience of public and private investors, influencers, community leaders and invited special guests. Keynote speakers and industry panelists will provide investing insights and industry overviews on Thursday and Friday, April 21 and 22, 2005.

April 25-27: Getting to the Heart of Conscious Commerce
LOHAS 9 Forum: Getting to the Heart of Conscious Commerce is a conference, an event, a happening bringing together diverse folks interested in "conscious commerce". Apart from featuring a gaggle of celebrities who are spokespeople for the movement behind sustainability as a theme in commerce and art, the event focuses on how business, media and entertainment can be leveraged to educate, shape and influence consumer behavior and purchasing decisions while promoting lifestyles of health and sustainability. Mention Larta friend Rob Steiner and get $200 off the registration price.

April 27: Investment Capital Conference 2005
Los Angeles Venture Association (LAVA) presents the Investment Capital ConferenceTM, Southern California’s foremost annual meeting of capital sources and capital seekers. Featuring a rich educational program, extensive networking and The Capital ZoneTM of equity and debt sources, the conference is the ideal place where executives from early-stage to middle-market companies can meet and learn from those who can finance their success.

April 28-30: Wireless Telecommunications Symposium
Exchange information on advances in mobile communications and wireless networking technology, management, applications, and security in a very pleasant Southern California conference environment with leaders and experts from industry, governmental agencies, and universities around the world at the Fourth Annual Wireless Telecommunications Symposium.

May 5: 2005 Employment Laws That Impact Your Business
Among the new laws that will be discussed at this Larta University workshop: changes to California's "Sue Your Boss" law; pending regulations regarding employee meal periods and rest breaks; mandatory sexual harassment training for managers and supervisors; new benefits for registered domestic partners; Workers' Compensation Act revisions; revisions in employee documentation; Paid Family Leave Insurance policy; and important new court decisions.

May 9: Tech Coast Angels: Fifth Annual Fast Pitch
Attend the unique entrepreneur's competition and networking event of the year. Network with hundreds of investors and entrepreneurs. Enjoy a sumptuous walk-around dinner and wine. Watch the finalists in the competition present their one-minute "fast pitch" for investor interest (their "elevator pitch") to a panel of Angel investors and Venture Capital investors, who give immediate feedback. Free coaching of contestants is provided by Tech Coast Angels at five coaching sessions starting April 19th.

May 11-12: Early Stage East: Venture Capital Conference
Early Stage East has a fresh vision to bring emerging technologies to the forefront for its audience of venture capitalists, private investors, expert service providers and entrepreneurs on the East Coast. Early Stage East is the trendsetter in showcasing the most promising young companies in the tech industry.

May 12: Entrepreneurship Series #8: Putting Your Best Foot Forward: Business Presentations
This Larta U workshop will help you effectively communicate your value proposition to the audience, understanding what various audiences respond the best to. You will have an opportunity to practice your elevator pitch with mentors and peers so that you can leave with an effective, tried and tested pitch.

May 12-13: DesignTech Connect
Pasadena Entretec presents DesignTech CONNECT, the first business exchange for industrial design and advanced technology held in Los Angeles. Featuring product demonstrations, hands-on displays, and leading-edge technology and design, this celebration will spark unique business connections and provide excellent opportunities for seeding strategic business alliances and cultivating unprecedented business development in the Los Angeles foothills.

May 25-26: The Venture Forum 2005
America's largest showcase of top-tier emerging companies. This year's expanded two-day format features over 130 companies, including 75 National Institutes of Health SBIR Phase II grant winners.

May 28-June 5: Gateway to China Trade Mission
Asia Pacific - USA Chamber of Commerce presents an 8-day event specially designed for US business exploration and proliferation in China’s telecommunications and information technology markets. Participants will benefit from customized, pre-screened appointments with potential business partners, market briefings, and networking opportunities at hospitality events. Plus -- as a special bonus -- entry to the 5th Annual Forum on City Informatization in the Asia pacific Region (CIAPR) and the 2nd Shanghai International Exhibition on Information, both events are organized by Mayor Office of Shanghai, the Ministry of Science & Technology of PRC, the Ministry of Information Industry of PRC and UNITAR/UNIDO an other organizations. Those two events will bring senior-level government decision makers and business executives of telecom/IT industries from four (4) provinces near Shanghai, about two thousand (2000) Chinese companies will display at the Expo.

May 30 - June 2: Shanghai International Exhibit on Informatization
This EXPO brings together China’s senior-level business decision makers of the telecom/IT industries from four (4) provinces near Shanghai, about two thousand (2000) Chinese companies will display at the Expo. It serves as the direct access to your ideal market in China as well as the opportunity to effectively network with your target perspectives. It will be the biggest opportunity for exposure to China’s telecom and information technology industry. For more info. contact Stacy Sun 800-665-3609 or stacysun@apucc.org.

June 1: Southern California Israel Chamber of Commerce Achievement Awards Gala
Southern California Israel Chamber of Commerce will present The Innovative Business Award to Rohit Shukla, Larta Institute's Founder and CEO; The Community Service Award to Baruch Littman, VP, Development, Jewish Community Foundation, and Founding Executive Director, California Israel Chamber of Commerce; The Financial Services Award to United Mizrahi Bank Ltd.'s Dr. S. Baravarian and Jacob Wintner; The Visionary Leadership Award to Joseph M. Polisar, Chief of Police of Garden Grove, California, and Immediate Past President, International Association of Chiefs of Police.

June 1-3: IBF 16th Annual Venture Capital Investing Conference
The premier industry gathering for venture investors.
Planned with the help of peer input to help you compare best practices and track industry trends, this industry meeting unites the most active venture investors.

June 9: Entrepreneurship Series #9: Attracting Capital: Financing Strategies for the New Venture
This Larta University workshop considers different financing strategies, including VC financing, angel financing, government funding, and loans. You will learn what is required to approach each financing source, and when not to waste your time.

June 21-22: Telecom M&A and Corporate Development Conference
Strategic Research Institute's 2005 Telecom M&A and Corporate Development Conference will bring together an illustrious faculty of leading corporate and strategic buyers from the telecoms community to share their perspective on investment opportunities, challenges and critical issues facing the industry today!

July 11-14: National SBIR Phase II Conference
The National SBIR Phase II Conference, Beyond Phase II: Ready for Transition, will provide an unparalleled forum for scientists, engineers, and technology decision-makers to discuss transitioning SBIR-supported Research & Development into government and private sector commercial markets. With expected attendance of over 1000, this four-day conference will feature "Technology Matchmaking Meetings," pre-arranged, 20-minute sessions between small businesses and end users, and focused sessions on advanced Phase II topics.

Larta Institute's Events Calendar

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Larta Institute
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We bring people together to move technologies into the marketplace. Our client solutions include: conferences, training workshops, technology transfer, advisory services, and research and analysis.

Since 1993, companies helped by Larta Institute have raised over $1.5 billion in capital. Larta Institute's conferences and seminars provide insights to thousands of businesspeople each year. Larta Institute's weekly electronic magazine on business innovation is read by over 20,000 people.

www.Larta.org

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