Photobucket Newsletter: The Sensor

  July 2012

IN THIS ISSUE

Did You Know?

EIGS Perspective

Washington Perspective

Image of the Month

Items of Interest

Upcoming Events

Seen & Heard

EIGS in the News

Global Perspectives

UPCOMING EVENTS

EIGS Annual Meeting
August 3, 2012
Imperial Palace
Biloxi, MS

Southeast Biofuels and Renewable Energy Conference
August 8-9, 2012
Jackson, MS

Magnolia Corporate Cup Golf & Skills Challenge
August 4, 2012
Bay St. Louis, MS

1st Annual GEO Huntsville Conference
November 8-9, 2012
Huntsville, Alabama

INFORMATION & IDEAS

For further information, or to submit story ideas, please contact [email protected].

SEEN & HEARD

"Over the next 10 years UAV spending worldwide could top $94 billion."

Randy Pearcy,
Aviation Chair
Hinds Community College

EIGS Perspective

EIGS Annual Meeting to Feature Local, State, and National Speakers and Unveiling of Market Study

The Enterprise for Innovative Geospatial Solutions has a long and successful history of hosting an annual gathering of its members in order to present valuable resources and information as well as seek input for the future growth and direction of the program. Keeping in line with this tradition, the Magnolia Business Alliance is hosting the EIGS Annual Meeting in August 2012 on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The Sensor recently spent a few minutes with Craig Harvey, President and CEO of the Magnolia Business Alliance to get more information about the Annual Meeting and his reflections on the importance of such an event.

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Washington Perspective

Commentary From: Michael Liu, Sr. Vice President, Dutko Worldwide


The Presidential Campaign:
In recent days within the Beltway, Governor Bobby Jindal and U.S. Senator Rob Portman (OH) have become more than dark horse contestants in the Romney VP sweeps. Favorites still include U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (FL) and former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty. More importantly, GOP analysts believe the choice needs to be part of a more aggressive strategy by the Romney campaign to regain the initiative in the "branding" of Mitt Romney for the public. Since the end of the first week in July, the President's team has done a good job of putting Romney's past in the headlines rather than the dismal jobs and labor reports from June.

Governor Jindal, as written here before, could be a real plus for tech companies with links to Stennis and Michoud given his familiarity with the region. He also helps Gov. Romney in the debate over healthcare given that Jindal is a recognized health policy expert.

But in the end, electoral politics may win out, meaning that the "prize" will more likely go to Rubio…he is the only contender that might help Romney win a swing state.

The Budget:
Members of the U.S. House are busily planning their exits from DC as soon as possible to get back to the campaign hustings. Similarly, those U.S. Senate members up for re-election need to tend to their battles. There are 14 Senate races that are competitive, not the least of which is one in the home state of Majority Leader Reid. In other words, don't expect any more legislative action until after November 6, 2012.

This means that despite warnings from various self-labeled "bi-partisan" think tanks and/or advocacy groups, spending sequestration that is required under current law, lacking alternative action by Congress and the White House, is a real possibility for the FFY 2013 budget year. For the Department of Defense that would mean a reduction of $492 billion for the period 2013-2021 and a $55 billion cut in FFY 2013 that according to Secretary Panetta would mean at least 23% cuts in weapons programs, a 23% reduction in construction projects, and "steep" reductions in R&D, testing and evaluation.

For the non-discretionary sections of the budget, e.g., NASA, cuts would amount to 8% over the prior year's authorization and effective cuts of about 10%. For science, space and technology, sequestration would amount to about $29 billion out of these programs.

So a relevant question for members of Congress, whether from Mississippi, Louisiana or Oregon is: Are you okay with sequestration taking place or do you think that Congress and the Administration should work on a new budget plan?

Whether you are a supporter of sequestration or something else, it is relevant to know how a candidate or holder of federal office intends to address the defining issue of our time.

Will the Mississippi State Port Authority Figure it Out?
With all the concern about the budget deficit, Mississippi (and to a lesser degree Louisiana) need to be concerned about the pace of how its post-disaster recovery funds from the hurricanes and floods of 2005-2007 have been spent. Funds "obligated" on the books of State government accountants do not mean the same thing to accountants with the Office of Management and Budget and Congress. Money that is not spent is seen as money "stuck in the pipeline" and the longer it stays in the queue, the greater the chance that it will become a target for recapture. Note recent public statements and publications from spending cut hawks like Sen. Tom Coburn (OK) that point to unspent disaster dollars as money that should be returned to the federal government ("Money for Nothing" issued by Sen. Tom Coburn on June 7, 2012).

Comments from local politicians like Harrison County Board of Supervisors President Kim Savant about the problems with spending of the half a billion dollars in hurricane recovery funds that were allocated to the Port at Gulfport in 2006 is further indication of the high level of concern that this issue has reached… (Sun Herald, July 11, 2012).

Serious food for thought: Aren't there economic development and job creation projects in coordination with NASA resources that such monies could be reallocated to?

Image of the Month

Incredible view of the site for the 2012 Olympic Games

Incredible view of the site for the 2012 Olympic Games

Credit: (NASA Earth Observatory)

Billions of people will see London through many different filters and lenses during the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. None of those views will look quite like this one from the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership satellite. The image above shows London and the southern half of Great Britain as it appeared on the night of March 27, 2012. While most of the events in the 2012 Olympics will be held in the greater London area, several other cities and towns will host events, including: canoeing at Lee Valley White Water Center; sailing in Portland Harbour; rowing and canoeing at Eton Dorney; and cycling and mountain bike events at Hadleigh Farm. For more information, www.earthobservatory.nasa.gov

Items of Interest

USGIF Opens Nomination Period for Annual Awards Program
Virtual-Strategy Magazine

The United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) is accepting nominations for its annual awards program. The USGIF Awards Program recognizes the exceptional work of the geospatial intelligence…For more information, www.virtual-strategy.com.

Hinds CC to train students to fly unmanned aerial vehicles
Mississippi Business Journal

Hinds Community College says in August it will begin training students interested in piloting unmanned aerial vehicles. The two-year school said in a news release that it is offering the courses because there's an expected increase in demand in the civilian market for the aircraft. One source says that over the next 10 years UAV spending worldwide could top $94 billion. For more information, www.msbusiness.com .

Teachers learn to use GPS in the classroom
Laurel Outlook

Teachers across Montana can learn about GPS (Global Positioning Systems) and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) at a free workshop set for Friday, Aug. 10, at Montana State University in Bozeman. Teachers who are selected for the program will…For more information, www.laureloutlook.com .

Mississippi Ranked Fifth-fastest Growing State for Overall Gross Exports by U.S. Chamber of Commerce Study
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce released its third edition of the study Enterprising States: Policies that Produce in June. The study looks at what states are doing to grow the economy by investing in the future and creating jobs, specifically in the areas of exports and international trade, entrepreneurship and innovation, taxes and regulation, talent cultivation – or the "talent pipeline" – and infrastructure, given the impact these policy areas can have on job growth and economic prosperity.

The study ranked Mississippi among the top-10-performing export states, as determined by export intensity, growth in export intensity, changes in each state's share of total national exports and growth in overall gross exports since 2002. Mississippi ranked as the fifth-fastest growing state for overall gross exports and for growth in exports as a share of gross state product.

To read more on the study or to download Enterprising States: Policies that Produce, visit the U.S. Chamber of Commerce website www.uschamber.com.

Did You Know?

Did you know the U.S. Geospatial Intelligence Foundation is accepting nominations for its annual awards program? The USGIF Awards Program recognizes the exceptional work or achievement in the field of geospatial intelligence. This covers the government, military, industry and sectors and also academic and research endeavors. Anyone involved with the geospatial intelligence community may apply or nominate someone or a team for an award. Applications can be downloaded from the GEOINT 2012 Symposium website. The deadline for awards nominations is 5 p.m. EST Friday, August 17. For more information, defensesystems.com


EIGS IN THE NEWS
 

Mentor-Protégé program Builds Partnerships
Pathfinder

…CSC paired with NVision, a small, disadvantaged business program participant and women-owned company, to provide guidance and direction under the program.

"We recognize the tremendous effort put forth by NVision over the years and the knowledge they bring to bear," said Bong Gumahad, vice president of CSC's national intelligence operations. "They continually exemplified the dedication and professionalism we seek in all protégé companies and we are excited about our future endeavors as a team."

NVision is a subcontractor on NGA's Global Geospatial Intelligence contract, providing geographic information services that support warfighter needs. Specifically, NVision provides the warfighter feature extraction for mapping systems (mapping intelligence) and two-dimensional and 3-D image extraction that helps warfighters maneuver in theater.

"Our work to support NGA's challenging mission has pushed us to be innovative with the technology we create and use as well as how we manage and run our business," said NVision President Socorro Harvey. "We look forward to a continued relationship with both NGA and our mentor CSC." For more information, www1.nga.mil/MediaRoom

GeoEye, DigitalGlobe agree to $900 million merger
Washington Post

Herndon-based GeoEye plans to combine with competitor DigitalGlobe in a deal worth $900 million, the firms said Monday, following the federal government's move to reduce funding for their most lucrative contract. Both companies capture photos and other …For more information, www.washingtonpost.com

Up to $300 million cyber job awarded
Rome Sentinel

According to www.infosecurity-magazine.com, the companies winning the contract were AIS, Global InfoTek of Virginia, Radiance Technologies of Alabama, …For more information, www.romesentinel.com

Baker Appoints Christopher Gesing National Director of NEPA …
MarketWatch

Michael Baker Jr., Inc., a unit of Michael Baker Corporation (nyse mkt:BKR), has appointed Christopher G. Gesing to national director of NEPA Services for Rail and Transit (R&T). In this position, Gesing will provide leadership in all aspects of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and environmental services for Baker's R&T practice nationwide. Gesing has over 30 years of transportation industry planning, engineering and environmental compliance experience and is known nationally for leading large, complex NEPA studies. Projects under his direction have been recognized as landmark efforts in environmental streamlining and models by which other projects should be developed. Gesing is currently leading the engineering, environmental studies, and preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement to upgrade the New Orleans Rail Gateway (NORG) and infrastructure in Louisiana. For more information, www.marketwatch.com

Global Perspectives
 

Australian utility companies told GIS adoption will be vital
Surveyequipment.com

Geospatial surveying and positioning equipment will be crucial to developing the Australian utilities structure, according to a leading expert from geospatial information services (GIS) software company, Esri. For more information, www.surveyequipment.com


Palike turns a new leaf, to use GIS to map trees
Deccan Herald

Having faced constant criticism for felling trees, the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has now decided to explore the idea of 'tree mapping' using the Geographic Information System (GIS) system that has been mapping the properties in the City…For more information, www.deccanherald.com


GIS Training Opportunity for Latin America Applicants
UN-SPIDER

The Societal Impacts Committee of the GSDI Association will provide a free training opportunity for up to three candidates from Latin America to attend the ICLPST (International Center for Land Policy Studies and Training) training Seminar on …For more information, www.un-spider.org





  EIGS Perspective (Full text)

Can you give our readers a little bit of history concerning the EIGS Annual Meeting?

Harvey: For as long as I can remember…and I've been involved with Mississippi's geospatial cluster way back into the days when it initially started as the Mississippi Space Commerce Initiative …so for more than 15 years now, Mississippi's geospatial companies have gathered to gain knowledge, increase collaborative opportunities, voice their opinions, and participate in what is always a very dynamic meeting. MBA feels it is very important to continue to provide this well-established and very successful benefit to EIGS members.

The Sensor: Give us an idea of what attendees can expect to gain from this year's Annual Meeting?

Harvey: First of all, we've got a stellar line up of guest speakers from the local, state, and national stage including: Skip Scaggs, Director of Global Investment & Retention Division Director for the Mississippi Development Authority; Fred Sullivan from Congressman Steven Palazzo's office; and Michael Liu from DUTKO Grayling, a multidisciplinary, global government affairs, public relations and management consulting firm will be on hand to discuss legislative trends impacting the industry… In addition, the Small Business Administration will be on hand to discuss the Small Jobs Act legislation that you can leverage in teaming agreements with big business. We will also be unveiling a new market study commissioned specifically for EIGS members. Last, but certainly not least, attendees will be given the opportunity to frame the role of EIGS to better meet their needs and expectations. We will utilize wireless keypad technology so that they can register their views and opinions on everything from marketing the industry cluster to branding/rebranding. Finally, the business mixer or social immediately following the meeting offers an opportunity to collaborate with fellow EIGS members in a casual environment without the demands and stresses of the day-to-day routine.

The Sensor: What else can attendees expect?

Harvey: We planned the EIGS Annual Meeting in conjunction with the Annual MBA Golf Tournament, the Magnolia Corporate Cup 2012, at the Bridges Golf Course in Bay St. Louis. The Magnolia Corporate Cup features both team and individual events and includes a skills challenge beginning at 10a.m. and an 18-hole golf tournament following a lunch provided by the Hollywood Casino. A networking event will take place on Saturday at 6p.m. for all registered golfers and a guest. The reception will take place at The Bridges Clubhouse and will kick off with the awarding of tournament prizes followed by entertainment, drinks and hors d'oeuvres.

The Sensor: Why do you think this kind of event is important to companies in the growing EIGS cluster?

Harvey: Beyond the invaluable insider tips and business information that are disseminated at this meeting, it is hard to put a value on the dynamic interactions that take place among the attendees that have led to major collaborations and projects. You simply cannot overestimate the importance of collegial gatherings such as these. Another benefit for this gathering is to share business concerns and exchange technical ideas and innovations. From an organizational aspect, this event is one of the most critical for EIGS since it provides the members with a venue to voice their opinions and provide input for the future of the program. It is one of the most effective ways to ensure that EIGS continues to be responsive to the needs of its members.

The EIGS Annual Meeting will be held Friday, August 3, 2012 at the Imperial Palace in Biloxi, MS. If you would like additional information or would like to register to attend, please visit: www.magnolia-ba.biz


 

Enterprise for Innovative Geospatial Solutions – www.mseigs.com