A networking event in Billings, hosted by TechRanch, for technology entrepreneurs generated a full house at The Rex last week. Representing a wide range of businesses and ventures, people came from throughout the region to meet others of like mind and interest – and that was exactly TechRanch's purpose.

Attending the event was TechRanch founder and Executive Director, John O'Donnell. O'Donnell explained that TechRanch "is very focused on helping Montana- based entrepreneurs in technology sectors, launch and build companies, and a big part of that is providing them with networking opportunities. . . A lot of good things can happen when like-minded, smart people get together."

While, TechRanch is located in Bozeman, they serve businesses across the state in addressing the unique needs of venture technology companies, and they frequently sponsor such networking events. O'Donnell explained that the entrepreneurs who are the focus of TechRanch attention have special needs, since their high risk ventures usually do not have the assets to collateralize loans from traditional bank. "They are often two or three years away from positive cash flow," he said. Part of TechRanch's mission is to get these start-ups in touch with "angels" or investors seeking equity investments, sometimes called "venture capitalists," of which there are few in Montana.

But there are, also, many opportunities to be realized when the entrepreneurs can get together, compare notes and share ideas and network, said O'Donnell, "and we have had a lot of success hosting these networking events." He said they hope to hold another event in April in Billings.

Among those in attendance at the Rex were these shining stars:

Michael Sweeny, Techhelpers

Having recently moved to Billing from Alaska, Michael Sweeney is poised to launch a new business that will target a niche technology market. Tech Helpers will provide consultation services to the law firms and other enterprises aligned with the legal profession. Launching a business has many kinds of challenges, with which Sweeney has been dealing, but the one thing that has not daunted him at all is the state of the economy. He couldn't be more confident about the future, especially for Billings.

Joan Hughes, Consultant for Coal Black Liquids, LLC

Coal Black Liquids is using the technology developed by ARCTECH, Inc., a diversified research and development company in Chantilly VA, to manufacture as from coal products for soil mitigation and water treatment. They hope to begin manufacturing this year, in Billings. The company's managing partner is Tom Rossetto, the former president of Westmoreland Coal. The bio-conversion technology uses naturally occurring microorganisms to convert the coal. The entrepreneurs are completing a feasibility study that was made possible by a $415,000 grant from the Department of Commerce's Montana Board of Research and Commercialization Technology. The study is helping to locate the right kind of coal and to identify a plant site. The proposed plant will, at a minimum, produce 10 million gallons of fertilizer product, 5,000 tons of environmental remediation products, and 10,000 to 100,000 mcf of biogas.

Dan Kern, Adapting Designs

Dan Kern and his partner, Chris Nurre, are right on the cusp of bringing a new invention to market. Nurre devised a physical therapy devise that retrofits bicycles so that people with limited mobility can ride them. They have developed a prototype and tested it, and are now in the phase of refining the design for manufacturing. Kern said that they anticipate launching sales through high-end bike shops.

Joe Landsverk, Wood's Powr-Grip

Wood's Powr-Grip of Laurel is a well-known and highly successful manufacturer of vacuum lifters, but the company's market director, Joe Landsverk is looking for new opportunities. A decline in the building industry has had a direct impact on Wood's Powr Grip sales, said Landsverk, leaving the company with a lot of manufacturing capacity. They have top machine shop space available and Landsverk is hoping to find an emerging or growing enterprise that can use it.

Corey Jensen, Vision Net

Vision Net, based in Great Falls, is a low-profile company that serves high-profile clients. The company owns fiber optic lines on which capacity is sold to re-sellers who in turn sell it to their customers. Vision net is also the largest provider of video conferencing services to a wide range of businesses, organizations, and educational institutions. Corey Jensen is the operations manager in the Billings office, which has seven employees. State wide the company employs over 100 people.

Keith Lauver, The Healthy Pantry

Keith Lauver has a better idea, one that has launched a new business, The Healthy Pantry, Red Lodge. In a former life as a computer technician, Lauver realized how difficult it is for busy people to prepare and eat the right foods in order to keep fit. He has developed an easy-to-prepare line of foods that are healthier. He likens them to "Hamburger Helper" style of prepared foods, only made with whole grains and higher quality ingredients. The company employs four people. The products are available at about two dozen retail outlets, including the Good Earth Market in Billings.

Mary Olson, IBM, Senior State Executive

No doubt about the technology nature of IBM. Mary Olson as a local representative of the company is looking for ways to help other businesses apply education technology.

Karen Campbell, CommuniBiz

Through her business, CommuniBiz, Karen Campbell has for the past ten years worked as a consultant for telecommunication companies. Most of her clients are outside the state. She also teaches communication skills.