It just keeps getting better!

Ok, this doesn't top the proposal being funded, or the patent being filed really. But let's just add it to the stack.

Today after teleconference, which was a hoot but I will go into that later, we had our usual 30 minute project management meeting. We found out some neat things. First off, despite the client's boss's statement to the effect that "industry interest is waning" on the topic of our research, my project will continue and one other project will "most likely" continue providing they show significant advances this calendar year. Three projects were cut. The room was dripping with sweat... however, not mine! Home free for another year and at the same level of effort as this year! Wohoo!

Then the kicker... my wonderful project manager told us that the company we work for is scared, they are dead afraid of losing this client. So he has a meeting with the higher ups next week to talk about furthering business development. He was told in scheduling this meeting that $200K in IR&D money has been held back for our use to ensure that the client knows that the company is commited to this relationship.

Cool, but it gets even cooler. Project manager approached our client contact and asked her what she would like to see our company invest in, it can't be anything ongoing, it has to be a need that they see and would potentially invest in. What does she say??

Hmm?

She wants a project that is parallel to my current project, will provide the concept. As well as one that is parallel to the other ongoing (most likely) project. She wants the same task managers (Clem and I). Wohoo! So it appears that to please a client, I will get IR&D money.