Subject: File No. SR-NASDAQ-2006-040
From: Brad Burke
Affiliation: Managing Director, Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship

December 10, 2006

My understanding is that NASDAQ is seeking to expand the services offered to listed companies, including audio webcasts, press releases, SEC filings, and other services.

By offering these services, NASDAQ is enhancing the competitive landscape and providing additional services for its customers.

NASDAQ has long been supportive of enhancing entrepreneurship education at institutions such as Rice University. NASDAQ has supported programs to encourage and educate up and coming entrepreneurs through such programs as the Rice Business Plan Competition.

Similarly, the expanded offerings appear to provide an innovative approach to add more value to listed companies.