HARNESSING PASSION FOR A NEW ENERGY ECONOMY
January 31, 2007
Colorado's Governor Bill Ritter understood the need and opportunity when he stated, "Let's create a New Energy Economy in Colorado." And in reality, much is happening to move us to this end.
Last night at the Colorado CleanTech Initiative and CORE (Connecting Organizations for a Responsible Economy) meeting at the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, the buzz among the nearly 50 attendees was on passionate pursuits to stimulate renewable energy. I was really inspired by the people, their passion, and the progress in making a meaningful and profitable difference. These folks could have been home relaxing with their families over dinner, and instead they were connecting, building the 'clean tech' community, and creating opportunities. Here are just a few exciting ways to get involved and stimulate economic development:
Marty Murphy from NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratories) explained plans to launch a Clean Energy Innovation Center as early as March 2007 as a non-profit, virtual incubator to create Colorado businesses that support such clean technologies.
Applications are being accepted for the 20th NREL Industry Growth Forum in Denver, CO on November 5-7, 2007. Over 400 professionals from start-up companies, venture capitalists, investment bankers, energy executives, and government officials will gather in this investment conference giving 35 clean energy companies an opportunity to raise funds. For more information visit: www.cleanenergyforum.com
Blue Sun shared their success story of attracting $20 million in financing to launch their bio-diesel production facilities. Other entrepreneurial ventures formally and informally gave their pitch for support.
Register now for the 2nd Annual Sustainable Opportunities Summit, "Discover The Dollars & Sense" to be held February 28 - March 2, 2007 in Denver. Hear keynote speaker, Niel Golightly, Director of Sustainable Business Strategies at Ford Motor Company. Visit www.sossummit.org
The tone was upbeat. Perhaps that is why Business Week's 1/29/2007 cover story is 'Imagine a world in which socially responsible and eco-friendly practices actually boost a company's bottom line. It is closer than you think.' What a perfect time in the first quarter of 2007 to ask yourself, "What can my company and I do to create a more sustainable economy and world? "
Theresa M. Szczurek (www.TMSworld.com)