Building the Economy with Clusters August 3, 2007

Fort Collins, CO Authentic Colorado college town in the foothills of the Rockies 128,026 people One hour north of Denver Home of Colorado State University Major employers: Hewlett-Packard, AMD, Intel, Colorado State, Poudre Valley Health Systems Ranked Best Place to Live by Money Magazine, 2006 Named 2007 Fast City - R & D Cluster Hot Spot by Fast Company, 2007

Fort Collins Area Chamber The Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce champions our community and region’s quality of life and economic vitality through strong business advocacy and collaborative leadership. 1,204 members $1 million budget 9 staff members Book of Business: Front Door to the Community Networking avenues for business – 250 programs/events Issues Management and Political Program

What is a Clean Energy Cluster ? Collection of firms with related and interdependent activities Located in a common region With a labor force of researchers and high-level, industry knowledgeable workers And sufficient critical mass to attract outside economies

What is a Clean Energy Cluster ? DOE: renewable energy, energy efficiency and other technologies such as fuel cells EPA: energy derived from highly efficient, clean technologies, including renewable energy and combine heat and power Local: solar and wind energy, efficient energy technology, green building and energy utilization

Why This Cluster? Colorado State University Established business presence Community values surrounding environment Locally owned utility

Path to the Cluster Chamber member sparks idea Chamber provides connection between member and Economic Development Corporation; Initial funding identified Focus Group of industry and community leaders consider Cluster opportunity Organizing Committee identified and leads effort Chamber, Economic Development, City, CSU, Industry Three planning sessions with 30-40 people held to consider: Background Organizational Structure Actionable Projects

Path to the Cluster Goals: Put Fort Collins on the map as the “Go To” region for smart grid technologies, renewable energy and energy efficiency, bio-fuels and cleaner and more efficient engines Contribute to the economic vitality of Northern Colorado by strengthening existing businesses and attracting other energy technology businesses to the region

Path to the Cluster Goals: Leverage University Research and Development, industry solutions and end-user applications to demonstrate the benefits of clean energy technologies, thereby gaining national exposure and competitive advantages in a fast growing industry segment Create public-private partnership to promote economic growth by enabling collaboration, innovation and demonstrations using existing regional competencies

Path to the Cluster Official Launch – May, 2006 Ongoing Efforts More than 100 people attend Announcement of first project (Smart Grid) and $225,000 in state funds to support Website and avenues for involvement announced Ongoing Efforts Regular networking events Addition of projects to portfolio Rallied nearly $1.5 million in cash and in-kind dollars to support the effort

Clean Energy Cluster Today Portfolio of Projects Grid Simulation Lab Testing facility that allows for putting energy back on the grid Solix Bio Fuel via Algae Fort ZED (zero energy district) DOE grant $5 million grant with $4 million local match

Clean Energy Cluster Today Portfolio of Projects New Belgium Energy Efficiency Project

Clean Energy Cluster Today Operations Web-site Community presentations Networking events Board of Directors Inquiry management

www.nccleanenergy.com

Role of the Chamber Convener of people Financial supporter Connect the right people to each other Share information Provide leadership and management Financial supporter In-kind Cash Space Advocate for Economic Development Organizational Advisor

For More Information Ann Hutchison Executive Vice President Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce 225 S Meldrum Fort Collins, CO 80521 (970) 482-3746 ahutchison@fcchamber.org www.fortcollinschamber.com