1. Building the Economy with Clusters
August 3, 2007

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

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

7. 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 people held to consider:
Background
Organizational Structure
Actionable Projects

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

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

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

15. 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

16. For More Information
Ann Hutchison Executive Vice President Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce 225 S Meldrum Fort Collins, CO (970)