Recap: 22nd NREL Industry Growth Forum November 3-5, 2009

The 22nd NREL Industry Growth Forum was an overwhelming success, attracting nearly 600 investors, entrepreneurs, scientists and policymakers to participate in the three-day event highlighting emerging clean energy technology firms and business developments.

The CCIA was a sponsor.

Link to the overview

Christine Shapard: Climate Change Person Biographical Entry: The Carbon Capture Report

Christine Shapard: Climate Change Person Biographical Entry: The Carbon Capture Report

Ten clean technology predictions for 2010

Continuing an annual tradition, Cleantech Group Executive Chairman Nicholas Parker offers ten trends to watch for in 2010:

1) Private capital growth recovers, record fund year
2) Clean economies become the new space race
3) Electric cars take the back seat to smart mobility
4) Resource constraints beyond carbon rise to the fore
5) Commodity tradeoff debates intensify
6) Energy efficiency, driven by ICT, eclipses solar
7) Marketing suddenly matters
8) Buffett leads the super rich into cleantech
9) Acquisitions and consolidations accelerate
10) The rise of waste-to-energy, geothermal and aquaculture

Link to the full article at the Cleantech Group Web site

CCIA helped host the German wind energy delegation last month

"Colorado caught the attention of several German companies involved in Europe’s wind energy manufacturing industry when their representatives visited the state in a mid-November scouting trip.

The reps spent a day touring the Vestas wind turbine blade manufacturing plant in Windsor, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, and the wind energy research lab in Boulder that’s operated by German company Siemans Energy Inc.

The German-American Chamber of Commerce’s Colorado chapter sponsored the group, whose members also spoke at a Nov. 13 networking breakfast. The Colorado Cleantech Industry Association and the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade sponsored the breakfast."

Link to the DBJ article: German energy companies tour Colorado

Link to the Nov 6 DBJ announcement

Sunny Skies Ahead For American Solar -- article quoting CCIA's Chris Shapard

CCIA's Executive Director Christine Shapard was quoted in this national article:

“Colorado's solar manufacturers have noted that they benefit from the state's low business costs, availability existing facilities for ramp up of production, and a local workforce familiar with technologies applicable to solar manufacturing,” says Christine Shapard, executive director, Colorado Cleantech Industry Association.

Link to article posting

Colorado International Trade Office Receives $363,135 matching grant to support Colorado cleantech companies in China & Mexico, involving CCIA

11/12/09: "The U.S. Department of Commerce announced today that the Colorado International Trade Office (ITO), a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (COEDIT), is one of five recipients of the Market Development Cooperators Program (MDCP) for 2009. The ITO will receive $363,135 in matching funds over the next three years to support Colorado company exports of clean and environment-related products and services to China and Mexico. . .While the ITO is the lead organization for the CO-EXist program, the following partners will also play an integral role: The Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration (ITA); the U.S. Export Assistance Center, Denver; the U.S. Foreign Commercial Service Offices in Mexico and China; Connected Organizations for a Responsible Economy (CORE); the Colorado Association for Manufacturing and Technology (CAMT); the Colorado CleanTech Industry Association (CCIA); and the City of Denver Office of Economic Development. Other support organizations include the World Trade Center, Denver and the Colorado Springs Office of International Affairs."

Link to the ITO news release

Colorado Cleantech Industry Association Smart Grid Session 3: The Policy Challenges

CCIA and Brownstein Hyatt Farber & Schreck, LLP hosted "Smart Grid: The Policy Challenges" on November 10, 2009, for the 3rd in its 3-part smart grid series. Keynote Presentation (pictured far right): Matt Baker, Commissioner, Public Utilities Commission Additional Panelists Included (L-R): Rebecca Johnson; Tony Markel, Senior Engineer, Vehicle Systems Analysis Group, National Renewable Energy Laboratory; and Sunil Cherian, Founder & CEO, Spirae, Inc.

11/13: the CCIA will host a breakfast for the German wind energy delegation

Latest News From the DBJ: Representatives of eight German companies involved in the global wind energy industry are coming to Denver next week, hoping to find local companies in Colorado to partner with in the future.

The companies manufacture equipment for the wind energy industry, from the bolts that hold the turbine together to the hand tools used by maintenance workers on wind farms.

. The Colorado Cleantech Industry Association will host a breakfast for the delegation, where members will make presentations about their companies, Friday morning, Nov. 13, at the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade helped to put together the breakfast, Cheatham said.

For information about registering for the Cleantech association's breakfast, call the association at 303-623-2690.

Link to the DBJ posting

Smart Grid Session 2 - Technical Challenges Ahead

Link to the video of the keynote by Dave Markham, Lockheed Martin, at the CCIA's Smart Grid session 2: Technical Challenges Ahead held yesterday (10/28/09) at the Denver Chamber.

Additional panel participants included: Dr. Frank Barnes, CU/Boulder; David Cohen, Infotility; and Marcia Martin, Magpie.

Dave Markham's remarks are available in three parts at the CCIA YouTube channel.

Smart Grid Session 1 Video Recaps Now Available

The CCIA held the first of three sessions on Smart Grid, September 30, 2009. Video recaps are now available of the first session at the CCIA's YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/COCleantech

Link to the CCIA YouTube Channel

Smart Grid Series Offered In Colorado

The Colorado Cleantech Industry Association (CCIA) will be offering a three-part series this fall, "Smart Grid, Technology and Colorado." The first session will take place Sept. 30 at 7:30 a.m. at the Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce.

The event, hosted by Fairfield and Woods PC, will feature Luke Clemente, general manager of smart grid for GE Transmission and Distribution, as keynote speaker.

Link to the Renew Grid posting

The Colorado Cleantech Industry Association Announces Its Three-part "Smart Grid, Technology and Colorado" Series

The Colorado Cleantech Industry Association (CCIA) will be offering a three-part series this fall, “Smart Grid, Technology and Colorado.” The announcement is made by Christine Shapard, founding Executive Director of the CCIA who says, “We are pleased to announce the kickoff session in our series, Smart Grid: The Vision, on Wednesday, September 30, 7:30 a.m., at the Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce offices.”

The Series Kicks Off with Keynote Speaker Luke Clemente of General Electric (http://ge.ecomagination.com/smartgrid).

Registration is required, contact Shelly Curtiss at 303-623-2690 or Shelly@coloradocleantech.com – CCIA members attend free of charge; $50 for non-members. Subsequent sessions in the series are scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, and Tuesday, November 10. A breakfast buffet is provided at each of the sessions. Note space is limited and reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, visit http://www.coloradocleantech.com/events.html

Link to the PR Web newswire

ColoradoBiz TV: Andy Paliszewski of Siemens Energy at the CCIA Launch Event

Planet Profit Report

Andy Paliszewski of Siemens Energy talks about his company’s investment in renewable energy and the future of wind technology at the launch of the Colorado Cleantech Industry Association.

Link to the ColoradoBiz TV interview

Colorado is a stand out in the Clean Energy Economy

The August 28th Wall Street Journal mentioned Colorado in a quote from the Pew Environmental Group:

"'Oregon is one of the top three states in the country in terms of growing its clean-energy economy' along with Colorado and Tennessee, said Phyllis Cuttino, director of the Pew Environment Group's U.S. Global Warming campaign, a nonprofit that is part of the Pew Charitable Trusts."

Link to the article posting

The information comes from the June 2009 Pew report entitled "The Clean Energy Economy: Repowering Jobs, Businesses and Investments Across the Country." Colorado is singled among the "large and fast growing" category. Quoting from the report:

"Large and fast growing. Three states have large and fast-growing clean energy economies: Colorado, Oregon and Tennessee. In 2007, each of these states exceeded the national averages for both the number of jobs in the clean energy economy (15,106) and the average annual growth rate for those jobs (1.9 percent). These states are geographically dispersed, demonstrating that location is not the sole factor in the success and vitality of a state’s clean energy economy. Tennessee has had success developing jobs in the Conservation and Pollution Mitigation category, which includes recycling, waste treatment and water management; more than three quarters of the state’s jobs in the clean energy economy are in this category. Colorado has capitalized on its natural wind and sun resources to stimulate job growth in Clean Energy, while Oregon has become a leader in Energy Efficiency, with a quarter of its jobs in the clean energy economy in this category."

Link to a pdf of the Pew report

Rocky Radar - Ascent Announces Successful Testing of Packaging for Thin Film Technology

Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc (NASDAQ:ASTI) announced the successful completion of internal qualification of the packaging for its flexible thin-film modules.

Ascent, based in Thornton, Colorado, is scheduled to begin high volume manufacturer of thin film modules at its factory, also in Thornton, at the beginning of 2010.

Link to the Rocky Radar posting

ColoradoBiz TV: Ryan Ferrero at the CCIA Launch Event

Planet Profit Report

Ryan Ferrero of Primoris Energy Solutions talks at the Colorado Cleantech Industry Association’s launch about how the company is bringing clean technology and innovation to the transportation industry.

Link to the ColoradoBiz TV interview

ColoradoBiz TV: CCIA Launch Highlights

Planet Profit Report

Christine Shappard, the executive director of the Colorado Cleantech Industry Association, talks to the press about the organization’s goal to make Colorado a world leader in the green economy. Plus, hear remarks from Don Elliman, new State of Colorado COO, and Colorado Governor Bill Ritter at the CCIA launch July 23, 2009.

Link to the ColoradoBiz TV coverage

Top 10 U.S. states for cleantech in 2009: Colorado Ranks #4

1. California is the 800-pound gorilla of cleantech, with half of all cleantech-related venture capital going to the Golden State, a total of $6.5 billion from 2006 to 2008. Backed by the leadership of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, they also have the most aggressive greenhouse-gas reduction targets in the country.

2. Texas boasts the world’s largest wind farm, and generates more electricity from wind than any other state. Moreover, Texas attracted more than $716 million in cleantech-related venture capital funds between 2006 and 2008.

3.Massachusetts can lay claim to the best university cluster in the world, with MIT, Harvard University, Boston University, Tufts University and Northeastern University helping attract from 2006 to 2008 $1.2 billion in venture capital funds—second only to California.

4. Colorado is cultivating a true cleantech culture, with roughly 200 cleantech firms dotting the area stretching from Colorado Springs to Fort Collins. The state has attracted more than 17,000 cleantech jobs from 2006 to 2008. Colorado was also able to attract Vestas Wind Systems, the world's leading supplier of wind turbines, to open four new plants—an investment of more than $600 million.

Find out the rest

Mike Cote Interview with Ron Bernal, chairman of CCIA

Ron Bernal, of Sequel Venture Partners and chairman of the Colorado Cleantech Industry Association, talks at the organization’s launch event about how the group plans to develop the green energy sector in Colorado.

Link to the ColoradoBiz TV interview

August 9 - Denver Post: A conversation with Christine Shapard

A conversation with Christine Shapard, executive director of the Colorado Cleantech Industry Association, edited for length and clarity by staff writer Mark Jaffe:

Q: How has the recession affected clean-technology companies, especially startups?

Q: If climate and energy legislation, along the lines of the Waxman-Markey bill passed by the House, becomes law, what impact could it have for companies here?

Q: What effect is the Obama administration's economic stimulus package having on clean-technology companies?

Link to Chris Shapard's answers

ColoradoBiz TV: Don Marostica of Colorado’s OEDIT at CCIA's Launch

Planet Profit Report

Don Marostica, Gov. Ritter’s Republican pick to head the state’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade, explains at the Colorado Cleantech Industry Association’s launch how green collar jobs will help put some of Colorado’s 250,000 unemployed to work.

Link to Mike Cote's interview with Don

From the UK - NewNet Profile: Colorado Cleantech Industry Association

"Christine Shapard, the executive director of the Colorado Cleantech Industry Association discusses why private investment is crucial in pushing cleantech forward, the effects of a new Administration and the potential impact to the industry of stimulus funding. . .

. . .‘Our aim is to make Colorado the epicentre of the cleantech industry in the US and the world. We are focused on making sure that companies grow in Colorado, so we are trying to build the business environment companies need to grow their operations and get their products out into the market place. There are currently more than 300 cleantech businesses operating in the area and we are home to the nation’s national laboratory devoted to renewable energy. We work very closely with the state legislature and lobby in Washington DC on behalf of the industry. In addition, we work alongside the Governor to ensure that companies are being heard and receiving adequate awareness.'"

Link to the Q&A with Chris Shapard about CCIA

ColoradoBiz TV's Mike Cote Interviews Gov. Bill Ritter at the CCIA Launch

At the launch of the new Colorado Cleantech Industry Association on July 23, Gov. Bill Ritter talks about the significance of “clean tech” and renewable energy in Colorado and how the industry can contribute to job creation. Read more about Colorado’s ‘New Energy Economy’ here.

Link to the ColoradoBiz TV "Executive Edge" Interview

Link to Cote’s Colorado: Colorado clean tech goes to Washington

CCIA Launches Among Luminaries at the Governor’s Mansion

"On Thursday afternoon a dense collection of Colorado luminaries gathered at the Governor’s mansion to celebrate the launch of the Colorado Cleantech Industry Association (CCIA) under the leadership of Executive Director Christine Shapard.

The mission of the association is to provide representation and advocacy, a unified voice, relevant programming and capacity development to the clean technology industry taking shape within the state. Shapard, who began building the new organization after a successful leadership role at the Colorado BioScience Association, noted CCIA’s 'dedication to making Colorado a world leader' in clean technology and cited its strong backing by ninety member companies, including Xcel Energy, Google, and Silicon Valley Bank."

Link to the Rocky Radar Report

Cleantech Trade Group Launches To Start-Up Acclaim

"Of the politicians, businesspeople, and academics who gathered at the governor’s mansion on July 23, the most relieved by far had to be Chris Shapard, executive director of the brand-new Colorado Cleantech Industry Organization. . .

First conceived nearly a year ago, the CCIA seemed at first like a slam dunk: 'When we first starting raising money back in September, everyone said, no problem! As the world economy came to a screeching halt, the road got tougher: some of the trade organization’s members are “on a payment plan,' Shapard said, but the CCIA, formed to lead and catalyze the renewable-energy industry at the heart of Colorado’s New Energy Economy, is now off the drawing board with more than 80 members and strong support from the Governor’s Energy Office, the University of Colorado, Colorado State University, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory."

Read Richard Martin's Report

CO Gov. Ritter Announces Formation of Colorado Cleantech Industry Assn.

Denver, CO—During launch festivities July 23 at the Governor’s Mansion, Colorado Governor Bill Ritter announced formation of the Colorado Cleantech Industry Association (CCIA).

The announcement was made together with Christine Shapard, founding Executive Director of the CCIA who said “The CCIA is the only industry-led, industry-focused cleantech group in the state created to solidify Colorado’s position as the nation’s cleantech leader, new energy economy driver and technology innovator and we are one of only four cleantech business associations in the country.

Link to BioFuels Journal

Alternative Energy News: Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter & Industry Leaders Announce Formation of the Colorado Cleantech Industry Association

Thursday, during festivities at the Governor's Mansion, Colorado Governor Bill Ritter announced formation of the Colorado Cleantech Industry Association (CCIA). The CCIA is the only industry-led, industry-focused cleantech group in the state and one of only four cleantech business associations in the country. In the six months that the CCIA has been in existence, it has grown to 85 members, lobbied for innovation language to be included in the 2009 American Clean Energy and Security Act and passed two pieces of legislation that help Cleantech technology businesses grow in Colorado. (PRWeb Jul 25, 2009)

Link to businessemerging.com

New Colorado Cleantech Industry Association announced

On July 23, during launch festivities at the Governor's Mansion, Colorado Governor Bill Ritter announced formation of the Colorado Cleantech Industry Association (CCIA). The announcement was made together with Christine Shapard, founding Executive Director of the CCIA who said, "The CCIA is the only industry-led, industry-focused cleantech group in the state created to solidify Colorado's position as the nation's cleantech leader, new energy economy driver and technology innovator. We are one of only four cleantech business associations in the country."

Link to the MetroDenver News Center

Colorado Cleantech Industry Association Officially Launched

Gov. Bill Ritter, D-Colo., has created the Colorado Cleantech Industry Association (CCIA) with industry executives.

"The CCIA is the only industry-led, industry-focused cleantech group in the state created to solidify Colorado's position as the nation's cleantech leader, new energy economy driver and technology innovator," says Christine Shapard, founding executive director of the CCIA. "We are one of only four cleantech business associations in the country."

Link to the posting

Video Clip: Colorado Governor Bill Ritter Launches the Colorado Cleantech Industry Association July 23, 2009

During launch festivities at the Governor’s Mansion, Colorado Governor Bill Ritter announced formation of the Colorado Cleantech Industry Association (CCIA). The announcement was made together with Christine Shapard, founding Executive Director of the CCIA who said “The CCIA is the only industry-led, industry-focused cleantech group in the state created to solidify Colorado’s position as the nation’s cleantech leader, new energy economy driver and technology innovator and we are one of only four cleantech business associations in the country.”

“Over the past few years, Colorado has become a national leader in the New Energy Economy, and one key reason is the thriving community of 300 cleantech companies and 20,000 employees based here,” Gov. Ritter said. “Even in this difficult economy, cleantech remains a vital part of our forward-looking economic-development strategy. The Colorado Cleantech Industry Association will help harness the power and the potential of this important economic sector as we lead Colorado forward and establish this state as the cleantech capital of the world.”

Link to more information

Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter & Industry Leaders Announce Formation of the Colorado Cleantech Industry Association

DENVER, July 24 -- Yesterday, during launch festivities at the Governor’s Mansion, Colorado Governor Bill Ritter announced formation of the Colorado Cleantech Industry Association (CCIA).

The announcement was made together with Christine Shapard, founding Executive Director of the CCIA who said, “The CCIA is the only industry-led, industry-focused cleantech group in the state created to solidify Colorado’s position as the nation’s cleantech leader, new energy economy driver and technology innovator. We are one of only four cleantech business associations in the country.”

Link to NewsReleaseWire for the launch event release

9News Covers CCIA Launch - Cleantech: 'The only industry hiring right now'

"DENVER - The fastest-growing industry in Colorado might be the "only industry that's hiring right now," according to the executive director of a trade association formed to maximize its potential.

The Colorado Cleantech Industry Association was officially launched at an event inside the Governor's Mansion on Thursday to celebrate the 300 companies who have already hired roughly 20,000 workers and brought in more than $300 million in venture capital last year alone.

'In my years of economic development, I see this as having more potential than the IT sector did,' said Chris Shapard, who runs the new trade group that lists Colorado's traditional energy companies, its research institutions, renewable technology leaders and state offices as its members. 'The passion that I've seen here is incredible. The drive, the energy, no pun intended, is much more than other sectors that I've seen.'"

Link to 9News coverage of the CCIA launch by Adam Schrager

Gov. Ritter to testify before Congress on clean energy

From today's Denver Business Journal Latest News:

"Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter and three other governors will testify before a U.S. Senate committee Tuesday on how promotion of alternative-energy development is creating jobs in their states. Tuesday's hearing in Washington is before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works and its subcommittee on Green Jobs and the New Economy."

Link to read the article

CCIA Executive Director Christine Shapard Welcomes New Cleantech Incubator

Friday's Denver Business Journal released announcement of the new CleanLaunch Technology Incubator to the city.

"I'm looking forward to coordinating efforts between the CCIA and the CleanLaunch Technology Incubator. Stephen and I have known each other for many years and since I took this position, have been talking about how we can provide seamless support to the cleantech industry," Christine Shapard, founding executive director of the Colorado Cleantech Industry Association (CCIA), says.

According to the DBJ, "Colorado’s CleanLaunch Technology Incubator expects to look at more than 1,000 business plans in the next four years, said Stephen Miller, president and CEO of the newly launched small-business advisory group."

Link to the article at the Denver Business Journal website

Link to the CleanLaunch Technology Incubator website

Cote’s Colorado: Colorado clean tech goes to Washington

From the June 2009 ColoradoBiz Magazine:

" 'Washington is the new Wall Street,' lobbyist Kyle Simpson told a group of about 100 businesspeople gathered at a meeting of the newly launched Colorado Cleantech Industry Association in April. 'They’ve put a big collection of dollars behind this like they’ve never done before over a sustained period.'

Simpson works for the law firm of Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, the association’s lobbying arm. Speaking to the Denver group via Web conferencing from Washington, D.C., Simpson and fellow policy director Mike McAdams offered a primer on how to apply for funding. They noted that federal agencies used to working on long-range projects are having difficulty adjusting to programs that must be allocated by 2010."

Link to read Mike Cote's column about the CCIA's federal lobbying program

From Colorado Energy News Profiling CCIA

"In Focus - The Colorado Cleantech Industry Association

April 28, 2009 -- Founded only last year, the Colorado Cleantech Industry Association is nearly a 60-strong member organization that is already making its mark in our state. CCIA is dedicated to promoting Colorado’s cleantech industry, and, according to Executive Director, Christine Shapard, it is the only industry-led, industry-focused cleantech group in the state."

Link to the posting at ColoradoEnergyNews.com

Debut CCIA Event Discusses Stimulus Money Application Strategies

Rocky Radar Covered CCIA's DOE Grants Interactive Q&A in Denver.

At its first event, the Colorado Cleantech Industry Association (CCIA) offered its member companies insights into how to best position themselves for the competitive grants available through the stimulus package. The event called on both local and Washington experts at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck to provide an overview of the moneys available and answer. . .

Link to the full report

Cleantech Association Hosts Meeting for Companies Seeking Federal Stimulus Funds

By Ann Rascalli

The rush is on for cleantech and energy-related companies seeking their share of the ARRA stimulus funds heading to Colorado. Seemingly, overnight a handful of organizations and state agencies are now offering assistance by hosting meetings and publishing papers. Just this week Colorado Energy News reported on the Colorado Public Utilities Commission new report analyzing funding opportunities available.

Another resource has just been added to the mix -and it’s a good one. The Colorado Cleantech Industry Association is hosting, along with the CCIA’s federal lobbying firm, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, an interactive Q&A on the subject with experts. The all-star lineup of panelists includes Kyle Simpson, former Associate Deputy Secretary for DOE’s Energy Programs, Mike McAdams, former Policy Advisor to BP’s Lord Browne and John Herrick, former Chief Counsel for the DOE’s Golden office.

The event is April 15, 3-5 p.m., at the offices of Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, 410 Seventeenth Street, Suite 2200.

Link to the Colorado Energy News article

Colorado Cleantech Industry Association Announces “Interactive Q&A: What Can Your Clean Tech Company Do to Be a Top Contender for Federal DOE Funds?”

Denver, CO, April 8, 2009 -- The Colorado Cleantech Industry Association (CCIA) and its federal lobbying firm, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, are hosting an interactive Q&A with Kyle Simpson, former Associate Deputy Secretary for DOE's Energy Programs, Mike McAdams, former Policy Advisor to BP's Lord Browne and John Herrick, former Chief Counsel for the DOE's Golden office. The announcement is made by Christine Shapard, CCIA Executive Director, who says the event is April 15, 3-5 p.m., at the offices of Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, 410 Seventeenth Street, Suite 2200. Admission is free for CCIA members and $80 for non-member guests.

“We’ve all seen the headlines talking about billions of dollars of stimulus funds for renewable energy and clean technologies going to the US Department of Energy (DOE),” Shapard says. “It sounds good, and it is, but it doesn't mean much unless you are one of the grant recipients. But where is the money going and what does it take to be a top contender? This is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to learn from the experts what it will take to be competitively positioned to win some of the billions invested in DOE's clean technology programs.” Advance registration requested to:

Christine (Chris) Shapard

Executive Director, Colorado

Cleantech Industry Association

1445 Market Street, 5th Floor

Denver, CO 80202, 303-623-2690

Chris@coloradocleantech.com

Link to the news release

Christine Shapard Named Founding Executive Director of the Colorado Cleantech Industry Association

Christine Shapard, a well-known name in Denver's business community, has been named the first executive director of the Colorado Cleantech Industry Association (CCIA), a trade association currently being formed for the state's clean technology industry. Ron Bernal, partner with Sequel Venture Partners and member of the CCIA organizing committee, made the announcement. Bernal says his team is thrilled to have an executive with Shapard's credentials on board to spearhead the future launch of the new association and its ongoing management and growth.

“I’m very excited about building and leading the first industry-led, industry-focused cleantech trade association in our state,” Shapard says. “Colorado has the potential to be the national leader for the this important sector.”

Shapard most recently served as interim director of the Colorado Bioscience Association (CBSA), which she had originally joined in January 2006 as director of marketing and communications. Prior to CBSA, Shapard was with the Governor's Office of Economic Development & International Trade where she helped create and fund some of Colorado's emerging technology trade associations and helped grow the BioWest Conference & Expo and launch the Bioscience Colorado magazine.

Link for more information