ConocoPhillips to Build Renewable Energy Technology and Training Center in Louisville, Colorado

Colorado's New Energy Economy took a step forward when ConocoPhillips announced plans on February 20, 2008 to establish a new global technology and corporate learning center at the former Storage Technology campus in Louisville, CO.

ConocoPhillips intends to use the property as part of a major push surrounding renewable energy.  Colorado offers the company access to intellectual resources including the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, University of Colorado, Colorado State University and Colorado School of Mines.

"This demonstrates all we've been saying about the new energy economy," Governor Bill Ritter said. "This commitment by ConocoPhillips will marry the traditional oil and gas industry with renewable energy."

The company will raze and rebuild the campus to make way for a global technology center that will be the hub for its research and development in making liquid fuels from renewable sources. ConocoPhillips will also create a worldwide learning center at the site where it will bring thousands of employees each year to train on new energy technology applications.

The new campus will be operational by 2012.

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ConocoPhillips Purchase of Colorado Property

-          ConocoPhillips Press Release

Big Potential for ConocoPhillips Site

      -          Rocky Mountain News 

Ascent Solar to Establish New World Headquarters and Production Facility in Thornton, Colorado

Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc., developer of state-of-the-art, thin-film photovoltaic modules, announced in February 2008 the purchase of a large scale manufacturing facility expected to house the company's new world headquarters and planned commercial manufacturing operations.

Located in Thornton, Colorado just north of downtown Denver, the plant encompasses approximately 120,000 square feet of office and manufacturing space. In addition to housing the company's headquarters, the facility will provide manufacturing space for the first of several 25MW solar module production lines as the company embarks on a plan to expand its worldwide production capacity to 100MW by 2011. The expansion is expected to create approximately 300 manufacturing jobs. The first 25MW production line is planned for completion by year-end 2009.

Don Elliman, executive director of the Colorado Governor's Office of Economic Development, commented that "The renewable energy sector is one we have chosen to focus on for the State. We are convinced Colorado has an opportunity to be a world class center in the development of this industry. Ascent Solar's decision to build here is both a testament to that potential and terrific step forward for the industry in the State. We are thrilled they are becoming an important building block in the Colorado economy.

"Ascent Solar's investment in renewable energy technologies and its manufacturing are bringing good jobs and clean, reliable, energy to Colorado. We are proud to have Ascent as a partner in Colorado's New Energy Economy," said Tom Plant, director of the Governor's Energy Office.

With the support of the Colorado Governor's offices for Economic Development and Energy, Ascent Solar was able to secure the financing necessary to purchase the facility at competitive terms, and intends to immediately commence the modifications necessary to develop a high volume state-of-the-art manufacturing facility for the production of Ascent Solar's thin-film flexible solar modules.

Ascent Solar's President and CEO Matthew Foster stated "Ascent Solar is pleased to locate our new world headquarters in the State of Colorado. The commitment by Governor Ritter to renewable energy initiatives in the state and the actionable support from the governmental offices to make this opportunity a reality has demonstrated to us that Colorado is committed to becoming a world leader in the manufacture and deployment of renewable energy alternatives. We look forward to growing our presence in Colorado and to delivering sustainable energy alternatives with our products."

For More Information:

www.ascentsolar.com

U.S. energy market attracts Spaniards -          Rocky Mountain News

Community Store Formed in Walsh, Colorado

In September 2006, the local grocery store in Walsh, Colorado closed one month after the community lost the local pharmacy. Walsh is a rural community located in the very southeast corner of Colorado.  Its population of approximately 667 citizens was forced to travel 20 miles to the nearest grocery store for even the most basic of necessities.

The loss of the grocery store affected other businesses, the healthcare facility and the school.  Attracting people to the community to live and work without being able to provide the basic needs created a challenge.  "We knew it would be a difficult process, but we also knew we had to be persistent with our efforts for the livelihood of the community," Said Rick Mills, board president.

With the loss of two businesses in two months, the community decided to take action. Mayor Clarence Jones called a community meeting in October 2006 to discuss what could be done.  The answer was simple for this small, tight-knit community:  "Let's do it ourselves!"  A committee of five volunteers was quickly assembled and began taking advantage of resources that might be able to help with the project, including the La Junta Small Business Development Center, Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade, the Baca County Commissioners, National Resource Conservation Service, Department Of Local Affairs, United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development and South East Colorado Power Association.

A community meeting was held in January 2007, with a great response and much enthusiasm.  Different options of proceeding were discussed and it was the majority voice that wanted the store to be locally owned and operated. The community raised over $200,000 from over 300 community members to form The Walsh Community Store, Inc.  These initial investments allowed the purchase of the established grocery store building, and equipment and renovation began on the property.  Volunteers were called to help with the work and many people donated many hours to get the work accomplished.

The persistence of the community paid off.  In June 2007, The Walsh Community Grocery Store was opened for business.  Volunteers help to stock shelves and repair miscellaneous items in the store.  The store is continuing to thrive with sales surpassing expectations.  Of course there will be additional challenges along the way, but with community spirit such as this, there is no doubt this grocery store is here to stay.