Colorado exhibits, launches pr/ad campaign at WindPower

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation (Metro Denver EDC), and several economic development organizations from throughout the state touted Colorado's growing wind industry at the American Wind Energy Association's (AWEA) recent WINDPOWER 2011 Conference & Exhibition in Anaheim, Calif., May 22-25.

WINDPOWER is one of the fastest-growing trade shows in the United States with nearly 1,400 exhibitors representing every segment of the global wind industry and more than 20,000 wind industry professionals, experts, decision makers, and researchers in attendance. WINDPOWER is the premier venue for the wind industry to network, do business, and evaluate new technologies and energy policies.

Clean technology, with 1,600 companies employing more than 19,000 workers, was the only cluster within Colorado to grow in 2010. Employment in Colorado's cleantech industry increased 32.7 percent between 2005 and 2010, compared with a 10 percent increase at the national level, according to a 2011 study by the Metro Denver EDC.

"The potential for job growth in cleantech, particularly wind and solar is significant," said Pam Reichert, vice president of the Metro Denver EDC. "During our three days at WINDPOWER we established new relationships with wind-energy decision makers that have put Colorado at the forefront for future expansion."

Exhibiting at an 800-square-foot booth, the Colorado team met with companies interested in expanding or locating in the state and distributed the most sought-after giveaway of the show, the Colorado Propeller Beanie. The popular giveaway also got airtime on NBC's "The Today Show" on Monday, May 30 (click to view).

The team also hosted a Colorado Reception attended by 250 prospects and Colorado companies on May 25. Reception sponsors included:  The Broe Group, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP, Colorado Association of Mechanical and Plumbing Contractors, Mortenson Construction, Nolte Vertical Five, and SOS Staffing. 

The Metro Denver EDC launched a multifaceted marketing campaign promoting Colorado's cleantech industry during WINDPOWER, including:

  • Print advertising daily in AWEA's "WINDPOWER Today"
  • Banner advertising on leading industry sites including RenewableEnergyWorld.com, ColoradoEnergyNews.com, and AWEA's daily Wind Energy SmartBrief
  • Promotion of Colorado's cleantech industry via social media including daily Twitter Trivia contests about Colorado's clean energy economy
  • Proactive public relations including:
    • "Colorado is the hub of national green job creation" news release picked up by 250+ news outlets nationally
    • Story placements in Reuters, CNBC.com, and MSNB.com highlighting cleantech assets and companies in Colorado
    • Scheduled media appointments at Colorado's booth for TJ Deora, director of the Colorado Governor's Energy Office; Fort Felker, director of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's National Wind Technology Center; and Steve Dayney, CEO of Denver-headquartered REpower USA (CNBC.com).

In the upcoming months, the Metro Denver EDC and its partners will continue to capitalize on opportunities to promote the state's cleantech industry. A group of Colorado economic developers will travel to Munich, Germany, June 6-10 for Intersolar Europe. In addition, The Metro Denver EDC will exhibit at Solar Power International October 17-20 in Dallas, Texas.

Learn more:

» www.CleantechHub.com

» Colorado Wind Industry Facts (PDF download)

» Colorado booth & reception images (Flickr)