Spotlights

GIS Day and Celebration

Join regional Geographic Information System companies Thursday, Nov. 12 to celebrate the area’s first GIS Day. GIS Day is a global event that celebrates geography and the application of geographic information systems (GIS) technology. A geographic information system (GIS) uses computers and software to analyze and map location-based information. Northern Colorado enjoys a long legacy of excellence in GIS.  Please join us for hors d'oeuvres, cash bar and presentations on why the area is named “GIS Alley.”

Details

Thursday, Nov. 12, 4 -7 p.m. at the Drake Center, 802 W. Drake Rd., Fort Collins. This is a FREE event, but pre-registration is requested, (970) 581-5395, or

Global Entrepreneur Week Celebration

Wednesday, Nov. 18, 5 -7 p.m.

Council Chambers, City Hall, 300 Laporte Avenue.

Join local entrepreneurs, Colorado State University staff and the CEO of Rocky Mountain Innovation Initiative (RMII) for a lively discussion on entrepreneurship and the local support system that nurtures promising start-ups. Facilitated by Mike Freeman, Chief Financial Officer, City of Fort Collins. Sponsored by the Economic Advisory Commission.

City of Fort Collins Receives $15 Million Matching Funds Grant

Recently, the City of Fort Collins Utilities received a $15.4 million matching funds grant from the Department of Energy as part of the Federal Recovery Act. This funding will accelerate plans to implement Smart Grid technologies throughout the electric distribution system that serves the community.
 

Northern Colorado Entrepreneurs Network Event

"Web Software Development: Where Does Open Source Fit?"

Join other local entrepreneurs for this monthly program sponsored by the Northern Colorado Enterpreneurs Network. Presentations by Calpont, Surflocal, Chillico Enterprises, and Tempered, LLC.

Monday, Nov. 16, 5:45 p.m. Please register in advance, www.nocoentrenet.net.

Economic E-Newsletter

Welcome to the monthly City's economic e-newsletter. Focusing on the economic health and sustainability of businesses in Fort Collins, articles present fresh stories of success, emerging trends, and other news bits that will keep you up to date with the local business environment.

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This month's features: Mike's Corner, Riverside Technology, Inc., In -Situ Inc., Water-Pik, CSU's Water Legacy, ... and more >>

New Public Art and Water Feature in Community: Sphere of Tranquility

Donation by The Rock Garden

The City of Fort Collins’s Art in Public Places Program is pleased to announce a recent gift of art to the City. Jim Striggow, owner of The Rock Garden, on North College Avenue and Terry Lake Road, has generously gifted a large-scale stone water sculpture to the City for the community to enjoy. The piece is located on Mulberry Street, on the south side of the Mulberry Pool building, between Meldrum and Sherwood Streets.

In order to donate a piece of art to the City, an extensive application process is required. To learn more about the donation process, visit the Art in Public Places Board’s webpage.

Keeping Green in the Copy Room: Green Cartridge Colorado

Green Cartridge Colorado (GCC) is a local ink cartridge recycler and manufacturer who operate their business with the triple bottom line in mind.  Their customers save money by purchasing repurposed cartridges; there is less waste and pollution, and they provide jobs in our local community and at a Colorado correctional institute.

Fact: 50-80 percent of all the electronic waste sent for recycling in the U.S., including empty ink and toner cartridges; actually ends up in our own landfills or becomes waste in developing countries throughout Asia and Africa.

Fact: GCC has a joint venture with Colorado Correctional Industries, employing inmates to produce quality goods and services for sale to government, public and private entities. Teaching inmates work ethics and marketable job skills greatly reduces the recidivism rate.

Fact: GCC is one of the few cartridge reuse and recycle companies. Clients save 20-40 percent per year in ink cartridge expenses by purchasing refilled cartridges. GCC has an online store with photos and serial numbers of their cartridges. Using repurposed and refilled ink cartridges does not affect the performance of the copier.

The City of Fort Collins has an ordinance banning the disposal of electronic waste (www.fcgov.com/ewaste)  in our local waste stream. Recycling cartridges is highly recommended for all customers.

Small Business Development Center Welcomes New Director

The Larimer County Small Business Development Center (SBDC) recently hired a new director. Donna Beaman is a former business owner and local business advocate. Donna is already very busy working with existing and start-up businesses in her new capacity.

Services available at the SBDC include free business counseling, classes/workshops and guidance on topics such as business financials, tracking business growth, and capital formation. National statistics show that more than 80 percent of businesses have less than 50 employees. Any sized company is welcome at the SBDC. Contact Donna and her staff to learn more about these valuable services, many of which are free.

Office phone (970) 498-9295.  Locations: 125 S. Mason St., Fort Collins, main floor of the Key Bank building and 441 E. Fourth St., Loveland

Business Environmental Series

Business Environmental Program Series. Cafe Columbine, 802 W. Drake Rd.
This popular free program returns to teach the local business community smart, efficient ways to save money, save enegry, and increase sustainability in their workplace. 9 a.m. - noon.

RSVP is required. or 970.221.6700

 Next Program

 Nov. 10.  Watering with Conservation in Mind

Keep water costs down and quality up. Learn about new technology, techniques and tips to make your landscape water efficient. Also, learn about the City's new landscape and irrigation regulations. 

 Past program agendas and presentations are available here.

FortZED:Track Progress on www.fortzed.com

FortZED, a Fort Collins Smart Grid project, is competing for Economic Stimulus dollars. The website keeps you informed with the latest progress. A Fort Collins Utilities timeline, a video-on-demand program, and links for how you can get involved are all on fortzed.com.

Fort Collins' Competitive Advantage

Fort Collins has a long history of winning awards and honors. The accolades are a result of thoughtful planning, economic policies, wonderful amenities, and a world-class infrastructure.

• Economic development incentives
• Award-winning Development Review Process
• Low sales tax rate
• Low utility rates, high reliability
• High quality of life
• Collaboration with Colorado State University
• Entrepreneur support
• Educated workforce

Call Mike Freeman, Chief Financial Officer, 970.416.2259 or Josh Birks, Economic Advisor, 970.221.6324 for more information on bringing your business to Fort Collins.