Spotlights
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, Art Lab, Gallery Underground, Otterbox Relocates in Downtown, Cluster Profiles, ... and more >>
What is the Social Advisory Group for Entrepreneurs (SAGE )Up To?
Experts across different industries gather each month to listen to the passionate pitches of up and coming startup companies. Next is a rapid-fire brainstorm, sans the business owner, of what’s good, what’s missing, and what challenges and opportunities might the company have. This is tough advice to hear, but the setting is friendly, with local business experts delivering the ideas and potential solutions. Plus, the advisory network offers professional help with some of the problem areas. The Rocky Mountain Innovation Initiative (RMII) sponsors SAGE.
The latest company to welcome such sage advice? Crashboxx, owned by Peter Byrne. It’s an “intelligent vehicle tools” company for fleet management and the insurance industry. Peter has developed proprietary engineering and software applications that will help make large fleet management and insurance companies more aware of dangerous driving behaviors and vehicle crashes by their employees/customers. Aggressive turning, stopping or acceleration are captured on small devices installed near the dashboard. Data is transmitted to fleet offices, where management can monitor their drivers’ behavior and vehicle damage.
If you’d like more information on SAGE, visit here.
NewMark Merrill Tackles Deconstruction
By now you may have visited the new Chick-fil-A restaurant on S. College and Horsetooth. NewMark Merrill Mountain States division, the shopping center owner and developer, needed to get the former restaurant ready for their new tenant, Chick-fil-A. It was too old to remodel, but was full of valuable materials that could be repurposed.
Luke McFetridge of NewMark Merrill implemented a hybrid deconstruction project. For nine days, crews stripped the building of valuable materials and hauled it all to ReSource, on North College. The building’s foundation was recycled at the City’s concrete recycling facility. In all, NewMark Merrill was able to divert 54% of the construction waste from the Larimer County Landfill, while repurposing seven tons of material through a local salvage company.
Some businesses have the impression that deconstruction is a time-consuming effort, and expensive. Luke found that by using a hybrid model, his company could save money, save time, and keep harmful materials out of the landfill. Sounds like a great trend!
NewMark Merrill is also a City of Fort Collins Climate Wise member—they are reducing waste and helping the City meet its sustainability goals while leading the way in commercial deconstruction.
The Light Center
Long time local retailer and leaders in energy savings lighting, the Light Center is a locally owned and operated company who has been lighting up Fort Collins for 38 years. The Light Center offers commercial and residential customers a variety of products and services. Repairs? Check. Landscape lighting? Check. Compact fluorescent lights? Check.
Walking into the Light Center you’ll notice the variety of lighting available. What’s not so visible is their vast inventory and selection of commercial lighting and energy retrofits. If your company is exploring ways to update office or facility lighting, seek out the expertise of the Light Center staff for innovative solutions to lighting configuration, cost savings, and energy savings.
The Light Center is located at 2725 S. College Avenue, right in the heart of Midtown. They are proud members of Be Local Northern Colorado, Lighting One buying co-op, Home Builders Association and more. Customers benefit from the Light Center’s partnership with Fort Collins Utilities and Platter River Power Authority—update to an Energy Star® fixture(s) or CFL’s and receive a rebate for your purchase.
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
Last Business Environmental Program of 2009!
Illuminating Lighting Technologies, Dec. 8, 9 a.m.-noon
LED and fluorescent lighting are in the spotlight. Learn about induction, high-performance T-8 systems and lighting controls. Financial incentives may be available for your business' lighting projects. Reserve your spot by Dec. 3.
Past program agendas and presentations are available here.
Be Local Coupon Book, 4th edition
In its fourth year, the new Be Local Coupon Book is bursting with unbelievable deals, and incentives to shop local. The coupon book includes 275 businesses and more than $6,000 of discounts for $10.
The fourth edition includes more than 40 short stories from local, independent businesses, 260 coupons (60+ are restaurant coupons), and the Be Local Northern Colorado business directory.
The City of Fort Collins Economic Health Office supports the Be Local initiative to preserve our diverse local retail, restaurants, and service oriented businesses. Pick up a book for your family, car, bike basket, and gifts for local friends.
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.
