Spotlights
Pelco and Cisco Partnering on High Tech Video Security Cameras
For the past few months Pelco and Cisco have been collaborating on the development of video security cameras that utilize the best technologies of both companies. The co-branded cameras have sophisticated propriatory compenents as well as embedded analytics, auto focus and easy installation. The cameras are networked to central locations where customers can monitor activity from their facilities and physical assets.
The technology and products that attracted Cisco were designed and developed at the Fort Collins Pelco location. Congratulations on a winning partnership!
Meet Christina Vincent, Urban Renewal Authority (URA) Program Manager
While Christina has been a City employee for more than two years, her position was recently moved from Advance Planning to the Economic Health Office. She joins Chief Financial Officer, Mike Freeman, and Economic Advisor, Josh Birks; her primary role is managing URA projects.
What is the connection between URAs and Economic Health? The Urban Renewal Authority provides development opportunities through the use of Tax Increment Financing. Some development projects aren’t able to bear the cost of development without public investment where deficiencies exist, thus creating a public/private partnership.
Underdeveloped areas designated as “blight” can qualify for financial assistance when the cost of removing the blight is above and beyond what a project can afford.
When/why should developers contact Christina? If a developer is looking to develop in an area that has significant deficiencies in the public infrastructure system, they should contact the URA Program Manager very early in the process. Crunching numbers associated with property taxes, project valuation and future appreciation of the property with potential improvements helps determine if the project might qualify for URA assistance.
According to Josh Birks, Economic Advisor for the City, “Christina brings a wealth of knowledge regarding redevelopment and economic development in distressed areas, expanding the capacity and capability of the Economic Health team." With numerous projects underway on North College Avenue, Christina is indeed very involved with helping developers, businesses, and the general public with quality public improvements. Welcome to the Economic Health Office! Learn more about the URA and active projects at www.renewfortcollins.com.
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, Clean Energy Board, RMII, Larimer Bioscience Cluster, DataSplice, ... and more >>
Science Toy Magic Relocates to Fort Collins from Santa Fe
Science Toy Magic opened at Old Town Square 13 months ago, after a successful business run in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Matt Hannifin sells hundreds of toys, magic/mystery tricks, and some very unusual, original devices. Twenty of the toys got their first start in the U.S. toy market at Science Toy Magic. The top-selling toys are a top that floats off a base and stays levitated for a few minutes, and indoor boomerangs.
The toy store has managed to succeed in this difficult economic time due to a few strategies: free boomerang lessons March-September; free science presentations, by appointment, to small and large groups (adults and children); expert knowledge of all products. Matt is able to explain in detail how each toy works; and lastly, Matt keeps up with the industry by attending the International Toy Fair and returning with several unique toys each year.
Owned and managed by Matt Hannifin, the store is located at 11 Old Town Square. Phone: 970.484.2377. Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The store and owner are active in promoting science, learning, and most of all, fun! The small space, only 72 sq. ft., has a huge story to tell. The store caters to those 3-103 years old. Stop by soon!
New in 2010! Business Databases at the Poudre River Public Library
The public library is a great place to check out books, videos and CDs. It’s also where you can find tons of information about starting a business or non-profit. Anne MacDonald, the business librarian, has many electronic resources available for just about any business industry. The library recently purchased subscriptions to three new databases that will help emerging new businesses and non-profits with important market research, industry competitors, analysis and trends.
Highlights of the databases:
BusinessDecision: With this database, you can identify household buying patterns, create and analyze trade areas; analyze competitors; evaluate market penetration, target messaging, media buys and direct mail campaigns; and identify new store locations. Actually, there are many other functions to BusinessDecision that will help reveal untapped markets and help you select the right merchandise mix.
Plunkett Industry Alamanacs: Profiles of hundreds of the most successful employers, corporate growth plans, trend analysis, industry associations and professional organizations. For example, you can check out the Energy Industry Almanac 2010, Renewable Alternative and Hydrogen Energy Industry Almanac 2010, Engineering & Research Industry Almanac 2010, and Biotech and Genetics Industry Almanac.
Mergent’s InvestorsEdge™: For the small investor, personal investing or investment clubs. More than 4,000 equity research reports providing expert analysis and buy, sell, hold recommendations. Also available: industry reports with sector level analysis covering current environment, industry profiles, performance, market trends, outlook, etc.
Other great business-oriented databases available at Poudre River Public Library include Reference USA, Business Source Premier, and Regional Business News. These are free resources available to our community; sometimes all you need is a library card and a little time to go through the resources and pick your favorites. Contact Anne MacDonald at 970.221.6697.
Coming soon: Midtown Commercial Corridor Study Webpage
As the City works on a commerical corridor study of College Avenue, between Prospect and Harmony, public feedback and comments will be encouraged. Watch for the Midtown Commercial Corridor Study webpage soon, where background information on the study will be posted and comments will be collected. Check back soon!
Site Selector Tool on Hiatus
For the last two years the City has provided a free online mapping tool for site selectors, businesses and the general public. As of Jan. 1 we’ve discontinued the subscription to the software and mapping program.
But wait, we will not leave people in the lurch for long! The Economic Health staff is looking for a more efficient tool that meets the needs of site selectors, brokers and businesses in a more relevant way. In the interim, contact Josh Birks, the City’s Economic Advisor at 970.221.6324, for maps, data, and other location-oriented details that are important to you and your organization.
FortZED:Track Progress on www.fortzed.com
FortZED, Fort Collins Smart Grid project, continues to make progress with a new solar array at New Belgium Brewing Co. and smart meter technology from Fort Collins Utilities. Learn more at 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.
