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ConocoPhillips to build global R&D and training center
 Metro Denver’s burgeoning energy economy got another boost when Houston-based 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, the country’s third-largest energy company and number five on Fortune magazine’s top 500 companies list, recently purchased the 432-acre site for $55.6 million.
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. Local economic development groups feel the company will make a significant investment in human capital at the site as well.
"We don’t know how many will be employed, but given the size of the land, this could be the largest economic development project in the history of the state and potentially employ several thousand employees," explained Tom Clark, executive vice president of the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation.
Read more:
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ConocoPhillips to build campus on former StorageTek site
- Denver Business Journal
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Big potential for ConocoPhillips site
- Rocky Mountain News
» A boon for state energy economy
- Denver Post
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Spanish energy companies scope state for investment opportunities
In early February, the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation Metro Denver EDC), the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the Colorado 
Office of Economic Development and International Trade hosted a delegation of Spanish energy companies visiting Metro Denver to learn about investment opportunities in the state’s booming alternative energy industry.
"There is no question that Denver is at the crossroads of international trade," commented U.S. Ambassador to Spain Eduardo Aguirre, who led the delegation of Spanish commerce and tourism officials as well as top energy companies such as
Abengoa Solar, whose U.S. headquarters is in Lakewood.
While here, the Spanish dignitaries met with Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter, Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper, and area companies in addition to touring the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and Colorado State University.
Spanish companies have invested $24 billion in the U.S., including $7 billion in the renewable energy industry. Spain issued a moratorium on building along its coastlines in mid-January this year leading companies to seek land and investment opportunities elsewhere. In fact, the Spanish delegation chose to visit only one other state after a stop in Washington, D.C. – Colorado.
"These companies narrow in on Metro Denver because of its close proximity to DIA as well as the opportunity for companies to partner with world-renowned research institutions like NREL, Mines, CU, CSU, and DU," stated Laura Brandt, manager of economic development for the Metro Denver EDC.
Read more:
» U.S. energy market attracts Spaniards - Rocky Mountain News
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Energy Industry Overview
» Mile High Advantages: Sustainability
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Legislation proposed to boost state's bioscience industry
 The Colorado House gave a big boost to a critical economic development project for the state's bioscience industry
on February 26, 2008. A bill expanding Colorado's much lauded Bioscience Discoveries Grant Program passed the House by an initial voice vote. House Bill 1001 – sponsored by State Representative Jim Riesberg (D-Greeley) – will make $26.5 million available in grants over the next five years. The bill awaits final approval by the House before moving to the Senate for further debate.
Building upon the award-winning grant program created by Rep. Riesberg in 2006 and extended last year, HB 1001 will provide as much as $150,000 per project to Colorado research institutions, accelerating the development of new technologies and new Colorado-based companies. It will also make up to $250,000 available to early-stage, Colorado-based companies.
The grant program is one of seven elements of Governor Ritter’s comprehensive economic development package announced last fall. An essential economic driver, estimates suggest the biosciences industry already contributes $415 million per year in tax revenue. To date, the program has provided funding for 27 projects at institutions across the state, including CU, CSU, UNC, National Jewish Medical & Research Center, and the University of Denver.
Learn more:
» Bioscience Industry Overview
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