Wednesday, November 26, 2008

GOV. RITTER, COLORADO DELEGATION OPTIMISTIC UPON RETURN FROM ASIA ECONOMIC MISSION


 
Gov. Bill Ritter and a 40-member business delegation have returned home to Colorado optimistic and encouraged following a 10-day economic-development mission to Japan and China that emphasized Colorado's New Energy Economy, bioscience and air travel industries.
 
The mission focused on creating new jobs in Colorado, new business and investment opportunities for Colorado companies, securing a daily non-stop flight from Denver to Tokyo, and strengthening ties between research universities in Colorado and Asia.
 
"We return home with much optimism and much hope for short-term successes, particularly in the areas of the New Energy Economy and the biosciences," Gov. Ritter said. "I'm also confident we will have a Denver-to-Tokyo direct flight sooner rather than later. But the most important achievement is that we have taken a crucial step forward in what must be a long-term, persistent and consistent approach to economic development in Asian markets.
 
"While the U.S. economy continues to struggle, it is more important than ever for Colorado to be aggressive when it comes to marketing, promoting and developing our economy," Gov. Ritter said. "We must keep looking for ways to create new jobs, new investments and new opportunities. That's what this mission was about."
 
"We found several areas of opportunity and a tremendous sense of common economic interests, particularly in the areas of air travel, the New Energy Economy and biosciences," said Don Elliman, director of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. "Every time renewable energy came up, you could see the lights go on on the other side of the table."
 
"This is a competitive world, and if we are going to create jobs in the U.S. and in Colorado, now is the time for us to be dealing with these foreign markets," said Joe Blake, president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. "We left Asia with great hope and great expectations."
 
"The next spoke in the wheel for Denver International Airport to be a world-class airport is a direct flight from Denver to the Asian markets, and Tokyo is the gateway to Asia," said Denver City Councilman Michael Hancock. "This was a very positive trip. I'm very optimistic we could see a direct flight as early as 2010, and that would mean a $100 million to $150 million economic benefit to Denver."
 
FAST FACTS
 
n      Mission overview: November 15-25 economic-development and trade mission to Tokyo, Yamagata, Beijing and Shanghai, focusing on renewable energy, bioscience, tourism and securing a non-stop daily Denver-Tokyo flight.
 
n      Mission purpose: Create new jobs in Colorado for Colorado employees, create new economic and market opportunities forColorado businesses, attract new investments to Colorado, and strengthen ties between Colorado and Asian universities.
 
n      Mission participants: Gov. Ritter and 40 leaders from state and local governments, economic development organizations, private businesses, and research universities (University of Colorado, Colorado State University and Colorado School of Mines).
 

n      Gov. Ritter participated in nearly 45 meetings, seminars, speeches, media interviews and other events with government officials, private business executives, economic-development leaders, university officials and others.

 

MISSION ACCOMPLISHMENTS

 

n      Elevated Colorado's profile in Japan and China as a national and international leader in renewable energy and biosciences and as an attractive tourism destination.

 

n      Promoted Colorado in meetings with Japan- and China-based companies considering new or expanded North American operations in the New Energy Economy and other sectors.

 

n      Identified opportunities for Colorado businesses in a wide variety of fields, including: the development of renewable energy, biofuels and clean-coal technologies; exports of beef, agricultural and other food products; exports of medical devices and pharmaceuticals; development of bio-technologies; and environmental remediation and infrastructure renewal.     

 

n      Introduced Asian renewable energy companies, investors, university researchers and government laboratories to the Colorado Renewable Energy Collaboratory, which is researching and developing innovative new-energy technologies.

 

n      Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce signed a cooperative agreement with the Beijing Chamber of Commerce to promote and encourage new business and investment opportunities for members of both chambers.

 

n      Opened the door to establishing a formal Investment Promotion Agreement between Colorado and China.

 

n      Met with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, China Chamber of International Commerce, American Chamber of Commerce and other business organizations, discussing several opportunities, including the possibility of Chinese investments in new hotel projects in Colorado

 

n      Held successful meetings with All Nippon Airways (ANA), Narita International Airport and Boeing executives in hopes of securing a daily non-stop Denver-Tokyo flight as early as 2010. ANA officials said they will visit Denver in 2009 to continue discussions, and an "Ascent to Asia" delegation from Colorado also will return to Asia in 2009. Every company Gov. Ritter met with in Tokyo expressed strong support for the flight.

 

n      Promoted Colorado as a unique Western American destination for Asian tourist and business travelers.

 

n      Held productive discussions with the Japanese Bio-industry Association to foster partnerships between Japanese andColorado bio-industry companies.

 

n      Re-affirmed Colorado's sister-state relationship with the Japanese prefecture of Yamagata. Identified several new business, economic-development, tourism and shared research opportunities, as well as opportunities regarding the development of geothermal resources and addressing the pine beetle epidemic impacting Japan and Colorado

 

n      Gov. Ritter took part in signing ceremonies for Memoranda of Understandings between Colorado State University and:

 

o       Gifu University and the National Institute of Radiological Sciences in Japan to create a global Center for Environmental Medicine.

 

o       China Institute for Water Resources and Hydropower Research for joint research and scientist exchange.

 

o       East China Normal University to expand areas of faculty research collaboration and student exchange in the areas of clean energy, global environmental sustainability, geosciences, engineering, education and business.

 

n      Identified opportunities for all Colorado research universities to educate Chinese and Japanese students, particularly in information technology, engineering and the life sciences. Japan is currently in need of 500,000 IT engineers.

 

n      Conducted site visits to:

 

o       The Beijing Olympic complex as Denver eyes a possible bid for the 2018 Games.

 

o       Beijing Urban Planning Exhibition Hall for ideas and discussions about land-use and transportation planning inDenver, including the possibility of creating a scaled model of Colorado for public display at Denver InternationalAirport.

 

n      Took part in signing of investment agreement between two Colorado companies (Shan Atira Asia Ventures of Denver and Top of Asia of Englewood) and Beijing Civil Aviation Sinosky.


MISSION PARTICIPANTS  

 

Colorado Office of Economic Development of International Trade, Denver International Airport, Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, Denver Metro Economic Development Corp., Colorado Tourism Office, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Governor's Energy Office, Colorado Renewable Energy Collaboratory, Colorado State University, University of Colorado, Colorado School of Mines, Upstate Colorado Economic Development, Aurora Economic Development Council, South Metro Chamber of Commerce, Northern Colorado Economic Development Corp., Cap Logistics, Executive Forum, Opus Northwest,Health One Presbyterian/St. Luke's Medical Center, Saunders Construction, Jeppesen, Inviragen, Hogan and Hartson, Rothgerber Johnson & Lyons, and Shan Atira Asian Ventures.

 
TRADING AND EXPORTING
 
Japan is Colorado's fourth-largest export market, with 2007 exports to Japan totaling $359 million. Leading 2007 export categories included medical and scientific instruments, up more than 54 percent to $98 million; meat and meat products, up 164 percent to $63 million; and industrial machinery, $55 million.
 
China overtook Japan as Colorado's third-largest export market in 2006. The state's exports to China last year totaled $488 million. Important export commodities in 2007 included electrical machinery, $96 million; base metal and cermets, up 45 percent from the previous year to $93 million; and medical and scientific instruments, $73 million.
 

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

SCHEDULE FOR GOV. BILL RITTER (WEDNESDAY, NOV. 26 & THURSDAY, NOV. 27)


Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2008
 
11:15 a.m.       Gov. Bill Ritter and a delegation of Colorado business, economic development, and university officials concluded a 10-day economic-development trip to Asia on Monday, Nov. 24th where they met with private companies, government officials, and business organizations such as the American Chamber of Commerce.  Gov. Ritter, Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce president/CEO Joe Blake and other mission participants will be discussing mission achievements and next steps.  Location:  State Capitol, Governor's Office.
 
 
Noon               Gov. Bill Ritter and First Lady Jeannie Ritter will be serving food to the homeless at the Denver Rescue Mission's annual Great Thanksgiving Banquet.  They will be joining over 50 other volunteers dedicated to providing more than 1,000 meals to homeless men, women, and children.  Location:  Denver Rescue Mission, 1130 Park Avenue, Denver.
 
 
Thursday, Nov. 27, 2008
 
11: 00 a.m.      Gov. Bill Ritter and First Lady Jeannie Ritter will be serving food to the homeless at the Samaritan House on Thanksgiving Day.  They will be joining employees from the Westin Tabor Center, the Westin Westminster, the Sheraton Denver, and the Four Points by Sheraton Denver Southeast.  Location:  Samaritan House, 2301 Lawrence Street, Denver.
 
 

GOV. RITTER PRAISES POUDRE VALLEY HEALTH SYSTEM FOR RECEIVING 2008 BALDRIGE NATIONAL QUALITY AWARD


Gov. Ritter today congratulated the Poudre Valley Health System in Fort Collins, Colo., for being selected as one of the three 2008 recipients of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, which is the nation's highest Presidential honor for organizational innovation and performance excellence.

"For years, Colorado's Poudre Valley Health System has worked tirelessly to deliver the highest quality of patient care as cost effectively as possible.  They are most deserving of this highly prestigious award, and stand as a model for the commitment to quality and innovation that should be a centerpiece of our nation's health care reform efforts," said Gov. Ritter.

The Baldrige program is managed by the Commerce Department's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in conjunction with the private sector.  The 2008 Baldrige Award's two other recipients include Cargill Corn Milling North America, Wayzata, Minn., for manufacturing, and Iredell-Statesville Schools, Statesville, N.C., for education.

The 2008 Baldrige Award recipients were selected from a field of 85 applicants. All of the applicants were evaluated rigorously by an independent board of examiners in seven areas: leadership; strategic planning; customer and market focus; measurement, analysis and knowledge management; workforce focus; process management; and results. The evaluation process for each of the recipients included about 1,000 hours of review and an on-site visit by a team of examiners to clarify questions and verify information in the applications.

For more information on Poudre Valley Health System, visit http://www.nist.gov/public_affairs/releases/poudre_profile.html and for the Baldrige Award, visit  http://www.nist.gov/public_affairs/factsheet/mbnqa.htm

Monday, November 24, 2008

GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SAVES STATE MONEY THROUGH CONSOLIDATION OF CELLULAR PHONE PLANS


 
GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF INFORMATION TECHNLOGY SAVES STATE MONEY THROUGH CONSOLIDATION OF CELLULAR PHONE PLANS
 
Gov. Ritter announced today that the Governor's Office of Information Technology (OIT) completed a consolidation of the Executive branch's individual cellular phone plans and is pleased to report a significant annual savings of approximately $600,000. 
 
"During tough economic times, government must lead by example in showing best practices in efficient management practices.  I'm proud that OIT was able to secure this considerable savings for taxpayers by re-examining how the state conducts business," said Gov. Ritter. "
 
The OIT recently completed an 18 month effort to consolidate the individual cellular phone plans used by agencies in the Executive branch.  This consolidation will allow state agencies to take advantage of pooled minutes that result in cost savings, as well as enterprise level reporting. 
 
Additionally, with OIT being responsible for providing enterprise-wide management of the contracts, agencies can focus on the business of providing services to the taxpayers rather than managing an infrastructure contract.  
 
Earlier this year, Senate Bill 08-155 was passed which requires consolidation of certain IT activities across the Executive agencies under the Governor's Office of Information Technology.  This consolidation is the first of many being undertaken by OIT to meet the expectations of both SB 08-155 and to meet the multi-year information technology plan Gov. Ritter introduced in 2007 to centralize IT management, purchasing, spending and planning. 
 
Michael Locatis, State Chief Information Technology Officer, said, "OIT has many short- and long-term initiatives underway and we look forward to rolling them out, and realizing more benefits for the state. It has been a pleasure to work with agency directors who recognize the importance and value of consolidation."
 
For further information, please contact John Conley, Deputy State Chief Information Officer and PIO, at 303-866-6182 or at john.conley@state.co.us.
 

GOV. RITTER & COLORADO DELEGATION CONCLUDE BUSINESS MISSION TO ASIA


SHANGHAI, China ― Gov. Bill Ritter and a delegation of Colorado business, economic development and university officials wrapped up a 10-day trade mission to Asia today, meeting with private companies, government officials and business organizations such as the American Chamber of Commerce.

 

The delegation returns to Colorado Tuesday evening. Gov. Ritter, Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Joe Blake and other mission participants will hold a news conference at 11:15 a.m. Wednesday in the Governor's Office to discuss mission achievements and next steps.

 

In addition to Shanghai, the 40-person delegation visited Beijing, Tokyo and Yamagata, which is Colorado's sister state in Japan. The mission focused on promoting Colorado's renewable energy, bioscience and tourism industries, securing a daily non-stop flight from Denver to Tokyo, and strengthening ties between Colorado and Asian universities.
 
"This was a very successful economic development and trade mission to Japan and China," Gov. Ritter said. "In the short term, we elevated Colorado's profile in new and emerging markets in Japan and China. In the long term, we will cultivate the relationships we established during the mission so that ultimately we can create new jobs in Colorado for Colorado residents, create new economic and market opportunities for Colorado businesses, and attract new investments to Colorado."
 

Friday, November 21, 2008

LT GOV SCHEDULE AND COMMISSION MEETINGS, FRIDAY, NOV. 21


 
LT. GOV O'BRIEN'S SCHEDULE FOR TODAY (FRIDAY, NOV. 21)
 
Friday, Nov. 21, 2008
 
10:30 a.m.          Lt. Gov. Barbara O'Brien will attend the funeral services of Sgt. Jonnie Stiles at Ft. Logan National Cemetery and present his family with Colorado state flags. Sgt. Stiles died on November 13, 2008 in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star, and promoted from Specialist to Sergeant. Gov. Ritter ordered that flags be lowered throughout the state today in honor of Sgt. Stiles.
 
 
1:30 p.m.         Gov. Ritter's Colorado Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, which is studying the significance of Abraham Lincoln Presidency in preparation of 2009 bicentennial celebration, will begin work today.  The purpose of the commission is to lead Colorado's efforts at understanding and appreciating the significance of Abraham Lincoln and his presidency to our nation and on Colorado's history, and to encourage dialogue about the "unfinished work" of democracy and equal opportunity in our own place and time.  The commission will hold its first meeting at 1560 Broadway, Suite 1550, Denver, CO.
 
 

Thursday, November 20, 2008

GOV. RITTER ORDERS LOWERING OF FLAGS ON NOV. 21, 2008


 
GOV. RITTER ORDERS LOWERING OF FLAGS ON NOV. 21, 2008
 
Gov. Bill Ritter today ordered that both the United States flag and the Colorado state flag be lowered on all public buildings throughout Colorado on Friday, Nov.21, 2008, in honor of Sergeant Jonnie Stiles, 38, of Highlands Ranch.
 
Sgt. Stiles died on Nov. 13, 2008 in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, as a result of wounds sustained while his patrol encountered an improvised explosive device in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.  Sgt. Stiles was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star, and promoted from Specialist to Sergeant. His interment will take place at Ft. Logan National Cemetery on Friday, Nov. 21, 2008, at 10:30 A.M.
 

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

FW: LT. GOV O'BRIEN & FIRST LADY JEANNIE RITTER SCHEDULES FOR TODAY (WEDNESDAY, NOV. 19)


       
Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008



9:15 a.m.          Lt. Gov. Barbara O'Brien will be chairing Gov. Ritter's P-20 Education Coordinating Council today at Metropolitan State College.  The meeting will be hosted by Metro State College president-Steven Jordan, and will include an update on the CAP4K implementation and a discussion of the council's draft recommendations.  Location:  Metropolitan State College of Denver; St. Cajetan's Center; 900 Auraria Pkwy., (near Tivoli Student Center) Denver, CO, 80248





All Day            First Lady Jeannie Ritter will be participating for the second day in the Rosalynn Carter Symposium on Mental Health Policy at the Carter Center in Atlanta, GA.  The Mrs. Ritter will be joining more than 200 mental health advocates, policy-makers, practitioners, educators, and researchers from around the country.  The purpose of the symposium is to support the Carter Center's efforts to decrease the stigma and discrimination against people with mental illnesses as well as promote positive policy change on mental health issues. 


# # #






Sunday, November 16, 2008

GOV. RITTER & BUSINESS LEADERS BEGIN ASIA ECONOMIC-DEVELOPMENT MISSION


TOKYO ― Gov. Bill Ritter today opened a Colorado economic development and trade mission to Asia, meeting in Tokyo with officials from All Nippon Airways, a Japanese vice minister for foreign affairs and U.S. trade and embassy officials.

 

"Colorado is very focused on building an economy around 21st century, knowledge-based industries of the future," Gov. Ritter told Vice Minister Masahiko Shibayama. "We are making Colorado a regional hub for renewable energy R&D, manufacturing and production, for bioscience advancements and for technology.

 

"Our state would very much like to strengthen the relationships we already have with Japanese companies and investors and create new opportunities as well," Gov. Ritter said.

 

Officials with U.S. Commercial Services encouraged Gov. Ritter and the 40 Colorado business leaders taking part in the economic-development mission to continue cultivating existing Colorado-Japan business relations in areas such as agriculture and beef exports, while also recommending that Colorado companies consider pursuing new possibilities in Japan in fields such as environmental clean-up, information technology, medicine and construction.

 

Gov. Ritter, Denver International Airport Manager Kim Day, Colorado Economic Development Director Don Elliman and others also met today with officials from All Nippon Airways to discuss securing a daily non-stop flight from Denver to Tokyo.

 

LT. GOV. O'BRIEN TO ANNOUNCE INSTALLATION OF SOLAR PANELS AT STATE CAPITOL BUILDING TODAY



Lt. Gov. Barbara O'Brien will be at the State Capitol today to announce the installation of a solar photovoltaic (PV) system on the historical building.  Today's event is part of an on-going effort to create a greener government.

What:           News conference to announce the installation of solar panels at the Capitol

When:           Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008
                10:00 AM to 10:30 AM

Where:          State Capitol—West Steps


Friday, November 14, 2008

GOV. RITTER APPLAUDS DU'S 2009 IMMIGRATION PANEL


 
Gov. Bill Ritter today applauded the announcement by University of Denver Chancellor Robert Coombe that DU's Strategic Issues Program will take up the topic of immigration in 2009 as part of an in depth examination titled, "The Future of Immigration: Colorado and the Nation."
 
"Immigration issues continue to pose many challenges in Colorado," Gov. Ritter said. "The University of Denver panel will take the same thoughtful, insightful approach to this issue just as it has with other issues over the past few years."
 
The DU Immigration Panel will analyze many aspects of the immigration issue in an effort to build a post-partisan policy framework for state and national immigration reform. The panel will issue policy recommendations next fall.
 
"Immigration enforcement is primarily a federal responsibility, but these issues have a direct impact here in Colorado at the local and state levels. I'm confident the DU Panel – made up of a broad and diverse cross-section of people –  will undertake an inclusive discussion and offer realistic, practical solutions."
 
This is the fourth panel to be convened by the University under DU's Strategic Issues Program. Previous panels have issued reports on the future of Colorado's economy, its water and its Constitution.