MAYOR HICKENLOOPER, GOV. RITTER WELCOME SOLAR MANUFACTURER TO COLO.

   

Gov. Bill Ritter and Mayor John Hickenlooper today joined officials from SMA Solar Technology to announce the Germany-based company will open its first North American manufacturing site in Denver. This will be the largest solar inverter production facility in the United States and SMA's first manufacturing plant outside of Germany.

 

Production is expected to start in 2010 with 300 employees and a capacity to expand to 700. The plant is located at Enterprise Park at Stapleton at Havana Street and Smith Road with easy access to Interstate 70 and a rail line.

 

"Together with Mayor Hickenlooper, we welcome SMA to Denver and to Colorado's New Energy Economy," Gov. Ritter said. "SMA is a globally recognized leader in solar inverter manufacturing. The company's decision to invest over $20 million in this site and to locate in Colorado emphasizes our growing clean-energy industry, the growing market for photovoltaics, and Colorado's success at transforming our energy future."

 

"The decision by SMA to build a production facility in Denver is excellent news for our region and will provide a welcome boost to our local economy" Mayor Hickenlooper said. "This move helps solidify Colorado's place as a global leader in renewable energy under Gov. Ritter."

 

"In the medium term, we expect the U.S. market to become the largest solar market globally," said Günther Cramer, CEO of SMA Solar Technology. "With our new production facility in Denver, we will be able to reduce transportation and interim storage costs as well as currency exchange risks."

 

SMA will produce the Sunny Boy, Sunny Central and Sunny Island solar inverters for the North American market. The inverters convert the direct current (DC) generated by residential solar panels into grid-acceptable alternating current (AC).

 

In addition to the state and city, other project partners include Metro Denver Economic Development Corp., Forest City Stapleton and Etkin Johnson Group.

 

GOV. RITTER TO HELP LAUNCH NATION'S 1st WEB-BASED FLU ASSESSMENT TOOL

 

Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009

 

11:15 a.m.       Gov. Bill Ritter will take part in a news conference announcing a new website that will be the nation's first comprehensive online self-assessment tool for the flu. Colorado will become the first state to adopt and support this flu-care system, which was designed in part by a Colorado company, HealthyCircles. This free web tool will allow people to determine the severity of their flu symptoms and whether they ought to seek medical care. It also will allow users to share information with their physician.

 

                        Gov. Ritter will take part in a live demonstration of the new website during the news conference.

 

WHO:             Gov. Bill Ritter                     

Colorado Medical Society/American Medical Association representative

                        James Mault, M.D., Chairman/CEO, HealthyCircles

                        James Campbell, M.D., Denver West Pediatrics

Chris Lindley, Director of Emergency Preparedness and Response,

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

           

WHEN:          11:15 to 11:45 a.m., Thursday, October 22, 2009

                       

WHERE:       Rocky Mountain Recorders, 1250 W. Cedar Ave., Denver.

 

The website was created by a broad coalition called Flu Information and Care System that includes: the American Medical Association, BlueCross NEPA, AllOne Health, CVS/Caremark, EMSC, Healthy Circles, Merck, MedImpact, Microsoft, Minute Clinic, Schumacher Group, Staywell/Krames, WorldDoc and Extracorporeal Life Support Organization.

 

# # #

 

 

GOV. RITTER & FIRST LADY SCHEDULES FOR TODAY & THURSDAY

 

Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009

 

11:30 a.m.       First Lady Jeannie Ritter will be delivering remarks and serving as the Mistress of Ceremony at Spanish Peaks' Mental Health Annual Luncheon.  The purpose of the luncheon is to raise awareness about mental health and mental illness.  Location: Olde Town Carriage House, 102 S. Victoria Ave., Pueblo.

 

Noon               Gov. Ritter will deliver remarks at the Colorado Children's Campaign Annual Luncheon. Location: Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Seawell Ballroom, 1101 13th St.

 

1:30 p.m.        Gov. Ritter will take part in the grand opening/open house for the new Solar Technology Acceleration Center (SolarTAC) in Aurora. At 74 acres, SolarTAC is one of the world's largest solar test and evaluation facilities. Location: North Hudson Road and East 26^th Avenue, Aurora (near DIA).

 

5:30 p.m.        First Lady Jeannie Ritter will be joining Dr. Walt Orenstein from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for a pre-event reception prior to the Colorado Rotary's Annual State of the State Address, which will feature Gov. Bill Ritter on Thursday, Oct. 22. During the reception, Mrs. Ritter will be sharing her perspective on the importance of global health and on other projects dedicated to improving the lives of people in non-US communities. Location: Governor's Residence at Boettcher Mansion, 400 E. 8th Ave., Denver.

 

Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009

 

12:30 p.m.      Gov. Ritter will deliver a "State of the State Address" to hundreds of Colorado Rotary members. Location: Hyatt Regency Tech Center Hotel, 7800 E. Tufts Ave., Denver Tech Center.

 

4 p.m.              Gov. Ritter will discuss his efforts to create new markets and increase demand for Colorado-produced natural gas during a symposium titled, "The Role of Natural Gas in the Clean Energy Economy." The event is hosted by the Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Location: CU-Boulder, University Memorial Center (UMC), Room 235.

 

GOV. RITTER'S SCHEDULE FOR TODAY & WEDNESDAY

 

            Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009

 

9 a.m.              Gov. Ritter will deliver keynote remarks to open the third annual New Energy Economy Conference. The conference is co-sponsored by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, Governor's Energy Office, Office of Consumer Counsel and Energy Outreach Colorado. Location: Sheraton Hotel, 1550 Court St., Denver.

 

10:30 a.m.       Gov. Ritter will deliver remarks at the 10^th annual Colorado Environmental Leadership Program Awards Ceremony. Administered by the Department of Public Health and Environment, the Environmental Leadership Program recognizes Colorado companies, government agencies and other organizations for extraordinary achievements in protecting and improving Colorado's natural resources and the environment. Location: Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Seawell Grand Ballroom, 1101 13^th St.

 

Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009

 

1:30 p.m.        Gov. Ritter will take part in the grand opening/open house for the new Solar Technology Acceleration Center (SolarTAC) in Aurora. At 74 acres, SolarTAC is one of the world's largest solar test and evaluation facilities. Location: North Hudson Road and East 26^th Avenue, Aurora (near  DIA).

 

TODAY: GOV. & LT. GOV. TO DELIVER REMARKS AT DROPOUT SUMMIT

 

Friday, Oct. 16, 2009

 

9:30 a.m.         Lt. Gov. Barbara O'Brien will speak with educators from across the state at the third Colorado Dropout Summit, which will focus on strategies to meet Gov. Ritter's goal of cutting Colorado's dropout rate in half in 10 years. The Colorado Graduates Initiative will release three new studies focusing on dropout rates in Colorado's larger school districts, rural schools and gender issues. Location: Arvada High School, 7951 W. 65th Ave., Arvada.

 

10 a.m.            Gov. Ritter will deliver remarks at the National Jewish Health Healthcare and Leadership Symposium, which marks the institution's 110th anniversary. Location: National Jewish Health, Molly Bank Conference Center, 1400 Jackson St., Denver.

 

Noon               Lt. Gov. O'Brien will deliver remarks at the University of Colorado Denver's STEMapalooza Luncheon. This two-day event provides an opportunity for students, parents and teachers to learn about statewide Science, Technology, Engineering and Math initiatives and it gives students the opportunity for hands-on, "minds-on" activities such as fast-track racing and rocketry. Location: Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th St., Denver.

 

3:30 p.m.        Gov. Ritter will deliver closing remarks at the third annual Colorado Dropout Summit. Location: Arvada High School, 7951 W. 65th Ave., Arvada.

 

TODAY & TOMORROW: GOV. RITTER TO VISIT SAN LUIS VALLEY

Gov. Ritter will be visiting five San Luis Valley counties today and Saturday, holding town hall meetings and other events in Alamosa, Costilla, Conejos, Saguache and Rio Grande counties. He'll be discussing the economy, his job-creation strategy and long-term vision for Colorado as well as local issues. All events are free and open to the public.

 

Friday, Oct. 9, 2009

 

10:30 a.m.       Gov. Ritter will announce a $42 million, five-year federal grant to assist Colorado in implementing health care coverage expansions. The grant will benefit the San Luis Valley's health care safety net institutions and support an innovative community initiative to cover the Valley's working uninsured. Location: Valley Wide Health Systems Convenient Care Clinic, 1131 Main St., Alamosa. 

 

Noon               Gov. Ritter will host a town hall meeting in Alamosa. Location:  Adams State College, Student Union Building, Banquet Room A-130, Corner of 1^st Street and Stadium Drive, Alamosa.

 

1:30 p.m.        Gov. Ritter will visit with members of the military, National Guard and Veterans Green Jobs and tour the new Colorado Army National Guard facility in Alamosa. Location: 2311 Commerce Circle, Alamosa.

 

3 p.m.              Gov. Ritter will host a town hall meeting in San Luis. Location: Centennial High School, 909 Main St., San Luis.

 

5 p.m.              Gov. Ritter will host an informal meet-and-greet in Antonito. Location: Dos Hermanas Restaurant, 435 Main St., Antonito.

 

Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009

 

9:30 a.m.         Gov. Ritter will host a town hall meeting in Saguache. Location: Saguache Community Building, 525 7^th St., Saguache.

 

11:30 a.m.       Gov. Ritter will visit veterans and community members at the Colorado State Veterans Center at Homelake in Monte Vista. He also will tour the site's energy efficient and renewable energy installations, including a woody biomass boiler, solar systems and a ground-source heat pump that provides heating and cooling. Location: Colorado State Veterans Center at Homelake, 3749 Sherman Ave., Monte Vista.

 

FRIDAY & SATURDAY: GOV. RITTER TO VISIT 5 SAN LUIS VALLEY COUNTIES

 

Gov. Ritter will be visiting five San Luis Valley counties Friday and Saturday, holding town hall meetings and other events in Alamosa, Costilla, Conejos, Saguache and Rio Grande counties. He'll be discussing the economy, his job-creation strategy and long-term vision for Colorado as well as local issues. All events are free and open to the public.

 

Friday, Oct. 9, 2009

 

10:30 a.m.       Gov. Ritter will announce a $42 million, five-year federal grant to assist Colorado in implementing health care coverage expansions. The grant will benefit the San Luis Valley's health care safety net institutions and support an innovative community initiative to cover the Valley's working uninsured. Location: Valley Wide Health Systems Convenient Care Clinic, 1131 Main St., Alamosa. 

 

Noon               Gov. Ritter will host a town hall meeting in Alamosa. Location:  Adams State College, Student Union Building, Banquet Room A-130, Corner of 1^st Street and Stadium Drive, Alamosa.

 

1:30 p.m.        Gov. Ritter will visit with members of the military, National Guard and Veterans Green Jobs and tour the new Colorado Army National Guard facility in Alamosa. Location: 2311 Commerce Circle, Alamosa.

 

3 p.m.              Gov. Ritter will host a town hall meeting in San Luis. Location: Centennial High School, 901 Main St., San Luis.

 

5 p.m.              Gov. Ritter will host an informal meet-and-greet in Antonito. Location: Dos Hermanas Restaurant, 435 Main St., Antonito.

 

Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009

 

9:30 a.m.         Gov. Ritter will host a town hall meeting in Saguache. Location: Saguache Community Building, 525 7^th St., Saguache.

 

11:30 a.m.       Gov. Ritter will visit veterans and community members at the Colorado State Veterans Center at Homelake in Monte Vista. He also will tour the site's energy efficient and renewable energy installations, including a woody biomass boiler, solar systems and a ground-source heat pump that provides heating and cooling. Location: Colorado State Veterans Center at Homelake, 3749 Sherman Ave., Monte Vista.

 

STATE GOVERNMENT CLOSURE DAY IS FRIDAY, OCT. 9, 2009

 

Many state government offices will be closed Friday, Oct. 9, 2009, the second of four closure days in 2009, to help keep the state budget balanced during the economic recession. State offices also will be closed Monday in observance of Columbus Day.

 

State driver's license offices, the Department of Public Health and Environment's vital records office, state history museums, and administrative offices for executive branch departments will be among the facilities closed Friday, with about 15,500 employees on unpaid furlough.

 

State parks will be open Friday (except for visitor centers), as will Division of Wildlife service centers. State troopers will be patrolling the highways. The Department of Transportation's Traffic Operations Center will be running, and the state unemployment benefits office, state nursing homes, hospitals and care centers will be open. The state Judicial Branch and courts, Treasurer's Office, Attorney General's Office, Secretary of State's Office and state colleges and universities also will be open.

 

The first closure day was Sept. 8, with two additional days scheduled for Nov. 27 and Dec. 31. The combined savings for all four closure days is $13.6 million.

 

Over the past year, the global recession has forced Gov. Ritter and lawmakers to close budget shortfalls of nearly $2 billion, including $320 million in September, with another $240 million budget gap to be closed this month.