Colorado Cleantech Industry Association Announces Keynote Speaker for October Industry Awards Celebration

DENVER, CO, September 07, 2012 (Press-News.org) Colorado Cleantech Industry Association today announced that Josh Green, a venture capitalist and general partner with Silicon Valley firm Mohr Davidow Ventures, will deliver the keynote speech at CCIA's Colorado Cleantech Industry Awards Celebration on Oct. 22. His presentation is titled: "Toward an Optimistic Cleantech Future."

In a 25-year career, Green has acted as advisor to some of Silicon Valley's legendary startups in the computer, Internet, telecommunications, biotech and medical device industries. His breadth of knowledge makes him uniquely qualified for cleantech, which spans multiple industries.

"While some within the industry may feel beaten down at the moment, there is still a need for innovation in the creation, distribution and use of energy. Innovation is going to find its way," Green said. "History shows us that it is during the challenging points in the cycle where brilliant, fundamental technology breakthroughs happen."

2012 has been a challenging year for cleantech. Cleantech venture investments continue to decline and the rise of global competition - particularly in the solar industry - is leaving some skeptical about the chances for emerging clean technologies. Green, however, pointed to the examples of Facebook rising out of the ashes of the dot com bust or Cisco gaining market dominance after the telecommunications industry went through a down cycle.

The Colorado Cleantech Awards Celebration will be held Oct. 22 at the Sheraton in downtown Denver. It will feature awards to some of Colorado's fastest-growing and innovative clean technology companies. Past award winners include OPX Biotechnologies, Inc., Gevo, Rocky Mountain Institute and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. The dinner seating 500 typically sells out quickly.

"We have top VC and corporate investors from around the country attend this event every year," said Christine Shapard, executive director of Colorado Cleantech Industry Association. "Attending allows young companies the opportunity to forge new partnerships while hearing from some of the best minds in the cleantech industry. We are really proud of the opportunity this dinner provides to bring recognition to the companies, individuals and organizations that work so hard to grow and support Colorado's cleantech community."

Tickets and sponsorship information for the Colorado Cleantech Industry Awards Celebration 2012 are now available. Nominations are being accepted until Sept. 28 for companies and entrepreneurs making a difference in Colorado's cleantech economy. For more information, visit http://www.coloradocleantech.com/2012-dinner.html.

About Colorado Cleantech Industry Association
The Colorado Cleantech Industry Association (CCIA) represents the interests of the state's cleantech industry. Its mission is to further establish Colorado as a world leader in clean technology by providing representation and advocacy, a unified voice, relevant programming and capacity development. For more information, visit http://www.coloradocleantech.com.