TERU Focus Report - SARTA's Clean Tech Showcase
2011 Status of Clean
Tech in the Sacramento Region October 30, 2011 -- Michael Theroux
The Sacramento Area Regional Technology
Alliance (SARTA) staged its 5th Annual Clean Tech Showcase last week entitled, “Green Innovation: Engine of
Growth.” The event took place in the Union Ballroom at Sacramento State University. SARTA says that the regional
event grows stronger and larger each year; about 800 attendees moved constantly between speaker presentations in
one half of the divided ballroom to about 100 exhibit booths in the other, a fine lay-out encouraging lots of
much needed B2B face-time mixed with informative moderated panel discussions.
Commissioner (and ex-Jersey Girl) Carla
Peterman shared a lively Kick-off with City of Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, with kind kudos sent via video
from DC by 5th District Congresswoman Doris Matsui. SARTA’s Master of Ceremonies Gary Simon kept the flow going,
starting by quizzing Jane Capital partner Neal Dikeman mercilessly on his take on regional clean tech
investment.
Panel discussions explored how
California’s AB 32-driven climate action and low carbon fuel plans have intersected with unstable, rising
petroleum-sourced fuel costs and a disastrous lack of jobs to push global clean tech innovators into the
spotlight. The scope, scale, and rate of change in the world of Clean Tech can be bewildering; the speakers
worked to dispel the myths and provide clear lessons. The Capital Corridor is home to a fast-growing Clean Tech
community; show-goers had ample opportunity to meet and greet both the Majors and the Newbies in this arena,
while learning how agencies, associations and the Political Will have drawn together to develop a healthy Clean
Tech Hub support network.
Tim Taylor, Land Use, Communications and
Mobile Source Division Manager of the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District, led an afternoon panel focused on
Advanced Biofuels. Teru presented a technical view of Advanced
Biofuels, providing clear definitions and examples drawn from the industries and technologies with a
foot-hold in California. Teru was flanked by Lex Mitchell, Cal Air Resources Board, who provided a review of the
in-progress Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), and Fernando Garcia, Senior Director of Fuels Certification at
San Francisco-based bio-based fuel and chemical company Amyris.
All aspects of this Regional Clean Tech
Hub support framework were in evidence at this year’s Showcase, assisted by exemplary communications and show
development from Jack Frost Design (JFD) before, during and after the event. When
asked, “What excites you about the 2011 Sacramento Clean tech Showcase?” SARTA and JFD receive a solid
“thumbs-up”. Here’s what some of the attendees had to say:
“The Clean Tech Showcase is the premier clean tech event in Sacramento. As a
venture capital firm we never miss it because it provides an opportunity to see the most exciting clean tech
companies in the region, and meet the people who drive clean tech innovation… The Clean Tech Showcase is exactly
the kind of catalyst that can help to accelerate the growth of green technology in Sacramento.” Dan
Lankford, Wavepoint Ventures.
“The Sacramento Clean Tech Showcase offers
all participants a fantastic opportunity to connect with leading green companies and experts focusing on
emerging technologies impacting our region.” Clay Schmidt, PG&E.
“The Clean Tech Showcase is an opportunity
to connect the clean tech community through the sharing of information, networking and conversation on how
Sacramento is leading the state in the development and growth of clean tech companies.” Kathy McKim,
AT&T California.
“It’s always a great opportunity to
showcase and sell our city, as well as connect with the clean tech industry to understand the latest trends.”
Maurice Chaney, Media Coordinator,Economic Development Department, City of
Sacramento.
“The diverse background and experience of
the speakers, ranging from industry to investors to government agencies and municipalities is exciting. We are
very fortunate to have such positive momentum in the Sacramento area for our development and deployment in clean
technologies.” Tony O’Donnell, Moss Adams LLP.
“It is uplifting to see that all of the
work that our region is doing in making this a viable industry for economic and job growth in the region is
becoming a reality. The evolution of the Clean Tech Showcase is a testament to our region’s growth in the clean
tech industry.” Terri Carpenter,
Sacramento Works.
A quick review of SARTA’s on-line resources can provide a handy guide to Who’s Who at
the Showcase and in our region, from financial backers and business strategy specialists to support for market
research and analysis, tools for start-ups, help with fund-raising, best practices and product/organizational
development assistance.
© Teru Talk by JDMT, Inc 2011. All rights
reserved.
You are free to reprint and use this report as long as
no changes are made to its content or references and credit is given to the author, Michael Theroux.
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