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.