Montana Clean Technology Alliance gains support from the Governor's Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE from the Governor's Office of Economic Development
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
 
CONTACT: Evan Barrett 406-444-5634

Alliance Forming to Support Montana’s Growing Clean Technology Economy

(HELENA) - After 18 months of grassroots organizing, gathering data and interviews, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development has stepped up to support the efforts of a broad coalition of partners to provide support for a Montana Clean Technology Alliance.  
 
The Montana World Trade Center and the Bitterroot Economic Development District began putting form to the  initiative which now includes a host of private sector companies from across the state that are working on new clean technology platforms in energy, chemicals, renewable and biodegradable products.  The private sector companies have been joined by the Governor’s Energy Office, the Montana Department of Labor, the Montana Angel Network, Northwest Energy, the Montana BioScience Alliance and university experts.

"The Clean Tech Alliance will bring together the best of Montana's new economy," said Governor Brian Schweitzer. "Whether it’s renewable energy development, restoration, bioscience, or innovation, Montana can and will lead the nation in advancing technology to create high-paying jobs for folks right here at home."  
 
The Alliance will serve to foster a community of interest to support companies that want to grow Clean Technology jobs in Montana.  The Alliance has been modeled after other programs in the region.  It will support events for networking, education, accessing capital and sharing market and research challenges that clean technology companies share in common.  .  
 
The Alliance is planning a state wide kickoff event for late fall that will feature nationally known thought leaders in the fields of green technologies.  The Alliance will partner with the Montana Marketing initiative to reach out to Montanans internationally who are working in green technology.  Event details will be forthcoming.