I was fascinated with Mark Penn's book Micro Trends. Now, I am not a Penn fan in any other way, but the book was a great read, and I've been able to use some of his information to great benefit in my own profession.
I have been thinking about how this economic sea change we are in the midst of now is going to play out in years to come. New industries and jobs are already being created, but for the most part are still below the radar of most of us. After reading a great article by Lisa Fletcher describing Colorado's booming energy business, I think I have a glimpse of some f what we might see.
More below:
I think that this is the thing we must do," said Ritter. "Renewable energy is the trifecta. It helps us with energy security. It helps us really think about environmental issues and climate issues. And at the end of the day, you build an economy around it. We call it the 'New Energy Economy.'"
The 'New Economy'
In the face of the nation's worst drop on Wall Street and the collapse of major financial institutions, this "new economy" continues to pour jobs into small towns across states like Colorado, giving hope to millions.
http://abcnews.go.com/...
Renewable energy and small towns go together. Most renewable energy production takes space; space for the wind turbines, space to grow the crops, space for the solar panels and that space is only availble in rural areas.
Roby Roberts, the vice president of Vestas, said that, by 2010, his company will have invested $600 million in turbine manufacturing plants like the one in Windsor, Colo.
"We're breaking all-time records right now," said Roberts. "I think people are starting to wake up and say, 'Wow, this is really for real.'"
Vestas will employ 2,500 people at four factories in Colorado by 2010. For small towns like Windsor, it's a windfall. In less than a decade, the global industry of renewable energy is projected to explode from a $150-billion-a-year industry to a $600-billion-a-year industry.
"We're at a tipping point in terms of infrastructure and in terms of commitment to really changing the way our future energy economy will grow," said Dan Arvizu, director of the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy
Young people in search of jobs will begin staying in these communities instead of leaving. The need for housing and education will increase; the demand for high tech options and broadband for 21st century internet access will grow; small, green, eco friendly and smart communities with bike paths and walking areas will sprout and flourish.
I see such a wonderful possibility developing here...and I am very excited!