COLORADO BANK PREPARES FOR A GREEN FUTURE

With green businesses contributing $228 billion to the U.S. economy, banks are seeing exciting lending opportunities for companies that build income for the environment and their bottom line. In Colorado, for example, Vectra Bank's client base includes Hammerwell Inc. which uses photovoltaic energy

and other green-build products in its construction projects; Solix BioFuels which develops algae-based biofuels; a publishing company in Boulder with its Green Magazine; Four Corners Osprey Packs that is introducing a pack made primarily from recycled materials; and Polar Heat, Inc. which offers water conservation chemicals for cooling towers.

These companies will generate long-standing economic growth. The photovoltaic industry is projected to grow from $11.6 billion to $51.1 billion by 2015. Organic food sales are expected to rise 1 1 percent annually for the next four years. "With green business growing exponentially, investing in these innovative companies is sustainable business," says Bruce Alexander, CEO of Vectra Bank Colorado.