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Welcome Letter
"The Modern Energy Movement*"
Welcome to our 5th meeting on energy. I have been working on this Modern Energy Investor Forum program for the past year, and I have been researching the energy markets since 2005. As I have become more educated about energy, one of my realizations is that we are all witness to an incredible expansion of energy demand and creation, what you might call a modern energy movement. I have had the good fortune of meeting and listening to hundreds of experts in various disciplines which pertain in some way to energy. And as I look around and I have conversations with different people who are now speaking more often about energy, I recognize there are some common denominators among us. We all are wanting to learn more. As an attendee at numerous presentations on energy myself, I look around the rooms and there with me are dozens, if not hundreds of others, intently listening and taking notes to somehow get a better understanding of what is happening with energy in today's world - where we get it from, what it costs, where to invest, what the carbon footprint is, what it provides us, and what we really need. There is a big world of information out there, and I have been accumulating resources which I am able to share with you. Therefore, I am excited to present this year's outstanding array of experts, investment professionals, and companies to you at the Modern Energy Investor Forum 2009, in Denver, Colorado.
This past year has been a challenging one for investors and companies alike. What I am hearing from companies is that they are looking for capital to keep them going, but they are not being offered many options. Investors are voicing caution with their investing now, and even if they have the capital, are holding it close, looking for undervalued, proven assets to be their next investment; they want something with ROI, profitability, and they want to buy at a deep discount. We have been in a contracting cycle of economics, and concurrently there is a great demand for an unprecedented expansion in energy creation. Somehow, there must be a shift, whereby the money starts to flow to the exploration and development of the new energy demands and infrastructures, and the implementation begins. How long until that shift happens? With government stimulus in the U.S. beginning to flow to energy projects and infrastructure, there may be new life breathed into this sector in the not too distant future. If the stimulus money is enough to create a bridge to cover the gap we have right now, then we should expect to see more private funds coming into the market soon. Another factor in this shifting time, will be resources - their availability and their costs. As demand increases for energy- wind, solar, nuclear, geothermal, hydro, efficiencies, wave, biopower, and others (what we refer to as Modern Energy), the demand for resources to implement these types of power sources will increase, so the underlying commodities will rise in price and therefore, cause relevant resource companies to experience more investor interest.
So, if you are looking for where these shifts will take place, you are in the right location. You are here at this meeting, the Modern Energy Investor Forum 2009, as a part of the process of sharing information, to consider certain opportunities as this economy shifts, and to learn about a variety of energy and relevant resource sectors. This year's program is broad, diverse, and informative. It is also hands on - there are opportunites for each attendee to particpate in a site tour, each of which gives insight into our present and future prospects of energy use and creation. Some are thougth provoking and they are all unique learning opportunites.
I am grateful to our underwriters and supporters for the Modern Energy Investor Forum 2009, including Haywood Securities, our conference underwriter, Reznick Group for hosting our opening dinner, IBK Capital, hosts of our luncheon, and Green Living, the underwriters of this magazine. I want to thank our experts and our moderators for sharing their insights with us during the program. Additionally, I extend a warm thank you to all of our presenting sponsor companies.
Program Speakers
Learn more about our speakers and moderators in the speaker section of the magazine, where you will find their photos and biographies. Their presentation times and topics for this year's program are in the associated program booklet.
Sponsor Company Profiles
The presenting sponsor companies are featured in their own section of the magazine with an individual corporate profile for companies presenting at this conference. The public companies have their stock charts included with their profiles and you will also find company contact details in this section.
US Resource Maps, Energy Acronyms, and Glossary
The maps provided in this section of the magazine will give you a visual idea of the resource potential for the U.S. in six different Modern Energy areas. You will also find a list of commonly used energy acronyms and a glossary of terms.
Please take advantage of the networking, your 1:1 meetings which have been arranged for you, and social opportunities afforded you at the Modern Energy Investor Forum. May you absorb much, and prosper greatly as a result of the next three days. There is a lot to cover in the area of Modern Energy and my goal has been to share with you, as much information in this space and time as possible. Enjoy the program.
Best Professional Regards,
Michele Ashby, CEO
MINE LLC
* The Modern Energy Movement, by Michele Ashby, coming Fall 2009
