The Governor's Energy Office Adds Three Regional Energy Experts.

DENVER -- The Governor's Energy Office (GEO) has added three energy experts as regional representatives in response to the growing energy needs in the state. These positions are responsible for community outreach, implementing the GEO's renewable energy and energy efficiency programs, and supporting Gov. Ritter's vision for a New Energy Economy throughout the state. The funding for these positions is through the Senate Bill 246 Clean Energy Fund.

Joining GEO as regional representatives are Joani Matranga, serving the Western Slope; Mona Newton, serving the Central Region; and, Bob Mailander, serving the Eastern Plains. The three have built careers in renewable energy and community projects and bring valuable experience to GEO:

* Bob Mailander will work with the Eastern Plains communities, where he was born and raised. He has a strong background in renewable energy development and community economic development. Most recently, Mailander served as the Director of the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union Cooperative Development Center.

* The Western Slope will be served by Joani Matranga, who has twenty years' experience working with local governments, businesses and citizens in the Roaring Fork Valley to create an alternative energy future through public policy, education, and project implementation.

* Mona Newton will work with communities along the Front Range from Pueblo to Fort Collins. Most recently, Newton created a new community investment model for businesses interested in wind energy development, sold renewable energy credits and photovoltaic electric systems.

"Our three regional representatives will serve as local resources and a local link to connect businesses, communities, consumers, and other partners with GEO's programs," said Tom Plant, director of the Governor's Energy Office. "This is the first time that GEO has regional representatives and it is a result of the Clean Energy Funds that allow us to extend our reach."

GEO has programs to advance Gov. Ritter's vision for a New Energy Economy such as: high-performance building for commercial and residential markets, including new and existing construction; the greening of state government; advancement of renewable energy technologies; cooperation with Colorado's utilities; and, technology transfer and economic development.

"The collective expertise and experience of these three representatives will enable GEO to make a bigger impact and sooner," said Tom Plant, director of the Governor's Energy Office.

For more information on GEO or its programs, visit www.colorado.gov/energy. To contact the regional representatives via email: [e-mail], [e-mail], and [e-mail].