Business Briefs

Cleantech Open coming to Silver State

Nevada's clean energy entrepreneurs will get a boost this month when Cleantech Open, the world's largest clean energy accelerator and business competition, partners with the Nevada Institute for Renewable Energy Commercialization.

Clean energy entrepreneurs, potential mentors, economic development officers, government leaders and media are invited to the statewide Cleantech Open Nevada introduction, occurring simultaneously in Las Vegas and Reno at 9 a.m. Thursday, March 22, at Desert Research Institute.

The Cleantech Open business plan competition is known for its highly acclaimed training program. Semifinalists participate in the accelerator and regional competitions. Finalists advance to the national Global Forum, informally dubbed the "Academy Awards for clean energy startups," where final judging occurs and regional prize winners and the national $250,000 prize package winner are announced at the Awards Gala.

Cleantech Open has awarded over $5 million in cash and services; 581 companies have participated in the program and raised more than $660 million in external funding.

Dutch Bros. collects 131,660 pounds of food during drive

Dutch Bros. Coffee locations collected 131,660 pounds of food for local food banks during the company's annual Valentine's Dutch "Luv" Day food drive held on Feb. 14, during which customers exchanged nonperishable food items for coffee.

"It's overwhelming to see our communities pull together in support of our local food banks," said Dutch Bros. co-founder Travis Boersma. "We're constantly impressed by the willingness and enthusiasm of our neighbors to lend a hand for people in need and are so pleased to be able to provide such a significant donation this year."

Dutch "Luv" Day is part of Dutch Bros.' companywide annual giveback program, in which the company reinvests 1 percent of its annual gross sales back into the community.

Pro-Dex sells Astromec unit in Carson City

A Carson City company that makes tiny electric motors for the aerospace and defense industries has been sold.

Pro-Dex Inc. of Irvine, Calif., said last week it sold its Astromec subsidiary for $830,000 in cash. Pro-Dex didn't disclose the name of the buyer.

It purchased Astromec Inc. for $2.7 million in 2006. The sale agreement covers the assets of Astromec, including equipment and inventories but doesn't include the company's building on Arrowhead Drive.

Along with the $830,000 in cash, Pro-Dex may receive future payments based on sales of Astromec products during the next three years.

Mark Murphy, president and chief executive officer of Pro-Dex, said the company is fine-tuning its focus on products for medical and motion-control systems.

Astromec, with its emphasis on aerospace and defense products, doesn't fit with that strategy, he said. Astromec employs 19 full-time workers.

- Northern Nevada Business Weekly

Chromalloy wins Navy work

Chromalloy Gas Turbine Corp. of Carson City won a $173,926 contract from the U.S. Navy for repair and modification of a gas turbine.

- Northern Nevada Business Weekly