Battery621 opened for business just about one short year ago. And what a year it’s been. It was finally time to hold a GRAND OPENING, our ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY, and kick off the first annual LAUNCH OF WINTER. What better way to celebrate our first year of operation than visits by Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock, Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, two visits by 9 News during our packed week of events, and over 3,000 people walking through our doors.

This celebration began October 4th, and events ranged from Subaru debuting the all new 2012 Impreza, to Icelantic Skis presenting their ‘11-12 line of skis, the announcement of the SI Snowsport Entrepreneur Award, live music, engaging panel discussions with some fantastic like minded personalities, and a photographic art installation by The Public Works. Many great companies from within Battery621 and partners such as Vail Resorts, Loveland, Echo Mountain, Tommy Knocker, Create Denver, CMH heli-skiing, Muscle Milk and Smashburger came together in the name of anticipating another amazing winter.

On Tuesday, October 4th, Something Independent packed the house and announced the winner of their inaugural SI Snowsport Entrepreneur Award with the help of Colorado Governor Hickenlooper and their esteemed panel of judges. The award recognized Flylow, a Colorado ski and snowboard outerwear company, that embodies the spirit of entrepreneurism and shows us how the Colorado snowsport culture inspires their ideas and influences their business.

Governor Hickenlooper, who kicked off the event, said, “Part of being an entrepreneur is seeing opportunity where other people don’t. Nothing would make me happier then having Colorado known as the single greatest place for entrepreneurs.”

Westword Article: Flylow Gear wins first annual Something Independent Snowsport Entrepreneur Award

Denver Post Article: The inaugural Snowsports Entrepreneur Award goes to…

The night of Thursday, October 6th was The Business of Fun, an event where a panel of fine and creative humans spoke about how they followed their passions through their career path rather than the bottom line. Preston Strout, former pro shred and current owner of High Cascade Snowboard Camp, moderated the panel of 6 professionals from a diverse range of backgrounds. The panel included: Chris Davenport – Freeski legend, Steve “Stix” Nilsen – PBR Lifestyle Marketing Manager, Steve Chambers – CMH Heli-Skiing, Revelstoke Area Manager, Kristin Rust – World Traveler, PR Guru, Chris Berry – Team Pain Skate Parks Supervisor, and Gabe Anderson – Co-Owner of Jiberish Clothing. The event was a huge success all around and netted a full segment on 9 News and coverage in multiple media outlets.

“A great evening and a pleasure to get to meet everyone and share our stories. As I said before, it’s pretty easy to talk about something you’re passionate and excited about. The Business of Fun is definitely on to something,” said panelist Steve Chambers.

Battery621’s monthly First Friday event was stepped up to a new level with an art show by The Public Works, which brought out the best of over two decades of photographic pursuits printed on mixed mediums. Other higlights included Icelantic Skis unveiling their new ‘11-12 line of skis to the public, the all-new 2012 Subaru Impreza debuted for the first time in Colorado, and live music from Filthy Children. Over 2,000 patrons passed through the doors that night, all of whom were all able to buy season passes to Vail Resorts, Loveland, and Crested Butte. When people were hungry, Smashburger was on site with burgers and fries and sold out of product, and Sweet Cow Ice Cream served up desert.

Saturday October 8th, Battery621 started the weekend with a co-sponsored passport art walk throughout the Sante Fe Arts District. Parents joined their little rippers on a stamp- gathering hunt down Sante Fe Drive, ending at Battery621. Movies from Capita, Poor Boyz, Never Summer, Sandbox and Level 1 and MSP screened all day while everyone recovered from the fun filled hectic week.

Make sure to check the photos via the Galleries link to the left!

Thanks to: Subaru, The Public Works, Icelantic, Spyder, Something Independent, Emage, TommyKnocker Brewery, Canadian Mountain Holidays, Vail Resorts, Smashburger, Echo Mountain, Loveland Ski Area, Crested Butte Mountain, Larkburger, Pasbt Blue Ribbon, Turnstone, High Cascade Snowboard Camp, Whole Foods, Snowboard Colorado Magazine, the GRO project, Matchstick Productions, Level 1, Poor Boyz, Never Summer, Capita, and everyone who attended!

Last night, Battery621 was a proud host to Ad2 Denver’s August event: CP+B Talk About Domino’s. If you watch any amount of TV, you’ve probably seen Domino’s campaign to reposition their brand through total transparency, including admitting that their old pizza wasn’t really all that great. But with any great ad campaign, there is usually a great agency behind the scenes making it happen. That agency is Crispin Porter + Bogusky, based out of Boulder. Two creative directors that worked on the entire Domino’s campaign described the entire process in detail, from pitching Domino’s to accept negative criticism, to creating a massive pizza tracker billboard in Times Square.

All in all, over 60 people from the Denver and metro areas were in attendance, most of them new faces to our space. It was a great event all around, and look forward to hosting more in the future.

So our First Friday Fun Facts will be a little bit different than our regular Fun Fact Friday posts. In the FFFF, we’ll let you know what you should be looking forward to at tonight’s First Friday event.

First, there will be artwork. The Got Metal? gallery continues its run in the Spyder gallery, complete with sculpture, metalwork, and paintings. Secondly, we’ll have new art from Whit Boucher of Boulder, Colorado. You can check out his work at Phivekvisuals.com or tonight in the Icelantic Gallery and the common area. There is already some great stuff hanging on the walls.

Secondly, we’re going to kick things up in a different notch. Tonight, we’re celebrating America as July 4th is just around the corner. We’ll be decorated out in Red, White, and Blue, and we encourage you to come over dressed up in your best America ensemble. Icelantic will be holding a costume contest for the best American themed costumes, with yet to be announced prizes to go to the winners. We’re also going to have cotton candy and snocones available for all attendees, and just because Battery621 is the coolest place to be… We’re going to have a Stars and Striped waterslide in the parking lot!

Third, we’re going to be debuting the Battery621 First Friday Gigantic Jenga tournament. We’ve taken Jenga, made it much bigger and burlier, and those of you interested can compete in a bracket style tourney for prizes as well. We think this is going to go off, so get here to sign up. Tournament starts promptly at 8.

Lastly, we’ll have live music tonight from Dynohunter. You can get a preview of their sounds at http://soundcloud.com/dynohunter. Dynohunter starts at 9, and will be on until 11 in the Spyder Gallery.

That’s about it for tonight, but you never know what else is in store unless you get down here tonight. Doors open at 7 with adult beverages provided by TommyKnocker Brewery. See you all then!

The Denver Egotist created a new private event for creatives called ONCE. Sometime during the month of March, unbeknowdst to most people here at Battery621, the Egotist group took over The Public Works’ workshop with 12 creatives from Denver and Boulder to ask questions to one creative mind. What you’ll see below is the launch trailer for ONCE, and one of the first videos from the event. For more information about the project, read the article here.

Photo courtesy of Michael Calanan

On May 5th, Artists Creative Agency and ASMP (American Society of Media Photographers) hosted a “Photographer’s Self Promotion Pep Talk” at Battery 621.

By all accounts, the event was a success! There were over 40 attendees present. Angela Mateus, with Artists Creative Agency, facilitated discussions between those in attendance who shared advice with one another about the self-promotion and social media tactics they find most effective.

Everyone walked away with a packet of information and offers from all of the generous sponsors. A lucky few won valuable door prizes to help them in their promotional efforts.

A special thanks goes out to Kelly Mossoni at Spyder, who was so gracious and helpful with providing a space for the event and other wonderful resources. Additional thanks go out to the other event sponsors, Agency Access, Blink Bid, Miller’s Lab, Icon Books, Insight, GAIAM, 8888ArtLook and to Biscuits and Berries for the delicious Fajita Bar.

We look forward to hosting more events here in the future!

It’s official. The RISE in the WEST fundraiser held at Battery 621 on 5/14 raised $8,504 for the American Red Cross, with help from the American Red Cross Mile High Chapter. This is the first event of this kind that 621 has been a part of, and we couldn’t be happier with the results. Congrats Patrick Ryan Corrigan, Jake Rishavy, and Ricochet Denver! The weather was a bit uncooperative, but spirits remained high, art and services were big on, and every attendee had a great time. Everyone inside the 621 walls is stoked that we could be a part of this, and we looking forward to doing something similar in the future!

Last week’s First Friday event at Battery621 was our biggest yet. The event saw a lot of new artwork from many sources, new live music, and tons of fun as always. First, the Spyder showroom transformed into its first art installation, showing the work of over 10 native Colorado artists. Spearheaded by metalworking genius and Evergreen native Glenn Vogel, the installation showcases many artistic mediums. Guests saw paintings, metalwork, and enameled pieces, just to name a few.

In the common areas, Icelantic’s artist Travis Parr came in from California to display never before seen artwork here at 621. Guests and Icelantic fans have come to know and love Parr’s artwork on Icelantics skis, but this First Friday was all about his paintings. The pieces he brought looked great, including a pattern he created for a 686 outfit and a custom Icelantic surfboard.

Lastly, live music was provided by the sounds of Vox de Ville. The band featured one of 621′s own, Dave Boger from Jiberish clothing. Dave started the night off spinning beats on the Spyder stage, transitioned one the keys with Vox de Ville, and then back to the tables for the rest of the night. 621′s guests were more than pleased, and Dave and Vox’s music capped off a great First Friday at 621.

Battery621 will be back for June’s First Friday, complete with new art and new music. Hope to see you then!

Photos courtesy of Kara Primomo Photography

On Friday, April 29, this year’s Insight Tour, hosted by Something Independent, took a diverse group of participants on an up-close tour of four local businesses with the company owners and/or founders. The tour was designed to give attendees a unique opportunity to see the ideas, the vision and the process behind each Denver-based business operation at work. The participants consisted of 10 people from a diverse range of backgrounds including students from the University of Denver, Daniels Entrepreneur Society; Economic Development officials; staff representatives from the Governor’s Office; and leaders from the local business community.

The businesses involved included Battery621, Seattle Fish Company, Never Summer Industries and Great Divide Brewing Company. We spent about an hour touring their facilities, learning more about their operations and production, while also hearing about how each business got started, and how they’re growing and staying competitive. These are all companies that are poised to not only grow here and provide jobs here, but to inspire other entrepreneurs to start or move their businesses here. Entrepreneurism is ingrained in the Colorado spirit. Collectively, we’re making Colorado not only a great place to live, but THE place to start and grow a business.

Read the rest of the story at Something Independent’s site here.

The group met at Battery621, where Something Independent resides, for a tour of the building. Battery621 is one of the most talked about new office collaboratives in Denver. Companies that call Battery621 home include The Public Works, Wink Inc., Spyder (showroom), Icelantic Skis, Jiberish, CondorCam, Artist’s Creative, CompanyBe, 5280 Agency, Drumbeat and Something Independent.

We are proud to announce that we will be hosting the Rise In The West fundraiser for Japan on May 14th from 7-10pm. Put on by Ricochet Denver, the event aims to raise funds for those in Japan affect by the tsunami and earthquakes. See below for the full press release and event poster.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 27, 2011
Denver artists and creative entrepreneurs present “Rise in the West” fundraiser for Japan Tragedy

Contacts:
Jake Rishavy | (720)231-6542 | jake@ricochetdenver.com
Patrick Ryan Corrigan | (303) 910-9213 | thetiredpirate@gmail.com

DENVER—Online pre-registration opens today for Rise in the West, a visual art- and action sports-based fundraiser created by a group of Denver artists and creative professionals with personal and business connections to the people of Japan.

Rise in the West, taking place Saturday, May 14, from 7 to 10 p.m., will feature a silent auction of works from a number of local artists and creative professionals, as well as a variety of products donated by local businesses. Attendees will enjoy samplings of local craft brews and food from a number of local mobile food trucks. All proceeds from the event will benefit the American Red Cross in its efforts to provide relief to the people of northern Japan affected by tsunami and earthquakes.

The event, spearheaded by local artist Patrick Ryan Corrigan, AKA The Tired Pirate, will be held in partnership with a number of local creative entrepreneurs at Battery621 at 621 Kalamath Street, in the Denver Santa Fe Arts District.

Event space, auction items and promotional support have been generously donated by Battery 621 resident companies and friends including well-known action sports, lifestyle and media brands Jiberish Clothing Company, Icelantic, The Public Works, Spyder, and many others. Services ranging from chiropractic sessions to beauty services will be available for bidding. Artworks will include original works and prints from local artists including Corrigan, Kurt Redeker and Knew Conscious, Tripps Prints, Digital Mavrik, AugArt Design (the big art division of Eye Candy Graphics), and many others.

Artist print services are being generously donated by Denver-based visual media company, Harmonic Media.

New artist and product sponsors are being announced daily from today until the event date on the event’s Facebook page.

For Corrigan—who has family living fewer than 60 miles from the Fukushima nuclear power plant—the cascading tragedies that followed an 8.9 magnitude quake off the coast of Japan on March 11, 2011 hit far too close to home.

“My family and I have an intensely personal connection to Japan, and we were devastated to hear of the recent earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster,” said Corrigan, who creates locally under the moniker Tired Pirate. “Because of my own ties to the area and those of my friends— many of whom have travelled to Japan for various action sports—the tragedies of recent weeks have inspired in me an intense desire to help.
“This desire, along with my passion for our thriving Denver art scene, has inspired me to create an exciting event that would not only raise money for the beautiful country and people of Japan, but also shed a light on the Denver’s growing cultural movement,” he added.

The event will feature live music, craft brews from official beer sponsor, Fort Collins, Colo.- based Odell Brewing Co., and food from a number of local mobile food trucks. Rise in the West is currently soliciting additional event sponsors and product donations. Registration for the event ($16 online in advance, $20 at the door) is now available online HERE. For additional details, please visit www.riseinthewest.org or www.facebook.com/riseinthewest.

The Public Works, Icelantic, and Battery621 represented each other and our unified mission at the Sports Career Fair during Sports Career Day, an event sponsored by Denver Public Schools, Denver Parks and Recreation and Goodwill Industries. The event was held at Denver’s Auraria Campus, with the intention of the fair to expose young people to careers related to sports that go beyond professional athletics and coaching.

This marked the first time that Battery621 and its tenants were able to give back to the community in a unified effort. The Public Works was part of a speaking panel which gave insight into sports careers and how young people can begin planning for a career in sports. Afterward, The Public Works teamed up with Icelantic and Battery621 to provide further information to interested students about the great things going on in the snowsports industry, as well as the synergies happening on a daily basis at Battery621.

More more information on Battery621, check out the rest of our website. If you or anyone you know is interested in having those involved with Battery621 speak at a sports or business related event, please email info@battery621.com.