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!

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.

After the exhibition ended on Larimer Square, Something Independent installed their Art of Winter display for a one-night showing at Battery621 for March First Friday. The Art of Winter featured independent, boutique ski and snowboard companies who are incorporating innovative art into their topsheet designs, as well as a group of talented Colorado artists who created original works on recycled skis and snowboards. “Our main goal with this exhibit was to celebrate and support the growing connection between art, industry and snowsports in Colorado”, said Kara Primomo, Art of Winter Event Curator.

The night kicked off with a wine tasting from Infinite Monkey Theorem and beer from Great Divide Brewery. As the night went on, the crowd mixed and mingled, flowing in and out of Icelantic’s gallery space, where guests could then try some beer from Tommy Knocker, another local brewery. All of the skis and snowboards from the Art of Winter were auctioned off at the end of the night, with the proceeds benefiting the Larimer Arts Association and the Something Independent Entrepreneur Award.

“The atmosphere was great and the hosts were very friendly. The whole experience really has me second guessing my career decisions…. Your office space just seems to have such great chemistry. The art exhibit really motivated and inspired me to re-visit some creative ideas I’ve had in the past. I look forward to next time!” –Curtis Sattison, First Friday attendee

A special thanks to Spyder for the use of their space on First Friday; The Public Works for their assistance with the installation; Icelantic and all of our friends here at Battery621!

*Something Independent is an initiative promoting the industry and culture of snowsports in Colorado*

Photos courtesy of Free Lunch Photography