Published: Jan. 29, 2003

Note to Editors: Complimentary copies of the directory are available to the media by calling (303) 492-8227.

The CU-Boulder Business Research Division and Business Advancement Center published its 2003 Colorado Photonics Industry directory that highlights research on the industry and information about more than 200 Colorado photonics companies.

Photonics is the use of light to create products and services. The research shows that Colorado companies focus their work in the areas of entertainment, aerospace, consumer products, military, medical equipment and telecommunications industries. Colorado is one of the country's top-ranked photonics industry clusters.

The directory includes a listing of photonics organizations with contact information, number of employees, products and services; an industry analysis; and information about the state's photonics-related resources.

"In everyday life, photonics is used for Doppler radar, compact discs, laser printers and television displays," said Kevin Keilbach, president of the Colorado Photonics Industry Association. "This industry is important to the Colorado economy and is poised to remain in this role for years to come."

The Business Research Division conducted extensive research on the industry that is included in the directory. The study indicates that there are 242 organizations in the Colorado photonics cluster. Of those companies, 62 percent are manufacturers and 20 percent are professional, scientific or technical service companies.Ìý

Last year, 5,000 Coloradans worked in photonics-related positions. These workers earned an average of $57,600, nearly 50 percent higher than the state's average wage of $37,800.

"The photonics industry helps Colorado for a number of economic reasons," said Gary Horvath, marketing analyst at the CU-Boulder Business Research Division. "Its ties to growing industries such as biophotonics and nanotechnology will significantly impact our markets."

The Business Research Division and CU Business Advancement Center conduct business and market research to provide businesses, state and local governments, universities and organizations with cost-effective information for policy decisions, company strategies and competitive action.

The directory is $75. Copies are available by calling the CU-Boulder Business Research Division at (303) 492-8227.