Texas was an independent republic until 165 years ago, allowing the state to control its own electric grid, its own regulatory structure, and its offshore lands.  That status sets the Lone Star State as an emerging 21st century leader in the Americas offshore wind energy and creates streamlined business opportunities.

Texas already leads the Americas with more than 10,000 megawatts (MW) of installed onshore wind energy capacity.  Offshore, the General Land Office (GLO) has issued eight leases covering more than 220 square miles (more than 140,000 acres) that are anticipated to evolve into more than 3,500 MW by 2020.  The first Texas offshore test turbine will be operational by 2011.  GLO offshore wind energy leases offer sites along the full length of the Texas coastline, from Port Arthur on the Louisiana border to Port Isabel at the Rio Grande.

TOWER features the policymakers and project developers who have authority over Texas offshore development, and will combine the experience of the European offshore wind energy industry, the Gulf and European offshore oil industry, and the streamlined business opportunities of the Texas offshore wind industry.  TOWER offers unparalleled networking opportunities with state and business decision-makers as Texas prepares for action in the America’s first gigawatt-scale offshore wind locale.

OWL will provide attorneys with a crucial understanding of the unique combination of laws governing Texas offshore wind energy development and how those laws make Texas a streamlined market opportunity.  Offshore wind energy development lies at the intersection of many bodies of law – international, maritime, energy, contracts & more.

Texas offshore wind energy commercial opportunities are likely to be the most massive in the Americas and its regulatory processes the most streamlined.

TOWER and OWL are jointly organized by the German American Chamber of Commerce and the Texas Wind Energy Clearinghouse, with the active leadership participation of the GLO.

For more information please visit www.tower-conference.com.

Led by CITEM, PINES is a three-day trade event meant to encourage environmental investment through the showcase of the latest Philippine-made environment-

PECO Green Region provides grants for projects focusing on open space preservation, improvements to parks and recreation resources, and conservation. Since 2004, PECO has provided nearly $800,000 toward qualifying projects.

In partnership with Natural Lands Trust, the region’s largest land conservation organization, PECO will award grants to the following municipalities:

– In Bucks County: New Britain Borough ($7,500) Doylestown Township ($7,500), New Britain Township ($7,500), and Morrisville Borough ($7,500).

– In Chester County: East Bradford Township ($5,000), East Pikeland Township ($5,000), Valley Township ($5,000), Oxford Borough ($5,000), London Grove Township ($5,000), Pennsbury Township ($2,500), and West Pikeland, ($2,500).

– In Delaware County: Thornbury Township ($10,000), Folcroft Borough ($5,000), Haverford Township ($5,000), Springfield Township ($5,000), and Concord Township ($5,000).

– In Montgomery County: Norristown Borough ($5,000), West Pottsgrove Township ($10,000), Conshohocken Borough ($10,000), and Worcester Township ($5,000).

– In Philadelphia: three organizations with open space projects in Center City, Wissahickon, and Chestnut Hill each will receive $10,000. They are Enterprise Center Community Development Corporation, Friends of the Wissahickon, and Chestnut Hill Historical Society.

Grants provided this year will support an array of green projects including the development of recreation trails, the purchase of open space, planting of trees and other vegetation, and park planning.

Municipalities can apply for a Green Region grant of up to $10,000 per project each year. A committee with representatives from PECO, its parent Exelon, county agencies and conservation organizations reviews each application and selects the projects to receive funding.

“We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and greening our operations at PECO,” said Denis O’Brien, PECO president and CEO. “We want to work together, with our customers and community partners, to have an even greater environmental impact through grants and educational programs.”

“Open space preservation and access to outdoor recreation are essential to the livability and prosperity of our communities,” said Molly Morrison, president of Natural Land Trust. “That is why Natural Lands Trust has been so honored to be a partner in PECO’s Green Region program. It is a wonderfully effective way to help our region’s municipalities invest in their own future.”

Industry experts and insiders from General Electric (GE), National Grid, Siemens, and the U.S. Department of Energy will share their insight and outlook on jobs and contract opportunities, among other green-related issues. They will be joined by Asian American business Ampcus, Inc. of Virginia who is doing energy-related work for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Presented by the US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation (USPAACC), the session is part of USPAACC’s 25th Anniversary CelebrAsian Business Opportunity Conference, to be held on May 25-27, at the The United States Capitol, Omni Shoreham hotel, and The Ritz-Carlton, Washington DC.

“There is now a burgeoning market demand for more sustainable and renewable products and services, thanks to the widening appeal and popularity of the Obama Administration’

Through an online contest located at www.Entrepreneur.com/greenoffice, U.S. small business owners and others can enter the “Green Your Small Business Challenge” by submitting a 100-word essay on how and why they would make their office more sustainable. Qualifying entries must be submitted between May 5, 2010 and June 4, 2010.

Entrepreneur.com will select the three top submissions, awarding the grand-prize winner with a $10,000 green office makeover (through a Staples gift pack) and a spotlight in an online feature themed “How to Take Your Business Green” in August. The second-place winner will receive a $2,000 Staples gift pack and the third-place winner will receive a $1,000 Staples gift pack. Staples offers a wide selection of eco-conscious products which incorporate various environmental features such as recycled content, environmental certifications or other environmental designs. Through the company’s offerings, including the Sustainable Earth brand line, Staples remains committed to providing customers with innovative eco-conscious products.

“Staples strives to make it easy for small business owners to make their workplace more sustainable by offering unique, useful and affordable eco-conscious products like our Sustainable Earth by Staples notebooks and pads made from 80 percent sugarcane waste, to the Staples Verdesol chair, featuring fabric made from 100 percent recycled plastic bottles,” said David D’Angelo, senior vice president of Staples Brands Group. “This initiative with Entrepreneur.com is a great opportunity for Staples to provide the winners with the products and tools they need to make a difference and have a positive impact on the environment.”

EcoEasy Tips for Any Office

1. Whether it’s reusing old stationery as scratch paper, setting up a recycle bin for cans and water bottles, or separating boxes and newspapers, make sure materials in the office are sorted to be recycled.

2. Set up computers and other energy-draining equipment (i.e. copiers, fax machines) to go on standby to reduce energy consumption. Use ENERGY STAR-certified products, which are 50 percent more energy efficient than a standard unit.

3. Turn off equipment at the end of the day or before the weekend starts and unplug equipment until it is needed since many machines consume energy even in the “off” position.

4. Replace any incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs which last up to 10 times longer.

5. Take your old computers, monitors, laptops, printers, faxes and all-in-ones to any StaplesU.S. store and drop them off at the customer service desk to be recycled properly. All brands are accepted for recycling regardless of where they were purchased. Staples also provides ink and toner cartridge recycling and offers $3 back in Staples Rewards for any ink and toner cartridges returned to stores, up to 10 per month.

6. Save materials and important documents digitally on your computer instead of in file cabinets. When printing, use a printer like one from the Staples HP EcoEasy line of printers which use up to 50 percent less paper with double-sided printing.

7. Makeover your desk with eco-conscious products; in addition to recycled paper, Staples offers a wide selection of eco-conscious products such as bamboo flash drives and remanufactured toner cartridges.

8. Use eco-conscious cleaning products when tidying up the office. Staples’ Sustainable Earth(R) cleaning products provide powerful cleaning action and minimize impacts to the environment.

9. Look into furniture and cubicles that are Greenguard Certified (www.greenguard.org). The materials in these products have been tested for toxic emissions. Products that are under the allowable limits of toxins are defined by the U.S. Green Building Council as Greenguard products.

10. Carpool to work; if you and a coworker live by each other, riding to work together will reduce polluting car emissions. If you live close to work, why not walk or ride your bike.

Top Products for Going Green in The Office

– Staples Brand folders and paper make it easy to clean up while greening up. Perfect for the environmentally conscious, the 3-tab 100% Recycled Manila File Folders contain 40 percent post-consumer content. Staples Brand paper also comes in a variety of eco-conscious ream and case options such as Staples 100% Recycled Multi-purpose Paper or Staples 100% Recycled Copy Paper.

– Made from 80% sugarcane waste, Sustainable Earth by Staples Notebooks and Writing Pads are an eco-conscious alternative for any note-taker.

– Sustainable Earth by Staples Glass and All-Purpose Cleaners are formulated with the EPA Design for the Environment, and meet Green Seal environmental standards for household cleaners based on its reduced toxicity, biodegradability and packaging.

– The Staples 7-Outlet and 12-Outlet EcoEasy Surge Protector with Dataline Protection automatically shut off peripheral devices when the primary device is turned off or goes into stand-by mode, resulting in easy energy savings for the office.

– Sustainable Earth by Staples Remanufactured Toner delivers superior printing every time, while reducing the environmental impact.

– With 4GB of storage space and a 100% renewable and biodegradable bamboo casing, the Staples Bamboo USB Flash Drive is perfect from transporting files on the go.

For more information about the Staples and Entrepreneur.com’s “Green Your Small Business Challenge” or to submit an entry and find full official rules, visit www.entrepreneneur.com/greenoffice. For details on Staples environmental initiatives and products visit www.staples.com/ecoeasy.

About Staples’ Environmental Commitment

Staples long-standing commitment to sustainable business practices is based on four key environmental cornerstones: recycling, offering a wide assortment of eco-preferable products, investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy and educating customers and associates about sustainability. Through its EcoEasy commitment, Staples makes it easy for customers to make a difference for the environment by offering more than 3,000 eco-preferable products and providing everyday, in-store recycling for computers, office technology, personal electronics and ink and toner cartridges. For more on Staples environmental initiatives, please visit www.staples.com/ecoeasy.

About Staples

Staples, the world’s largest office products company, is committed to making it easy for customers to buy a wide range of office products and services. Our broad selection of office supplies, electronics, technology and office furniture as well as business services, including computer repair and copying and printing, helps our customers run their offices efficiently. With 2009 sales of $24 billion and 91,000 associates worldwide, Staples operates in 25 countries throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia serving businesses of all sizes and consumers. Staples invented the office superstore concept in 1986 and today ranks second worldwide in e-commerce sales. The company is headquartered outside Boston. More information about Staples /quotes/comstock/15*!spls/quotes/nls/spls (SPLS 23.19, -0.07, -0.30%) is available at www.staples.com/media.

The focus of this session is to examine how companies can: utilize empty real estate, reduce energy costs by 20-30%, convert waste to energy, and employ those who are unemployed, as well as veterans.

“The purpose of this event is for attendees to learn about new green technologies and how it can improve the economy of the business, as well as the community,” says Mary Adelman, Assistant Director of NJSBDC at Centenary College. “These technologies also reduce our carbon footprint while creating jobs. It also offers employment opportunities for the handicapped, as well as veterans.”

Featured speakers include Damon Schlenske, President of E3 and Native American Trading of Helena, Mont.; Willie Prince, President and Senior Engineer of ISI; and Barry Berman, Vice President of AgriPower.

Schlenske will discuss how his company built mini-farms which produced fresh vegetables and fruit in the middle of sub-zero temperatures and blizzards in Montana.
The mini-farms utilize vertical farming and “growhouse” technology, which makes farming highly profitable, with yields of 7 to 15 percent greater production in the same space when compared with traditional farming methods.

Prince will speak about the Energy Avenger high-intensity lights and their ability to reduce power and electricity cost at a minimum of 20 percent. These lights, which are used in city or town street lights, sports stadiums, schools and colleges, require no equipment changes and no replacement of existing bulbs or ballast tubes. This product is manufactured and warranted by GE.

Berman will speak about AgriPower, which is an advanced biomass-to-energy conversion technology and a leader in its field. It combusts a variety of waste products to create energy, including shopping mall and supermarket waste, packing boxes and landfill items, plastic bags and more.

ACCION USA, a leader in U.S. microfinance and small business lending, today announced a new step into the green business arena with the launch of a green loan and education program in New York and Massachusetts. By combining microfinance and green business, ACCION USA’s 2010 pilot program will help an estimated 70 small businesses qualify for the loans needed to jumpstart local environmental change through energy efficiency and eco-friendly businesses practices.

Under the program, announced today in celebration of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, loans are available to start or grow a business that provides eco-friendly products or services, or to help everyday small businesses incorporate green business and energy-saving practices into their operations. ACCION USA’s innovative underwriting method will consider energy savings as part of an applicant’s income, allowing green businesses to more easily qualify for needed financing. A flat, reduced interest rate of 8.99 percent annually is available in New York through ACCION USA’s Small Business Administration (SBA) microlending program.

A Green Business Webinar series, conducted in coordination with partner experts in green business, kicks off on May 4. Sessions focus on how to set green goals for your business, saving money by saving energy, green marketing tips, and more. A full listing of Webinar dates, times, and topics is available at www.accionusa.org/workshops. In addition, a May 6th Webinar is available for organizations interested in partnering with ACCION USA; registration and additional information is available at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/544969512

“This loan program is designed to have a triple-bottom line impact—we hope to boost profits for mom-and-pop small businesses and contractors, improve local environments, and spark community change,” says Gina Harman, president and CEO of ACCION USA. “We are excited start putting our 20 years of experience in small business lending to work for the environment.”

The green loan program comes at an opportune time for small businesses that are struggling to keep costs down and improve profits while still being challenged by the recession. Businesses, especially restaurants, who invest in energy savings can save up to 30 percent on monthly utility costs and qualify for government tax credits. However, these businesses often do not have the funds for an upfront investment in energy efficiency. In addition, entrepreneurs can boost profits by tapping into the growing base of eco-conscious consumers—90 percent of consumers describe themselves as eco-conscious, according to the BBMG Conscious Consumer Report (November 2007).

For more information on green business loan requirements, webinars, partnerships, and how to apply, visit https://www.accionusa.org/green.

About ACCION USA
ACCION USA is a leading U.S. microfinance organization that provides access to capital and financial education to low- and moderate-income individuals, primarily minorities and women. A pioneer and recognized leader in U.S. microfinance, ACCION USA empowers individuals to create sustainable businesses, increase family incomes, and contribute to the economic development of cities across the U.S. Since inception in 1991, ACCION USA has provided over $119 million in small business loans ranging from $500 to $50,000, offered nationwide via the ACCION USA online lending platform. For more information about small business loans, visit http://www.accionusa.org.

“We are pleased that Orlando has been selected as the host city for this annual summit,” said Mayor Richard Crotty.

The Orlando Green Business Summit invites members of the community who are seeking to learn about the opportunities of integrating sustainability into their businesses and managing risks in the wake of impending legislation and litigation. Major sponsors include Creative Recycling, Powertron Global, Phillips Development, and Sustainable Strategies.

“It is imperative that our communities begin to better understand and embrace green business practices,” said Don Phillips, United for a Sustainable America board member and managing director of Phillips Development and Realty. “Ultimately, these strategies and tactics will yield more successful, sustaining organizations and economies.”

The inaugural green summit was held in St. Petersburg with Mayor Rick Baker – with plans for nation-wide outreach in the coming years. For detailed speaker information, VIP tickets or sponsorships, call (813) 868-6711 or visit www.GreenBusinessSummit.org.

The GEBOC initiative is attracting a broad spectrum of national and regional organizations to help organize experts and industry leaders to share insight, business prospects and financing leads.  Major energy and construction industry representatives; small, veteran, women and minority business owners; and capitalists, bankers and investors will gather at the forum led by the President’s Round Table.

“Rebuilding America’s competitive edge requires the nimble, the entrepreneurial and the insight to see the opportunity. Today the key to that growth is alternative energy, energy efficiency and American business expertise. This gathering brings all of that together. We’re delighted to be a part of it” said Rodney Hudson, a Maryland resident and an officer of the Elite Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business Network.

Featured and nationally recognized speakers include U.S. Congressman Elijah Cummings; Douglas Nazarian of the Maryland Public Service Commission; James Degraffenreidt formerly with Washington Gas; David Owens of the Edison Electric Institute [EEI]; Timothy Simon of the California Public Utility Commission; Eric Seleznow of the Maryland’s Governor Workforce and Investment Board [GWIB]; Donna Harper of Honeywell;  Beth Host of the Green Building Certification Institute; Katherine Magruder of the Maryland Clean Energy Center; Josiah Lyndsay of Fortress group and, Alvin Collins of the Maryland Department of General Services; among others.

To register or for an updated agenda, panel topics and list of speakers,  go to www.businessforgreen.com.

“As the leading green business certification entity, it is our mission and responsibility to educate businesses on ways they can help protect the environment,”

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About GBB:

The GBB is as a national third-party program providing certification for businesses that follow environmentally responsible practices. Started by a group of environmental and business professionals who recognized a need in the marketplace for a trusted green certification for small- to medium-sized businesses, the GBB fosters environmental awareness among businesses and promote business practices that are both environmentally responsible and commercially beneficial.

http://www.gbb.org

Hailed as one of the best niche manufacturing companies in Humboldt County, Kokatat for nearly four decades has fostered a positive relationship with Arcata, a dedicated and diverse staff, and a service-driven business model that supports and promotes proactive green practices. Kokatat employees participate in community development and maintenance projects and the company also donates directly to (and partners with) a variety of local and national charities and events.

“Kokatat promotes and follows the practice of what our community calls the 3R’s – reduce, reuse and recycle,” said Arcata Chamber director Brenda Bishop. “Their environmental promotion and stewardship supports several organizations and provides an educational approach for turning recreational paddlers into conservation advocates,” Bishop added.

Kokatat was recognized and honored with a plaque at the Chamber’s Annual Leadership Dinner and Awards event held at the historical Arcata Theatre and Lounge. The sold-out event entertained some of the top City, County and State business leadership and community members. Arcata is home to one of only fifteen “California Welcome Center’s,” – official state visitor centers – and Kokatat’s recognition will be featured in the CWC’s marketing collateral.

“This recognition is as much an acknowledgment for Kokatat as it is for the culture of the Arcata community,” said O’Meara. “Our town’s beautiful natural environment and social equality is something Kokatat strives to preserve. We’re honored to receive the Green Business of the Year award,” O’Meara added.

About Kokatat Watersports Wear
For the past 38 years, Kokatat has built a reputation as a friendly company of paddling enthusiasts, dedicated to creating innovative paddlewear and accessories. Kokatat is a highly trusted brand known for its independence, high level of quality in addition to an extremely well respected, service-driven business model. Kokatat is an incredibly strong brand and is known for authenticity and launching game changing paddling products. Please visit www.kokatat.com and follow Kokatat on Twitter “@kokatat”.

• To promote environmental awareness and best practice.
• To provide help and advice on environmental issues to businesses within the Basildon District.

The objective of the Forum is to address issues of:

• Waste Management- to provide advice and support on minimising waste through reducing, reusing and recycling.
• Energy Reduction- to enable businesses to examine their own energy consumption and assess ways of reducing this.
• Natural resources- to enable businesses to examine their use of natural resources and assess ways of reducing this use.
• Legislation- to provide a single source of information and advice on environmental regulations.

Membership of the Green Business Forum is free and is open to any organisation in the Basildon District.

The Green Business Forum can help your business with:

• Free consultancy
• Workshops
• Waste and Energy audits
• Advice on ISO14001
• Help with recycling
• Advice on legislation
• Exchange of ideas
• Green transport plans

The resulting benefits to your business can include:

• Improved efficiency
• Better environmental performance
• Cost savings
• Employee awareness
• Compliance with legislation
• Customer reassurance

More information here.

Why you should attend:

• learn to analyze, enhance and communicate the broader potential impact of your research
• explore commercial opportunities surrounding your technology
• develop a network of professionals in clean tech who can help mentor and connect you as you move forward with your career or new venture

The five-day intensive academy provides participants with focused lectures, practical exercises, and hands-on experiences designed to give them the knowledge, skills, and networks to explore how their research can make broader impact in industry, the marketplace, and the world.

The GTEA is taught by venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, university faculty, intellectual property officers, industry sponsors and angel investors from across the country that serve as mentors as well as guest faculty, providing participants with the knowledge and networks needed to take the next steps toward commercialization.

The Reusable Box is ideal for product exchanges, product returns, product recalls, replacement orders, repair and refurbishing operations, parts exchanges, and other situations where multiple shipping containers are used for shipping products back and forth.

For industrial applications, the Reusable Box is a replacement for plastic totes, metal cases, and wood crates used for transport of products to other locations for secondary processing, packaging, repackaging, or order fulfillment.

“Our unique design enables the clean inside of the box to quickly become the new outside, at least doubling the box’s life cycle,” said company president, Dennis Salazar. “Companies using our shipper will make a strong contribution to the sustainable packaging cause in a way that will be noticed.”

In addition to improving a firm’s sustainable packaging performance, the Reusable Box can generate cost savings and improve productivity by reducing box costs (by 50% or more in some cases), streamlining procurement, and conserving floor space. The boxes can be imprinted on the inner and outer panels in order to bring greater efficiency to order return, recall, and replacement processes.

The Reusable Box is available in a wide range of sizes and board strengths.

For more information:

The Reusable Box Website

NEW YORK, March 9 — n-Tier Financial Services, a leading provider of software solutions today announced the successful launch of a new electronic service which enables companies to eliminate physical mail replacing it with secure electronic access to letters, invoices, and other documents.

“This offering allows companies to reduce cost while also reducing their impact on the environment,” said Peter S. Gargone, Founder and Managing Director of n-Tier Financial Services. “The service leverages our web portal and document distribution technology which has been used in the banking industry for years and makes it available to firms of all sizes and from across all industries with no upfront costs or investment in technology infrastructure.”

The service enables firms to easily setup their clients with secure online access to their information, and provides for the automated classification and distribution of documents.  Charged at a per document price which is a fraction of the cost of traditional mail the service enables firms to provide a professional quality service to their clients while also benefiting from a reduction in their own expenses.

About n-Tier Financial Services

n-Tier Financial Services, LLC is a leading provider of information management software to clients globally. The Company offers software with a range of integrated functionality covering secure web portal access to information, document management and distribution automation, automated reporting, exception management, and automated data reconciliation. For additional information please visit http://www.ntierfs.com/ or email sales@ntierfs.com

“At Dow, we’ve long viewed our commitment to sustainability and the development of clean technologies as not only good corporate citizenship, but good business,” said Peribere. “As the world leader in applied chemistry, we are uniquely positioned to drive change by delivering innovative chemical solutions that contribute to human progress and the growth of our business.”

In his presentation to investors, Peribere will highlight four megatrends Dow believes reflect global shifts in customer and market behaviors and will define how people live, work and play in the next 20-30 years. The Company is aligning the development of innovative product solutions to address salient business opportunities in the areas of energy; consumerism; transportation and infrastructure; and health and nutrition. Dow innovations covered in Peribere’s remarks are poised to address over $20 billion in market opportunities, aligned with these four megatrends.

In the energy space, Dow is working on both new, innovative solutions and existing clean technologies to meet customers’ needs. The introduction of the revolutionary DOW(TM) POWERHOUSE(TM) Solar Shingle in late 2009 is an example of a disruptive technology aimed at the fast-growing solar industry, which is expanding at more than 30 percent per year. At the same time, Dow’s STYROFOAM(TM) brand insulation, which has been on the market for more than six decades, helps to reduce energy costs by more than $10 billion annually. Additional opportunities for Dow’s full suite of weatherization products are expected as building codes and new regulations become more stringent. With the building sector alone accounting for 40 percent of all energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions worldwide, governments are increasing their focus on building standards and insulation requirements as cost effective methods to abate carbon dioxide emissions and reduce fossil fuel dependence.

Dow’s Advanced Materials Division also will showcase solutions that address growing consumer demand for green products, such as its sustainable, low-temperature fabric care solutions and biodegradable surface cleaners. Clean, safe water solutions from the Dow Water and Process Solutions business is another example of how the Company is addressing the growing burden on global infrastructure, especially in areas of significant water stress like Australia and the Middle East.

According to Peribere, clean technology represents both a business opportunity and a scientific challenge.

“We know from our customers that regardless of the business, product line or geography, they’re not willing to trade off clean and sustainable technologies for performance,” said Peribere. “And that’s why at Dow Advanced Materials we are focusing our innovative thinking on the solutions that meet customer demands while at the same time delivering the same or better performance as traditional products.”

About Dow

Dow combines the power of science and technology with the “Human Element” to passionately innovate what is essential to human progress. The Company connects chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help address many of the world’s most challenging problems such as the need for clean water, renewable energy generation and conservation, and increasing agricultural productivity. Dow’s diversified industry-leading portfolio of specialty chemical, advanced materials, agrosciences and plastics businesses delivers a broad range of technology-based products and solutions to customers in approximately 160 countries and in high growth sectors such as electronics, water, energy, coatings and agriculture. In 2009, Dow had annual sales of $45 billion and employed approximately 52,000 people worldwide. The Company’s more than 5,000 products are manufactured at 214 sites in 37 countries across the globe. References to “Dow” or the “Company” mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com.

The new Windspires are located on Adobe’s sixth–floor patio, which doubles as a rooftop garden and recreational area above an office parking garage. The patio sits between Adobe’s three office towers, which create a wind tunnel effect from sustained winds off the Pacific Ocean.

Each Windspire is 30 feet tall, 4 feet wide and weighs 650 pounds. The propeller-free, vertical-axis wind turbine can harness wind power in urban, suburban and rural locations. Adobe selected the Windspire for its powerful, sleek, quiet and aesthetically pleasing design.

“With the installation of the Windspires, we’re adding renewable energy to a long list of green measures Adobe has taken to lessen our environmental impact,” said Randall H. Knox, III, senior director, Global Workplace Solutions, Adobe. “We’ll continue to seek innovative green technology solutions to reduce our energy dependence and inspire others to go green.”

“We feel honored to be included in Adobe’s effort to reduce their impact on the environment,” said Walt Borland, president and chief executive officer of Windspire developer Mariah Power. “The presence of these advanced wind turbines in San Jose will give Adobe’s employees and the greater community an opportunity to experience firsthand our ability to leverage the power of the wind.”

Since 2001, Adobe has saved approximately $6.7 million as a result of its energy and sustainability efforts which include projects such as energy-efficient lighting, real-time water meters for landscaping and an intelligent control system to help monitor building efficiencies.

About Adobe Systems Incorporated

Adobe revolutionizes how the world engages with ideas and information — anytime, anywhere and through any medium. For more information, visit www.adobe.com.

About Windspire

Windspire wind turbines are low-cost, low-noise, attractive wind power generators for use with residential, business, and commercial buildings. Manufactured in the U.S., the Windspire wind turbine is a 30-foot tall, propeller-free, vertical-axis wind turbine designed for harnessing wind power in urban, suburban and rural locations. Windspire’s patented technology maximizes energy conversion from wind into electric power, regardless of changing wind speed and direction. For more information, visit www.mariahpower.com.

Fresh & Easy launched this exclusive wine last Earth Day and last year alone American Forests planted more than 3,200 new trees as a result of customer purchases.

Fresh & Easy created the exclusive ONEHOPE Sauvignon Blanc blend with California’s Sonoma Wine Company using sustainable winegrowing practices.  The winery is a member of the Sonoma County Green Business Program and the Wine Institute’s Sustainable Winegrowing Program.

“At Fresh & Easy we try to reduce our impact on the environment in everything we do, so it just makes sense to keep that in mind when it comes to the wine we offer,” said Karen Fletcher, Wine Category Manager at Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market.  ”We’re happy to have partnered with ONEHOPE so we can provide our customers with a high-quality, affordable wine that also helps make our neighborhoods a little greener.”

Fresh & Easy’s ONEHOPE Sauvignon Blanc is a delicious, crisp dry white with flavors of passion fruit and guava.  It’s medium-bodied, smooth and pairs perfectly with pasta.  It has a long length and a very refreshing finish.

ONEHOPE Sauvignon Blanc Wine is the recipient of a Silver Medal at the 2008 Long Beach Grand Cru International Wine Competition.  Fresh & Easy’s Master of Wine, Phil Reedman, worked closely with ONEHOPE Winemaker David Elliot to create this blend. The wine retails for $9.99 per 750 ml bottle.

About Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market

Fresh & Easy currently operates 146 stores in California, Arizona and Nevada.  In addition to fresh, high-quality prepared meals and produce, Fresh & Easy offers everyone’s favorite national brand products and household items, all at unbelievably low prices.

Fresh & Easy has made it a priority to lessen its impact on the environment – on average, Fresh & Easy stores use 30% less energy than a typical supermarket and utilize technologies like automatically dimming lights, energy efficient refrigeration units and LED lighting.  Fresh & Easy recycles or reuses all its shipping and display materials and uses environmentally-friendly trailers to transport food.  The company is a pilot member of the LEED Volume Certification Program and has invested in a 500,000 sq ft solar roof installation on its distribution center in Riverside, California.

More information regarding Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market can be found at www.freshandeasy.com.

About American Forests

American Forests’ mission is to grow a healthier world with trees by working with communities on local efforts that restore and maintain forest ecosystems.  Its work encompasses planting trees, calculating the value of urban forests, fostering environmental education, and improving public policy for trees at the national level.  American Forests has a goal of 100 million trees planted by 2020.  More information on American Forests can be found at www.americanforests.org.

About ONEHOPE Wine

For more information on ONEHOPE Wine please visit www.onehopewine.com

In 2009, operating as Renewable Energy Business Network (Mid-Atlantic), CAMA brought together a total of over 1,000 professionals at six investor and social networking events held in Philadelphia, Villanova, Huntingdon Valley, and Wilmington, and featuring speakers from the investment, government, and entrepreneurial communities.

In 2010, under its new name, CAMA’s leadership is committed to promoting continued expansion of relationships and opportunities among alternative energy and cleantech professionals in the mid-Atlantic region, including at the 2nd Annual Mid-Atlantic Cleantech Investment Forum to be held on March 25, 2010 at the Academy of Natural Sciences, and featuring speakers from CenterPoint Energy, Element Partners, Battelle Ventures, GE Capital/GE Equity, and DuPont Ventures. Register here!

In addition, in March 2010, CAMA will launch an updated, interactive Web site, where investors, entrepreneurs, and company executives can meet each other, share information, including success stories, and ultimately collaborate on alternative energy and cleantech opportunities in the region.

HUSUM WindEnergy (21-25 September 2010) is expecting around 800 exhibitors and 25,000 visitors from 70 nations, continuing the success and enjoyment of past exhibitions.

HUSUM WindEnergy’s trademark is the optimistic, happy and infectious atmosphere that serves as the best possible foundation for concluding major deals and presenting successful projects.

2010 Green Business Summit

Solar has spent much of the last 12 years involved in a variety of development stage R&D projects. The company is now focused on opportunities that are more advanced in nature. Solar has identified two opportunities that it is now investigating and the success of each will be dependent on its ability to raise the funding necessary to finance the transactions.

Solar has entered into an agreement to acquire the assets of a private company operating as Solar Electric (formerly Discover Power). The transaction includes entering into management contracts with the 2 founders of Solar Electric who have been in the business of providing Solar Solutions to a wide variety of customers for over 15 years. The ultimate aim is to have retail outlets where the customer can in one stop have someone design and install a solar system for his home or business including filling out any Government grants/rebates and buy back agreements with the utility companies.

The second opportunity identified is that Solar has been presented with an offer to finance and acquire certain mining assets from Pelaton Mining, Inc. The property is a large alluvial gold deposit in SE Tanzania. Some $2.1M for exploration costs has been spent on the property and a 43.101 geological report is available. $3M is needed to place into production a facility that will process 4000 m(3)/day averaging 1 gm/m(3.)

Both projects are subject to Solar’s ongoing due diligence and its ability to raise the funds necessary to implement the business plans. More information will be forthcoming in due course.

Forward Looking Statements A number of statements contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. A safe-harbor provision may not be applicable to the forward-looking statements made in this press release. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including the sufficiency of existing capital resources, and Solar’s ability to finance those business opportunities identified herein. The actual results that Solar may achieve could differ materially from any forward-looking statements due to such risks and uncertainties. Solar encourages the public to read the information provided here in conjunction with its most recent filings on Form 10-KSB and Form 10-QSB. Solar’s public filings may be viewed at “http://www.sec.gov”

Rennie Rodriquez and R Michael Richmond traveled to Puerto Rico to meet with San Juan business men and various political leaders to discuss the opportunities for Puerto Rican businesses to implement Green practices that have the versatility that apply to any business.  The Green Business League offers a process of implementation and verification that is very affordable and effective.  Regardless of whether a business rents, leases, or owns the building; the ability to install Green practices allows a custom application that provides a Green business certification that can be respected.

Areas such as Puerto Rico are more confined communities with unique issues that need to be aggressively addressed because there is less toleration for long-term environmental problems.  Examples of waste management illustrate the point.  There is not vast areas that can continue to absorb waste without major impact.  Water conservation is more intensely felt, and energy can be expensive and over-stressed.

The answer to these pressing issues is the engagement of all levels of the community to make fundamental changes in the way daily operations are done.  Businesses consume larger portions of community resources, which means that they should be the leaders in this issue.  The Green Business League encourages businesses step up and government leaders to assist in the effort.

Rennie Rodriguez is the Green Business League director for development and can be reached for assistance through the Green Business League office.  Those interested in participating in the Puerto Rican project should email the GBL office or call for assistance.  This effort is a positive impact program with important implications for this island territory.

Going Green Can Be Fun
The Earth Savers Institute calls their training style ‘Eco Edutainment’ because it incorporates interesting audios, easy-to-read text, amusing videos, many of which are animated or use stop motion techniques. A couple even use talking fruit and vegetables. “No one wants to be bored,” claims Earth Savers Institute founder, Scott Cardinal. “Certainly no one wants to pay to be bored. And there are more interesting topics to talk about in life than alternative fuels, recycling, and composting. We didn’t want people falling asleep. We wanted this to fun. Going Green can be interesting. Eco can be fun.”

Instructors for the Earth Savers Institute include established Eco Consultants, Sustainability Specialists, Eco Entrepreneurs, Marketing Directors, Healthy Living Experts, Green Business Strategists, Environmental Activists, Eco-friendly Actors, and even a couple of Eco Comedians.

Responding To The Economy
No matter what size a business or organization, they want and need to keep an eye on their bottom line, cut costs, and save money whenever and wherever they can. Earth Savers Institute has trained eco-consultants across the U.S.A. who conduct Eco Action Audits and implement Green Change Plans for Businesses, Organizations, Schools, Entrepreneurs, and Individuals. As part of an Environmental Practice Assessment, a trained eco-consultant administers a 500+-point assessment that focuses on major categories, including Office Supplies, Energy Consumption, Reduce + Reuse + Recycle, Infrastructure & Construction, Vendors & Business Partners, and Corporate Kindness. Once a baseline is gathered, Eco Consultants produce a confidential customized findings report which identifies areas with the potential for positive environmental change and have the potential for return on investment. Further Consulting is then available to help implement the changes, establish a green supply chain, educate staff, and more.

Going Green Is Good Business
Studies have shown that many people prefer working with and for a company that cares about People and the Planet. Earning an Eco Certification helps motivate staff, increase the value of business, helps businesses, organizations, and schools become better steward of the environment, and will help slash a lot of costs and save money.

Businesses and Organizations do not have to own an organic market or manufacture eco-friendly products in order for them to be a “green company.” They simply need to be interested in being sustainable, creating a healthier working environment, not wasting resources, and adopting eco business practices. Every office could use an Eco Strategy that will be more than talking about relevant changes, which will be a lot more than adding recycling containers and changing light bulbs. Doing it the right way will impress and excite and inspire loyalty within companies or organization, the community, and with their supply chain, customers and clients.

Scholarships Are Available
Thanks to a generous grant from an Earth Savers Institute supporter, ESI is offering a limited number of partial scholarships to take our Eco Certification Training Course. Priority will be given to: (1) ESI Graduates, (2) Individuals from underrepresented communities, (3) Invited guests of ESI graduates, (4) Individuals who have not received a scholarship for a previous ESI Course, and (6) Individuals in financial need.

About Earth Savers Institute
The Earth Savers Institute is the Official Training Affiliate of Green Earth Corporate Kindness Organization (GECKO), which is a 501(C) 3 (tax-exempt) non-profit corporation dedicated to helping businesses & non-profits become better steward
s of the environment. GECKO is perhaps the only Non-Profit organization in the United States with the sole mandate of helping companies & non-profits improve their environmental practices. Their collective MISSION is to address