Dow Corning CEO Urges Congress on Green Energy Incentives

Dr. Stephanie A. Burns, Dow Corning's chairman, president and CEO, testified today before the House Ways & Means Committee at a hearing on energy tax incentives and the green job economy. The central message of her testimony was: "America’s energy transformation is inexorably linked to our nation’s economic and manufacturing future."

Dr. Burns noted that Dow Corning has announced more than $5 billion in investments in solar technology. Most of that is in capital for advanced manufacturing operations for polycrystalline silicon. It also includes other operations like research & development and materials that improve the performance and cost efficiency of solar cells and modules. Dr. Burns pointed out that these recent initiatives build on a 70-year history at Dow Corning of producing products focused on energy efficiency and sustainability.

Companies such as Dow Corning and its joint venture partners are manufacturing solar and other renewable energy-related materials here in America. This creates thousands of jobs in construction, engineering, science and skilled trades, according to Dr. Burns.

The problem is that many countries are now competing for these good jobs with tax credits and other incentives to attract green and sustainable investments. "Other nations have enacted aggressive policies to support the growth of the renewable energy industry," she said. "Companies that hope to manufacture in the United States are faced with a tax structure that encourages them to do otherwise. It is time for America to enact policies that will essentially assure this industry grows here."

Dr. Burns pointed out that recent initiatives such as the Advanced Energy Manufacturing Tax Credit included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act have had a very positive impact by leveraging investments from the private sector. She urged Congress to do even more to stay competitive in the global clean technology race. The tax credit was capped at $2.3 billion, and was significantly oversubscribed. According to the Department of Energy, there were many viable projects that were not funded. With that in mind, Dr. Burns asked Congress to make the tax credit permanent in any energy, climate, or jobs bill now under development. "This will help propel America into an era of sustained, renewable energy use and help put Americans back to work," she said.

Dr. Burn's complete testimony before Congress is available by clicking here.

www.DaviesGreenEnergy.com

Greener Resume Can Give College Graduates Edge in Job Market

Green-collar jobs grew by more than 9 percent, twice the growth rate for traditional jobs, from 1998 to 2007. Even during a recession, a greener resume can be the answer to getting hired, says Wake Forest Director of Sustainability Dedee DeLongpre Johnston. "Sustainability is a competitive advantage in the marketplace," she says. "College graduates entering the job market this year will definitely have an edge if they have developed sustainability-related skill sets."

Getting a green job doesn't mean looking for jobs with "sustainability" or "environment" in the title any more. Green jobs are also not limited to installing solar panels or weatherizing houses. From marketing to publishing to accounting to finance, viewing the world through the lens of sustainability and having practical experience in that area can make a difference when applying for jobs.

As banks look at making loans for green buildings, law firms develop new kinds of contracts for carbon credits, and companies target consumers who value greener products, students who understand what sustainability looks like in various industries or organizations and have experience solving real-world problems will fare well. And, if students understand sustainability principles, any job can become a green job.

"Sustainability is a way of thinking," DeLongpre Johnston says. "And, that way of thinking has value across the job market. Experience and knowledge tied to sustainability will make this year's job hunters stronger candidates."

Internships focused on sustainability are invaluable for students who are job hunting because they help students demonstrate to employers that they can solve problems, says DeLongpre Johnston, who has business majors, anthropology majors and students from other academic departments interning in her office and helps students find off-campus internships.

Integrating sustainability into a career also helps students who are passionate about a greener world align their passions and talents with their work.

"Eventually, sustainability will be woven seamlessly into the fabric of society," she says. Just as proficiency using word processing, the Web, and other technology is now expected in the workplace, understanding sustainability principles and how to apply them will become a basic expectation of employers in the future, she says.  Sustainability also offers the biggest entrepreneurial opportunities out there, DeLongpre Johnston says. The green economy has created new outlets for innovation.

www.DaviesGreenEnergy.com

Green Impacts: Trend Experts Reveal The Travel Industry's Quiet Revolution

Travel is undergoing a profound and even revolutionary shift, according to a broad new study by the leading global communications agency Euro RSCG Worldwide. The results of the study were released this week in KNOW magazine's "The Future of Travel: The New Vocabulary of Travel and Tourism." KNOW is a publication of the Euro RSCG Worldwide Knowledge Exchange, a global initiative that pushes knowledge and insights across the Euro RSCG network of agencies.

Analyzing the findings of its study of 2,357 adults in the U.S., France, and the U.K., Euro RSCG reveals how changes in consumer consciousness are molding entirely new modes of travel — and a new industry to service them.

"For years, people have regarded travel as a way to splurge, an indulgence centered on escapism and fun," said Marian Salzman, president of Euro RSCG Worldwide PR, North America. "Now, we're looking to make our travel experiences more meaningful and better aligned with our personal values and goals. With millions of people wanting to feel good about the impact they have on the world, there's been a reboot of travel values and expectations."

The study places a special focus on the segment of respondents identified as Prosumers. This highly influential group is ahead of the curve in adopting a more mindful approach to consumption that incorporates concern for the environment, local communities, and the global citizenry. For Prosumers, travel is about much more than getting from Point A to Point B and back again. According to the study:

• 66% consider themselves "Citizens of the World," suggesting a more globally minded attitude and approach.
• 73% believe extensive travel is key to making a person more interesting.
• And 59% contend that where and how they travel says a lot about who they are.

Where and how Prosumers travel is undergoing a decisive shift, as detailed in the report. Their objectives for vacation periods are changing and so are the demands they are placing on their brand partners. To lead in the category going forward, it is vital that brands fulfill these four imperatives:

• Accept and embrace "green" as the standard way of doing business
• Offer products and services that satisfy Prosumers' desire to live more mindfully
• Master social media in order to engage Prosumers before, during, and after each travel experience
• Embrace the new models of luxury and customer service Euro RSCG has identified

Awareness of environmental impact has been all but absent from most travel considerations until recently. "Whereas not so long ago the issue of 'going green' was one of exhortation and persuasion," KNOW magazine explains, "now it is more a matter of shade, degree, and implementation." Brands and companies are finding that eco-consciousness has progressed from a fringe notion to a business mandate. Euro RSCG research into the New Consumer (2009) has found that 74% of Prosumers feel good about making environmentally friendly choices, and 63% are paying more attention to the environmental and social impact of the products they buy. Travel and hospitality brands are speaking to this heightened consciousness through such means as eco-accommodations built with reclaimed and recycled materials, "100 mile" menus centered on locally produced foods, energy-efficient "EcoRooms," and rewarding travelers for their green behaviors.

Also revolutionizing the category is an emerging mindfulness among consumers fed up with excess consumption and our increasingly artificial, disconnected way of living. Euro RSCG has found that people are hungry for greater meaning in their lives:

• 79% of Prosumers worry that society has become too shallow, focusing on things that don't really matter.
• 66% worry that people have become too disconnected from the natural world, while 53% worry that digital communications are weakening human bonds.
• Alarmed by current realities, 84% are making a real effort to improve who they are and how they live.

"New modes of travel — including cultural and educational tourism, geotourism, voluntourism, and so-called slow travel — are catering to this newly emerging desire for more," said Claus Lindorff, managing director of Euro RSCG agency BETC Luxe. "The shifts in mindset behind these new modes of travel have been building strength for years. What has brought them to a broader market is the ascendancy of social media. Now that mainstream consumers can participate in real-time communities focused on a new approach to travel and living, this hyper-focus on social values in travel has blossomed."

For brands, social media offer creative ways to keep Prosumers engaged well before and long after each actual travel event. New York City's Pod Hotel saw sales and traffic spike 40% after it created PodCulture, a closed social network in which guests can connect with one another and schedule get-togethers in advance of their stays. Such smart use of social media keeps brand conversations going and carries tremendous scope for a new generation of customer service offerings. This is of particular importance at a time when luxury and service are being redefined by consumers sick of tinny smiles and canned responses, and eager to engage with the real people behind the brand.

Understanding this emerging world of travel — with all its overlapping and interconnected trends — will be vital for any brand looking to grow in the space.

Source: PRNewswire

Stimulus Loan Creating 'Green' Jobs in Southwest

As President Obama signed the HIRE act, Scottsdale-based REEIS Inc is poised for growth. The SBA loan guarantee program, which provides banks extra security necessary to underwrite loans and free up capital for small businesses needed to begin hiring and expand operation, has allowed REEIS to secure a $350,000 SBA 7A loan from Wells Fargo Bank.

The loan will allow REEIS Inc. to expand and meet increasing demand and will add as many as 25 – 40 permanent "Green Collar" construction jobs. REEIS is also utilizing a portion of the loan to open a division in a new market in Riverside, Calif.

"It was important Wells Fargo understand our business model, the growth prospects of the industry, and feel confident with the management staff's ability to execute the expansion strategy," said Todd Russo, REEIS principal & CEO. "They took the time to work through the closing a business expansion loan in this climate, the loan will allow us to nearly double in size and become more dominant player in the industry."

The company specializes in auditing and retrofitting homes to transform them into more energy efficient structures. REEIS, an acronym for Residential Energy Efficiency Improvement Specialists, has developed an Integrated Solution process assessing construction defects in a home and fixing them.

"Our loans are an investment in the community," said Aaron Holas, Wells Fargo SBA loan executive. "We understand the importance of small business growth and creating jobs, but we look at a company like REEIS and we see a long term business relationship with a great company."

For more information about REEIS and questions about energy efficiency products and policy please visit www.REEISinc.com.

About REEIS

REEIS, Inc., founded in March 2009, is focused on identifying and executing the most appropriate package of energy efficiency improvements for homeowners. REEIS works closely with local utility companies and municipalities to implement rebate programs and educate the public of the most important energy efficiency steps. Visit www.REEIShome.com.

About Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo & Company is the leading SBA lender in Phoenix originating more than $167 million in loans in 2009; more than the next 3 largest SBA lenders combined. Visit wellsfargo.com.

Source: PRNewswire.com