DOE Offers Support for Innovative Manufacturing Plant That Will Produce High-Quality Solar Silicon at Low Cost, Generate Over 2,000 Jobs in Ohio

Today, U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced the offer of a conditional commitment for a $275 million loan guarantee to Calisolar Inc. to commercialize the company's innovative solar silicon manufacturing process.

Calisolar's process should produce silicon for use in solar cells at less than half the cost of traditional polysilicon purification processes, which will reduce the overall cost of solar modules and panels. At full production, the manufacturing plant is expected to produce 16,000 metric tons [MT] of solar silicon annually, equivalent to more than two gigawatts of solar power generation per year.

The project will be built in three phases of 5,333 MT capacity each, and is expected to be located in a former General Motors stamping plant in Ontario, Richland County, Ohio. Calisolar estimates that the facility will generate, at its peak, nearly 1,100 permanent jobs, and up to 1,000 construction jobs.

"This innovative manufacturing process offers significant competitive advantages that will help the U.S. to out-innovate and out-compete our global competitors," said Secretary Chu [pictured]. "This project is part of our commitment to supporting important innovations that create jobs, strengthen our manufacturing base and position the nation as a global solar leader."

The project will manufacture solar silicon from lower-cost metallurgical-grade silicon feedstock that is then upgraded using Calisolar's proprietary silicon purification process. The company's unique process uses significantly less energy to produce solar silicon that performs as well as polysilicon products made from more expensive and energy-intensive traditional processes, with capital equipment and construction costs approximately one-sixth that of traditional polysilicon plants.

Calisolar is helping achieve the goals of the SunShot Initiative by lowering the cost of their solar cells through the use of less pure silicon, the raw material for solar cells. Their vertically integrated process -- from raw materials processing, all the way through solar cell production --uses lower-cost [50% less expensive], lower-quality materials while maintaining high-efficiency devices.

This work was supported by DOE through funding for the University of California at Berkeley, and through $3 million from the PV Incubator Program -- which leveraged $6.6 million in private-industry cost share and was run through the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

DOE's Loan Programs Office administers three separate programs: the Title XVII Section 1703 and Section 1705 loan guarantee programs, and the Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing [ATVM] loan program. The loan guarantee programs support the deployment of commercial technologies, along with innovative technologies that avoid, reduce, or sequester greenhouse gas emissions. ATVM supports the development of advanced vehicle technologies.

Under all three programs, DOE has issued loans, loan guarantees or offered conditional commitments for loan guarantees totaling over $33 billion to support 34 clean energy projects across the United States.

DOE has also issued conditional commitments or loan guarantees to support numerous other projects -- including four of the world's largest solar generation facilities, two geothermal projects, the world's largest wind farm, and the nation's first new nuclear power plant in three decades.

For more information, please visit the Loan Programs Office website: http://lpo.energy.gov/.

GoodBiz113's Take
DOE's just-announced investment in Calisolar Inc. has great potential to boost America's competitiveness in solar energy. Further, it will help generate much-needed manufacturing and construction jobs in Ohio.

Chalk it up as yet another win-win endeavor by the Obama Administration to simultaneously spur economic development and fuel advances in developing solar-energy technologies.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy [EERE]
____________________

HostGator.com: Green Web Hosting Made EASY and AFFORDABLE. ^AF

SBA Announces 15 Appointments to Advisory Council on Underserved Communities

Fifteen individuals from across the country have been appointed to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s [SBA] Council on Underserved Communities [CUC].

Building on SBA’s core programs and Recovery initiatives, the CUC will provide input, advice and recommendations on strategies to help strengthen competitiveness and sustainability for small businesses in underserved communities. These strategies will be focused on increasing entrepreneurship and technical assistance; creating new, and strengthening existing, outreach and training; and raising awareness in underserved communities of SBA programs and services.

The CUC is chaired by Catherine Hughes [pictured], founder and chairperson of Radio One and TV One, and will have 20 members who represent a diverse range of backgrounds and geographic areas.

"One of SBA’s core missions is to support small businesses in traditionally underserved communities -- including minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, and in rural areas," said SBA Deputy Administrator Marie Johns. "The Council on Underserved Communities will provide valuable insight and advice into how we can ensure that small businesses in these communities throughout the country have access to the tools they need to grow, create jobs and win the future."

The CUC’s first meeting will be held in July, in Washington, DC. Before the first meeting, members of the CUC will hold listening sessions in their regions to hear from small-business owners and members of the community about what they need from the SBA.

"Thirty years ago, I grew my business with the help of an SBA loan," said Hughes. "Now, I’m so pleased to be chairing the Council on Underserved Communities, and help entrepreneurs in communities across the country take advantage of those same opportunities for success."

The CUC is part of the SBA’s ongoing efforts to expand its reach into underserved communities. While the nation’s economic recovery is moving forward, that recovery has been uneven --particularly for socially, economically and geographically disadvantaged small-business owners. To help SBA better address the challenges facing small-business owners, the CUC will meet regularly and advise SBA on ways to increase access to capital, and promote sustainability, growth, and job creation.

The 15 Newly Appointed Members of the SBA's New Council on Underserved Communities:

* Dr. Hassell McClellan is an associate professor and former associate dean of Boston College’s Carroll School of Management. He has previously worked in corporate banking with Harris Trust in Chicago and as a faculty member at the Harvard Business School. McClellan’s specialties include strategic management and global competitiveness. He is the author of several case studies, as well as a book on the banking industry, "Managing One-Bank Holding Companies."

* Dasil "Das" Elius Velez is currently serving as a senior executive in New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s administration with the Empire State Development Corporation, as the executive director of Minority and Women Business Development. Prior to Velez’s appointment, he served as senior advisor to Gov. David A. Paterson. He has also held a number of executive positions in public service sector and was a founding partner of Carro, Velez, Carro and Mitchell LLP, which became New York City's largest Latino law firm.

* B. Doyle Mitchell Jr. serves as president and CEO of Industrial Bank in Washington, D.C. Mitchell is chairman of the National Bankers Association and the D.C. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. He serves as a board member for the Greater Prince George’s Business Roundtable, the Council for Court Excellence, the Minbanc Foundation and the Sewell Music Conservatory.

* Eric Collins, COO of Mobile Posse in McLean, Va., is a veteran of the mobile software industry. Prior to his work at Mobile Posse, Collins led the Tegic business unit for Nuance Communications. Eric also headed marketing for Nuance’s Mobile Division. Following law school, Eric worked as a strategy consultant for technology and entertainment companies before launching a career in mobile technology at AOL.

* Derek S. Hyra is an associate professor of Urban Affairs and Planning at Virginia Tech. His research focuses on inner-city economic development, with an emphasis on national housing policy, urban politics, affordable housing and small-business finance, poverty, and race. Hyra previously worked at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, assessing affordable housing and small-business lending programs; and at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, examining the community-level impact of national urban legislation. He currently serves as the vice chairman of the board of commissioners for the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority.

* Ron Busby Sr. is president of the United States Black Chamber of Commerce Inc. Prior to coming to Washington, D.C., he was the president of the Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce, and served as the president of the 100 Black Men of the Bay Area [Oakland, Cal.]. Recognized as one of the country’s best CEOs, Busby grew his first business, USA Super Clean, from $150,000 annual revenue to over $15 million per year. He has served as co-chair of the XLII Super Bowl Host Committee and on the board of directors of the Arizona Governor’s African American Leadership Council.

* Dr. Randy Blass is a faculty member of The Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship, and the program director for the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities [EBV] Program -- all within the College of Business at Florida State University. Before joining the faculty at Florida State, he served as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force. Blass specializes in power and influence in organizations, organizational socialization, and human resource management, and has more than 25 years of practical experience in designing and implementing training and development programs.

* Ned Fawaz, the founder and CEO of Energy International Corporation, is responsible for the expansion in worldwide business, including tactical and strategic sales. Beginning his career over 32 years ago, Dr. Fawaz has an extensive background in international business, and in the mechanical and electrical engineering and equipment industry. He studied mechanical engineering at York Institute in York, Penn., and worked for 10 years for York International. He was awarded an honorary doctorate degree [LLD] from Davenport University of Michigan, served in the U.S. Army, and was stationed in Germany for two years.

* Eddie Reyes serves as the historically underutilized business coordinator for the University of North Texas. Reyes was selected by the SBA as the 2010 National Minority Small Business Champion the Year. Reyes also serves as the chairman of the board of directors, Greater Grand Prairie Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

* LeeAnn Marker is a business advisor for Hutchinson Credit Union and a small-business owner. As a commercial lender in a Kansas community with a population of approximately 45,000, Hutchinson has experienced first-hand the challenges facing America’s small businesses in today’s uncertain economic environment.

* Roni K. Wisdom is CFO for the San Luis Valley Development Resources Group, a nonprofit regional economic development organization that provides funding and counseling to small businesses, nonprofits and local governments. Wisdom previously worked as a manager and owner of small businesses, a business banker, and a small-business counselor. She spent much of her past 30 years in the banking field, with most of those years in "nontraditional" financing in the rural counties of Colorado.

* Hilda Kennedy serves as founder/executive director, AmPac Tri State Certified Development Company in Grand Terrace, Cal. -- a certified lender for the SBA’s 504 loan program and the first faith-based CDC in the country. Kennedy previously worked in local government in the city of Inglewood for more than 12 years as chief of staff to the mayor and city administrator, public information officer, and economic development director.

* Rod Hsiao is director of strategic operations for BUILD, a nationally recognized nonprofit that uses entrepreneurship to excite and propel disengaged, low-income students through high school to college success. He worked in economic development research at Harvard and Yale, then served as a senior legislative advisor in the U.S. Congress on international development and domestic policies. He led two statewide studies for Maine and Massachusetts to assess the needs of their manufacturers, and recommended ways to spur innovation and economic competitiveness. Subsequently he worked in management consulting for SRI Consulting and A.T. Kearney before returning to the nonprofit sector as a COO to help lead nonprofits involved in teaching business and management skills.

* Hugh Short serves as president and CEO of Alaska Growth Capital. He is also the current chairman of the Alaska Industrial Development Authority [AIDEA], a one-billion-dollar, state-owned economic development agency based in Anchorage, Alaska. Additionally, Short serves as the current treasurer of the Alaska Humanities Forum and Pacific Northern Academy. Past leadership positions include roles as mayor and member of the city council for the city of Bethel; vice president of support services for Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation; and managing partner of the Subway of Bethel. Active in many community service roles, Short is a founding member of the Alaskan Native Leadership Network, and has served as director of Yuut Elinaurviat [People’s Learning Center], Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Kuskokwim Campus.

* Marilyn Strickland was sworn-in as mayor of Tacoma, Wash., on Jan. 5, 2010, and previously served as a city council member for two years. Born in Seoul, Korea, Strickland grew up in South Tacoma and has been a downtown resident for over a decade. She is a graduate of the University of Washington and holds a master’s degree in business administration from Clark-Atlanta University. Strickland has professional experience in both the private and public sectors. She served as development officer for the Tacoma Public Library, and has held management positions with the American Cancer Society, Starbucks Coffee Company and JayRay Communications, where she worked with Tacoma Public Utilities to help launch Click!Network. Strickland has been appointed to the U.S. Conference of Mayors Public Education Task Force. Active in the local community, she is a member of the Black Collective and previously served on the boards of KBTC Public TV Association, the Grand Cinema, and Safe Streets.

GoodBiz113's Take

SBA's formation of its CUC marks a significant step forward in sharing the wealth of small-business opportunities across diverse demographics.

Kudos to this highly impressive cadre of advisors for their willingness to serve for the greater entrepreneurial good.

SOURCE: U.S. Small Business Administration
____________________

Get 20% Off QuickBooks Pro Small Business Accounting Software + Free Shipping + Free Learning CD ^AF

Verve Inc. Celebrates U.N.-Declared International Year of Forests by Planting a Tree for Every Pack of Glee Gum Purchased

By declaration of the United Nations General Assembly, 2011 is the International Year of Forests. To help celebrate, GoodBiz113 profilee Verve Inc. ["Verve Inc. Puts Sustainable Bite on All-Natural Chewing Gum and Educational Candy-Making Kits for Kids"] is embarking on a far-reaching tree-planting endeavor.

Imagine a world without trees to provide shade, without leaves to mark the passing of seasons, without the sound of wind rustling in those leaves. Trees do a lot for us on a daily basis. They sustain wildlife, improve air quality, help filter water, reduce wind speeds, and beautify our surroundings. And that’s just for starters!

The good folks at Verve Inc. turn to trees for two key ingredients in Glee Gum. They make their gum base with chicle, the sustainably harvested sap of Mexican sapodilla trees; and they sweeten their new Sugar-Free Glee Gum with xylitol, which is extracted from birch trees.

The company wants to invest in keeping forests fertile for years to come. Join them!

Every time you buy a pack of Glee Gum and register the purchase at GleeGum.com/trees, they'll plant a tree. They’ll also send you a nifty certificate of thanks!

Their partner in this tree-planting program is Trees for the Future, an agroforestry resource center focused on bringing sustainable land management programs to developing countries.

For more ways to celebrate the International Year of Forests -- including events near you -- check out the U.S. campaign and the U.N. site.

SOURCE: Verve Inc.
____________________

Glee Gum Sugar-Free Refresh-Mint, 1-Ounce [Box of 12 Packs] ^AF

Target Launches Recycling Stations in All Stores, Allowing Guests to Deposit Used Beverage Containers, Plastic Bags, Small Electronics and More

Today, GoodBiz113 ad partner Target® announced that it has just launched permanent community recycling stations in all of its 1,740 stores, to kick off a monthlong celebration of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. Throughout the month, the celebration also includes the launch of an online eco-boutique, where guests can find eco-friendly products and learn more about the company’s commitment to the environment; a monthlong sweepstakes; a reusable bag giveaway; and a unique Target circular.

Located at the front of each store, the recycling stations offer guests a convenient way to recycle aluminum, glass and plastic beverage containers, plastic bags, MP3 players, cell phones and ink cartridges. A full description of recyclables that are accepted is available at Target.com/eco-friendly.

"We know that eco-friendly living is top-of-mind for our guests, and the launch of store recycling stations allows us to continue to partner with them to curb unnecessary waste in our stores and our communities," said Shawn Gensch, vice president of brand marketing, Target. "Target is committed to the preservation of the environment, and to giving our guests eco-friendly options that will help them live more sustainably."

Target strives to be an environmental steward, taking a holistic approach to sustainability throughout its stores and operations. This includes building and maintaining energy-efficient stores; improving transportation operations; and carrying a variety of eco-friendly products at Target and online at Target.com.

Other Ways in Which Target Is Celebrating Earth Month
* Launching an eco-boutique at Target.com/eco-friendly, featuring downloadable coupons and eco-minded brands with products such as non-toxic cleaners, energy-saving appliances and products made of recycled materials.

* Sponsoring a monthlong "Drive Home Green" sweepstakes, featuring a grand prize of a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. Guests can enter for a chance to win on Target.com/eco-friendly, or by sending a text message with the keyword "green" to the short code "Target" [827438].

* Giving away, with purchase, 1.5 million complimentary reusable shopping bags made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled PET bottles on Sunday, April 18, while supplies last.

* Distributing an innovative newspaper circular that allows guests the option to use a portion of the April 18 circular as an envelope to mail their plastic shopping bags to TerraCycle. In return, guests will receive a $1 coupon towards the purchase of a Target reusable bag priced at $1.49 or more.

* Continuing to encourage guests to use their reusable bags at checkout to receive a five-cent discount off their total purchase per reusable bag.

About Target®
Minneapolis-based Target Corporation [NYSE:TGT] serves guests at 1,740 stores in 49 states nationwide, and at Target.com. Target is committed to providing a fun and convenient shopping experience, with access to unique and highly differentiated products at affordable prices.

Since 1946, the corporation has given five percent of its income through community grants and programs like Take Charge of Education. Today, that giving equals more than $3 million a week.

GoodBiz113's Take
While news abounds about greedy corporations that aim for short-term profits at any cost, it's refreshing when socially conscious companies like Target allocate resources for the greater long-term good. We're proud to have their innovative, dynamic and future-focused energy behind our publishing efforts.

SOURCE: Target Corporation
____________________

Shop for Earth Day at Target.com.

Sens. Kerry, Snowe Press for Fulfillment of Women’s Business Center Renewal Grants

Today, Senators John Kerry [D-Mass.] and Olympia J. Snowe [R-Maine, pictured], Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, pressed the Small Business Administration [SBA] to comply with a law to make renewal grants available to established Women’s Business Centers around the country. Kerry and Snowe secured a provision in the emergency appropriations bill signed by President Bush, in May, to ensure that a steady stream of matching funds continues to be available to the most experienced centers.

“Unless the Administration acts quickly to get funding to these Women’s Business Centers, some of them may be forced to cut key services or possibly shut down entirely,” said Kerry. “This renewal grant program will ensure our successful centers, like the Center for Women and Enterprise in Boston, remain strong so they can focus on providing women entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed when starting or expanding a business.”

Kerry created the Women's Business Center Sustainability Pilot Program in 1999. Since then, Congress has worked in a bipartisan way to ensure that centers with a proven track record of success continue to receive matching funding from the SBA. The renewal grant program builds on the pilot program.

“The purpose of these ongoing grants is to assure that women business owners, as the fastest growing segment of the U.S. business community, receive the technical assistance they need to expand their businesses and enter new markets without interruption,” explained Snowe. “The SBA needs to act quickly, so that successful centers throughout New England and the United States are not forced to close their doors because they lack the funding to continue providing women with the business counseling and technical assistance.”

Congress intended for the renewal grants program to be implemented immediately, to ensure centers would receive funding by October 1, 2007. Because that did not happen, the affected centers would wait another year for funding. So, in a letter to the SBA, Kerry and Snowe urged the agency to temporarily tailor its grant-making process, so that Women’s Business Centers could receive these critical grants by January 1, 2008. These centers help level the playing field for women entrepreneurs by providing technical and educational assistance.

Women-owned small businesses contribute nearly $2 trillion to our economy each year. In 2006, there were 10.4 million women-owned firms in the United States employing 12.8 million people, according to the Center for Women’s Business Research.

Following, is the text of the letter from Senator Kerry and Senator Snowe to the SBA:

August 17, 2007

The Honorable Steven Preston
Administrator
U.S. Small Business Administration
409 Third Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20416

Dear Administrator Preston:

On May 25, 2007, President Bush signed into law the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act of 2007, which contained a provision creating a renewal grant program for the Small Business Administration’s [SBA] Women’s Business Center program. This provision enabled all Women’s Business Centers, including those which have graduated or are graduating in FY 2007 from the sustainability program, to apply for 3-year renewal grants. The legislation made the renewal grant program effective immediately, and Congress intended for new renewable grants to be disbursed to those eligible graduated and graduating centers by October 1, 2007.

The fact that these funds will not be disbursed to graduated or graduating centers by October 1, 2007, will hurt women business owners who need technical assistance. Therefore, to comply with the law and to mitigate any adverse consequences for women business owners seeking assistance, the SBA must temporarily tailor and abbreviate its up-coming grant making process so that the new renewable grants are disbursed to eligible centers by January 1, 2008. [In order to keep the grant cycle consistent, the first renewable grants should be scheduled to end on the last day of FY 2010.]

Women’s Business Centers are instrumental in supporting the growth and success of women-owned businesses, and it is very important that the Agency implement the renewal grant program as soon as possible. There are nearly 10.4 million women owned firms throughout the nation, employing more than 12.8 million people, and generating $1.9 trillion in sales.

Despite their contribution to the economy and double-digit increases in women business ownership, women are still less likely than men to own businesses, and, if they do own businesses, their average size of business is smaller. Women’s Business Centers specifically target low-income women, and between 45 and 60 percent of economically disadvantaged individuals entering the program are no longer in poverty a year or two later.

In the past, Women’s Business Centers could only receive funding from the federal government for up to 10 years. This left established centers struggling for funds, from Massachusetts and Maine, to New Hampshire and New Mexico. Women’s Business Centers target low-income women and are therefore unable to charge more than nominal fees for their services. Consequently, ongoing federal funding is essential in order for these centers to continue their work with women entrepreneurs.

We urge the SBA to support the established centers and to implement the program in a way that would allow them to immediately apply for grants, so they can begin receiving grants as of January 1, 2008. Please let us know how the SBA plans to implement these changes, and how the Committee can be helpful to you and your staff in meeting these timelines.

Sincerely,

John F. Kerry
Olympia J. Snowe

Source: U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship
____________________

Meet the New, Faster MacBook Pro

Recycline Makes It to Second Round of Forbes.com's $100,000 Boost Your Business Contest; Vote Now!

GoodBiz113 profilee Recycline Inc. ["Recycline-Stonyfield Partnership Milks Resources to Benefit the Environment, Consumers and Each Other"] has just made it to the second round of Forbes.com's Boost Your Business Contest. The grand prize: $100,000.

"Recycline has been given a great opportunity to reach more people with our environment-friendly products," said Eric Hudson, Recycline's CEO and founder. "We've been named one of 20 semifinalists [out of 1,000]... $100,000 would go a long way to helping us spread our message -- using Earth's resources more efficiently and giving consumers better choices for the everyday products we all use."

Recycline is the innovative company that transforms used plastic from Stonyfield Farm yogurt cartons and other sources into personal-care products and tableware. If the company wins Forbes.com's contest, their prize will go towards marketing their goods to new consumers; i.e., those who are just beginning to "go green" and buy eco-conscious goods.

"We currently generate about $2 million in annual revenues, with a net profit of approximately 5%," Hudson noted. "We estimate that a $100,000 investment will likely generate a $500,000 increase in sales in 2008, and sustained profitability. This would result from a combination of increased retail sales in mainstream channels and an increase in online sales through Recycline’s new Web site."

You can learn about Recycline's Preserve® line of products and its far-reaching practices and educational campaigns at http://www.recycline.com/. You can cast your vote for the recycled-plastics manufacturing pioneer here: http://www.forbes.com/byb/byb07_recycline.html. Second-round voting ends Aug. 31, 2007.

NOTE: As a thank-you for taking a minute to vote for Recycline, the company is offering 15% off all Preserve products during the month of August at its online store. Shop now: http://www.recycline.com/catalog.
____________________

Blue Cash® for Business offers up to 5% cash back, no annual fee and 0% introductory APR.

Committee Examines Workforce Issues for Small Businesses in Renewable Energy

Instability in oil-producing regions and rising energy prices have made it clear that America needs to move towards energy independence. To meet this demand, the renewable-energy sector is increasing rapidly, with small businesses at the forefront of this expansion. Just last year, biodiesel production reached 225 million gallons. Today, with 148 biodiesel plants in operation, and close to 100 factories under construction, this industry is expected only to grow.

During yesterday's hearing, the House Committee on Small Business reviewed the state of the renewable-energy industry, and potential barriers that could limit its expansion -- including access to a well-trained, skilled workforce, and possible solutions to these obstacles. A bill introduced by committee member Bruce Braley [D-Iowa, pictured] provides funding for bioenergy workforce education.

"This field is still in its infancy -- but it is having significant economic impact," said Rep. Braley, chairman of the Subcommittee on Contracting and Technology. "The potential for new business and job creation is huge.

"Without a qualified workforce, the renewable energy industry will have difficulty filling open positions and will run the risk of falling short of its full potential. That's why new training programs are crucial."

Many small producers don't have the capacity to conduct adequate onsite training, yet a skilled workforce is essential for their survival. To surmount this obstacle and encourage continued growth in renewable energy, Braley has introduced the National Endowment for Workforce Education in Renewables and Agriculture [NEW ERA] Act of 2007, which will provide funding and programs to expand the renewable-energy workforce.

Under the bill, grants would be awarded to community colleges to create renewable-energy workforce education and training programs, allowing for increased investment in human capital. These initiatives will provide a new set of bioenergy workers, ensuring that the expansion of the renewable-fuel industry will have adequate support from skilled professionals equipped with the tools to stay competitive in the field.

"In order for this growing industry to truly flourish, our workforce must have the skills and knowledge necessary to stay on the cutting edge of new technologies," Braley noted. "Proper training will ensure that the renewable-energy sector will continue to develop in a sustainable way."

The renewable-energy industry not only serves as a strong alternative source of energy, but it also creates thousands of jobs nationwide. In 2006 alone, the ethanol industry created over 160,000 new, good-paying jobs -- many of which included retirement and healthcare benefits. The industry's growth also helps to replace some of the 3.1 million manufacturing jobs that have been lost in the U.S. since 2000.

During the hearing, committee members examined ways to ensure that there is "smart growth" within the industry -- including implementation of the NEW ERA Act. Members also heard expert testimony on the importance of ensuring the availability of a strong workforce, and viable ways to go about doing so.

"With the vast potential for renewable-energy production right here in the heart of our own country, we have the critical opportunity to reduce our dependence on foreign oil while creating jobs; it's a win-win situation," Braley said. "For the security and prosperity of our nation, it's time to shift our energy dependence from the Middle East to the Midwest."

You can view parts of yesterday's hearing by visiting YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=B90F9338F9143970.

Sources: Congress Merge, GovTrack.us, U.S. House Committee on Small Business

____________________

Shop Solar and Rewewable-Energy Items at Gaiam.com!

June 19: Recycline Featured on Sundance Channel's "The Green" Tonight

This evening, GoodBiz113 profilee Recycline ["Recycline-Stonyfield Partnership Milks Resources to Benefit the Environment, Consumers and Each Other"] will be featured on Robert Redford’s "The Green," television’s only regularly scheduled program devoted to environmental issues and awareness. The Eco Biz segment will follow a Stonyfield Farms yogurt cup from recycling bin to Preserve® toothbrush to park bench, while explaining the manufacturing process and Recycline's mission.

Hosted by Alison Stewart, Eco Biz is an original series of short news and human interest segments that explore the people and businesses driving change in a new wave of environmental innovation, sustainability and social change.

To learn when tonight's segment airs in your area, check out Sundance Channel's schedule: http://www.sundancechannel.com/schedule.
____________________

Find environmentally friendly products at Gaiam.com.

Recycline-Stonyfield Farm Partnership Milks Resources to Benefit the Environment, Consumers and Each Other

The Company
Recycline, Inc.
681 Main St.
Waltham, MA 02451

Toll-free: [888] 354-7296

Phone: [781] 893-1032

Fax: [781] 893-1036
E-mail: info@recycline.com
Web: http://www.recycline.com/

Founded: 1996
Employees: 5 full-time, 3 part-time, 1 student intern

Contact: Eric Hudson, President & CEO eh@recycline.com

The Business
Recycline provides high-quality, leading-edge recycled-content and recyclable consumer goods throughout the U.S., Canada and U.K. Its growing product line includes the Preserve® and Preserve Jr Toothbrushes; Preserve Tongue Cleaner; Preserve Razor Recyclable; Preserve Replacement Blades; Preserve Tableware; and Preserve Flavored Toothpicks.

Recently, the company introduced the Special Edition Stonyfield Farm Preserve Toothbrush, to celebrate the five-year anniversary of its recycling partnership with Stonyfield Farm, the world's largest organic yogurt maker and the No. 3 brand -- organic and otherwise -- in the U.S. And, just in time to meet holiday stocking-stuffer needs, there's Recycline's new Preserve Razor Triple.

The Buzz
Consumers and groups in the "green" community have embraced Recycline since its first of roughly 3.5 million Preserve toothbrushes hit a handful of natural-food stores 10 years ago. Since the company added razors to its product line in 2004, more than 500,000 razors have been sold.

Today, you'll find Recycline's products in 4,000-plus natural-food stores and mainstream supermarkets [e.g., Whole Foods Market [NASDAQ: WFMI], Wild Oats, Trader Joe's]; online at Amazon.com, and at Recycline's own online store; and in 100 select Target stores [NYSE: TGT], where the design-savvy, big-box retailer is testing sales of Recycline's innovative Preserve Jr Toothbrush.

Among Recycline's countless accolades is its seal of approval as a Co-op America Green Business, and membership in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Green Power Leadership Club, a prestigious rank within the EPA's Green Power Partnership. The honor recognizes Recycline's commitment to supporting the U.S. recycling industry in its business practices, and through the company's volunteer, professional and community actions. For example, besides making products from 100% recycled plastic that are also recyclable in communities with #5 plastics recycling, Recycline buys wind power to cover 100% of its total electricity consumption.

In addition to being eco-friendly, Recycline is also very kind to critters. In fact, the company's no animal testing policy has won high praise from the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics, which maintains the personal-products industry's Corporate Standard of Compassion for Animals. Further, sales of Recycline's Preserve Jr Toothbrush help support the National Wildlife Federation [NWF], whose far-reaching aims to protect and restore the environment have inspired Recycline's product-design and educational efforts to simultaneously teach kids and adults about endangered species, oral hygiene, and the importance of recycling.

The Catalyst
It's tempting to presume that President and CEO Eric Hudson was initially inspired to launch Recycline after having seen "The Graduate" -- the 1967 hit movie in which Dustin Hoffman's character, Benjamin Braddock, is assured that the future is in...wait for it..."plastics." Not true.

"My brothers have often kidded me about it," said Hudson. "I was a bit too young to have the concept in mind when I first viewed it. I think I was too busy ogling over Mrs. Robinson to be thinking of business or plastics."

Nope, the real impetus for Hudson -- who, by the way, drives a Volkswagen Jetta fueled by used french-fry grease from Wendy's -- was his perceived need to stimulate the use of recycled materials in order to assist community recycling efforts. He deemed that increased consumption of products made from recycled materials would propel those efforts.

The Partner
Stonyfield Farm, a strategic partner with Groupe Danone [NYSE: DA], is based in Londonderry, N.H., and is a kindred spirit in the sustainable-business realm. The company has contributed more than 1 million yogurt cups to Recycline's recycled-plastics manufacturing process, which saves Recycline more than $20,000 per year in recycled-plastic purchases [mostly, in the form of used toys and grocery carts]. Stonyfield also helps to synergistically promote Recycline's products and practices.

The Strategy
Hudson believed that high-quality and innovative goods made from recycled materials were necessary to win consumer interest. Beyond that, he believed, those products also needed to be recyclable. Oh, and they should also be staple items; i.e., consumed on a regular basis.

The Process
Recycline's first product was the Preserve toothbrush, with nylon bristles and a 100% recycled-plastic, curved, ergonomic handle that helps users brush at a dentist-prescribed 45-degree angle. The brushes come with [or you can request] postage-paid mailers, and the company recycles returned toothbrushes and packaging into plastic lumber that's used to make picnic tables, decks, boardwalks, park benches and other durable products.

Since its launch 10 years ago, Recycline has added other oft-used personal-care products -- including a tongue scraper, razor and flavored toothpicks. Its line of sturdy, reusable and dishwasher-safe tableware -- including tumblers, plates and cutlery in bold and bright pear green, blue, red and lilac purple -- has also taken off.

In 2000, Stonyfield Farm stepped in to begin supplying thousands of used yogurt cups per month to Recycline's plastic recycling process. Stonyfield has also promoted Preserve toothbrushes via prominent placement on the covers of more than 20 million Stonyfield Farm yogurt lids, which are seen by consumers in all 50 U.S. states and several international locations [e.g., Hong Kong]. In exchange, Recycline seizes every opportunity to trumpet Stonyfield's generous, ongoing supply of yogurt cups.

"The purpose of this partnership is to show consumers, as well as other companies, what can be done in terms of planet-friendly practices," explained Gary Hirshberg, Stonyfield's president and CEO. "At the time we started the relationship, Recycline was just getting off the ground, and we felt it was a good way to support a smart, growing, environmentally friendly company. We started from the ground up, too, and know what it's like to get a company off the ground."

The Upshot
Hudson and Hirshberg are both quite candid about the power of optimizing their synergies as much as possible. "People love a story," said Hudson. "Companies working together create a story, and when they join together to reuse or recycle on one side what another cannot use, it's great.

"From a marketing perspective, we not only have similar ideals, but we try to reach many of the same consumers. By partnering with like-minded companies, we are able to communicate our message to more consumers and a broader audience. It also enables both partners to capitalize on the 'power' of both brands."

Case in point: When Stonyfield printed the story of Preserve toothbrushes on its yogurt lids, it demonstrated Stonyfield's environmental stewardship to their customers.

"We know that innovative, environment-friendly practices are not only good for the planet -- they're good for the bottom line, as well," said Hirshberg. "Recycline has proved that -- as has Stonyfield. In the past 10 years, through improved efficiency, Stonyfield Farm has saved over $1.7MM and 46 million kWh -- enough energy to power 4,500 homes for a year -- and prevented over 14,000 tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere."

"Simply put, by helping each other, we achieve a greater reward to one another than we could have with the same effort focused on ourselves," noted Hudson. "From a grander viewpoint, in order to have an effect on the impact that we as a people have had on our earth -- through the industrial revolution and beyond -- people have got to join together, and companies have got to join together, to reverse the harm that we have caused."

The bottom line? "Many consumers are looking to spend their money in ways that help the planet, and support companies that are doing the same," said Hirshberg. "Companies like Recycline and Stonyfield gain respect and loyalty from our consumers, helping us to grow faster than our competition."

The Financials
In 1997, Recycline's first full year of selling product, sales were approximately $60,000. Today, the privately held company generates several million dollars in sales -- thanks, mostly, to the Preserve toothbrush, Preserve tableware and Preserve razor, each of which ranks No. 1 in their category in the $50 billion natural-products channel.

The Takeaway
Reflecting on his entrepreneurial adventures, what would Hudson advise other would-be small-biz owners to do? "Be ready to run a business," he replied flat-out. "Though it is our passion -- and that speaks miles to measure enthusiasm -- in the end, it has to be a successful, well-run business in order to survive."

What, if anything, would Hudson do differently in launching Recycline? "Nothing really comes to mind," he said. "There were not a lot of grand plans that mapped roads we went down and then regretted...We've explored a few opportunities that we have since moved away from, but I never really regretted this process. It is all part of evolution. Now, we know what to expect if we go down a similar path we once veered from."

And Hirshberg? "I don't think we'd do anything differently," he said. "This partnership has been mutually beneficial and easy to manage. We love working with Recycline and have been thrilled to see them thrive and grow since we bagan our relationship."

As for lessons learned along the way, Hirshberg is -- no surprise, here -- totally in sync with Hudson. "We've learned that there is strength in numbers -- at least when it comes to like-minded folks, groups or companies," he said. "If you've ever gone cross-country skiing after a fresh snow, you know that blazing a trail is challenging. But if you bring a friend along and take turns leading the way, it's easier on both -- not to mention, more fun. That's an analogy I would apply here. For an innovative company to lead the way, it takes perseverance and collaboration.

"Also, as environmentally friendly companies, we share common ideals and add strength to our environmental efforts and messages through partnerships. We all share the planet, and companies like Stonyfield and Recycline understand that there must be a wide-ranging, coordinated effort to develop and implement energy-saving, waste-reducing initiatives. The more the merrier, as far as we're concerned."

While studies have found Monday to be the most frequent day for the occurrence of fatal heart attacks [mostly, due to stress about facing another week of reporting to jobs that people dread], the notion is far removed for Hudson. "I love coming to work every day," he beams. "Really. I am energized by Recycline's team, and I think we're all energized by what we are doing. Every day, we have an influence on what Recycline will be. I think we all feel good about being part of forming an innovative, resourceful, pioneering consumer-products company that seeks to be as environment-friendly as possible in every step that we take.

"From the start, combining my personal commitments and beliefs with my professional life has been a wonderful thing. The largest thing I am personally committed to is the health of our planet, what we humans are doing to it, and what we can do to reduce our impact on it."

And to think that brand of eco-consciousness-in-action all starts and ends -- and then starts again -- with plastics...
____________________

A Traveler's Guide to Going Green! Green Hotels, Tips for Responsible Travel, Reducing Your Carbon Footprint, and More on Expedia.com.