Released on: October 8, 2008, 6:20 am

Press Release Author: Velocity7

Industry: Environment

Press Release Summary: MAMMOTH LAKES, California—The Sierra Business Council and Sierra Nevada Conservancy hosted the Sierra Solutions Conference October 3-4. Over 200 members gathered from across California to share insights and learn from leaders in housing, sustainable development, carbon sequestration, and sound energy policies and practices.

The Sierra Business Council’s (SBC) mission embraces community, environment and the economy, and this was reflected in the broad range of speakers and topics.

About Sierra Business Council
The Sierra Business Council serves the entire Sierra Nevada region. As a nonprofit association of more than 750 businesses, agencies, and individual members, Sierra Business Council is committed to promoting a new perspective on regional wealth while emphasizing collaboration in planning and policy making.

Press Release Body: MAMMOTH LAKES, California—The Sierra Business Council and Sierra Nevada Conservancy hosted the Sierra Solutions Conference October 3-4. Over 200 members gathered from across California to share insights and learn from leaders in housing, sustainable development, carbon sequestration, and sound energy policies and practices.

The Sierra Business Council’s (SBC) mission embraces community, environment and the economy, and this was reflected in the broad range of speakers and topics.

During the day Thursday, 20 high school students from urban and rural areas throughout California were out on the trail hiking, rock-climbing and exploring the Sierra through SBC’s Sierra Nevada Youth Empowerment Program. Engendering the next generation of stewards is a priority with Sierra Business Council, and with the support of the Pacific Forest and Watershed Lands Stewardship Council, these students participated fully in the entire conference, adding their important voices throughout the conference and to the closing comments.

Thursday evening some 100+ guests shared their experiences at the Sierra Leadership Institute Alumni dinner, celebrating the success of SBC’s Sierra Leadership Institute (SLI). The SLI is an annual collaborative leadership training session founded in 1996 and is designed to improve individual professional skills while enhancing the civic infrastructure of our region, over 250 Sierra Leadership Institute alumni currently work throughout the Sierra, contributing to the quality of life and economic well being of the region.

SBC Founder and Past President, Lucy Blake, opened Sierra Solutions with a return to the values that began the Sierra Business Council, looking forward to a vision where business leads for integrated success in environment, economic and social solutions.

Chief Executive Officer Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort, Rusty Gregory, made sure everyone felt at home for the Sierra Solutions Conference. Mammoth Mountain is the first ski resort in California to put in place a measurement program with the California Alpine Resort Environmental Cooperative (CAREC). A tour of the erosion control test plots at Mammoth Mountain was held on Sunday, October 5. In the opening remarks, Gregory noted the need for balance in embracing unique opportunities as an organization. “Mammoth is long-term orientated, but also focused on surviving the short-term, so we get to those long term goals.” Mammoth Mountain Executive Chef Reed Hearon provided memorable meals using local foods, showcasing ranches and farms in the Eastern Sierra with extraordinarily delectable results.

Sierra Business Council honors outstanding community member efforts with the annual Vision 2020 Award. This award is designed to recognize those firms and individuals charting the course for a sustainable future by the year 2020. The conference dinner on Friday opened nominations for this prestigious award.

The SBC’s Board of Directors will select the award winners from member nominations and present the 2009 awards on March 19 in Sacramento, California. Sierra Business Council’s 2009 Vision 2020 Awards Celebration will feature presentations from Vision 2020 Award winners, comments from past winners, a Slow Food Dinner and of course, important news from the Sierra Nevada. SBC established the Awards in 1996 to recognize and reward innovation and leadership in the Sierra Nevada region.

“We are honored every year by the remarkable accomplishments of our friends and neighbors; they are the people in our communities who do the heavy lifting to make our futures bright. One of our greatest pleasures is being able to recognize them for their innovation and hard work,” said Rich Morrison, Chairman of the Board, Sierra Business Council.

“The Vision 2020 Awards are being held in Sacramento as a way to bring the importance of the Sierra Nevada in California to the State Capitol. This change is both symbolic and practical in communicating our message to the population of the entire state,” commented Steve Frisch, SBC president.

Web Site: http://www.sbcouncil.org/

Contact Details: Nikki Streegan nstreegan@sbcouncil.org, 530.582.4800

Released on: October 3, 2008, 9:30 am

Press Release Author: Velocity7

Industry: Environment

Press Release Summary: MAMMOTH LAKES, California—The Sierra Business Council’s Sierra Solutions got under way October 3rd at the Mammoth Mountain Conference Center.

The first item on the agenda was getting 20 high school students from urban and rural areas throughout California out on the trail hiking and exploring the Sierra.

On a day that saw usually quiet roads blocked and helicopters flying over Mammoth Lakes due to the location of Steve Fosset’s plane and remains, students seemed oblivious to these parallel events and delighted to be finding their own beginning to a closer relationship with nature.

Engendering the next generation of stewards is a priority with Sierra Business Council.

The students joined conference attendees in a dinner celebrating the success of SBC’s Sierra Leadership Institute (SLI). The SLI is an annual collaborative leadership training session founded in 1996 for individuals from all walks of life—business, government, ranching, et al. Designed to improve individual professional skills while enhancing the civic infrastructure of our region, over 250 Sierra Leadership Institute alumni currently work throughout the Sierra, contributing to the quality of life and economic well being of the region.

Sierra Solutions continues through October 4 with important presenters from economic, environmental, state, city and county representatives throughout the Sierra Nevada.

Press Release Body: MAMMOTH LAKES, California—The Sierra Business Council’s Sierra Solutions got under way October 3rd at the Mammoth Mountain Conference Center. The first item on the agenda was getting 20 high school students from urban and rural areas throughout California out on the trail hiking and exploring the Sierra.

On a day that saw usually quiet roads blocked and helicopters flying over Mammoth Lakes due to the location of Steve Fosset’s plane and remains, students seemed oblivious to these parallel events and delighted to be finding their own beginning to a closer relationship with nature.

Engendering the next generation of stewards is a priority with Sierra Business Council. Speaking at the Sierra Nevada Conservancy Board meeting this spring, SBC member, Soapy Mulholland of Sequoia Riverlands Trust stressed the importance of education, stating that if we don’t get this generation out on the land, what we conserve will not matter. She noted a recent survey that showed only 4 out of 30 university students have been to one our national parks.

The students joined conference attendees in a dinner celebrating the success of SBC’s Sierra Leadership Institute (SLI). The SLI is an annual collaborative leadership training session founded in 1996 for individuals from all walks of life—business, government, ranching, et al. Designed to improve individual professional skills while enhancing the civic infrastructure of our region, over 250 Sierra Leadership Institute alumni currently work throughout the Sierra, contributing to the quality of life and economic well being of the region.

Sierra Solutions continues through October 4 with important presenters from economic, environmental, state, city and county representatives throughout the Sierra Nevada.

About Sierra Business Council
The Sierra Business Council serves the entire Sierra Nevada region. As a nonprofit association of more than 750 businesses, agencies, and individual members, Sierra Business Council is committed to promoting a new perspective on regional wealth while emphasizing collaboration in planning and policy making.

Web Site: http://www.sbcouncil.org/

Contact Details: For information on the urban youth program, contact Nikki Riley at 530.582.4800. For SLI information, contact Anna Toso by emailing atoso@sbcouncil.org.

Media: Pamela Biery pamela@velocity7.com
Conference: Nikki Streegan nstreegan@sbcouncil.org, 530.582.4800
Photos on request

Released on: September 30, 2008, 8:23 am

Press Release Author: Velocity7

Industry: Environment

Press Release Summary: The Sierra Business Council created the Sierra Nevada Carbon Cooperative in 2008 with start-up funding through a Sierra Nevada Conservancy grant. The SNCC is actively engaged in the first pilot project based on avoided deforestation—carbon credits for preventing the planned residential and golf course development.

The Waddle Ranch project in Martis Valley will be registered and verified this month with the California Climate Action Registry (CCAR). Based on the inventory of the carbon pools on the forest and a calculation of the baseline, CCAR serializes each ton of carbon registered. These can be permanently retired once purchased or held in the project’s account. The SNCC acts as a liaison, connecting buyers of carbon offsets, landowners, and CCAR, to develop, register, and market these forest carbon offsets. Funds are returned to land owners, allowing owners to finance the conservation and ongoing stewardship of their land.

Press Release Body: The Sierra Nevada Carbon Cooperative (SNCC) can’t tell you the price for watching the Alpenglow sunset over Waddle Ranch, but they can tell you the price for carbon offsets created by preserving this 1,500 acre property. As fine a vision as open spaces in the setting sun may be, the bigger benefit here is the potential for a model that finances forest conservation.

The Sierra Business Council created the Sierra Nevada Carbon Cooperative in 2008 with start-up funding through a Sierra Nevada Conservancy grant. The SNCC is actively engaged in the first pilot project based on avoided deforestation—carbon credits for preventing the planned residential and golf course development.

The Waddle Ranch project in Martis Valley will be registered and verified this month with the California Climate Action Registry (CCAR). Based on the inventory of the carbon pools on the forest and a calculation of the baseline, CCAR serializes each ton of carbon registered. These can be permanently retired once purchased or held in the project’s account. The SNCC acts as a liaison, connecting buyers of carbon offsets, landowners, and CCAR, to develop, register, and market these forest carbon offsets. Funds are returned to land owners, allowing owners to finance the conservation and ongoing stewardship of their land.

The Sierra Nevada region is a prime location for carbon offset projects. SNCC forest projects are certified under the highest standards, ensuring multiple co-benefits, such as protecting California’s upper watershed lands, maintaining wildlife habitat, and fostering a new green economy in a region with a long history of resource extraction.

“We’re examining how to maintain the Sierra Nevada as a carbon sink rather than a carbon source in order to draw more [carbon] out of the atmosphere than we are emitting. The Sierra Nevada will be a model and we must begin examining alternative forest management methods if we want to mitigate and plan for climate change in the state of California.” Betony Jones, Sierra Business Council

Come hear SNCC program director Betony Jones discuss this project, and other important carbon impact reduction programs from the Environmental Defense Fund and The Nature Conservancy at the Sierra Solutions conference.

Web Site: http://www.sbcouncil.org/Events/Schedule

Contact Details: ABOUT THE CONFERENCE: SIERRA SOLUTIONS—Tools for Sustainable Communities, Economies and the Environment
October 3-4, 2008
Mammoth Resort Conference Center
Mammoth Lakes, CA

Hosted by The Sierra Business Council and the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, SIERRA SOLUTIONS highlights leading sustainability speakers.

More on Sierra Nevada Carbon Credits
http://www.sbcouncil.org/Projects/SNCC

CONTACT
Media: Pamela Biery pamela@velocity7.com, 530.470.9292
Conference: Nikki Streegan nstreegan@sbcouncil.org, 530.582.4800
Details on Sierra Nevada Carbon Cooperative, Betony Jones, 530.582.4800

Released on: September 23, 2008, 4:02 am

Press Release Author: Velocity7

Industry: Environment

Press Release Summary: Rick Phelps, Executive Director of the nonprofit High Sierra Energy Foundation, from Mammoth Lakes, California is one of the facilitators at Sierra Solutions conference in Mammoth Lakes, California October 3-4, 2008.

The High Sierra Energy Foundation has been working on transitioning Mammoth Lakes from its dependency on propane as a primary home-heat to geothermal energy, obtained locally. Currently about 75% of Mammoth Lakes heat source comes from propane—going to local energy would radically effect not only the emissions from the production and burning of propane, but the impact of moving the fuel to Mammoth and then delivery to each home’s fuel tank—the trickle down of energy loss gets converted to energy saved when the movement is made to a local energy distribution network.

Press Release Body: The California Energy Commission approved a grant of $191,000 from the Geothermal Resource Development Account to the Town of Mammoth Lakes in 2006, which is now underway. “The grant facilitates developing a business model for a geothermal heating district in Mammoth Lakes,” stated Phelps. “Over the last 20 years there have been numerous technical studies confirming that there is hot water under Mammoth Lakes, but this is the first study that will generate a comprehensive business plan,” continued Phelps. “This project has the potential to become a model for local energy creation and distribution. Mammoth Lakes will be a showpiece for energy efficiency and responsible use of local resources.”

Dave Harvey, Board President of the High Sierra Energy Foundation pointed out “this CEC grant, combined with the recent Community Energy Partnership with Southern California Edison, puts the Foundation well on the way to fulfilling its mission of promoting and developing efficiency and renewables in the High Sierra.”

In fact, electric power production and transportation are the two largest sources of carbon emissions in the United States with California producing 47.24 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. It qualifies as one of the biggest emitters in the United States.

Moving towards local economies and local energy sources is a powerful notion for saving energy, reducing carbon and building strong economies. Learn more about local energy generation, and other strategies for building resilient, sustainable communities in the Sierra—and how these practices apply to other regions by attending Sierra Solutions conference.

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE: SIERRA SOLUTIONS—Tools for Sustainable Communities, Economies and the Environment
October 3-4, 2008
Mammoth Resort Conference Center
Mammoth Lakes, CA

Hosted by The Sierra Business Council and the Sierra Business Council , SIERRA SOLUTIONS highlights leading sustainability speakers, who believe, “The Sierra Nevada is a place that serves as a model for the rest of the nation – it is a place where we pursue a green economy, support valuable ecosystems, and design sustainable communities.” Steve Frisch, Sierra Business Council

Solution-based tools, processes and opportunities for ensuring sustainable and vibrant Sierra communities, landscapes and local economies are the focus of this 2-day event in scenic Mammoth, California.

Web Site: http://www.sbcouncil.org/2008sierrasolutions

Conference details—Nikki Streegan 530.582.4800
http://www.sbcouncil.org/Events/Schedule
nstreegan@sbcouncil.org, 530.582.4800
Media: Pamela Biery, 530.470.9292
Details on High Sierra Energy: Rick Phelps, 760.934.4650

Released on: September 16, 2008, 9:20 am

Press Release Author: Velocity7 Communications

Industry: Environment

Press Release Summary: Fuels for Schools and Beyond is a recognized national leader in community biomass projects, moving into providing biomass energy for schools and private enterprise while maintaining healthy forests.

The Fuels for Schools and Beyond program is a partnership between the USDA Forest Service’s State & Private Forestry Division, the State Foresters of Montana, North Dakota, Idaho, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming, and the Bitter Root Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Area, Inc., to promote and facilitate the use of forest biomass waste for heating, cooling and power in public and private buildings.

These organizations are advancing local and national policies in biomass utilization, and ensuring the viability of the nation’s forests and communities.

There are currently 14 biomass boilers operating throughout North Dakota, Montana, Idaho and Nevada with two more in the design or construction phase. While continuing to provide support to existing projects, the program is now actively advancing “wood to energy” for private enterprise.

Dave Atkins, Fuels for Schools and Beyond Program Manager, from Missoula Montana, is one of the presenters at Sierra Solutions conference in Mammoth Lakes, California October 3-4, 2008.

Press Release Body: After the wildfires in the summer of 2000, which burned over 350,000 acres and 70 structures in the Bitterroot Valley of Montana, a resident of Darby, Montana began to research ways in which to tie fire hazard reduction work with economic development in the valley. Discovering that waste wood was being used to heat a number of schools in the northeastern U.S., this individual approached community leaders with the idea of using slash (tree limbs, tops and branches) from hazardous fuels reduction projects for heat in Darby’s schools. With the aid of a grant from the Economic Action Program and assistance from the Bitter Root RC&D, USDA Forest Service Forest Products Laboratory and the Biomass Energy Resource Center, a biomass boiler system was planned, designed and installed at Darby and began heating three schools in the fall of 2003.

Today, Fuels for Schools and Beyond is a recognized national leader in community biomass projects, moving into providing biomass energy for schools and private enterprise while maintaining healthy forests.

The Fuels for Schools and Beyond program is a partnership between the USDA Forest Service’s State & Private Forestry Division, the State Foresters of Montana, North Dakota, Idaho, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming, and the Bitter Root Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Area, Inc., to promote and facilitate the use of forest biomass waste for heating, cooling and power in public and private buildings.

These organizations are advancing local and national policies in biomass utilization, and ensuring the viability of the nation’s forests and communities.

There are currently 14 biomass boilers operating throughout North Dakota, Montana, Idaho and Nevada with two more in the design or construction phase. While continuing to provide support to existing projects, the program is now actively advancing “wood to energy” for private enterprise.

Dave Atkins, Fuels for Schools and Beyond Program Manager, from Missoula Montana, is one of the presenters at Sierra Solutions conference in Mammoth Lakes, California October 3-4, 2008.

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE: SIERRA SOLUTIONS—Tools for Sustainable Communities, Economies and the Environment October 3-4, 2008 Mammoth Resort Conference Center Mammoth Lakes, CA

Hosted by The Sierra Business Council and the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, SIERRA SOLUTIONS highlights leading sustainability speakers, who believe

“The Sierra Nevada is a place that serves as a model for the rest of the nation – it is a place where we pursue a green economy, support valuable ecosystems, and design sustainable communities.” Steve Frisch, Sierra Business Council

Solution-based tools, processes and opportunities for ensuring sustainable and vibrant Sierra communities, landscapes and local economies are the focus of this 2-day event in scenic Mammoth, California.

Conference details—Nikki Streegan 530.582.4800

######

Web Site: http://www.sbcouncil.org/Events/Schedule

Contact Details: Conference details—Nikki Streegan 530.582.4800
nstreegan@sbcouncil.org

PR Details—Pamela Biery 530.470.9292
pamela@velocity7.com

Released on: September 11, 2008, 4:40 am

Press Release Author: Teresa Kelly

Industry: Environment

Press Release Summary: The suit demands that defendants Behr America, Inc., Behr Dayton Thermal Products, LLC and Behr Dayton Thermal Plant LLC, current owners of the facility, and Chrysler, LLC, former owner, make financial restitution for damages to residents caused by toxic underground fumes caused by groundwater contamination cased by the plant.

Press Release Body: Dayton, OH – The Columbus, Ohio law firm of Leeseberg & Valentine, in litigation partnership with Janet, Jenner & Suggs, LLC (Maryland) and German Rubenstein, LLP (New York), have announced the filing of a class action lawsuit on behalf of residents living near the Behr Dayton Thermal Plant.

The suit demands that defendants Behr America, Inc., Behr Dayton Thermal Products, LLC and Behr Dayton Thermal Plant LLC, current owners of the facility, and Chrysler, LLC, former owner, make financial restitution for damages to residents caused by toxic underground fumes caused by groundwater contamination cased by the plant.

The suit was filed Tuesday, September 2, in the Court of Common Pleas, Montgomery, County, OH. The class includes all persons who live in the McCook Field neighborhood and other areas near the plant, located at 1600 Webster Street in Dayton.

“The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has recognized the damage caused to the McCook neighborhood. Those responsible for the contamination need to be held accountable. Our lawsuit begins the process of holding the wrongdoers responsible for their disregard of the health and safety of these residents,” said attorney Anne Valentine.

Exceedingly high levels of toxic gases linked to cancer have been found in many homes in the area, leading the USEPA this year to nominate the site for the national Super Fund list.

The class action lawsuit seeks compensation for diminished property values, establishment of a medical monitoring fund, money to pay for installation and operation of air filtration systems, and punitive damages. Persons who think they may qualify as a member of the class may call toll free 1-800-590-1289 to speak to an attorney, or may find information on the web at www.McCookField-lawsuit.com

The three law firms partnering in the class action bring exceptional experience, expertise and resources to the case. German Rubinstein, LLP, has significant experience in environmental toxic torts and groundwater contamination matters. Janet, Jenner & Suggs and Leeseberg & Valentine are nationally known for expertise in dealing with mass torts.

Background

Census data shows the area includes an estimated 2,100 residents living in 1,100 homes and apartments. Former and current residents and property owners, and any persons who spent significant time in the area, such as employees of local businesses or schools, may have been exposed to harmful levels of chemicals and are included in the class.

At issue is a cloud, or plume, of poisonous gas that is rising from contaminated ground water in the area. The USEPA has pinpointed the source of the contamination as the thermal plant, when it was owned and operated by Chrysler Corp. Groundwater contamination in the area started in at least 1998, according to the EPA.

Chrysler has assumed responsibility for tracking and cleaning up the contamination. However, it is disputing EPA claims that the plume has spread significantly since 2002 and is now putting a greater number of people and properties at risk.

The Behr plume contains high levels of trichloroethylene or TCE, a highly toxic gas linked to cancer. The EPA considers a safe level of TCE for humans to be 0.4 parts per billion. Yet, indoor air concentrations in the community have been detected as high as 260 ppb. Air abatement systems have been installed in at least 185 properties in the area so far. The Ohio Department of Health has found rates of cancer from 1 ½ to nearly nine times the average in residents who live in near the plant.

USEPA released a report Aug. 1, warning that TCE levels in some homes in the area had reached levels “that may pose a long-term health threat.” The report said the Behr VOC plume is expected to continue to pose a public health hazard until the ground water is cleaned up. It said indoor air filtration systems proposed for impacted homes are only a temporary solution. One elementary school in the affected area has already been closed.

Chrysler owned and operated the plant from 1937 to 2002, first as Chrysler Corporation and then as the merged company, DaimlerChrysler. The facility, which manufactures vehicle air conditioners and cooling systems, was sold to Behr America in 2002.

Web Site: http://www.McCookField-lawsuit.com

Contact Details: 6700 Manchaca
Austin, TX 78745
5124416484
5124410305

Released on: September 8, 2008, 3:20 am

Press Release Author: Natural Stone Restoration Alliance

Industry: Environment

Press Release Summary: Who strive to ensure the safety, as well as the satisfaction of all customers? The National Stone Restoration Alliance is ready to put radon in granite accusations to rest with live webcam testing.

Press Release Body: As you are probably very aware, there have been on-going accusations that have been consistently made against natural granite products having the ability to cause cancer, because of the high levels of radon that they have been said to produce. These accusations have been going on for quite a while, and it is time to put them to rest.

Who better to accomplish this, than professionals who strive to ensure the safety, as well as the satisfaction of all customers? The National Stone Restoration Alliance is ready to put accusations to rest. Josveek Huligar, a proud member of the NSRA is willing to conduct a very important test in his own home. This is a test that can ultimately change the world of granite, as we know it.

Huligar plans to have the very slab of granite, which was said to be ‘hot’ and to have contained radon, installed in his own home. The entire process will be on camera no less, for the entire world to see. Before the slab of granite is to be installed, samples will be taken, and the air will be tested in the home, as described by the EPA, and then sent to be evaluated by AirChek ( www.radon.com ), to check for traces of radon and radiation. When this test is complete, the granite will be installed, and then his home will be tested once again to check the levels of radon and radiation. You can monitor this entire process yourself on a public web cam at www.nsraweb.com

The slab being used for this test has been provided by Mr. Tim Scarlata of Atlantic Granite & Marble ( www.atlanticgranite.com ), located in Rochester N.Y. After searching extensively to find the perfect slab for the test, Scarlata was able to locate two slabs of granite that did in fact produce higher than normal readings of radiation. Atlantic Granite & Marble will also be fabricating and installing the counter top while on video for the public to view.

There have been some individuals who have spent large amounts of money on not only the installation of natural granite in their homes, but then they have turned right around and paid tons more money in having the granite removed because of the scare that has been put on society with the radon issues. Huligar, being in the business of ensuring customer satisfaction and quality, also takes this issue very seriously, because the health and well being of his customers are at stake. He plans to do everything possible to ensure the continued safety and reliability of NSRA customers.

You could certainly be seriously hurt, or even killed if granite were to fall on top of you, but at this time, this is the only way that has been proven to cause harm to anyone.

It is the believed that the radon scare is nothing more than marketing strategies, and it has done exactly what it was intended to do, and that is cause fear of using granite in the general public. Huligar and associates of NSRA do not believe this to be true. However, he knows how important it is for the public to see that he stands behind the good name of The Natural Stone Restoration Alliance and their objective to supply clients with the natural beauty of stone, and that every effort will always be taken to do so in a safe manner. To further put the publics mind at rest, solutions to any unfavorable characteristics have already been found.

This test is vital to the natural stone industry, and Huligar is ready to stand up to the test to prove that granite is not harmful to the general public. People need to be able to see these accusations called upon.

The Natural Stone Restoration Alliance (NSRA) has already done their own research, and released their information that looked at both past and present studies, as well as the marketing strategies used by manufacturers that birthed the scare of radon in the home. The findings of this research are quite simply that levels of radon have no significant difference when granite has been installed in a home.

Do not let yourself fall into the trap of letting unproven fears cost you hundreds of dollars, find out the truth yourself by watching the web cam at Natural Stone Restoration Alliance | Home, and let this door be closed once and for all. Viewers can also comment on the research that is being performed at http://www.nsraweb.com/forums/news-5/live-testing-kitchen-radon-before-granite-9010.html

The set up and testing of the hot slabs starts 9/6/2008 at 10am.

The test will be ending September 8, 2008 @ 6:15

Web Site:
http://www.nsraweb.com/forums/news-5/live-testing-kitchen-radon-before-granite-9010.html

Contact Details: Josveek Huligar
93 Featherbed Lane
Bronx NY 10452

Released on: September 4, 2008, 5:25 am

Press Release Author: Diane Smith or Jamie Wilburn, LHWH PR

Industry: Environment

Press Release Summary: Sea Trail Joins Storied Courses Like Pinehurst No. 2 And Pine Needles On Prestigious List Of The State’s Best In Its Latest Ranking…

Press Release Body: GOLF MAGAZINE RATES SEA TRAIL’S REES JONES GOLF COURSE ONE OF THE TOP 20 COURSES IN NORTH CAROLINA

Sea Trail Joins Storied Courses Like Pinehurst No. 2 And Pine Needles On Prestigious List Of The State’s Best In Its Latest Ranking

August 25, 2008, Sunset Beach, N.C. — Sea Trail Golf Resort & Convention Center’s Rees Jones course has been named one of the best courses in North Carolina according to Golf Magazine’s “first-ever” ranking of the best courses in each state. The rankings were determined by Golf Magazine’s course-ranking panel, editorial staff, and “well traveled spies.” The list appears in the September issue of Golf Magazine.

“We’re extremely proud to be on Golf Magazine’s ‘first-ever’ state by state ranking,” said Tom Plankers, President of Golf at Sea Trail Golf Resort & Convention Center. “We work hard to make our courses the best they can be, and to have the Jones Course placed on the same prestigious list as Pinehurst No. 2 and Pine Needles is very rewarding.”

The Jones course at Sea Trail Golf Resort & Convention Center was also recently named one of the top 100 courses along the North Carolina coast by the North Carolina Golf Panel. That Panel’s rankings were reported in the April issue of Business North Carolina magazine in a special section spotlighting the state’s 100 best courses.

More information about Sea Trail Golf Resort & Convention Center is available by calling 888-675-9237 or online at www.seatrail.com.

About Sea Trail Golf Resort & Convention Center
Sea Trail is a 2000-acre golf resort and residential community with three courses of distinction and the largest convention facility on the North Carolina coast. A popular location for meetings and conventions, Sea Trail has over 60,000 square feet of meeting and function space. Sea Trail was the host site for the 2003 and the 2007 Governor’s Conference on Tourism.

(more)
The recreational heart of Sea Trail is its three courses designed by Dan Maples, Rees Jones and Willard Byrd. Other amenities include a Village Activity Center with indoor and outdoor pools and whirlpools, an on-staff licensed massage therapist, supervised children’s activities and Magnolias Fine Food & Spirits. Sunset Beach, known for its extraordinary beauty and serenity, is a short drive east of Sea Trail. In addition, a huge variety of entertainment, shopping, nightlife and cultural opportunities are just south of Sea Trail along the Grand Strand.

Sea Trail is located in Sunset Beach, N.C., which is between Wilmington, N.C. and Myrtle Beach, S.C. More information is available online at www.seatrail.com or by calling 888-675-9237.

Contact: Diane Smith or Jamie Wilburn, LHWH PR (843) 448-1123 or dsmith@lhwh.com Press Kit/Photos Available at Virtual News Room atwww.lhwh.com

Web Site: http://www.seatrail.com

Contact Details: Sea Trail
211 Clubhouse Road
Sunset Beach, NC 28468
info@seatrail.com
1-888-229-5747
www.seatrail.com

Released on: August 18, 2008, 9:01 am

Press Release Author: Laura Jameson

Industry: Construction

Press Release Summary: As the warnings keep on coming about the state of our planet, Optima, the UK’s market leading partitioning specialist has vowed to completely cut waste to landfill out of their operations through recycling by 2010.

Press Release Body: Optima, the UK’s leading supplier of commercial partitioning systems is paving the way to greener construction by promising to eliminate all waste to landfill from their operations by 2010.

Optima, (whose past projects have included supplying partitioning for clients at the Gherkin), plan to achieve this by using only materials that can be dismantled and recycled when they are no longer required.

Managing Director, Nigel Westray said, “We are examining every aspect of the supply chain to see where improvements can be made and are pleased to say that we have reduced our carbon emissions by 5% since the start of the year.”

Optima’s revolutionary partitioning solutions have been made from 98% recycled materials since the beginning of this year, now Optima wish to go a step further, ensuring each of its products can be fully recycled, eliminating waste to landfill and dramatically reducing the impact Optima’s activities have on the environment.

Westray adds, “Our products are installed in the offices of some of the most prestigious companies in the UK, companies who are totally committed to Environmental management, and it is only right that we meet or exceed their standards of environmental best practice”.

Optima’s environmentally ethical practices recently earned the company ISO14001 accreditation for its Environmental Management System and the company has also drawn up plans to make further emissions reductions across all sectors.

To find out more about Optima’s superior and eco friendly office partions products and services please visit: http://www.optimasystems.com/glass-wall-sustainable.php

Web Site: http://www.optimasystems.com

Contact Details: Courtyard House
West End Road
High Wycombe
Buckinghamshire
HP11 2QB
http://www.optimasystems.com
online-marketing@optimasystems.com
01494 492600

Released on: July 31, 2008, 8:05 am

Press Release Author: Kerry Poulter/Opus Energy

Industry: Energy

Press Release Summary: Britain’s largest transport operator, FirstGroup plc, has signed an agreement with Opus Energy, a leading independent supplier of electricity to UK businesses. First’s 600 UK sites will benefit from Opus Energy’s dynamic approach to energy management which includes access to wholesale energy prices, a cleaner energy supply, and the technology to help keep energy consumption to a minimum. 100% of First’s electricity supply for its buildings will be sourced from cleaner low-carbon sources, generated from on-shore wind, small scale hydro and biomass.

Press Release Body: From August 2008, First will be able to take full advantage of Opus Energy’s cutting-edge energy purchasing product, Opus Evolution. This flexible service empowers customers, providing them with direct access to wholesale energy prices. Using a secure online platform First will be able to purchase electricity at the prevailing market price to suit the company’s consumption demand.

Last year, First unveiled its Climate Change Strategy which outlined ambitious targets to reduce carbon emissions in its bus division by 25% and rail division by 20%, both by 2020. As part of this strategy First is looking to use alternative cleaner energy sources and be more energy efficient. Opus Energy will install smart meters across all of First’s qualifying business locations in Britain by April 2009. Smart meters bring innovation to energy management, and will enable First to monitor electricity usage more closely, monitor any peaks in performance and reconcile its energy bills, all without the need to take actual meter readings. Forward-thinking First is committed to taking a responsible approach to the environment, working with Opus Energy to ensure its impact on the environment is minimised.

Niall Waters-Fuller, Head of Group Procurement at First said: “We chose to make the switch to Opus Energy as we were impressed with the energy solutions the company had to offer. In particular, its innovative and flexible approach will ultimately help us with our environmental commitments as well as managing price risk. Choosing an energy partner that displays an environmental commitment and could supply a 100% renewable electricity supply was imperative, as we are committed to managing the business in a responsible way.”

Steve James, Commercial Director at Opus Energy said: “We are excited to be working with the UK’s largest transport company and look forward to a long and successful partnership. We are becoming the supplier of choice in the transport sector with our corporate team demonstrating excellent understanding of specific customer requirements.

“For First, the combination of using smart meters in tandem with the Opus Evolution product is key as this allows the company to directly monitor its usage and then plan and purchase energy accordingly. First is putting itself ahead of the game by choosing a modern energy management solution that will bring benefits both to its bottom line and the environment.”

Web Site: http://www.opusenergy.com

Contact Details: Opus Energy Press Office
Georgina Ruttle / Susie Patterson
T. 0207 269 7255 / 7233
E. georgina.ruttle@fd.com / susie.patterson@fd.com