Platform 5280 , Biennial of the Americas

The Denver Biennial of the Americas has transformed into a platform about global ideas, art and people.

Following Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper’s agenda for economic growth vis-à-vis the arts, culture and design, Platform 5280, Biennial of Americas is set to prompt economic growth as well as bring world class thought leaders and art.

The board of directors for the Biennial consists of 20 members including Erin M. Trapp, Ph.D., Vice President of Advancement and External Relations and Executive Director of the Foundation at Metropolitan State College of Denver.  Ms. Trapp explained that the Biennial is Denver’s way of creating a cultural brand, building upon the established sport teams.

The highlight of Denver’s Biennial is that it looks to art and cultural of the Americas where traditionally Europe and Asia are considered.  The event engages business persons who often times are the demographic supporting the arts.

Abaseh Mirvali is the Executive Director, CEO and Comisaria of Platform 5280 and was recently interviewed by Jan Mazotti of ICOSA.  Ms. Mirvali’s background in contemporary art as a juror juxtaposed to her interest and work in public policy sparks a new type of biennial for Denver, Colorado.  The title of a comisaria is unique and translates to one that works from the “nitty gritty of putting the program together but then also oversees other components of it from marketing to organization,” Mivali.  This event is the epitome of “think globally but act locally,” said Mirvali.  During the interview with ICOSA Mirvali speaks of the process of becoming part of Platform 5280 with a bit of reminiscence, showing the dedication she has to her work.  To watch the interview on Driving Force Radio, visit; http://youtu.be/ccsoqXW7Q00.

An impressive board of directors are involved with Platform 5280 ensuring it ssuccess, including;

Mike Fries, Chairman President and CEO, Liberty Global Inc.

Thomas Williams, Vice Chairman President and CEO, Williams Group, LLC

Frederick B. Taylor, Treasurer President and Co-Founder, Northstar Investment Advisors, LLC

Rick Pederson, Secretary Chairman, NFK Frederick Ross

Don Bailey Chairman and CEO, Triton Investmen tCompany

Patricia Barela Rivera Owner, PBR Solutions

Gayle Dendinger President and CEO, CAP Logistics and Publisher, ICOSA Magazine

Verónica Figoli Director of Outreach and Engagement, Piton Foundation

Amy Harmon Founder and Owner, Urban Market Partners, LLC

Walter Isenberg Co-Founder,President and CEO, Sage Hospitality

Bruce James Managing Partner, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP

Susan McIntire CH2M Hill

Kent Rice Executive Director, Arts & Venues Denver

Hassan Salem President, U.S. Bank, Colorado

Erin Trapp Vice President of Advancement and External Relations, Metropolitan State College of Denver

Michael Van Gilder CEO,Van Gilder Insurance Corporation

Roxane White Chief of Staff, Governor Hickenlooper

Edward (Ted) White Partner, Moye White, LLP

EX OFFICIO Jayne Buck Vice President of Tourism, Visit Denver

Jamie Van Leeuwen, PHD: Senior Advisor, Governor Hickenlooper

“Thereis a natural affinity for us to go tie into Canada and Mexico,” said Publisher of ICOSA Gayle Dendinger.  In kind services offered in collaboration with community organizations, education, governmentand businesses are what bring about Denver’s best interests and get it done.

Opinions vary to how this biennial can be a model.  Dendinger believes it can be exported to other states while Mirvali envisions best practices within relative perspective creating a dialogue then prompting action.

The platform can be used to spark change in one’s own community.  Take ownership and sponsor or volunteer with Platform 5280, Biennial of the Americas.  For more information about Platform 5280, visit; www.platform5280org.

Center for the New Energy Economy

The Center for the New Energy Economy (CNEE) is directed by former Governor Bill Ritter.  CNEE works toward the advancement of clean energy policy at the state level.  Ritter takes the CNEE message nationally through speaking events about clean energy.  The CNEE has partnered with the East China Normal University which seems to be strategic in that China was number one in all renewable index rankings for 2011 and 2010, reported Ernst & Young. “We need a national energy policy,” Ritter.  Ritter states the clean energy agenda is really about emissions for example natural gas emissions.  Questioning what forms of energy are most efficient has several factors such as the natural environment of a location.  The factors are numerous however the Feds have some legislation on clean energy.

In the U.S. Federal government the clean energy agenda is basically looking at two issues; one is Property-Assessed Clean Energy, (PACE) financing and two the extension of the production tax credit which the wind energy industry relies upon.

At the state level best practices in extraction and efficiency are being discussed.  The CNEE has worked with about 10 states in advancing clean energy policies.

“What’s really interesting is one size doesn’t fit all, so it is important to tailor our work in states to the resources available in the state—to the economic landscape to some extent—to the way that they are generating electricity, to think about that and what that transition is going to involve.  Interestingly transmission—it’s very difficult and sort of a sophisticated topic but the transmission infrastructure matters a lot because of interconnection—pulling renewables onto the grid can be a very difficult thing to do,” Ritter.

“I think energy is one of those things that should not be all about politics but somehow this debate over whether climate change is real or not, is sort of sucked into it, the whole conversation around clean energy including things like energy efficiency.  It’s about saving energy and good business practices,” Ritter.

Clean energy policy groups such as the Energy Foundation out of San Francisco, Hewlett Foundation, Packard Foundation and the McKnight Foundation fund CNEE.

To read more about the Center for the New Energy Economy, visit; http://cnee.colostate.edu/.

To view the full interview, visit; http://youtu.be/JrnCbJBsEro.

Western Energy Alliance

 

Western Energy Alliance is a non-profit trade association representing more than 400 companies across the West connected by the similar interest of environmentally responsible exploration and production of oil and natural gas.

Companies within the intermountain west are represented six ways. 

1. Regionally and nationally represented in the areas of government access to lands for exploration and production, federal agency permitting, air and water quality, reform of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and Endangered Species Act (ESA), wildlife conservation, health and safety, taxation, and other issues.
2. Western Energy Alliance has established relationships with lawmakers in Washington, D.C. enabling meetings with Congress and the Administration.
3. Western Energy Alliance is viewed as a valuable resource by policymakers on oil and natural gas.
4. Current issues are addressed with speaking events
5. They publish the Wildcatter Weekly focusing on natural gas and oil.
6. They provide networking opportunities.

Technology and geologic improvements have increased the locations natural gas can be drilled from making it a clean and secure energy source.  It reduces pollution by 50 percent in comparison to traditional energy sources.  This is measured in the reduced amount of mercury burned and the absence of sulfur dioxide emission.

One-third of all natural gas is produced in the west said, Kathleen Sgamma, vice president of Western Energy Alliance.  Sgamma also said a conservative estimate is that six states can produce an equal amount of all oil imported however the areas are oil drilling restricted.

Natural gas is highly regulated.  Sgamma and Kelly de la Torre seemingly agree that regulatory agencies overlap in regulations and are inconsistent.  Kelly de la Torre is an attorney at the Anton Law Group and practices environmental law.  Current regulations implemented by the E.P.A. have little environmental benefit compared to the cost it takes to abide the regulation.

Western Energy Alliance advocates for balance between environmental safety and production of natural gas and oil.  To contact the Western Energy Alliance visit their website at; www.westernenergyalliance.org.

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Kelly de la Torre―Commercial and Residential Energy Use

Conserving energy residentially and at your business saves money.  Small business owners are impacted by energy use both at home and at work so it is important to have a basic understanding of utilities.  Businesses can work back and forth with their utilities to figure out the best energy savings strategy.   Here are the basics of energy use. An energy rate consists of operating costs, recovery costs, actual cost of energy and return on investment to investors.

Factors that influence the energy rate are energy cost, price changes due to weather, economic forecast, general maintenance and time of day.  Time of day is used determine the energy rate.  Peak hours are defined by each utility company.  Typically peak hours are 8am to 8pm.  Peak hour energy rates cost more than off peak.

Commercial rates for energy can be lowered by allowing devices to be cycled during peak hours.  Utility companies and businesses can collaborate to determine when the cycling happens.

Every degree the thermostat is turned down saves three percent which can be $80 to $100 saved per year.

To save on energy power strips can be used on appliances that continually draw phantom energy such as cable boxes, computers and printers, etc.  Anything that is plugged into the wall can be put onto a power strip and shutting that power strip off saves money.

Purchase energy star appliance both at work and home.

For more information, visit: rmenergyblog.blogspot.com.

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Export University

The Export University program in Hawaii gets small businesses up and going out of their comfort zone and home bias.  Home bias is only doing business with people in your market area or next door.  Export University takes a business into new markets by diversifying customers and making businesses more competitive.  Export University is open to mainland companies. The courses offered at Export University are beginning exporting 101, yet well-established exporters still find relevance in taking the course so any beginning, intermediate or experienced exporter has only to gain for attending a course.  The courses are instructed by John Holman and Steve Green.  Businesses who have taken part in Export University are in agriculture to law―a gamut of exporting good are covered.  Courses are taught by skillful experts in in exporting.  Resources such as experts in shipping such as FedEx and lawyers answer FAQ’s about exporting.

Courses range from $70.00-$150.00 and typically are two-four days.  Exporting workbooks and a basic guide to exporting are included.  Scholarships are available to those who qualify.  Portions of the cost are paid by the attendee with the remainder being paid by the department of agriculture and other companies invested in the exporting business.

Lesley Harvey is the Project Director for the Hawaii Pacific Export Council, Export University Program and holds a master’s degree in Economics, specializing in International Economics. Having helped to secure grant funding for this program, she also helped to develop the materials and construct the curriculum for the HPEC Export University.

Steve Craven is an international business consultant in Honolulu known for his former radio show, now a blog, called “Business Beyond The Reef.”  Some may know him from his days with the U.S. Commercial Service in places like Washington, DC, Taiwan, Germany, Singapore, Austria, Slovakia - and exotic Denver. He currently chairs the Hawaii Pacific Export Council (HPEC), an expert advisory committee appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce.

For more information, visit;

Website: www.globalexportsupport.com,

Blog: www.kekepana.com/blog,

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/groups/Hawaii-Pacific-Export-Council-3995575,

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Hawaii-Pacific-Export-Council/121212024630310.

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FSG, A Social Enterprise Organization

 

FSG is a global social enterprise organization.  Social enterprises are organizations that apply business methods to achieving philanthropic goals.  One benefit in social entrepreneurship is both the donor and receipt win.  Winning!  FSG is also a nonprofit consulting firm specializing in strategy, evaluation and research.  They work with companies to develop corporate social responsibility strategies.

John Kania is the managing director of FSG.  Kania’s expertise is in social entrepreneurship emphasizing in strategy, leadership and organizational development.  Kania’s expertise has resulted in him writing a book called, “Do More Than Give,” along with Leslie R. Crutchfield and Mark R. Kramer.  The book is inspired by the bestselling book, “Forces for Good.”  “Do More Than Give,” tells the six practices of donors who change the world.  Within the book new terms are defined such as catalytic philanthropy.  Catalytic philanthropy is empowering all involved and going beyond giving a financial donation.   As Kania is a consultant at heart he is available to work with all sizes of companies and can be reached by email at; [email protected].

Corporate Social Responsibility

Corporate social responsibility is engaging in and advocating for what is needed in a community.  When done properly a strategy is developed with FSG to determine a project where all involved benefit.  Any size business can develop a corporate social responsibility program by offering nonprofits services.  For example an IT company can offer nonprofits beta versions, and later fully developed software and in return the IT company receives the nonprofits user data from the beta version.

Innovation

The innovation in FSG’s social impact consulting firm starts with corporate social responsibility methods and how to apply best practices to be successful.  Collective impact is about moving beyond isolated impact and collaborating with several partners to create a scalable change.  Using a company’s expertise rather than only financial donations can make more of an impact.  Corporate social responsibility has developed into collaborating with businesses and other non-profits and using all types of company resources to benefit donors and recipients.

For more information on the book “Do More Than Give,” visit; www.domorethangive.com.

To contact FSG, Foundations Strategy Group, visit; www.fsg.org.

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Technology Solutions Company iGivefirst

Technology solutions company iGivefirst facilitates donations to charitable organizations.  Sharif Youssef is the founder and CEO, of Giving Tools, Inc.  iGivefirst is a tool of Giving Tools and a for-profit professional fundraising company focused on philanthropy.  They are based in Denver, Colorado and have a national reach.

Using technology solutions reduces fundraising costs for nonprofits.   Nonprofits that use the iGivefirst button are able to redirect their work focus.   Not only is the charity’s end of the process made easier but donations can be made with a simple click—similar to the Facebook like button making the giving process easier.  They also centralize tax reporting to give the charity one receipt.

Technology solutions are needed because in the United States three billion dollars are donated a year to charity.  75 percent of that comes from donations that on average come in as $60.00 increments.  That is roughly 230 billion a year.  And only eight percent of the three billion comes from online donations.  Youssef, explains this is in part due to three online problems, donations online are not easy, trustworthy or secure.  iGivefirst.com solves these problems by having a 256 bit-encryption and taking on the donation receiving process.

Technology solutions will increase the eight percent of online donations to charities.  Through iGivefirst, Youssef would looks forward to increasing the eight percent online figure to 50 percent.

Media companies, bloggers and other digital media publishers can put their GIVE button on their websites. iGivefirst is currently open to partnership with nonprofits.  Having publishers add the iGivefirst icon to articles for readers to take the next step and donate is what they are reaching for.

For more information on iGivefirst, visit; www.igivefirst .com

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The #1 Financial Risk in Importing and Exporting

Knowing the risks associated with importing and exporting can ultimately lower those risks.  Finding the right partnership produces profits and there are resources to finding legitimate overseas partners.

Roy Becker of Roy Becker seminars has 30 years of experience in importing and exporting.  Becker is an expert in letters of credit and the International Chamber of Commerce INCOTERMS.

The #1 risk is of course, getting paid.  Risks falls under three categories.

1. Commercial risk.  The payment arrangement must be forethought and agreed upon by the seller and buyer.  Cash advance payments, letters of credit and bank intermediaries can be methods for determining risk.  A letter of credit is not a bank guarantee of payment and is document intensive.
2. Country risk.  A specific country may have risk due to business methods, economics and political issues which can result in unexpected investment losses.
3. Currency risk. The exchange rate must be determined.  A bank can guarantee exchange rates on a specific day to elevate the risk and solidify final costs.

INCOTERMS determine seller and buyer delivery issues like cost, risk and responsibilities/duties.  The most misunderstood issue is at what time the title passes meaning possession and ownership are two different terms.

Roy Becker Seminars give in depth use and definition of importing and exporting.  To contact Roy Becker Seminars, visit; www.roybeckerseminars.com.

To learn more about INCOTERMS visit; www.iccbooksusa.net.

Colorado Gives Day, The Nonprofit & The Success Story.

Colorado Gives Day is hosted by FirstBank and the Community First Foundation.  The two dedicated collaborators, Marla J. Williams, president and CEO of Community First Foundation and Jim Reuter, executive vice president of FirstBank has set 2011’s goal of exceeded last year’s total distribution of $8.7 million.  Ever wonder how your donation supports the community?  Here are two nonprofits with one their many of their success stories.

The Nonprofit

Rocky Mountain MicroFinance Institute Development Director and Co-Founder Stacey Saggese provide low income entrepreneurs with learning, lending and coaching.  Figuring out the right timing paired with resources such as capita and loans is RMMFI best service.

The Success Story

Radiant Gardens owner Rebecca Dolan participated in RMMFI’s boot camp where she solidified the unique structure within Radiant Gardens and now not only maintains a profit but has four employees and contractors.

The Nonprofit

YouthBiz Executive Director Sonya Garcia Ulibarri work provides youth with the benefits of advancement in community, education and business.  YouthBiz’s future entrepreneurship project plans to take youth step by step from an hourly job, to salary, to business ownership.

The Success Story

Phill Douglas a former YouthBiz graduate and now program coordinator works with a diversified group of youth including those whom he is guiding through and hopefully past gang membership through helping them focus on better avenues in life such as college.

For information on how you can donate visit; www.givingfirst.org.

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Time is a Resource

 

Time is the invisible resource and to harness the most of it you can follow the following surviving time management tips.

1. Concentrate on producing results.  Some like the “good ol’fun” of procrastination but that is not managing time effectively.
2. Ask for help by first creating a list of rankings with ABC priorities; A being the most important.  Angel Tuccy of The Experience Pros uses this system and to manage her time assigns items ranked B or C to other people.
3. Create a routine to limit the impact of unexpected events.
4. Read and follow the recommendations of “Lists That Saved My Life,” by Angel Tuccy.  “Lists That Saved My Life,” insightfully shares tips on turning everyday trials to manageable lists.
5. Overcome productivity low-lay zones by working your lists.
6. Ask yourself this question; what would I do with two more hours a day?  Your answers should be ranked A on your list of priorities and if they are not add them to that list.

Franklin Covey is always recommended as a provider for planners and time resource tools, please visit: www.store.franklinplanner.com/store.

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Social Enterprise is a Blend of Business Acumen

 

Chris Pelley is managing director of Capital Investment Management which embraces the Japanese proverb: “None of us are as smart as all of us.” In addition Pelley views social entrepreneurship as a meaningful endeavor.  Social enterprise is a blend of business acumen where more purpose equals more efficiency, more effectiveness and more sustainability.

The triple bottom line of company, children and charity increases profits.  Chris Pelley’s view on social enterprise derives from a unique source, his daughters.

Get Ready.

Becoming involved in social enterprise is simple and accessible.  Knowledge is key and available.  Ask youth about concerns in their lives to get a feel for what is going on or ask your alma mater about how becoming a social entrepreneur.  Also, reading “Encore,” by Marc Freedman and “Thanks,” by Robert Emmons will give insight, social awareness into becoming better human beings.

Get Set.

To experience life at a different level add a social entrepreneurship element to your business strategy.  Employees are the best PR there for bottom line results.  A way to do this is helping employees find what their next venture will be within the company’s social enterprise.

GO!

Association for Corporate Growth, ACG is about a community for small to medium companies.  The ACG promotes communication, community and collaboration with the academic, business and citizen sector.  Kim Jordon, from New Belgium which has 100 percent of the company’s energy coming from solar power will be a speaker at ACG’s December 6^th, 2011 luncheon.  For more information, visit; www.acg.org.

More social enterprise opportunities can be found at the following websites:

1. www.projectpave.org
2. TiE is a global network with a commitment to changing the world, (www.tie.org).
3. Colorado Gives Day- Tuesday, December 6^th, 2011, (www.givingfirst.org). Website offers a chance to give to nonprofits.

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Bruce DeBoskey

Bruce DeBoskey is a Colorado-based Philanthropic Advisor, helping businesses to develop philanthropic strategies.

He gave up a career as a successful trial lawyer for 25 years to focus on giving. As Bruce describes, he was going to battle each day for things that only mattered to the people involved, until he decided he wanted to be involved in something with a broader impact.

Now he encourages businesses to to connect their core competencies in their giving. It is advice that all of us can use when it comes to our holiday giving.

WHY WE GIVE All donors need a strategy for their giving, and it should be something in line with what we value. The place to start is your reason for giving; is it theologically based? For ego gratification? Or to create a legacy, so that the things you care about can continue? If you are considering your business' philanthropy, consider your goal. Are you giving to engage employees, to gain customer loyalty or satisfy shareholders? Realize that pleasing shareholders is a legitimate concern for a business. After all, while we all recognize that philanthropy is for the greater good, business is business to make a profit so it is reasonable to invest in your community, your customers, your supply chain to both improve your surroundings and your bottom line. Likewise, unless you can provide evidence to your shareholders that the company's charitable giving impacts the bottom line, you have failed your fiduciary duty.

HOW WE GIVE

The options for making charitable contributions are innumerable.

One way to narrow things down is a Giving Circle. ( http://www.givingcircles.org/) There are 800 Giving Circles in the United States and about a dozen in Colorado alone. The Giving Circle is a way to come together and make a greater impact by researching topics and investing with others.

Families can determine their giving as a part of their holiday traditions. DeBoskey suggests looking around your home to determine if you and your children have enough stuff. If you find that you do, consider foregoing a holiday gift exchange and pool the money you would otherwise spend and give it to a worthy cause. Make it a family discussion of your values and determine what cause becomes a part of your family mission.

Bruce DeBoskey writes about giving at The Denver Post in his weekly column "On Philanthropy". You can learn more about philanthropy with a purpose at www.deboskeygroup.com.

Cristin Tarr

The Vx

The Vx, headquartered in Colorado, brings together members of existing women’s affinity groups in a collaborative environment, giving women access to an exceptional resourceThe Goal of The Vx is to: • Secure exceptional resources to foster a community of interest • Inspire women to achieve their personal and professional potential • Integrate the full potential of this community to focus on extraordinary problems Pam Jeffords, Co-Founder and Partner of Via Management Consulting, is an experienced entrepreneur in the Denver community. Pam founded her first company, Maid to Fit, at the age of 30 and sold the company to a competitor three years later. Pam was recruited by ShopAtHome.com to move their offering to the web, growing the consumer base of on-line members to over 1Million and delivering over 1,000 advertisers with banner revenue. In 2007, she joined PAETEC as the General Manager with responsibility for launching six new markets in twelve months. Pam is the Co-chair of the Women’s Leadership Council at Mile High United Way, where she has played an instrumental role since 2003. Pam holds a Bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University and a Masters in Business Administration from Georgia State University.

Salt Lake City Windustrial

 

Salt Lake City Windustrial established in 1968, and today is under the umbrella and guidance of WinWholesale Inc., a leading national supplier of domestic and industrial supplies and materials headquartered in Dayton, Ohio.  WinWholesale is on the Forbes list of America’s largest privately-held companies. Their local wholesale employees receive in the benefits of their partial ownership.

Today Windustrial is in 43 states with more than 450 locally owned and operate Win companies under the following names;  Winnelson, Winair, Winlectric, Windustrial, Wintronic, Winwater and Winsupply.

Windustrial focuses on the local economy providing services to local customers while at the same time having the advantage of international buying power such as sourcing products out of Germany and Switzerland.  The benefit of having local companies is the ability of meet local needs.  The corporate umbrella with local ownership makes Windustrail the supplier of choice.  The Salt Lake City branch has a family atmosphere and profit share program so the harder an employee works, the better they are compensated.  Retaining employees allows the company to keep a personal connection through employee/customer relationships.  Windustrial sees customers as partners with the goal of meeting customer’s need economically, quickly and accurately.  Windustrial pulls together to provide the best service.

Windustrail also recommends problem solving products to customers.  They reach out to both engineers and industry firms to generate projects.  They continually seek new opportunities to provide their services.  To contact Salt Lake City Windustrial, visit their website at; www.saltlakewindustrial.com.

Sustainable Energy in the U.S. Military

The United States military recognizes the need for sustainable energy.  In August the Army established the Energy Initiatives Office Task Force to develop renewable energy projects and improve energy security.  This is a concern because providing energy to remote military locations is dangerous as well as the possibility of the military communications being offline.  In fact one of eight army causalities is a result of protecting fuel convoys.  New energy technology can save lives, money and the environment.  In Iraq from 2003 to 2007, 3,000 people died protecting fuel convoys.  The fuel is used to run generators which provide electricity for communications.  The end cost is $40.00 per gallon which includes all aspects of getting the fuel to remote locations. One reduction to using fuel is providing solar panels that are easily rolled up into an individual’s backpack.  On base solar panels can be mounted on trailers.  The Department of Defense is interested in micro-grids to provide electricity to the military in an energy crisis.  As new energy products are provided and/or developed both by the military and business, most importantly lives will be saved.

For further reading please, visit: http://rmenergyblog.blogspot.com.

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Peter Yarrow's Operation Respect

 

Peter Yarrow is best known for being part of the folk musical trio Peter, Paul and Mary.  Yarrow’s current project Operation Respect encourages mutual respect between all people.  “Operation Respect Program” includes a book, CD and teaching curriculum.  The book is Yarrow’s second book following “Puff the Magic Dragon.”  Operation Respect is not only a book but also a nonprofit, education and advocacy organization which teaches respectful, safe and compassionate behaviors.

Puff the Magic Dragon’s meaning has always been questioned and Yarrow assures time and time again it has an innocent message.  Puff the Magic Dragon is a song about compassion and empathy and relates to being respectful to the differences between people.  The song resonates through the ages because it touches the heart.

Operation Respect’s program curriculum can be downloaded, at; www.operationrespect.org.  At this website you can find about 50 songs to download at no cost.  Yarrow shares them because once children sing together they form respect for each other.

Another one of Yarrow’s projects is the Don’t Laugh at Me program which can be found, at; www.dontlaugh.org.

Yarrow welcomes other educators and people who work with children to develop partnerships to get the no bullying message across.

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The Global Forefront of the New Energy Economy

Colorado is at the global forefront of the new energy economy.  Foreign delegates visit the National Renewable Energy Lab and Engines & Energy Conversion Laboratory to see cutting edge energy development.  Creating collaborative agreements develops relationships between Colorado organizations and foreign delegates.  Brian Wilson with EECL develops energy solutions for engines, smart grids, smart businesses and biofuels.  Through research to producing products EECL makes impacts on the environment for example developing pipeline technology.  This technology’s impact is the equivalent to 120 million automobiles removed from the highway.  The Envirofit program at EECL has produced 350,000 cook stoves which has improved the lives of two million people.  Business and other organizations can partner with EECL and Envirofit by visiting www.envirofit.org.

Boosting the demand for clean energy through engaging firms in forums to build partnerships is one focus of NREL.  Partnership activities include multilateral and bilateral partnerships, climate and environmental initiatives and energy assessments. Five barriers to clean energy are policy, new energy technology implementation, standardizing, reducing costs and infrastructure.  NREL works with several entities to solve these issues.  To inquire about partnerships contact the tech transfer office, at: www.nrel.gov/international.

The Peace Corps

 

By Annette Perez

Celebrating 50 years the Peace Corps is an independent U.S. government agency that provides Volunteers for countries requesting assistance.  The agency traces its roots and mission to 1960, when then-Sen. John F. Kennedy challenged students to get out there.  Established in 1961 the Peace Corps promotes peace and friendship by remaining true to its mission.  One hundred and thirty nine countries have been served with over 200,000 volunteers.

Volunteers serve 27 months which includes 10 weeks of training on languages, culture, technical, and safety and security.  The application process can be anywhere from 9-12 months and applicants must be U.S. citizens.  The application process is quite competitive and currently there are more applications than there are spots to fill.  Placement of countries is based on suited skill sets for countries.

Today’s guest was Matthew Hogue.  Mr. Hogue started with the Peace Corps in September 2006 and became the Regional Recruiter in December of that same year.  He currently is a Field Based recruiter covering northern Colorado and Wyoming.  Hogue served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Thailand from 2003 to 2005.

One of his experiences he shared was when he was living in Thailand, six months into the program he felt that he was not doing enough on his project and essentially wanted to hit the ground running.  Teachers were brought into the village where he was assigned.  His supervisor started rattling off things that he had done for the community thus making him realize the amount of effort he was doing in Thailand for this village.

Volunteers have the option of applying for the Fellows Program.  Eligibility for the Fellows Program is open to all volunteers who have served and is open for a lifetime.  Sixty universities are participating in the program with 128 fields of study.

To learn more about the Peace Corps or to apply visit www.peacecorps.gov or to contact Matthew Hogue please call 303-901-2141.

Expansive Education Transformation

 

Allan Jones, president of Emaginos Inc. focuses on changing K-12 education.  Changing the course of public education takes more than reforms.  Reforms are not creating the best benefits in public schools.  The NCEE reported globally we are in the middle or bottom of the middle tier of rankings for having successful K-12 education.  The best practices in transforming public education are:

1. Creating stronger teacher unions
2. Viewing teachers as the solution not the problem
3. The Federal government needs to set the priorities
4. Equity needs to go to the best preforming schools.

Charter schools are an asset in proving innovations.  Only 17 percent of charter schools are successful and those schools should be studied for best practices.

Ignoring public schools have efficiency issues will result in people unable to find jobs.  Extinct jobs are not coming back and schooling can’t get in the way of education.  Schools should focus 80 percent on problem solving and 20 percent on learning facts.

Tracy Learning Centers use hands on applications developed by Emaginos Inc. and have a one percent dropout rate and zero percent teacher turnover.  Their learning models are scalable to public schools.  They help students become active, independent learners.  For more information, visit: http://thepowerofus.org.

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• You: Mount Vernon District vs. Charter School (nytimes.com)

BranchOut

 

BranchOut opens avenues in job matching.  They are about connecting people with career opportunities.  With three million job posts and 20,000 internship opportunities it is no wonder that there are 1 million users on BranchOut.  80 percent of jobs are found through connections within networks.  BranchOut is a network within a network for job seekers and recruiters.  It’s all about whom you know and who knows you.  November 11^th is Veterans Day and BranchOut will has tools to translate military jobs skills into civilian job skills.  BranchOut also provides networking, referrals for hiring, sales leads and collaborative partners.  Being a network within Facebook allows the tapping into friends and friends of friend’s networks making degrees of separation to a job less degrees away.  Facebook has 800 million users so BranchOut’s networking possibilities are stunning.  The products BranchOut provides to sales and recruiters are: 1. Job posting; 2. Career connect and; 3. Recruiter connect.  Some users have found their ideal job, higher paying jobs, and leverage in having their network.  For more information, visit: www.branchout.com.

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• BranchOut Launches Facebook Recruiter Search Service to Compete With LinkedIn (insidefacebook.com)