Montreux Energy (www.montreuxenergy.com), a premier organizer of strategy roundtables on the future of global energy investment, announced that it will host a gathering of national and international experts to discuss new ways to improve the efficiency and sustainability of urban energy, systems, and infrastructure.

CITYDESIGN + CITYBUILD 2010 will be held September 14-16 at the Hyatt Regency Convention Center in Denver.  The conference theme, “Clean Energy, Technology, and Design for the Networked City” will engage thought leaders from a variety of industries, including utilities, clean energy, and real estate development in a series of roundtables at the three-day event.

“More than half of the global population now lives in cities, so it is critical that our leaders effectively communicate the enormous opportunities and challenges for cities in creating a sustainable future,” said Andrew Bermingham, CEO OF Montreux Energy LLC. “CITYDESIGN + CITYBUILD 2010 is one way to initiate that dialogue with thought leaders from around the world.”

Featured conference speakers will include:

      ▪ Autodesk   Geoff Zeiss, SmartGrid and Utilities Leader, San Rafael

       ▪ BASF   Jack Armstrong, Building & Construction Markets Leader, Florham Park

      ▪ CH2M HILL, Avinash Patwardhan, VP, Water & Mgr, Int'l Sustainable Solutions, W Palm Beach

       ▪ City of Aurora   The Hon. Ed Tauer, Mayor, Aurora

      ▪ Colorado Public Utilities Commission   Ron Binz, Chairman, Denver

      ▪ Encana   Eric Marsh, President, Encana Natural Gas Inc., Denver

      ▪ GE Water   Jeffrey Fulgham, Chief Marketing Officer, Schenectady

      ▪ Harvard University Graduate School of Design  Pierre Bélanger, Assoc Professor, Cambridge

       ▪ HOK  Monte Wilson, Director of Planning, Atlanta

      ▪ Honeywell  Diane Beauchamp, Director, Clinton Climate Initiative, Minneapolis

      ▪ Hogan Lovells  Andrew Spielman, Partner, Denver

      ▪ IBM   Nancy Pearson, Vice President BPM, SOA, and Websphere Marketing, Armonk

      ▪ Joint Inst for Strategic Energy Analysis at NREL   Douglas Arent, PhD, Exec Dir, Golden

       ▪ Jones Lang LaSalle  Dan Probst, Global Chairman, Energy & Sustainability Services, Chicago

      ▪ MWH Global  Robyn McGuken, Director Resource Efficiency Managment, Broomfield

       ▪ Shell International   Alexon Khor, General Manager Low CO2 Solutions, London

      ▪ Suez Environment   Henry Saint Bris, Senior Vice President Strategy, Paris

      ▪ Swiss RE   Bernd Wilke, Vice President, Zürich

      ▪ U.S. Department of Energy   Carol Battershell, Acting Director, Golden Field Office, Golden

      ▪ Xcel Energy  Randy Huston, Project Delivery Executive, Smart Grid, Denver

CITYDESIGN + CITYBUILD 2010 sessions will make the crucial connections between such vital issues as water and energy, smart grid and smart buildings, carbon, optimization and energy efficiency, sustainable mobility and transportation systems, and waste and waste‐to‐energy. It will also showcase exciting new major global urban development projects from the world's leading engineering, architecture, real estate development firms.

Conference sessions will focus on:

·       Rethinking Urban Design in the New Sustainability Paradigm

·       Transport: Smart Urban Mobility

·       Powering our Cities with Clean Energy and the Smart Grid

·       Technology and the Networked City

A special 3-hour workshop will be held Tuesday, September 14 from 12:30 to 3:30 pm, titled “Videogames as Tools to Design Cities of the Future.”  The cost of the Workshop is $25.  Seating is limited.

The event formally opens with registration and reception starting at 4pm Tuesday, Sept 14, and an Opening Keynote panel beginning at 5:30 pm. Registration for the entire three-day event is $350.

The full CITYDESIGN + CITYBUILD agenda is available online at http://www.citydesign.com. To spread the conference information to future generation and emphasize the magnitude of challenges of the built environment, special pricing available to teachers and educators.

About Montreux Energy

Montreux Energy is a leading global organizer of global strategy roundtables on the future of energy investment.  Since 1990, more than 6000 leaders have participated in Montreux Energy roundtables. The firm hosts key regulators and policy officials, from local, state, federal, and international organizations to engage in new, creative thinking on how to modify, guide, and incent consumer behavior, responsibility, and leadership.

Tags: CityDesign CityBuild Sustainable Urban Infrastructure Denver Event Inf

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Across the country, large quantities of Armour® Thyroid are on backorder. Many pharmacies report having difficulty filling prescriptions until new Armour® Thyroid shipments reach distributors, drugstores and pharmacies.

But if you live in Colorado and rely on the hormone replacement therapy, there is a solution.

PenCol Compounding Pharmacy, located at 1325 S. Colorado Boulevard Suite B-024, has the medication in stock and can fill any prescription. “It is important for our patients to know that if they need Armour® Thyroid, we can compound it for them.” said Marshall Tobin, owner of PenCol Compounding Pharmacy.

Forest Laboratories announced on its website that it does not have enough of the active ingredient, powdered Thyroid gland, in stock to produce the medication. The company has indicated that they cannot provide an estimated date when the product will be available. “While the manufacturer may be out of the key ingredients necessary to make the medication, we are not” said Tobin. “PenCol Compounding Pharmacy has large supply of strong strength Armour® Thyroid in stock. We can compound to any prescription. We can even compound it down to weaker strengths if necessary in order to meet the needs of our patients.”

Armour® Thyroid is considered a natural hormone replacement therapy because the thyroid glands are collected from USDA-approved grain-fed pigs. The thyroids are processed, dried, powdered, and compounded to produce Armour® Thyroid tablets. Since the amount of thyroid hormone present in the thyroid gland may vary from animal to animal, the T₄ and T₃ are measured in both the raw material and in the actual tablets. This ensures that Armour Thyroid tablets are the same from tablet to tablet.

Millions of Americans require treatment for hypothyroidism (low thyroid activity) Armour® Thyroid is a type of hormone replacement therapy that differs from other therapies in two important ways:

• It is not a synthetic compound.

   

• It provides both of the key thyroid hormones levothyroxine (T₄) and L-triiodothyronine (T₃).

   

“It is imperative that patients understand that we not making a generic substitute. We are compounding from concentrated Armour ® Thyroid tablets. This is the real thing.” said Tobin.  

About PenCol Compounding Pharmacy: Family owned and operated for over 40-years in Denver, Colorado, Pencol responds to doctors and patients needs when medications are unavailable or require modification. PenCol is known for providing personal attention and making sure all medications meet the highest industry standards.

Tags: Armour Thyroid Thyroid Cancer Thyroid Cancer Treatment PenCol Pharmacy

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According to a new study by BancVue, almost two in five Americans are unable to classify their current bank as “Mr. or Ms. Right”, with dissatisfaction higher among those with most of their money in large banks. In fact, almost one in two (49%) of big bank customers claim their current bank is far from “the one”. To help people “break up” with Mr. /Ms. Wrong, CheckingFinder.com has launched the Switch Kit, designed to make it effortless to switch to a high interest, free checking account with no minimum balance, no monthly fees and nationwide ATM fee refunds.  

 “CheckingFinder.com's Switch Kit makes breaking up with an unhealthy banking relationship hassle-free,” says Gabe Krajicek, Chief Executive Officer of BancVue, the creators of CheckingFinder.com.  “And, banking customers end up with better products with the better service of a community financial institution.”

But how do you know if you are in an unhealthy banking relationship?  Mr. Krajicek suggests consumers ask themselves the “Six Simple Questions You Can Bank On”:

1.      Does your bank treat you like a number?

2.      Do you feel that you are getting as much out of the relationship as the bank is?

3.      Fairness in banking tends to show itself in the form of fees.  Does your bank over-charge you on fees? 

4.      Do you have open communication?  In other words, does your bank keep you informed about your existing accounts or better opportunities?

5.      Does your bank show you appreciation for entrusting your money with them?

6.      Is your bank well run and stable?  Check out the “Statement of Condition” to get a snapshot of its health.

The answers to these questions can help determine if breaking up from a banking relationship makes sense.  Interestingly, two-thirds (67%) of bank account-holding Americans admit they wouldn't hesitate to consider breaking up with their bank, with 75% with most of their money in big banks.  And, what they are looking for in their Mr. or Ms. Right bank:  less fees (39%), higher interest rates (32%), better banking products (29%) and ATM refunds (29%).

CheckingFinder.com, the one-stop-shop for the best high-yield checking accounts among community banks and credit unions, not only allows you to find an open a free, high interest checking account in minutes, but has developed a tool to make the break up go smoothly—The Switch Kit.  The Switch Kit makes switching to a new account painless, with detailed instructions for transferring direct deposits, automatic payments, online bill payments and closing the preexisting account.  The Switch Kit also provides downloadable direct deposit and auto-payment forms, making the switch hassle free.

The accounts on CheckingFinder.com give customers free checking accounts with CD-like yields, no monthly fees and nationwide ATM fee refunds when they do simple activities, including accepting eStatements, utilizing direct deposit, accessing online banking, and  using their debit card.  All of these things help save the financial institutions money, and unlike the big banks that keep it for themselves, these financial institutions are returning the savings to their account holders in the form of higher yields. 

“Breaking up may seem tough at first, but with the right tools, such as CheckingFinder.com and The Switch Kit the perfect bank mate is only a click away,” concludes Krajicek.

Tags: High Yield Checking Account Bank Community Bank BancVue Checking Finder

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eLearners.com, a web resource of EducationDynamics, which has successfully connected learners to online education since 1999, announces the Denver launch of a new national program aimed at helping adults kick start their careers through education, entitled “Career Stimulus Package” (www.careerstimulus.com). The comprehensive career education program will offer undereducated, underemployed adults access to online education opportunities, including up to $4 million in full-tuition scholarships, and job shadowing programs at some of America's most innovative companies. At the center of the campaign is a 40-city RV “Empowerment Tour” offering free career coaching services.  The tour starts in Denver, Colorado on June 12, 2009 and concludes in Los Angeles on September 9, 2009.

The goal of the Career Stimulus Package and Empowerment Tour is to help Americans improve their lives through higher education and career resources.  The Denver Empowerment Tour will begin at 7:00 a.m. on June 12 at Skyline Park at 17^th and Arapahoe in downtown Denver, with career coaching sessions, and conclude at 5:00 p.m.  At the Denver launch event, a press conference will be held at 10:30 a.m. featuring Lt. Governor Barbara O'Brien.  O'Brien will discuss the importance of higher education and Colorado initiatives aimed at improving adult education. 

“Colorado needs an educated workforce to move forward with the New Energy Economy, a robust aerospace industry, health care and many other growing segments of our economy,” said Colorado's Lt. Governor Barbara O'Brien.  “Colorado is one of the states best poised to rebound and now is a good time for non-traditional students to prepare themselves for the upswing.”

Alyssa Ohleyer, a Project Working Mom recipient from Idaho Springs, will also speak at the press conference.  Project Working Mom is the previous eLearners.com full-tuition scholarship campaign that received more than 400,000 applications during the eighteen month campaign.  You can read Alyssa's winning essay at http://tinyurl.com/Project-Working-Mom-Recipient. 

The Career Stimulus Package and Empowerment Tour is the voice designed to help adult Americans overcome the barriers of time, money and confidence in pursuing a college degree.  The scholarships provided by the participating schools, and the scholarship funds raised during the tour,  is one small but significant step in  helping to alleviate the financial burden.  By studying online, students can do class work from home, during their lunch hour at work, and at any time of day mitigating the obstacle of time.  And through the comprehensive Career Stimulus Package efforts, adults can get the knowledge and information they need to feel confident about returning to school.

“Everyone talks about the crisis in education, but nobody is focusing on the root cause —the lack of college educated adults in the U.S.,” explained Terrence Thomas, EVP Marketing Operations for eLearners.com.   “Not only is the fact that more than 70% of Americans aged 25 and older not having a bachelor's degree debilitating to the competitive status of our nation, but it's adversely affecting future generations as these adults ultimately become parents and we need them to be education role models for America's children.”

The tour's primary ambassador is Flavia Colgan, a passionate advocate for education over the past decade. She served as the first woman and youngest Chief of Staff in the country for Pennsylvania's Lt. Governor Catherine Baker Knoll. And, most recently she has appeared as a correspondent and commentator on several national TV networks including CBS, MSNBC and FOX.

"While the Career Stimulus Package and Empowerment Tour are a catalyst for discussion and change, they are certainly not enough," said Colgan. "Funding for non-traditional adult education must become an ongoing national priority. Half of the projected job growth in the United States over the next decade will require a college degree. To truly strengthen America's workforce, we need to equip adults to take on these jobs. If we can educate, we can empower and employ. It's the solution to America's current and future economic woes."

The components of the Career Stimulus Package include:

Full-Tuition Scholarships

The Career Stimulus Package campaign will award full-tuition scholarships to adults who have applied through www.careerstimulus.com.  The scholarships will let deserving adults attend an accredited online college or university tuition free.  The total value of these scholarships, which range from the associate's level to the Ph.D. level, is about $4 million.  Participating schools providing the scholarships include:  American Public University, Ashworth College, Bryant & Stratton College, Capella University, Ellis University, Everest University, Virginia College, and Western Governors University.  To apply for a scholarship, applicants must submit a short application and essay describing their goals, why they want to go back to school and past instances of triumph over adversity.  The participating schools will select the recipients.  The deadline to apply for a scholarship is October 31.

Job Shadowing

The individuals selected to receive scholarships will also receive a one-week, paid job shadowing opportunity with one of the Career Stimulus Package participating companies, including: CareerBuilder.com, Dictionary.com, ZipRealty, Entrepreneur Magazine, eLance, EducationDynamics, Habitat for Humanity, spud! and Orbitek, LLC.  This job shadowing opportunity will provide scholarship recipients the chance to learn more about the industries they have interest in and will also provide the opportunity to network with professionals.

The Tour

The “Empowerment Tour:  Educate.  Empower.  Employ.” Will travel to approximately 40 cities across the country by RV.  The tour will launch in Denver on June 12 and conclude in Los Angeles on September 9.  The tour will offer free career laser coaching sessions to help Americans discover what is holding them back and the strategies needed to move toward success.  The two participating career coaches are Denver residents.  Michael Cushman is the immediate-past president of the Denver Coach Federation and Ayn Fox is a certified Master Coach by the International Coach Federation.  Both Cushman and Fox will be available from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at each tour stop.  Reservations are being accepted online for Michael Cushman at www.empowermenttour.com; reservations for Ayn Fox will be accepted on location. 

In addition to free career coaching sessions, each Empowerment Tour stop will feature an Education Station where people can apply for a full-tuition scholarship.  The Empowerment Tour will also include Donation Stations at each stop where people can donate old suits and other interview appropriate attire.  Each tour stop will also include complimentary snacks and drinks throughout the day. 

For more information on the Career Stimulus Package, The Empowerment Tour and the full-tuition scholarships and job shadowing opportunities, visit www.careerstimulus.com.   For additional information on the Empowerment Tour, including dates and locations go to www.empowermenttour.com.

Tags: Career Stimulus Package Empowerment Tour Denver Scholarships Elearning

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The Rocky Mountain chapter of the Clean Tech Open (www.cleantechopen.com), the nation's leading clean tech business competition, announced that it has received strong support from the region's business community, but is seeking additional sponsors for the competition.

The law firm of Faegre & Benson is the Rocky Mountain region's lead Gold sponsor.  EKS&H, Hein & Associates, Van Gilder Insurance, and KPMG have also pledged support.  Additional local sponsors include:

• South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce

   

• CORE--Connected Organizations for Responsible Economy
  CleanSpark Colorado

   

• ICOSA

   

• 9 News

   

• Cultivator

   

• CSG|PR

   

“We are very honored to have the support of these companies as we drive the development of a clean, sustainable economy in the Rocky Mountain west,” said Richard Franklin, co-chair of The Clean Tech Open, Rocky Mountain chapter. “As the competition moves forward, we welcome the participation of other sponsors who wish to take advantage of this unique opportunity to engage with some of the nation's greatest thinkers in clean tech.”

In addition to regional sponsors, Clean Tech Open is made possible by the generous support provided by National Expansion Sponsor, U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy; Platinum Sponsor, PG&E; Gold Sponsors The Cleantech Circle, Google, Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich and Rosati; Silver Sponsors Accretive Solutions and RoseRyan; and Program Sponsors California Clean Energy Fund, Ernst & Young, and Korn/Ferry International.

To help expand its reach, the Clean Tech Open is also partnering with the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, the largest U.S. foundation that focuses on advancing entrepreneurship and innovation.

Clean Tech Contest Deadline Approaching

As the leading clean tech business competition, the Clean Tech Open has already helped more than 120 entrepreneurs launch companies—and subsequently raise over $125 million in external funding—since its inception in 2006.

Early-stage startups in the Rocky Mountain region are invited to enter in the competition from a variety of clean tech categories, including renewable energy, transportation, smart power, energy efficiency, green building, and air/water/waste management. More information on the competition is here: http://www.cleantechopen.com/competition.php?page=home

Rocky Mountain startups will first compete for three regional prizes of cash and services worth $50,000.  Similar regional competitions will also take place in California and the Pacific Northwest. Twelve regional winners will then face off in a national competition, vying for the Grand Prize of $250,000 in cash and services.

In addition, semifinalists will be invited to participate in the Clean Tech Open Accelerator program, where they will be given hands-on training and experience in all aspects of starting and sustaining their businesses from national experts in venture capital, business, law, marketing and sustainability.

Startups have until May 30, 2009 to submit entries. Semifinalists will be selected in each category and invited to participate in the Clean Tech Open Accelerator program, where they will be given hands-on training and experience in all aspects of starting and sustaining their businesses from national experts in venture capital, business, law, marketing and sustainability.

About the Clean Tech Open

Clean Tech Open is a catalyst for clean tech innovation, and the impetus behind the Clean Tech Open's 100K Jobs Challenge. A non-profit organization founded in 2006, it provides today's clean tech innovators with the tools, training and connections they need to become tomorrow's viable clean tech businesses. The core of Clean Tech Open is an annual business competition, supported by expert volunteers and mentors, which provides entrepreneurs with the crucial business training, services and insights they need to go to market successfully. The Clean Tech Open has assisted over 120 companies raise more than $125 million in external funding, and has spurred the creation of hundreds of jobs in California. Fueled by a network of over 400 volunteers and sponsors, the Clean Tech Open unites the public and private sectors in a shared vision for making America's clean tech sector a thriving economic engine. Past alumni successes include Adura Technologies, Cool Earth Solar and GreenVolts. To learn more, visit: www.cleantechopen.com.

Tags: Clean Tech Open Clean Tech Clean Technology Environmental Sustainability

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Nestlé Purina PetCare has taken many steps during the past several years to make its Denver plant more energy efficient. Now, thanks to a new pilot solar energy array developed by REC Solar, the plant is manufacturing pet food in an even more environmentally responsible way.

Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter led a dedication ceremony at the plant today announcing the new 467-panel photovoltaic (PV) system that covers approximately 21,000 square feet atop the facility. The 100-kilowatt system is the state's largest privately owned solar array and will provide about 1 percent of the plant's electricity needs.

"This project is the latest evidence of Colorado's dedication to solar energy and its leadership in the New Energy Economy," Gov. Ritter said. "With the passage of Amendment 37* in 2004, Colorado has created a ripe environment for pursuing renewable energy.

It's encouraging to see major companies in the Denver area like Nestlé Purina take full advantage of the opportunity."

Installed by REC Solar, the largest installer of solar electric systems in the country, the solar array at Nestlé Purina's plant is the latest in the company's ongoing efforts to reduce its consumption of fossil fuels. During the past 5 years, the plant has reduced its energy use by 12.4% per ton of product produced by implementing projects such as installing a new energy efficient boiler; upgrading to higher efficiency lighting throughout the plant; improving compressed air and steam systems; and establishing best practice guidelines for operational efficiencies.

"Nestlé Purina has taken many steps towards achieving our goal of becoming the leader in environmental sustainability in the pet food industry," said Mark Burns, vice president and director of manufacturing for Nestlé Purina PetCare. "Utilizing renewable energy at our manufacturing facilities is just one part of our overall company plan to create shared value for society, which means going beyond compliance and sustainability and really making a difference for the long-term."

To provide the same amount of electricity now produced by the plant's 467 solar panels, Xcel Energy would generate nearly 300,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions per year -- an amount equivalent to that typically emitted annually by 23 cars. The solar project makes Nestlé Purina the first pet food manufacturer to use renewable energy for the production of pet food.

"As a leader in the pet food industry, we owe it to our consumers and the communities in which we do business to constantly look for ways to make our operations more efficient and environmentally responsible," said Tom Plymell, operations performance manager at the Nestlé Purina PetCare Denver plant. "We worked closely with REC Solar and Xcel Energy to develop and install a pilot solar system that fits our plant infrastructure. This opens the door for us to explore expanding this system at our plant, and to look at adding solar energy systems at some of our other U.S. facilities."

The plant's solar project is a first-of-its-kind for Nestlé Purina, but it also marks a landmark commercial project for REC Solar in Colorado. Known widely for delivering solar power to more homes across America than any other solar power company, REC Solar also worked with Nestlé Purina to offer and install solar systems in the homes of several plant associates.

"We are proud to partner with Nestlé Purina, a company that understands the commercial and environmental benefits of solar," said Angiolo Laviziano, REC Solar CEO & President. "We expect that the focus of the federal stimulus package on renewables will spur more and more Colorado businesses and organizations to find ways to increase their sustainability and reduce their carbon footprint. In addition, we are proud to contribute to the local economy by creating more solar jobs in Colorado."

The Purina PetCare project is the latest in a series of successes for REC Solar in Colorado. The company plans to expand employment by 10 to 20 percent due to the new opportunities for clean energy provided by the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The stimulus spending is expected to have a significant impact on solar installations in Colorado.

To help celebrate the launch of the new solar array, Nestlé Purina will donate more than 30 tons of Purina Dog Chow and Purina Cat Chow to the Metro Denver Shelter Alliance, which has 23 affiliate members comprised of animal welfare organizations and support groups.

The solar project at Nestlé Purina PetCare's Denver facility is the latest effort towards increasing energy efficiency across all of its manufacturing facilities. Between 1990 and 2008, the company reduced energy usage at its nine dry pet food plants by approximately 20 percent per ton of product produced.

Each Nestlé Purina plant in the United States employs a person who is responsible for environmental and energy issues. The company is now evaluating the feasibility of installing solar power capabilities at its Flagstaff, Ariz., plant in 2009 and its Maricopa, Calif., plant in 2010. Globally, the company has broader corporate goals to improve energy efficiency by 2 percent this year.

About Nestlé Purina PetCare

Nestlé Purina PetCare promotes responsible pet care, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets. A premiere global manufacturer of pet products, Nestlé Purina PetCare is part of Swiss-based Nestlé S.A., the world's largest food company.

About REC Solar, Inc.

REC Solar, Inc. is an industry-leading solar solutions provider specializing in grid-tied residential and commercial installations. With a local presence in all major solar markets in the USA and with millions of watts installed, REC Solar is committed to lowering the cost of solar power through efficient processes, innovative products, and outstanding customer service. REC Solar is among the nation's largest solar integrators and currently has offices throughout 6 states (AZ, CA, CO, HI, OR and NJ). REC Solar is continuing its rapid expansion into other states and has the capability to implement solar installations in every location as incentives become available. REC Solar's Colorado offices are located in Westminster at 9042 Marshall Court and can be contacted at (303) 577-9630, or toll free (888) OK-SOLAR (888-657-6527). For additional information on REC Solar visit http://www.recsolar.com

* Amendment 37 is a renewable energy portfolio standard that required Colorado's largest utilities to obtain 10 percent of their electricity from renewable energy resources by 2015 -- passed in 2004 it marks the first time in U.S. history that a standard was ratified by voters rather than processed through a state's legislature. Since then, state legislators have doubled the renewable requirement and state and local governments have taken additional steps to encourage solar and renewable development

Tags: REC Solar Purina Solar Solar Energy Alternative Energy Sustainable Re

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The Clean Tech Open (www.cleantechopen.com), the innovation catalyst that helps great ideas become viable clean tech businesses, announced the deadline for entering this year's competition is Saturday, May 30.

Entrepreneurs in the five-state Rocky Mountain region, which includes Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming, are encouraged to enroll soon in order to secure a place in the competition.  Clean Tech start-ups from the region will compete against entrepreneurs from across the country for more than $1 million in prizes.

“The Rocky Mountain region is rapidly becoming a clean tech hub, and a leader in turning good ideas into green collar jobs and sustainable businesses,” said Richard Franklin, co-chair of the Clean Tech Open, Rocky Mountain chapter, based in Denver.  “We challenge clean tech entrepreneurs across the region to go from start-up to success with this competition.”

A Proven Model

As the leading clean tech business competition, the Clean Tech Open has already helped more than 120 entrepreneurs launch companies—and subsequently raise over $125 million in external funding—since its inception in 2006.

Early-stage startups in the Rocky Mountain region are invited to enter in the competition from a variety of clean tech categories, including renewable energy, transportation, smart power, energy efficiency, green building, and air/water/waste management. More information on the competition is here: http://www.cleantechopen.com/competition.php?page=home 

Rocky Mountain startups will first compete for three regional prizes of cash and services worth $50,000.  Similar regional competitions will also take place in California and the Pacific Northwest. Twelve regional winners will then face off in a national competition, vying for the Grand Prize of $250,000 in cash and services.

In addition, semifinalists will be invited to participate in the Clean Tech Open Accelerator program, where they will be given hands-on training and experience in all aspects of starting and sustaining their businesses from national experts in venture capital, business, law, marketing and sustainability.

The Clean Tech Open is made possible by the generous support provided by National Expansion Sponsor, U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy; Platinum Sponsor, PG&E; Gold Sponsors The Cleantech Circle, Google, Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich and Rosati; Silver Sponsors Accretive Solutions and RoseRyan; and Program Sponsors California Clean Energy Fund, Ernst and Young, and Korn/Ferry International.

The Clean Tech Open is also partnering with the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, the largest U.S. foundation that focuses on advancing entrepreneurship and innovation.

About the Clean Tech Open

Clean Tech Open is a catalyst for clean tech innovation, and the impetus behind the Clean Tech Open's 100K Jobs Challenge. A non-profit organization founded in 2006, it provides today's clean tech innovators with the tools, training and connections they need to become tomorrow's viable clean tech businesses. The core of Clean Tech Open is an annual business competition, supported by expert volunteers and mentors, that provides entrepreneurs with the crucial business training, services and insights they need to go to market successfully. The Clean Tech Open has assisted over 120 companies raise more than $125 million in external funding, and has spurred the creation of hundreds of jobs in California. Fueled by a network of over 400 volunteers and sponsors, the Clean Tech Open unites the public and private sectors in a shared vision for making America's clean tech sector a thriving economic engine. Past alumni successes include Adura Technologies, Cool Earth Solar and GreenVolts. To learn more, visit: www.cleantechopen.com.

Tags: Clean Tech Open Clean Tech Clean Technology Environmental Sustainability

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More than 10 million women in the United States struggle with an eating disorder.  To raise awareness and understanding during National Women's Health Week (May 10-16, 2009), Eating Recovery Center, the premier treatment center for eating recovery, shares the top five reasons, supported by statistics from the National Eating Disorders Association, that eating disorders are among the most dangerous health issues facing American women today. 

1. Eating disorders affect millions of women.  10 million women in the United States struggle with an eating disorder.  80 percent of American women are dissatisfied with their appearance.  Four out of 10 Americans have either suffered or have known someone who has suffered from an eating disorder.

    

2. Eating disorders are the deadliest mental illness with mortality rates of up to 20 percent.  The mortality rate of eating disorders is 12 times higher than the annual death rate due to all causes of death among females ages 15-24 in the general population.  Death is most commonly due to suicide, heart failure, or other medical complications associated with the eating disorder. 

    

3. Eating disorders can lead to significant health issues.  When left unchecked, anorexia nervosa will starve the body of essential nutrients and can cause liver or kidney failure, heart problems and osteoporosis. Bulimia nervosa can do significant damage to the mouth, stomach and esophagus and can lead to serious dental problems, peptic ulcers or gastric and esophageal ruptures. 

    

4. Anorexia and bulimia have a high rate of relapse, as much as 30 to 50 percent.  Because anorexia and bulimia are complicated, multi-faceted diseases, individuals with eating disorders may require ongoing treatment to achieve a lasting recovery. 

    

5. Eating disorders don't discriminate.  27 percent of girls ages 12 to 18 have significant eating disorder symptoms.  31 percent of female college students have an eating disorder. 

    

“Eating disorders are complex conditions that can arise from a variety of potential causes and affect a wide demographic of American women – including children and teens,” explains Dr. Ken Weiner, medical director of the Eating Recovery Center and national expert in the treatment of eating disorders. “It's vital that anyone dealing with these terrible diseases seek the appropriate treatment for their condition as soon as they can.”

Early detection and intervention has been proven to increase the chance of full recovery. It is essential for the person with the illness to get a professional assessment from a practitioner trained in eating recovery.  For more information, please call 877.825.8584 or visit http://www.eatingrecoveryinfo.com.

About the Eating Recovery Center
Located in the heart of Denver's medical district, the Eating Recovery Center is the only facility in the Rocky Mountain region that offers adults a full spectrum of eating recovery treatment options.  Services offered include inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization and outpatient programs to meet each patient's unique needs. The Eating Recovery Center combines highly-trained medical staff with a unique integrated treatment philosophy to make each patient's successful recovery a life-restoring event.  For more information, visit http://www.eatingrecoveryinfo.com/.

Tags: Eating Recovery Center Eating Disorder Binge Eating Treatment Binge Eati

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 Premier Center for Eating Recovery Hosts First Annual Conference for Eating Disorder Professionals at Exempla St. Joseph Hospital in Denver

“It's important to us to continuously foster dialogue among eating disorder professionals committed to education, leadership and best practice sharing,” said Dr. Kenneth L. Weiner, medical director of the Eating Recovery Center and nationally recognized expert with more than 25 years of experience in eating disorder treatment. “The goal of the Rocky Mountain Eating Disorders Conference is to arm our colleagues with essential tools to take a multi-disciplinary approach to eating disorder treatment.”

The conference, featuring an impressive lineup of nationally recognized eating disorder treatment experts, will include a series of presentations addressing the complexities of eating disorders and restoring healthy lives. 

Here is a sampling of the sessions:

• Comprehensive Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa: Food for Thought

   

Ken Weiner, MD, Medical Director and Emmett R. Bishop, MD, Director of Research and Outpatient Services, Eating Recovery Center, Denver, Colo.

• Will that Boat Float: Predictors of Outcome in the Treatment of Eating Disorders

   

Craig Johnson, PhD, Director, Eating Disorder Program, Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital, Tulsa, Okla.

• Diabetes Mellitus and Eating Disorder Syndrome

   

Ovidio Burmudez, MD, FAAP, FSAM, FAED, CEDS, Medical Director, Eating Disorders Program, Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital, Tulsa, Okla.

• Eating Disorders: The Mental Component

   

Vicki Berkus, MD, PhD, CEDS, Consultant, Rosewood Eating Disorder Program, Wickenburg, Ariz.

Roy Erlichman, PhD, LMFT, CAP, CEDS, Partner, ERE Associates, South Miami, Fla.

• Neuropsychology of Appetite and Hunger: Insights to Contain the Urge to Over or Under Eat

   

Ralph Carson, PhD, RD, LD, Clinical Nutritional Advisor, Pine Grove Behavioral Health and Addiction Services, Hattiesburg, Miss.

• Out of the "Stuck": Eclectic Perspectives and Thinking Skills That Actually Promote Change

   

Sondra Kronberg, MS, RD, CDN, Founder, Co-Director and Nutritional Director, Eating Disorder Associates Treatment and Referral Centers, Westbury, N.Y.

• Healing Our Patients, Healing Ourselves

   

Carolyn Costin, MA, MEd, MFT, Executive Director and Owner, Monte Nido Treatment Center and Affiliates, Malibu, Calif.

Registration for the conference is available online at https://www.eatingrecoverycenter.com/eating-disorder-summit.php or by phone at 877.218.1344. Medical professionals may register for the conference for $90 before June 1 and $110 after June 1.  Registration includes entry to each of the sessions, a tour of the Eating Recovery Center, networking opportunities and meals.  Continuing credit hours are available for multiple disciplines, pending application approval. Call 877.218.1344 for more information.

About the Eating Recovery Center
Located in the heart of Denver's medical district, the Eating Recovery Center is the only facility in the Rocky Mountain region that offers adults a full spectrum of eating recovery treatment options.  Services offered include inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization and outpatient programs to meet each patient's unique needs. The Eating Recovery Center combines highly-trained medical staff with a unique integrated treatment philosophy to make each patient's successful recovery a life-restoring event.  For more information, visit http://www.eatingrecoveryinfo.com/.

Tags: Eating Recovery Center Eating Disorder Anorexia Bulimia Recovery Facili

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Financial woes, family denial and fear are all factors that people with eating disorders and their loved ones may cite when avoiding treatment for their illness.  According to the Eating Recovery Center (www.eatingrecoveryinfo.com), the premier treatment center for eating recovery, recent anecdotal evidence has shown that people with eating disorders are waiting longer to enter treatment, and are entering significantly sicker. 

“Waiting to seek treatment for an eating disorder can be a fatal decision,” said Dr. Kenneth L. Weiner, founder and medical director of the Eating Recovery Center.  “As an eating disorder progresses, the likelihood that it will lead to serious medical problems grows exponentially.  It's important that anyone with an eating disorder seek help as soon as symptoms arise.”

Eating disorder treatment is not the only medical area that has fallen victim to the recent economic decline; a recent poll from the Kaiser Family Foundation found that nearly half of Americans say someone in their family has skipped pills or postponed medical care because of the cost.  According to Weiner, an individual's fear of gaining weight or reluctance to come to terms with the underlying roots of the disease may also play a part in a decision to ward off treatment.  Weiner has also witnessed many instances where families delay treatment because they deny the gravity of their loved one's disease or they feel frustration with their long recovery timeframe.

According to Weiner, eating disorders are serious and complex illnesses that require the attention of trained professionals. Although those with the disease may have the desire, it is almost impossible for “self treatment” to be effective; in fact, trying to go it alone will likely result in repeated failures. The Eating Recovery Center offers these top five reasons why anyone touched by an eating disorder should not put off treatment.

1. Eating disorders are the deadliest mental illness with mortality rates 12 times higher than the annual death rate due to all causes of death among females ages 15-24 in the general population.  Death is most commonly due to heart failure, suicide or other complications associated with the eating disorder. 

    

2. Eating disorders can lead to significant health issues.  When left unchecked, anorexia nervosa will starve the body of essential nutrients and can cause liver or kidney failure, heart problems and osteoporosis. Bulimia nervosa can do significant damage to the mouth, stomach and esophagus and can lead to tooth decay, peptic ulcers or gastric and esophageal ruptures. 

    

3. Starvation can affect the brain's ability to recover from the disease.  Poor nutrition negatively impacts brain chemistry and functionality, leaving anyone at a very low weight less responsive to cognitive therapy or many pharmaceuticals.  This can extend the life of a mental illness. 

    

4. Eating recovery is a long-term process, not a quick fix.  A prior visit to treatment is not a reason to avoid going again.  Anorexia and bulimia are complicated, multi-faceted diseases that have a high rate of relapse, at 30 to 50 percent.  Individuals with eating disorders may require ongoing treatment to truly experience a long-term recovery. 

    

5. Eating recovery is an individualized process.  Finding the best treatment option uniquely suited to each individual person may be a time-intensive process.  The sooner this process begins, the better the outcome will be for the individual with the eating disorder.

    

“I was given a death sentence when my eating disorder caused an infection that doctors couldn't initially identify,” said Toni Saiber, anorexia survivor and founder of the Eating Disorder Foundation.  “I was lucky.  Thousands of people every year are not.  It's vital that people dealing with these terrible diseases seek the appropriate treatment for their situation as soon as they can.” 

Early detection and intervention has been proven to increase the chance of full recovery. It is essential for the person with the illness to get a professional assessment first, from a practitioner trained in eating recovery.  For more information, please call 877.825.8584 or visit http://www.eatingrecoveryinfo.com.

About the Eating Recovery Center
Located in the heart of Denver's medical district, the Eating Recovery Center is the only facility in the Rocky Mountain region that offers adults a full spectrum of eating recovery treatment options.  From inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization and outpatient programs to meet each patient's unique needs, the Eating Recovery Center combines highly-trained medical staff with a unique integrated treatment philosophy to make each patient's successful recovery a life-restoring event.  For more information, visit http://www.eatingrecoveryinfo.com/.

Tags: Eating Recovery Center Eating Disorder Anorexia Bulimia Recovery Facili

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The Clean Tech Open (www.cleantechopen.com), the innovation catalyst that helps great ideas become viable clean tech businesses, today challenged entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, government agencies, universities, and non-government organizations (NGOs) to participate in the Clean Tech Open's 100K Jobs Challenge — to create 100,000 clean tech jobs in America over the next five years.

“Entrepreneurs are the key to re-building the nation's economy; their optimism and innovation is exactly what the country needs right now,” said Michael Santullo, co-founder of the Clean Tech Open. “Many participants in the Clean Tech Open are first-time entrepreneurs—they have a great idea, but could really use some assistance. This is where the Clean Tech Open steps in: we connect entrepreneurs with the expertise, talent, and funding to create a successful, sustainable business.”

The ambitious 100K Jobs Challenge is part of an aggressive expansion for Clean Tech Open, the leading clean tech business competition that has already helped more than 120 entrepreneurs launch companies—and subsequently raise over $125 million in external funding—since its inception in 2006.

This year, in addition to the original competition held in California, the Clean Tech Open is expanding to two new regions: the Rocky Mountain region, including Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming; and the Pacific Northwest, including Washington, Oregon and Idaho. Entrepreneurs will compete for a total of more than $1 million in prizes.

“We are excited to bring Clean Tech Open to Colorado and the region,” said Richard Franklin, co-chair of the Clean Tech Open, Rocky Mountain chapter, based in Denver. “This is the hub of the New Energy Economy and this competition will help accelerate the creation of green collar jobs and a sustainable regional economy.”

“The Pacific Northwest is already a major source of clean technology innovation, whether in fuel cell technology, synthetic forecasting, advanced biofuels and biomass, ocean energy and energy efficiency,” said John Pierce, co-chair of the Clean Tech Open Pacific Northwest chapter, based in Seattle, and Member, Renewable Energy and CleanTech Practice at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. “This event will sharpen the focus of our region's venture capitalists, academic institutions and laboratories on the economic opportunities clean technology offers.”

To help expand its reach, the Clean Tech Open is partnering with the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, the largest U.S. foundation that focuses on advancing entrepreneurship and innovation.

“We will work with this initiative to help it connect with the organizations, entrepreneurs and innovators interested in advancing green technologies,” said Christine Gulbranson, a senior fellow at the Kauffman Foundation. “We fully support this vision because whenever you connect entrepreneurs with a solid network of support, you will see companies emerge. And new companies translate to new jobs.”

“The Clean Tech Open works,” said Zach Gentry, CEO, Adura Technologies. “Back in 2006, our clean tech vision needed support, connections and seed funding to grow. Today, we have 20 employees and have raised more than $5 million in capital. We're proof that the Clean Tech Open's support and education of entrepreneurs is the right strategy for growing our economy—locally and nationally.”

The Clean Tech Open is made possible by the generous support provided by National Expansion Sponsor, U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy; Platinum Sponsor, PG&E; Gold Sponsors The Cleantech Circle, Google, Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich and Rosati; Silver Sponsors Accretive Solutions and RoseRyan; and Program Sponsors California Clean Energy Fund, Ernst and Young, and Korn/Ferry International.

Tags: Clean Tech Open Clean Tech Clean Technology Environmental Sustainability

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Times are ruff, so lend a paw!  Fortunately, it can be done in style. The Bow Wow Buddies Foundation and Pure Puppy today announced de-tails for Project RUFFway on Thursday, April 9 at Mile High Station. The first annual fundraiser and fashion show benefiting the Bow Wow Buddies Foundation features models paired with adoptable dogs – lovable shelter dogs looking for their “forever homes”.  Money raised will benefit the Bow Wow Buddies Foundation and Colorado State University's Animal Cancer Center.

The evening of gourmet food, hip fashion, and furry friends is expected to attract more than 350 of Denver's most fun-loving dog enthusiasts. The evening will include fabulous prizes, “Best in Show”-style commentary, a live DJ, stories of inspirational pups and much more. Models will wear vintage, second-hand clothes to match their wonderful, deserving vintage, second-hand adoptable canine companions.

Date: Thursday, April 9th, 2009

Time:  5:30pm-6:30pm (VIP Reception sponsored by Camp Bow Wow); 6:30pm (doors open);
7:30pm-8:30pm (runway show)

Location: Mile High Station (2027 W. Lower Colfax Ave., Denver, CO 80204)

Attire: Business casual

Tickets: $25 (general admission – one complimentary drink and hors d'oeuvres included); $100 (VIP –free beer, wine and food during pre-event reception and a stylish t-shirt)

For more information and to purchase tickets online, please visit www.bowwowbuddies.com.

Sponsors include: Pure Puppy, Camp Bow Wow, Denver Magazine, Chalk Racing, HealthyDogUSA, Gardenswartz, McPeters & Dodds, Pupsicles Dog Care, GCC Incorporated, Pets on the Park, Gourmet Fine Catering, Willow's Boutique Salon, Buffalo Exchange, Wardrobe Works, Pawsitive Style, Mile High Station, Sportiqe Apparel Co., A Music Plus, Joy Wine and Spirits, Zen Dog and Downes Consulting.

About Bow Wow Buddies Foundation
Bow Wow Buddies Foundation is a Boulder-based 501(C)3 non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for sick, abandoned, abused, unwanted and neglected canines everywhere. The mission of the Bow Wow Buddies Foundation is to promote the health and welfare of dogs worldwide by focusing on finding foster and lifetime homes for unwanted dogs, promoting humane education and treatment, and investing in research and treatment for dogs devastated by illness and disease.

Tags: Camp Bow Wow Project Ruffway Mile High Station Colorado News Colorado E

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With the economy and investment opportunities slimming, consumers are looking for alternative, safe avenues for storing their money other than their mattress.  CheckingFinder.com, home to the highest yielding free checking accounts at community banks and credit unions across the nation, has announced a limited time offer of a trial membership to Dave Ramsey's MyTotalMoneyMakeover.com for every person who submits an application.

In addition to the advice and tools from Dave Ramsey, a personal money management expert and best-selling author, consumers will find checking accounts yielding up to 5.15% APY and be able to open them within minutes on CheckingFinder.com.

"Dave Ramsey is renowned for offering life-changing financial advice on his nationally syndicated radio talk show and in his books, and we're proud to be able to offer his MyTotalMoneyMakeover.com, especially during these tough economic times," said Gabe Krajicek, Chief Executive Officer of BancVue, the company responsible for providing high-yield REWARDChecking® to community financial institutions and aggregating them with the help of marketing partner, FIRST ROI on CheckingFinder.com.

CheckingFinder.com is an online search engine that helps consumers find free, high-interest checking accounts with no minimum balance from community financial institutions across the country. Consumers have the peace of mind knowing that all these accounts are insured through the FDIC, NCUA, or ASI. The advertised rates are not introductory teaser rates, there are no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements associated with the accounts, and ATM fees are refunded nationwide.

Dave Ramsey's MyTotalMoneyMakeover.com is a subscription site helping people discover financial peace by walking them through Ramsey's 'baby step process' for dumping debt and building wealth. MyTotalMoneyMakeover.com is widely considered to be one of the best tools available to keep people motivated and accountable for their finances.

"Dave Ramsey has been a solid supporter of what we're doing at CheckingFinder™ and with the REWARDChecking accounts," said John Waupsh, Chief Executive Officer of FIRST ROI. "He truly understands what it means for money to work harder."

For more information on these free, high-yield checking accounts at community financial institutions and the free trial offer to Dave Ramsey's MyTotalMoneyMakeover.com, visit http://www.checkingfinder.com.

Tags: High Yield Checking Account Banking News Community Banks BancVue Checki

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As Personal Savings Rise to 5%, Consumers Could be Making Up to 6% APR
  
According to the U.S. Commerce Department on Wednesday, the personal savings rate surged to 5% in January. As consumers frantically try to save their money as the economic outlook continues to look bleak throughout much of the country, they could be making up to 6% APR on their checking account.
A “personal financial stimulus package” starts with the basics—your banking relationship.  Community banks are still offering the best interest rates on free checking accounts:
Florida Central Credit Union           &nbs p;            & nbsp;       6.01
First Robinson Savings Bank             ;            &n bsp;        6.01
Communications Federal Credit Union           &nbs p;             5.25
Connexus Credit Union           &nbs p;            & nbsp;           &nbs p;  5.15
Community Bank of Pleasant Hill             ;            &n bsp;    5.01
Three Rivers FCU                         &nb sp;                    5.01
Union State Bank/Bank of Atchison           & nbsp;           &nbs p;   5.01
Beacon Federal Credit Union           &nbs p;            & nbsp;        4.51

In over 4000 community financial institution branches across the country, consumers are receiving from 3% to 6% interest rates on free checking with no minimum balance and reimbursed ATM fees.  And these are NOT teaser rates.

With a history of delivering value and customer-centric service, selected community banks and credit unions are offering free checking accounts with CD-like yields. The bank or credit union realizes operational savings when account holders accept eStatements, utilize direct deposit, access online banking, and increase their debit card usage and returns it to the consumer in the form of higher yields.
To help consumers find community banks and credit unions with high-yield checking accounts,  www.checkingfinder.com

Tags: Personal Finance Reward Checking CheckingFinder.com High Yield Checking

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