Archive for the ‘renewable energy’ Category
Thursday, June 24th, 2010
There are three essentials that set Allies in Energy apart from other employment services firms. And they all come down to focus.
A focus on the clean energy sector. We specialize and only work with companies in or servicing the clean energy sector. Any staffing company can find you people but do they really understand what they are looking for, the culture of the sector and the elements that will make the difference between a and good and a great hire? Unless you live and breathe clean energy, we say “no way.” This kind of understanding only comes from experience and focus. Those we’ve got in spades.
A focus on small and emerging companies. Our core business is structured and engineered to service the needs of this segment of the industry. We do work with larger companies, but small and emerging companies have unique needs, challenges and requirements that our services are especially designed to meet. For example, in small and emerging companies senior executives are often making most if not all of the hiring decisions and the process of interviewing and hiring new people takes a great deal of time that senior executives don’t have. To address this issue, our talent specialists compile a detailed assessment and analysis of all interactions and information with leading candidates so that executives can quickly review and decide who they would like to spend their valuable time interviewing.
A focus on the process. In the staffing world our process is known as Recruitment Process Management (RPM) or Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO). However, to us it’s about our clients’ hiring processes. We tailor our approach to each client’s specific needs at each stage of their growth. Our focus is to help our clients develop, follow and manage a thorough, legal and results-orientated process that helps them build their business one great hire at a time. From working with hiring managers to define positions, responsibilities and search criteria to the final stages of bringing a new hire on-board, we aid and assist our clients with any and all aspects of the process.
At Allies in Energy our goal is to help our clients find and hire the best people, keep them on-board and get the highest level of performance. We recognize our success is directly linked to the growth and success of our clients.
On that we stay focused.
Posted in clean energy, jobs, renewable energy | No Comments »
Thursday, June 17th, 2010
The government has been stating that green jobs are the future of the green economy, with green job growth growing 2.5 times faster than overall job growth according to the Pew Charitable Trust. Large amounts of investments have been put into green energy and clean energy as the future of the energy sector.
Yet how is the government actually going to measure green job growth and creation? For that matter,
how do you measure something that is as hard to define as a “green job?” This vague definition of a green job causes a lot of contention among states and environmental activists alike.
For now, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has settled with determining which jobs are “green” by “identifying activity that either preserves or restores the environment by examining both a business’s output and process, and counting the associated jobs.”
This definition means that across a range of industries and occupations some unexpected jobs are still defined as “green.” Solid waste collection? Green collar. Employment at a science museum? Green collar. Selling anything organic? Green collar.
Yet, despite the unclear definition, it is clear that more states are seeking to promote themselves as “green.” States like Nevada have invested in wind energy and solar energy. These investments increase the number of local green jobs and increase the growth for the state to grow into a predominantly green economy, as well as allowing the state to receive the tax incentives that follow with the green movement.
Although the definition of what a “green job” is may not be set in stone, the opportunities within the area are undeniable. Firms like Allies in Energy, a clean energy staffing company, help people and emerging businesses decipher industry definitions to get the right people they need to succeed in the green economy.
Posted in Uncategorized, clean energy, jobs, policy, renewable energy, reports | No Comments »
Wednesday, January 20th, 2010
How the Renewable Energy Community Can Help Haiti – from Renewable Energy World
Bob Freling of Solar Electric Light Fund discusses ways people involved in the renewable energy community can help Haiti in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that hit there. Click here to read the full article.
State Announces 5,200 Jobs, $77 Million Investment – from WWJ Newsradio
Seven companies are receiving help to grow their businesses from the Michigan Economic Development Corp. There are eight projects total that will create 5,210 new jobs. The projects and companies are listed in this article for more details. Click here to read the full article.
Renewable Energy Incubator Launches in Southern Utah – from The Main Street Business Journal
Utah has invested in a new business incubator focusing on renewable energy and technology. The incubator was an attractive idea to that state because of the 87% success rate of business involved in an incubator. Click here to read the full article.
Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley Highlights 2010 Clean Energy Agenda – from GovMonitor
Governor Martin O’Malley released his 2010 Clean Energy Agenda for the state of Maryland yesterday. The agenda aims to increase both job creation and clean energy in the state. The clean energy agenda focuses on both solar and wind as renewable energy sources to build upon in Maryland. Click here to read the full article.
Tags: clean energy, haiti earthquake, jobs, policy, renewable energy
Posted in Morning Roundup, clean energy, jobs, policy, renewable energy | No Comments »
Monday, January 18th, 2010
Iberdrola signs largest renewable energy sale contract ever in US – from EITB
The Tennessee Valley Authority has landed the largest renewable energy contract ever in the U.S. with the US subsidiary of Iberdrola Renovables. The 20-year agreement will build on a wind farm in Tennessee. Click here to read the full article.
Fact Sheet: News on the Recovery Act – from American Chronicle
A brief overview of the Recovery Act and how it is being allotted for green job training and the creation of clean energy jobs. Click here to read the full article.
Group aims to gain support for wind energy hub – The Virginian-Pilot
Local Virginia politicians and business leaders are creating a group, The Virginia Offshore Wind Association, in hopes to build support for a new wind farm off the coast of Virginia. The group estimates the push for a green energy industry in the area could create 10,000 jobs. Click here to read the full article.
Tags: clean energy, jobs, renewable energy, wind
Posted in Morning Roundup, clean energy, jobs, policy, renewable energy | No Comments »
Wednesday, January 13th, 2010
Report finds region ripe for green economic future – from Buffalo News
With the Buffalo-Niagara’s history of manufacturing and skilled work force laborers, alternative energy is thought to be an industry that can prosper in the region. Buffalo Niagara Enterprise produced a 162-page report funded by National Grid that points to many factors as to why the area is key to the clean energy industry and technologies. Click here to read the full article.
Stimulus saved or created up to 2 million jobs in 2009, White House says – from Los Angeles Times
The Obama Administration is crediting the $787 billion stimulus package as helping save or create 1.5 to 2 million jobs in 2009. Only $5 billion of $90 billion of the stimulus money for clean energy has been spent with more to be spent in the future. Click here to read the full article.
O’Malley to push clean energy bills – from Baltimore Sun
As President Obama is set to visit Lanham, MD today to discuss clean energy jobs and job training, Maryland Governor O’Malley said he will push legislators to pass a package of renewable energy initiatives. Click here to read the full article.
Governor visits Mountain View startup to tout green jobs plan – from Silicon Valley Mercury News
Governor Schwarzenegger visited Cobalt Biofuels, a clean energy startup company in CA, yesterday to discuss a proposed tax exemption for clean energy manufacturing equipment. Click here to read the full article.
Tags: clean energy, green jobs, job training, tax breaks
Posted in Morning Roundup, clean energy, jobs, renewable energy | No Comments »
Tuesday, January 12th, 2010
Maryland eyes clean energy economy, considers additional reforms – from CivSource
The Maryland Energy Administration produced a report, Maryland Energy Outlook, to help the state achieve clean energy related goals. Over the last two years, Governor Martin O’Malley has implemented numerous clean energy goals and incentives. Click here to read the full article.
White House Highlights Foundation For America’s Clean Energy Economy – from Gov Monitor
The White House outlines President Obama’s clean energy initiatives and progress of clean energy policies and job creation thus far in the Administrations inaugural year in office. Clean energy incentives will continue to be a main focus of the Administration in 2010. Click here to read the full article.
White House Awards Manufacturing Tax Credits To Clean Energy Projects – from Renew Grid
As announced last week, President Obama has awarded $2.3 billion in tax credits for clean energy manufacturing projects. Forty-three states will account for 183 clean energy projects funded by these tax credits. This article links to a full list of projects. Click here to read he full article.
Energy Department to Offer Funding for Vehicle Fuel-Efficiency – from Wall Street Journal
Nine projects that will work to improve vehicle fuel-efficiency will be awarded $187 billion in grants. Eight of the nine projects will be based in Michigan and Indiana with the other project by Daimler’s AG truck unit to be based in Oregon. Click here to read the full article.
Donovan Group To Help On Green-Jobs Strategy – from Hartford Courant
Connecticut House Speaker Christopher Donovan formed a group, The Green Jobs Coordination and Policy Committee, to help create jobs in the renewable energy industry for the state. The group is made of clean energy experts and representatives from technical schools and environmental groups, among others. Click here to read the full article.
Tags: clean energy, economy, jobs, policy, renewable energy, tax breaks, tax incentives
Posted in Morning Roundup, clean energy, jobs, policy, renewable energy | No Comments »
Monday, January 11th, 2010
Unemployment Solutions: $2.3 Billion For Green Jobs, Clean Energy Positions To Create 17,000 Jobs – from Red White and Blue Press
President Obama announced $2.3 billion in tax incentives to fund the creation of clean energy projects that will result in the addition of 17,000 clean energy jobs. The jobs created by this funding must begin by 2013, with 1/3 of the jobs expected to begin this year. Click here to read the full article.
Hemlock Semiconductor, four Great Lakes Bay companies net $200 million tax break – from MLive.com
Five companies in the Great Lakes Bay region received $200 million in tax breaks. Hemlock Semiconductor’s President saw this tax break as a reassurance that green jobs are real and will continue to be created. Click here for the full article.
Solar, wind tax breaks to aid Arizona – The Arizona Republic
$30 million in tax breaks will be awarded to six solar power equipment factories in Arizona. An additional $45 million will be awarded to five other Arizona based solar and wind energy companies if they expand their operations to other states in the U.S. Click here to read the full article.
Eco-officers are moving into executive suites – from Los Angeles Times
As climate change, the environment and clean energy continue to emerge and gain attention as important issues in our country, more and more companies are aiming to make their companies, whether they are in the clean energy industry or not, more eco-friendly. Click here to read the full article.
Tags: clean energy, economy, jobs, renewable energy, tax breaks, tax incentives
Posted in Morning Roundup, clean energy, jobs, renewable energy | No Comments »
Friday, January 8th, 2010
Obama to Announce New Funding for Manufacturing – from Wall Street Journal
President Obama is expected to announce new funding for manufacturing jobs in the clean energy industry today. The funding will support tens of thousands of clean energy jobs. Click here to read the full article.
Gov. Doyle: Announces plan to accelerate Wisconsin’s green economy –from WisPolitics.com
Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle announced the Clean Energy Jobs Act for the state yesterday. The Act will create 15,000 clean energy and green jobs in Wisconsin by 2025 and accelerate the state’s green economy. Click here to read the full article.
When Will Renewable Energy Companies Overtake Traditional Energy Companies? – from Renewable Energy World
Renewable energy currently only accounts for a small percentage of the country’s energy source. So when will renewable energy be the “norm” over traditional energy? This article examines different issues to consider to answer this question. Click here to read the full article.
Posted in Morning Roundup, clean energy, jobs, renewable energy | No Comments »
Thursday, January 7th, 2010
US Department of Labor announces $100 million in green jobs training grants through Recovery Act – from DOL.gov
$100 million has been awarded for green job training programs across the country. About $28 million of the grants will go toward communities that were hard-hit by the decline of the auto industry. Click here to read the full article.
Growing new jobs in a greener world – from OregonLive.com
According to a recent study, Oregon’s clean energy economy has potential for great job growth. From 1998-2007 employment opportunities in Oregon for clean energy jobs increased at a rate of 50.7%. Click here to read the full article.
Proposed solar-panel field in Edison among four planned by PSE&G in NJ – from MyCentralJersey.com
PSE&G has invested $50 million in New Jersey for renewable solar energy. Included in these plans is a solar farm with 8,500 solar panels in Edison, NJ. Click here to read the full article.
Best Among Equals? Choosing Tax Incentives for Wind Projects – from Renewable Energy World
Wind developers have the option to choose between two tax incentives for wind energy projects as outlined in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. This article examines and analyzes the two incentives. Click here to read the full article.
Tags: clean energy, economy, jobs, news
Posted in Morning Roundup, clean energy, jobs, policy, renewable energy | No Comments »
Wednesday, January 6th, 2010
A Once-Dark Polaroid Factory Goes Green – from NPR
An old Polaroid factory in Bedford, MA has a life again. Konarka, a solar panel manufacturing company, has converted the factory into their own, hiring 20 former workers from Polaroid to help make solar panels. Click here to read the full article.
$3 million in fed funds means 120 jobs in Lee County – from News-Press
Florida’s southwest region is looking to vamp up renewable energy and energy efficiency industries. With the help of $3 million from federal funds, 120 jobs will arise in Lee County for renewable energy projects. Click here to read the full article.
Recession Struck Michigan Will Create 130,000 Jobs, $25 Billion with Climate Action Plan – from treehugger
A study from the Center for Climate Strategies suggests 129,000 jobs will be created in Michigan and $25 million will be added to the state’s gross product from Michigan’s climate action plan. Click here to read the full article.
Low Carbon Fuel Standard Under Development in Northeast, Mid-Atlantic – from SustainableBusiness.com
Eleven Northeast and Mid-Atlantic governors signed an MOU agreeing to develop a low carbon fuel standard for the two U.S. regions. Click here to read the full article.
2010: The Year for a Surge in Energy Efficiency – from GreenerBuildings
In 2009 there were numerous climate bill debated in Congress and every one of them mentioned something in common: energy efficiency. Buildings use 40% of the country’s energy consumption, making energy efficiency and important issue for buildings in the U.S. Click here to read the full article.
Western North Carolina to get funding for renewable energy initiatives – from Citizen-Times
The North Carolina Energy Program is distributing grants for energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives. The more than $330,000 is from federal Recovery Act funds awarded to the state. Click here to read the full article.
Tags: clean energy, economy, jobs, policy, renewable energy
Posted in Morning Roundup, clean energy, jobs, renewable energy | No Comments »
Tuesday, January 5th, 2010
Report Says Reducing Carbon Footprint is Good for Michigan’s Economy – from Michigan Radio
Michigan is hoping to slow down climate change and boost the state’s economy by implementing clean energy initiatives such as making buildings more energy efficient and using more renewable energy resources. Click here to read the full article.
Pennsylvania Invests in Projects That Will Use Waste to Generate Energy – from Waste Age
PA Governor Ed Rendell says that $5 million used to fund eight projects that will use waste to generate electricity and natural gas in PA will stimulate the economy by creating jobs and attracting investment capital. Click here to read the full article.
US govt seeks agreement on Cape Wind power project – from Reuters
Department of Interior hopes to reach an agreement by March 1 that will allow that Cape Wind power project to move forward. This project is set to create advanced technology jobs in Massachusetts. The wind farm would provide electricity for 400,000 homes, but some people are opposed to the project because of blocked views for some homes and businesses. Click here to read the full article.
California processing 244 proposals for renewable energy facilities – RenewableEnegyFocus.com
The 244 proposed facilities for renewable energy would help California reach its goal of obtaining 1/3 of the state’s power from renewable energy sources. Click here to read the full article.
Tags: clean energy, economy, jobs, news, renewable energy
Posted in Morning Roundup, clean energy, jobs, renewable energy | No Comments »
Monday, January 4th, 2010
Enviro groups have modest legislative agenda – from Seattle P-I
Environmental groups lobbying for environmental protection issues in Washington are concentrating on the small things. With the current budget deficit, these groups hope to gain ground on smaller issues as to not face more cutbacks. Click here to read the full article.
2010 outlook: Job market will be on the mend – from NorthJersey.com
An outlook predicts job creation will begin to outpace job losses in 2010. The clean energy industry is thought to have the best potential for long-term job growth. Click here to read the full article.
Wind farms could create thousands of new Neb. jobs – from Nebraska.TV
A National Renewable Energy Lab report shows 40,000 jobs could be created in Nebraska over the next two decades within the wind energy industry. If a federal goal to have wind energy make up 20% of U.S. energy is met by 2030, the projected 40,000 figure is attainable. Click here to read the full article.
Don’t think of a Solar Panel – from CleanEdge
Ron Pernick, co-founder of CleanEdge, points out that in order to win the clean-tech race, the focus on the issue should center around job creation, economic competitiveness, energy independence, and national security. Click here to read the full article.
Tags: clean energy, jobs, morning news
Posted in Morning Roundup, clean energy, jobs, renewable energy | No Comments »
Wednesday, December 16th, 2009
The Obama administration made sure to get the point across this week that climate legislation and job creation in the renewable energy industry is, and will continue to be, a top priority. The timing of all this exposure on the issue is no coincidence; President Obama is heading to Copenhagen, Denmark this Friday for the United Nations Climate Change Conference. With all the news of violent protests surrounding the climate conference and the failure for the participating nations to come to any sort of agreement, it’s no wonder President Obama and his administration are attempting to cast a positive light by promoting renewable energy here in the U.S.
On Tuesday, President Obama spoke at a Home Depot in Alexandria, VA to promote Cash for Caulkers, in hopes that residents will weatherize their homes, which will in turn create many jobs for manufacturers, contractors and installers across the country. Homeowners who weatherize their homes will receive cash incentives (up to $12,000) and funding will also be allocated to companies in the renewable energy/energy-efficiency industries. (more…)
Tags: Biden, clean energy, Climate Conference, jobs, Obama, policy
Posted in clean energy, jobs, policy, renewable energy, reports | No Comments »
Friday, December 4th, 2009
President Obama and the White House hosted a Jobs Summit yesterday in Washington, D.C. Last month, when Obama announced this event, he said the purpose of the Jobs Summit is to get a jumpstart on hiring across the United States, but also cautioned that federal resources are limited. Businesspeople and politicians from across the country gathered in D.C. to hear Obama open and close the Jobs Summit, while breakout and Q&A sessions took place in between. For more detailed accounts and specifics of the Summit here are a few articles from the Los Angeles Times, NPR and The New York Times.
There were many skeptics and critics of the Jobs Summit before the event, and many recounts of the Summit in the news today are skeptical of how the Job Summit helped or will help create jobs. Some articles question whether the Summit was more of a photo-op for the administration and imply the event was held solely as a publicity stunt. (more…)
Tags: cash for caulkers, climate, jobs, jobs summit, policy, renewable energy
Posted in clean energy, conference, jobs, policy, renewable energy, reports | No Comments »
Thursday, October 29th, 2009
After two and a half days of walking the exhibit floor at Solar Power International 2009, we managed to see what the 900+ exhibitors had to offer. Below are pictures and brief descriptions of some neat new technologies exhibitors had on display. Though our feet may be aching, the walking was well worth seeing these new innovations and speaking with companies about the technology and business outlook across the spectrum in the solar industry; we can confidently say the future is looking bright!
GreenTow
GreenTow manufactures mobile solar power trailers. These can be used for emergency power needs, outdoor events and projects, and residential use. (more…)
Tags: clean energy, solar, Solar Power International
Posted in clean energy, conference, renewable energy, solar | No Comments »
Tuesday, September 15th, 2009
Next week (Sept. 24-25) some of the most powerful global leaders will convene in Pittsburgh, PA for the G-20 Summit to review and discuss key issues regarding the world’s economy. A significant and timely issue surrounding the world’s economic state is economic sustainability, a financially realistic and obtainable way to progress toward environmental sustainbility.
The world’s leaders attending the G-20 Summit must make decisions to create millions of jobs that will assist in the progression of a sustainable environment. A recent report released by Greenpeace and the European Renewable Energy Council states that 2.7 million jobs can be created in the power sector worldwide by 2030 if we move toward renewable energy means. On the other hand, the report titled Working for the Climate notes that half a million jobs could be lost in the power sector during the next 20 years if we choose to ignore the facts and don’t engage in more clean energy opportunities. (more…)
Tags: clean energy, G-20, jobs
Posted in clean energy, jobs, policy, renewable energy, reports | No Comments »
Monday, August 24th, 2009
Last week seven U.S. territories and states received stimulus money from the U.S. Department of Energy as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to invest in renewable energy. An article from Renewable Energy World explains Illinois, Alabama, North Dakota, and Washington, D.C. (all recipients of the recent stimulus money) will all spend part of the money on improving government buildings for better energy efficiency.
The continuation of stimulus dollars allotted toward renewable energy projects allows for more job growth in the renewable energy industry. When additional states meet the requirements by the Recovery Act for renewable energy funding, even more job opportunities in the industry will arise across the country.
Tags: green, jobs, renewable energy, stimulus
Posted in jobs, policy, renewable energy | No Comments »
Wednesday, August 19th, 2009
As noted in multiple reports and studies, employment opportunities in the clean energy industry is expected to grow rapidly over the next few years. It only makes sense for colleges and universities to offer courses and degrees to train students for clean energy jobs. These jobs range from engineering to project management and everything in between. Each academic year more educational institutions are adding programs focused on sustainable energy practices.
A recent article from examiner.com highlights the launch of the Michigan Academy for Green Mobility that will train automotive engineers for renewable energy jobs. This program will be offered at Michigan Technological University and Wayne State University, initially offering two courses for this program. (more…)
Tags: clean energy, education, jobs, renewable energy, sustainable energy degrees
Posted in education, renewable energy | No Comments »
Subscribe to RSS
