Monday, October 29, 2012

Ecotech Institute Shares Top Five Cleantech Considerations For Election Time

Regardless of Party Affiliation, Elections Affect the Future of Cleantech

Denver, Colorado, October 29, 2012 - Ecotech Institute, the first and only college focused entirely on preparing America’s workforce for careers in clean energy, has put together five things to consider this political season. Regardless of your political affiliation or views on the environment and energy, being informed is the key.

“We strongly encourage our students to educate themselves in every way possible about how policy affects cleantech industries,” says Michael Seifert, president of Ecotech Institute. “Regardless of political affiliation, one thing remains consistent – every vote has implications; everyone must educate themselves about who and what to support.”

Ecotech Institute recommends the following five things to consider over the next few weeks:

1. Read sources that outline candidate’s stance on cleantech issues. While different media take different views on politicians’ positions, take the time to listen or read each candidate’s beliefs and plans. Go to the candidate’s website and seek out third-party sources, such as Science Debate, which weighs science-related responses.

2. Fact-check everything a candidate says. While it may be difficult to find politically neutral sources, fact-checking websites do exist.

3. Practice “big picture” thinking. When politicians discuss their beliefs, policies and practices, apply your knowledge of history, science, philosophy, anthropology and more to understand the implications of what they are saying. In addition, what are they saying they will do that will truly impact our planet? Here is a related blog post aptly named, “What is Crucial?

4. Don’t ignore the connection between a “green state of mind” and politics. Policy affects innovation, job creation, funding sources and more – many of which fuel the cleantech sector. Understand the connection so you can better deduce the implications of each vote. Here is an Ecotech blog post on the politics of the environment.

5. Take a look at pending legislation and read about its impact. While there are a variety of state and national bills to watch, many organizations like the Colorado Cleantech Industry Association outline public policy issues to watch.

“The future of the cleantech industries relies on politicians, businesses and voters to come together and align on what will make a positive difference for our communities and planet,” said Kyle Crider, Ecotech Institute’s director of sustainability. “Education is important in every election and that time is now.”

About Ecotech Institute
Ecotech Institute is the first and only college entirely focused on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability and is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges. Launched in April 2010 in Denver, Colorado, it offers six highly practical renewable energy degree programs that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energy employers. Classes start once per quarter and applications are always accepted. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. Ecotech Institute is a division of Education Corporation of America. For more information about Ecotech Institute, visit ecotechinstitute.com or call 877-326-5576.

Contact:
Alicia Hassinger
Communications Strategy Group
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
720-933-8119
ahassinger@csg-pr.com
http://www.csg-pr.com

Whisky can Outperform Traditional investments, claims AAA

Whisky investment can deliver serious returns on investment, claims AAA.

Boston, MA, October 29, 2012 - Whisky investment can deliver serious returns on investment, claims Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

The alternative investment advocacy group is speaking out in favour of investing in high quality whisky after a report by bloggers at Barron’s came to the same conclusion. The bloggers spoke to representatives from whisky investment consultancy firms like Whisky Highland, who claim that some whiskies have outperformed asset classes like gold and diamonds in recent months and years.

AAA recommends focusing on limited editions from sought after distilleries and big names in the Scotch whisky world. An example of the returns possible from a relatively low initial outlay is the value increase on something like the Macallan Royal Marriage whisky. They were sold in April 2011 for £150 each and are already worth four times that amount.

“It’s not difficult to see the attraction of investing in whisky, largely due to the fact that you can have fun with it and learn how to make money from the asset class without breaking the bank, explained AAA’s Anthony Johnson. “We think whisky is a good place to start for people that want to turn towards alternative investments to diversify their portfolios,” he added.

A growing number of investors, from individuals to institutions, are turning towards alternatives in order to seek out something tangible in exchange for their money. Following the economic crisis, investors are far more wary of stocks and bonds as they have been known to loose value overnight. Alternative asset classes like fine wines and whiskies, art, precious metals, timberland and antiques are not as risky, but have, traditionally offered less scope for significant returns. “This is all changing, “ exclaimed Mr Johnson. “There are alternative asset classes, like whisky and timber investment via firms like Greenwood Management, that are delivering returns that far exceed average stocks and shares returns.”

Contact:
Anthony Johnson
Alternative Asset Analysis
71 Commercial St
Boston, MA 02109-1320
617-939-9596
info@alternativeassetanalysis.com
http://www.alternativeassetanalysis.com

Black Dog Promotions Bets on the “Next Silicon Valley” and Acquires GrowAZ.org, Offering Platform for Arizona’s Tech Entrepreneurs and Investors to Connect

Black Dog Promotions, a Tempe based firm that specializes in the merging of viral marketing, public relations and social media has acquired GrowAZ.org

Phoenix/Tempe, AZ, October 29, 2012 - Black Dog Promotions, a Tempe based firm that specializes in the merging of viral marketing, public relations and social media has acquired GrowAZ.org, a popular online platform that creates synergistic relationships among Arizona’s entrepreneurs.

The firm will shift GrowAZ.org’s focus toward tech start-ups, offering entrepreneurs and investors a platform through which to connect, explore hot products and services, and pursue opportunities to grow.

According to Black Dog Promotions CEO Scott Kelly, “Arizona launched more start-ups last year than anywhere else in the nation according to a CNN Money report that cites the Kauffman Index of Entrepreneurial Activity. We’re fertile breeding ground because of our close proximity to a skilled labor force, combined with our state’s business-friendly labor and tax policies. Some say Arizona is the next Silicon Valley – and we’re betting on it.”

According to Kelly, who describes himself as a “serial entrepreneur,” Black Dog Promotions offers the expertise and experience to leverage the site, which is free to members to encourage robust participation. According to Executive Director, Jill Howard Allen, the site draws revenue via ad sponsorships.

“What we’re doing is inspiring an incubator for both innovation and enterprise to merge. Our members list their products and/or services, and also collaborate and share information, tips, and advice with other entrepreneurs,” said Allen.

Visit http://GrowAZ.org to learn more or sign on as a member. Contact Scott Kelly to explore advertising opportunities at: scott@blackdogpromotions.com

“Buzz.” It’s what we generate at Black Dog Promotions. Tapping into our broad network of media contacts, we maximize the potential of viral marketing, publicity and social media. Best, we garner results – driving your audience to visit your website, buy your product or support your cause. Our passion is to make your message resonate! Check out our website for details at: http://www.blackdogpromotions.com

Contact:
Scott Kelly
Black Dog Promotions
9920 S. Rural Rd., Ste 108
Tempe, AZ 85284
480-206-3435
scott@blackdogpromotions.com
http://www.blackdogpromotions.com