ComEd's is issuing rebates to business customers. You can get money for energy efficiency improvements as simple as changing incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescents. Once this year's money is gone, there's none left until next summer, so apply now. Download rebate applications directly here. State Treasurer's office has new below-market rate loans for green projects. Information here.

Aldo is the plant manager at longtime ICNC member Universal Scrap Metals. He's got a long history of implementing manufacturing efficiency improvements there and at previous jobs, and in this month's article he breaks down the basics of Lean Manufacturing. You may be surprised at some of the ways you are losing money through waste and how easy it can be to generate savings and work smarter.