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The Green Leader Reader
A newsletter from the GCA
In This Issue
On-the-Job Training funds
Electric vehicle readiness
Sierra College PV program opportunities
Update: Energy Upgrade CA
Clean Energy Sector Strategy
Events
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Issue: #30June/2011
Greetings!  

 

What an eventful month in the Sacramento Region! We began with the GCA's "Road map to 3,000 Jobs" event, where we presented the Region's Clean Energy Sector Strategy, and previewed the research and work being done across industry sectors to grow the clean tech economy. Thank you for all who attended! 

 

The following week, EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson visited Sacramento for the first time, and during her visit spent time learning about sustainability efforts and meeting with 14 CEOs

CEOs & Lisa P. Jackson at Greenwise

Regional CEOs with
EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson
Photo: Phil Kampel Photography 

from around the Region. Ms. Jackson spoke at a special Greenwise event where she applauded the Region's progress in "advancing transformational ways to reduce waste, conserve water and cut down on energy use, while at the same time creating green jobs." 

 

Last week I attended GOVERNING Magazine's Summit on Sustainability, along with 100 state and regional leaders focused on the opportunity for job creation through the intersection of sustainability and economic development. I was able to share the experience and outcomes from Greenwise, and gather insight about measuring success and innovative programs from across the country. 

 

Have a Safe & Happy 4th! 

 

Be Well,

Julia 



On-the-Job Training funds are available

On-the-Job Training is designed to partially reimburse employers for training costs of a new employee, covering as much as 90% of the employee's wages (excluding benefits) for a training period of up to six months.  

 

To be eligible for the program, an employer must have a job opportunity in the Sacramento region that will last at least a year after the training period. The new employee must be an  resident of Sacramento County or someone living in the region (including Nevada County and the north part of San Joaquin County) who has been unemployed for more than 21.5 weeks.   

The On-the-Job Training program, entering its third year of operation, is funded by SETA using DOL WIA Dislocated Worker funds. For more information, download the program flyer or contact Todd Bessinger via email or at (916)751-2752.  

Support Needed: Electric Vehicle Readiness

SACOG, SMUD, the Sacramento Metropolitan AQMD and Valley Vision are collaborating to establish Electric Vehicle Readiness in the Sacramento Region.

We are preparing a regional grant application to the California Energy Commission to hire a limited term planner to prepare a Regional Electric Vehicle Readiness Strategic Plan; work to harmonize codes, ordinances, fees and standards for electric vehicle infrastructure within the region; and coordinate infrastructure siting between agencies and adjoining regions along the major transportation corridors. We are looking for your support in one or all of the following ways:

1. Send a support letter to SACOG by July 8th. Click here for a template letter to customize to your agency.

2. Become a member of the Sacramento Region Plug-in Electric Vehicle (PEV) Consortium to be convened monthly by Valley Vision and guide the region's electric vehicle readiness efforts

3. Contribute in-kind technical services to the PEV Readiness efforts by reviewing the Strategic Plan and offering support for implementation such as permit streamlining and/or

4. Make a monetary contribution to support the 20% match required by the CA Energy Commission.PluginVehicle

Please reply by July 8th to Suzanne Mayes at Valley Vision. The grant application is due on July 25th and grantees will be notified in mid-August regarding their status.

Sierra College PV program opportunities

Sierra College's award winning solar program is currently looking for an instructor for its introductory solar course in the Fall, ESS 30. Applicants must have an AS with at least 6 years experience, or a BS with 2 years experience.  The degrees do not have to be related to solar. To apply, please contact Program Director Michael Kane.
 
Additionally, Sierra College's solar program is still taking students for the Fall 2011 semester. The program, recognized for its effectiveness at the 2010 Placer County Economic Development Summit, prepares students to work in the construction, photovoltaic, and electrical utilities industries. Applications are due by August 1st. Learn more.
Update: Energy Upgrade California workshops

With thousands of dollars in rebates available, it's the right time to plan a home upgrade. Energy Upgrade California will connect you to the rebates and incentives provided by the State and Energy Upgrade CAlocal utility programs. Learn more about the program or how to become a participating contractor by attending an upcoming community workshop in Woodland, West Sacramento, and Davis.

Interested in hosting a workshop in your city? Contact Energy Upgrade California Project Manager Jenifer Segar.
June9Clean Energy Sector Strategy

On June 9th, over 150 people joined us for the "Road Map to 3,000 Jobs" event, focused on efforts around supporting the Sacramento Region's clean energy technology sector.

A 12-month tactical plan was released, compiled by broad coalition of organizations, companies and educational institutions. The plan outlines commitment to champion strategic actions to acheive the region's vision of becoming a leading hub for the clean energy technology industry cluster. Download the Clean Energy Sector Strategy.

At the event, Congresswoman Doris Matsui remarked on the importance of investing in clean energy technology, both locally and nationally. Jack Crawford of Velocity Venture Capital delivered a great keynote about embracing the region's unique
CleanEnergySectorStrategyEvent

Click for more event photos

strengths, taking risks, and celebrating success in our clean tech sector. Additionally, SMUD and Sacramento State University announced a new partnership, formalizing commitment to a Smart Grid/Smart Energy Initiative.

Upcoming Events

 

Build it Green presents: Energy Upgrade California Participating Contractor Workshop
Date and Time: Tuesday, June 28th, 8:00AM - 11:00AM
 

Location: Joseph A. Nelson Community Center, 611 Village Drive, Suisun City  

Focus
: Learn how to get involved with Energy Upgrade California, gain visibility with homeowners who are looking for contractors doing the work, and make the most of program rebates and incentives.
Topics include: How to participate in the PG&E service territory, contractor enrollment and requirements, local opportunities and government incentives, and more. 

Attend: Seating is limited; Registration is required.

   

Sustainable Communities Regional Consortium
Date and Time: Wednesday, June 29th, 3:00PM - 5:00PM
 

Location: Sacramento City College Student Center, 3835 Freeport Blvd., Sacramento

Focus: The Regional Consortium is a monthly meeting in an interactive format to provide information throughout the project in obtaining input and feedback on the Transit Priority Area filtering process.
Attend: Registration is recommended.

 

EUCCommunity Workshops: Rebates for Home Energy Upgrades 

Date and Time: July 7th, 13th & 14th, 7:00PM - 8:30PM

Location: Woodland, West Sacramento, and Davis 

Focus: An opportunity for homeowners and contractors to learn more about Energy Upgrade California: Rebates up to $4,000 available to PG&E customers; Low and moderate-income loans and grants; Becoming a participating contractor. *Free home energy assessment giveaway! Learn more.
Questions? Contact Jenifer Segar.

 

Sacramento Green Drinks
Date and Time: Thursday, July 7th, 6:00PM - 8:00PM
 

Location: Hot Italian, 1627 16th Street, Sacramento 

Focus: A casual monthly get together for people who work in  green and clean tech industries. This month - celebrate Sacramento Green Drinks' 3rd Birthday!  

Stay Updated:
"Like" Sacramento Green Drinks on Facebook! 


USGBC Presents- Knowing Your Stuff: Life Cycle Assessment and Judging Environmental Claims
Date and Time: Wednesday, July 20th, 5:30PM - 7:30PM
Location: AIA Central Valley, 1400 S Street, Sacramento
Focus: Featuring a discussion on the different methods and metrics used to measure the sustainability of products, and the basic principles of Life Cycle Assessments and Environmental Claims.
Attend: Register today! 


Grow California Presents: Agriculture Innovation
Date and Time: July 20 & 21, 5:30PM - 7:30PM
Location: UC Davis, Freeborn Hall
Focus: Venture capitalists from Silicon Valley and agriculturists from throughout California will meet to explore possible investment opportunities within agriculture that can potentially create an innovative technology hub for agriculture in the Central Valley.
Attend: Registration is required.

Sacramento Sustainability Forum
Date and Time: Thursday, July 21st, 6:30PM - 9:00PM
Location: SMUD, 6201 S Street, Sacramento
Focus: A monthly venue for connecting businesses, non-profits, government and interested citizens in the Sacramento region in orer to promote sustainability, share insights and resources, and support movement towards a more sustainable future.
Attend: Free and open to the public! Learn more.


For event updates, visit our online calendar.