Over the next decade, rapidly growing sales of consumer electronics in developing countries, such as China and India, will lead to “the spectre of hazardous e-waste mountains with serious consequences for the environment and public health,” according to a report released this week by The United Nations Environment Programme. The 120-page report, Recycling — From E-Waste To Resources, was compiled using data from 11 developing countries in Asia, Africa and the Americas.
The report finds that, in the coming decade, the volumes of e-waste created by, and sent to, developing countries is going to rise sharply, finding that, by 2020, “e-waste from old computers” will rise by 500 percent in India, while a 200-percent to-400 percent hike is expected in South Africa and China.

Full PDF:
http://www.unep.org/PDF/PressReleases/E-Waste_publication_screen_FINALVERSION-sml.pdf

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Doubletree Dearborn Hotel
5801 Southfield Expressway
Detroit, Michigan 48228

Featuring: Lunch Keynote Speaker Stanley “Skip” Pruss, Director, Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth (DELEG) and Michigan’s Chief Energy Officer

Mark your calendar for the conference that will bring together leaders in the alternative energy industry, and representatives of government, policy and technology to discuss issues and offer solutions and opportunities available in this industry. Panel discussions, breakout sessions and exhibits are only some of the attractions that this conference will offer.

The conference will feature the businesses that are already making this happen, the policy makers that are laying the enabling legislation, entrepreneurial and funding opportunities, and the industries in Michigan that have a stake in alternative energy.

Conference Schedule:

7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Registration, Networking, Exhibitors and Continental Breakfast

8:30 a.m.– 9:00 a.m.        
Welcome Presentation

• ESD Institute Directors Dave Skiven and Chris Webb

9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.        
Morning keynote speaker

9:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.        
Panel Discussion #1 – “Success Stories and Opportunities”                 
CEOs and representatives from successful Michigan companies will share their stories and discuss the issues and obstacles facing the alternative energy industry in Michigan.

• Chris Long—CEO, Global Wind
• David Prouty—CEO, HTI
• Ann Marie Sastry—CEO, Sakti3

10:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.        
Networking break and exhibits

11:15 a.m.– 12:30 p.m.      
Panel Discussion #2 – Policy
Policy experts will discuss potential impact on jobs and the economy. Experts on Germany, Denmark and Canadian alternative energy policies will share case studies.

• Dr. Soji Adelaja – Director, Michigan State University Land Policy Institute
• Irene Dimitry – DTE, Director of Renewable Energy
• Liesl Clark – Depute Director, DELEG
• Ontario “Green Energy Act” – Bureaucrat from Ontario

12:30 p.m.– 1:45 p.m.        
Luncheon and dessert in the exhibit area

1:45 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.        
Lunch Keynote speaker

• Stanley “Skip” Pruss, Director, Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth (DELEG) and Michigan’s Chief Energy Officer

2:15 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.        
Break-out Sessions
The afternoon will feature three tracks with three presentations in each.

Topics include:

• Funding/Entrepreneurs – Who has investment capital and what are funding opportunities. This is an opportunity for entrepreneurs to network and share their funding needs/concerns. SPEAKER: Jeff Bocan, Managing Director, Beringea, LLC
• Technology –Discussions on processes such as streamlining building facilities, building codes, education and technical training, wind/solar/biomass, etc.
• Policy-Michigan: Business leaders, owners, and entrepreneurs in the field of alternative energy will present their case to Michigan’s policy makers. This session will focus on creating conversation and dialogue between presenters and the audience.

5:00                 
Conference re-cap and conclusion

Link:

http://ww2.esd.org/EVENTS/2010/2010-03-03-AltEnergy.htm

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Melissa Newton
ARLINGTON (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ― 2009 was a tough year for many small business owners.

The number of businesses that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy nearly doubled between June of 2008 and June of 2009, but those owned by women seem to be bucking the trend.              

A recent study found that many women-owned businesses actually fared better last year than in previous years.

Cathi Coan started up Techway Services in 2004, and is already on her way to becoming one of the top competitors in her field.

The Women’s Business Council-Southwest surveyed hundreds of their members in Texas, New Mexico, Arkansas and Oklahoma.

“Surprisingly very little reported a downturn in their personal business,” said Chapter President Debbie Hurst.
 
The Arlington-based non-profit organization helps women grow their businesses.  Hurst says, despite the recession, many of their employees escaped 2009 unscathed.

“Many of them had even grown their business in 2009 or at least held steady,” she said.

“I know a lot of women i talk to had to cut two or three head count,” Coan said, “but they remained strong and they held in.”

To read the full article, follow the link below:

http://cbs11tv.com/local/women.in.business.2.1430166.html

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

SDB Magazine

Published: February 6, 2009

A program recognizing top companies in Canada, has named Barrie Metals, a Barrie, Ont., metals and recycling firm, as one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies. The award, first established in 1993, recognizes excellence in Canadian-owned and managed companies with revenue greater than $10 million. The award is put on by Deloitte and the National Post.

The Barrie facility, which was recognized with the award, is the location for the company’s headquarters and scrap metal division. The company also has locations in other parts of Canada, as well as facilities and joint venture operations in Texas, California, North Carolina, Michigan and by next fall, one in Singapore.

The company specializes in handling and recycling electronic scrap.

This is the third year in a row that Barrie Metals has received the award from Deloitte. According to a spokesman for Barrie, companies that operate in a unique sector, have been growing their business and are well managed are targeted with the award.

 Link:

http://www.geepinc.com/news_RecognizedTopCompany.php

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

GEEP Tops the 2009 RCO Waste Minimization Awards (pdf)

Barrie, ON – October 23, 2009 – Last night in Toronto, at the 2009 Recycling Council of Ontario’s Waste Minimization Awards Ceremony, GEEP (Global Electric Electronic Processing) Inc. won three awards for excellence in recycling. GEEP was presented with Gold awards in both the Program Operator and Business categories. In addition, GEEP was awarded the highest level of recognition – the Platinum award – in the Sustainable Product or Service category. This is indeed a testament to GEEP’s philosophy of continuous improvement.

Source: GEEP (Global Electric Electronic Processing) Inc.

Link:

http://www.geepecosys.com/en/about-us/news-2009.aspx

Bookmark It

Hide Sites