Recycling Markets Keystone Reporter
Your source for the latest in recycling markets and related news.
RMC Presented at PA Landscape and Nursery Conference
The Pennsylvania Landscape and Nursery Conference 2009 was on February 10-12 at the Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel in State College. Attendees gained fresh ideas, increased sales and met new green industry colleagues in a great, relaxing setting that is perfect for learning and networking. The Pennsylvania Landscape and Nursery Association enhances the success of its members through knowledge, advocacy, and promotion of the horticultural industry.
Jack Himes, RMC Recycling Markets Technical Specialistl presented barriers and opportunities in expanding utilization of recycled horticultural and agricultural plastics generated in the Commonwealth. He discussed demand-side recycling challenges which limit further beneficial use of agricultural plastics and economic development opportunities in agricultural plastics recycling.
Small Business Energy Efficiency Grant Program accepting applications through May 1, 2009
The Small Business Energy Efficiency Grant Program, administered by DEP's Office of the Small Business Ombudsman, provides a 25 percent reimbursement grant, up to a maximum of $25,000, to enable Pennsylvania small businesses (businesses with 100 employees or fewer) to acquire certain pieces of equipment or adopt certain processes that promote energy efficiency. Well-designed energy efficiency projects can help small businesses cut operating costs and increase competitiveness, while simultaneously reducing Pennsylvania's energy demand. The reimbursement grants can be applied toward the cost of purchasing and installing numerous energy efficient items and systems, including geothermal heat pumps; energy efficient HVAC, lighting, and refrigeration systems; insulation and air sealing projects; etc.
Company Profile: Nestor Resources, Inc.
Nestor Resources provides consulting, project management and outsourcing services to a broad range of clients. The firm specializes in the economics and policies of Solid Waste Management.
Working with the public sector, the company develops countywide municipal waste and recycling plans and provides support for the design and implementation of associated programs. In addition, Nestor Resources provides waste minimization and source reduction guidance and training to commercial and industrial establishments. The firm also works with private sector operations that provide solid waste management services including, collection, transfer, recycling, composting and disposal. Nestor Resources provides assistance in the areas of regulatory compliance, market research and analysis, training, community outreach and developing overall process improvements that enhance profitability and productivity.
Michele Nestor, President of Nestor Resources, is the primary contact for the firm. She has extensive working knowledge in solid waste planning, compliance and operations, and provides oversight for all projects. Michele has over 25 years management experience and has gained comprehensive knowledge of the Waste Industry through 20 years of diverse responsibilities.
Robert McLaren has a longstanding professional relationship with Nestor Resources and provides support on many of our projects. Bob has over 25 years experience in geotechnical engineering with particular emphasis on environmental projects involving residual, hazardous and municipal wastes. Bob has previously held key positions in several environmental engineering consulting firms and has also worked for the US Army Corps of Engineers. He has been employed by and independently, he has provided ongoing technical support to major utilities. Nestor resources can be contacted at 724-898-3489 or info@nestorresources.com
Ben Franklin Technology Partners Issues Alternative Energy RFP
Ben Franklin Technology Partners (BFTP) has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) seeking applicants capable of accelerating the commercialization of promising alternative and clean energy technologies. Multiple awards of up to $55,000 are made possible through a $250,000 grant provided by the United States Small Business Administration to Ben Franklin Technology Partners. Technology-based companies with less than 500 employees in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are eligible.
The grant supports the costs of applied research activities including, but not limited to, additional technical/laboratory work, additional market and competitive technology research, further examination/analysis of commercialization path options, and implementation of beta tests. In addition, the available funds support development of channel market strategies and full-scale commercialization of new products/processes.
Projects focusing on the following Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards (AEPS) Tier I energy sources receive priority. These include technologies generating energy derived from solar photovoltaic energy, wind power, low-impact hydro-power, geothermal energy, biologically derived methane gas, fuel cells, bio-mass energy and coal mine methane.
Letters of intent are due to BFTP on March 13, 2009 while full proposals will be due April 10, 2009.