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Mystic River

kasai — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 19:04:14 +0000

The Mystic River, which flows from the Mystic Lakes in Arlington through Medford, Somerville, Everett, Charlestown and Chelsea to Boston Harbor, is one of the great urban rivers of New England. The river and the watershed that feeds it, served as an epicenter of early activity from which sprung early settlement and economic activity in the colonies: mills, shipyards, villages. Unfortunately, settlement and industrial activity have not been as kind to the watershed.

As the watershed developed, fields were replaced with parking lots, footpaths with highways, pastoral riverbanks with polluting industrial activity and shipyards with oil storage facilities. All these have contributed to the decline of the watershed and water quality in the Mystic River.

It is now time to restore this watershed, to make it a place that once again provides opportunity for activity—both recreational and industrial—that benefits its citizens with a clean and healthy natural environment.

In April of 2007, EPA New England issued a Report Card on the Mystic, giving the River a grade of D for water quality. The River was meeting water quality bacterial standards for swimming just 52% of the time and boating standards 67% of the time. At the same time it issued its grade, EPA launched an effort aimed at improving water quality in the Mystic watershed. EPA will employ strategies it has found useful in its efforts to restore other urban rivers and it will find new ones with the help of the watershed’s many involved citizens.

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Route 128: Birthplace of the Digital Age

kasai — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 16:10:49 +0000

When most people are asked to name the location of the Digital Age, the first place which comes to mind is Silicon Valley. While Silicon Valley has certainly played a key role in the Digital Age, its birthplace was 3,000 miles East within a circumferential highway around Boston named Route 128.

The original analog and early digital computers were built by companies during the 1950s which set up operations in the Greater Boston area. Major companies located in the broader Route 128 area included Digital Equipment Corporation, Data General, Thermo Electron Corporation, AnalogDevices, Computervision, GTE, Polaroid, Sun Microsystems, BEA Systems, EMC Corporation, and Raytheon.

“The Magic Semicircle”

In 1955, Business Week ran an article titled “New England Highway Upsets Old Way of Life” and referred to Route 128 as “the Magic Semicircle. Magic referred to the nascent computer science companies which emerged to change the world forever.

A key resource in the Boston area is MIT, as well as Harvard and several other universities that have developed technology expertise in specific areas: Boston University in photonics, for instance. Graduates of these institutions founded groundbreaking tech companies such as Digital and Data One. The founders of Digital Equipment were alumni of the Digital Computer Laboratory at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Digital, located in Maynard, MA is best known for introducing the minicomputer to the information processing industry, a development that altered the way potential customers perceived the computer. In defining the needs of a new generation of computer users, Digital set the stage for the development of the personal computer and the workstation. In 1960 the company introduced its first computer, the PDP-1 (Program Data Processor). The PDP-1 came with a cathode-ray tube (CRT), a screen which allowed the user to see what was being entered and received from the central processing unit. Unlike the room-sized mainframe computers of the day, the PDP-1 was no larger than a refrigerator. In the fall of 1965 Digital unveiled the PDP-8. This machine triggered the explosive growth of the minicomputer industry, and the company grew from a small technical company to a major computer manufacturer.

Digital’s competitor, Westborough based Data General-One was one of the first was one of the first minicomputer firms from the late 1960s. Three of the four founders were former employees of Digital Equipment Corporation. Their first product, theNwas one of the first minicomputer firms from the late 1960s. Three of the four founders were former employees of Digital Equipment Corporation. Their first product, the Nova, was a 16-bit minicomputer.

By the ’70s and early ’80s, the computer architectures driving the industry were developed by people like Digital, Prime, and Data General. With the overwhelming dominance of the PC, however, the center of heat and light for the PC is Intel as the microprocessor provider and Microsoft as the operating system provider.

These computer technology companies were the key generators of economic growth in Massachusettes during the 1980s. The term “Massachusetts Miracle” refers to a period of economic growth in the state of Massachusetts during most of the 1980s. Previous to this, the state had been hit hard by deindustrialization and resulting unemployment. The growth was heavily centered in high-tech industry and financial services, within Boston and in its suburbs along Route 128. The expansion of the high tech industry along MA-128 has led to the term “128″ meaning more than just the road itself, but the technology area as a whole, much like Silicon Valley.

20th Century Business Model

The early success of Route 128 was their innovative technology and management style. Though cutting edge for it’s time, most companies lost their competitive edge by the mid 1980s. Digital is a good case study. Digital’s customers were mostly scientists and engineers who did not require technical support, the company provided virtually none of the software and maintenance services offered by its giant competitors. Digital did not spend its capital on software design and maintenance services, and passed its savings along to customers. With its lion share of the workstation market, it was content with its dominance in the core minicomputer market, however, Digital was slow to adapt its product line to these new markets.

By 1990, companies such as Digital, Data-One and Wang were unprepared for the 21st Century and the advent of cyberspace. Though Norwood, MA based Wang enjoyed far more success in the PC market, it succombed to a hostile takeover. Digital had ignored IT consultants and trend analysts who had predicted the old mainframe model was becoming fast obsolete.

IBM, which invented the PC, saw the potential of the consumer market for computers after the Apple company sold its first computer in 1978. The Route 128 companies lacked the vision to look for markets besides big business as well as other software and hardware engineers.

Silicon Valley, in contrast, was ahead of the curve regarding the consumer computer market. Intel made strategic partnerships with IBM and other PC manufacturers, as well as partnering with Microsoft which placed Silicon Valley front and centre of the the dot com boom.

Route 128 Today

Today, according to economists, venture capitalists, and technology executives, Boston’s strength lies in fields like Internet software and biotechnology, which are fueled by the concentration of talent flowing out of MIT, Harvard, Boston University and others. A 20044 study by MIT and the Bank of Boston, an early national review of the economic impact of a research university, found that MIT graduates and faculty had founded 4,000 companies, employing 1.1 million people and generating $232 billion in worldwide sales. If the companies founded by MIT alumni formed an independent nation, it would be the 24th-largest economy in the world, somewhere between South Africa and Thailand, the study said. Massachusetts has the highest number of patent applications per capita of any state. There remains, however, no comprehensive report of these figures since the Panic of 2008.

Greater Boston remains a global technology hub. It has a healthy competition with Silicon Valley. IBM’s Lotus Development Corp., based in Cambridge, is holding its own in groupware vs. Netscape and Microsoft. EMC Corp. in Hopkinton, Mass., is the world leader in computer data storage products and is on the leading edge of cloud computing. Open Market Inc., another Cambridge company, is successfully competing against Microsoft and Netscape in selling software for electronic commerce.

Boston’s greatest strength is that it remained relatively unscathed by the Dot Com Crash of 2000, which left a devastating impact on Silicon Valley in terms of the number of lost jobs. Another asset compared to Silicon Valley is Boston’s lower cost of living. Most of the companies are accessible by Boston’s old yet efficient public transit. While commercial and residential rental rates remain high, the cost of renting an apartment in Somerville or Medford is lower than in Silicon Valley. Even in the current turbulent housing market, housing prices in Greater Boston are competitive with Silicon Valley.

While Boston remains in the shadow of Silicon Valley, it shows no sign of disappearing as a region of IT innovation and development.

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Earth Day and Green Businesses in Philadelphia

Jovana — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 13:49:30 +0000

Earth Day is inspiring more and more green, business, educational, government, private and non-profit organizations to take part in these days events, seminars, celebrations and gatherings all around the world. United States of America, as the home of the first Earth Day, is specially involved in these happenings, offering people, entrepreneurs and students more information and advices about the eco-friendly working and living.

Go Green Expo (an eco-friendly business and consumer lifestyle showcase) invites business leaders, eco-minded consumers and their families to explore aspects of green living and sustainable business practices including energy, home and building, transportation, electronics, food, and health & beauty. This organization takes part in Earth Day, promoting green businesses and eco-friendly values.

A special business session is organized this weekend at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, 100 Station Ave, Oaks, complimentary to trade professions and buyers with business cards. The expo is open to the public 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 pm Sunday.

Joining the lineup of keynote speakers and special appearances this year is alternative energy advocate and candidate for U.S. Congress, Pennsylvania State Representative Bryan Lentz (D-Delaware County) who will give his speech at 2 p.m. Sunday. The green race car driver Leilani Munter, also known as the Carbon Free Girl, will hold the speech at 1 p.m. Saturday.

Special speaker sessions and panel discussions include topics such as “Greening Your Home,” “Eco-Fashion & Lifestyle,” “State of Our Environment,” “Green Entrepreneurs,” “Triple Bottom Line Energy Management,” “Alternative Transportation and Sustainable Investing.”

Key exhibitors include Volkswagen and General Motors, who will showcase the latest cleaner-burning automotive technology, Earth-friendly paper goods company Marcal and sustainable printing service Print Responsibly.

“I am pleased to welcome the Go Green Expo back to the Philadelphia region. In a city which is quickly becoming recognized for its ambitious sustainability initiatives, and a state which has proven its green leadership, you couldn’t choose a better place to be.”

-Mayor of Philadelphia, Michael Nutter

For more information and a full schedule of the show’s events, visit www.gogreenexpo.com

If you are interested in making you business officially green, appealing to a larger business community and using the multiple environmental promotion and marketing capability which our Green Commerce Bureau provides for green business owners, sign up for your business’ green certificate.

Earth Day Events in Washington D.C.

Jovana — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 15:42:10 +0000

This April many Americans will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the first Earth Day. This holiday is designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for our environment. It reminds us of the importance of our planet and nature we are living in. Also, this is a great reminder of all the benefits that respectful relation with our environment brings to the nature, but to all of us as well. It is estimated that over 200 million people in 150 countries will participate this year. Earth Day is as significant in 2010. as it was a 40 years ago. Different manifestations, competitions, gathering and celebrations will be held in many cities. Join them. Feel the green spirit.

Washington D.C. will be epicentar of green events this year. You just need to choose the event that you like best. Sport, business, music, art…

The Earth Day Climate Rally

National Mall – Sunday, April 25,

Earth Day Network will organize a massive climate rally on The National Mall to demand Congress passes strong legislation. The Climate Rally will include speeches from environmental stewards Reverend Jesse Jackson, film director, James Cameron, AFL-CIO President, Richard Trumka, Olympic gold medalist, Billy Demong, producer, Trudie Styler, author, Margaret Atwood and others. The Climate Rally will also feature live music from: Sting, John Legend, The Roots, Passion Pit, Bob Weir, Patrick Stump, Mavis Staples, Q-Tip, Booker T and many more!

Earth Day – George Washington University

April 15, 2010 (All day) – April 24, 2010 (All day) – Washington, DC

The George Washington University celebrates Earth Month with month-long activities to promote environmental awareness. Started on March 26, 2010 The George Washington University will host numerous activities in celebration of Earth Month. Student organizations have planned sustainable product sales, movie screenings, service events and lobbying activities throughout the month of April.

Eco – Art Awards – Song for the Earth

February 28, 2010 9:30pm – April 22, 2010 9:30pm- Washington, DC

Earth Day Network is seeking original songs about the environment that are composed and performed by youths, ages 18 and under, who have not yet graduated from high school. Appropriate themes include Earth Day, conservation, climate change, recycling, energy efficiency and pollution.

Green Hour at the Phillips

March 18, 2010 5:00pm – 8:00pm March 25, 5pm-8pm

The Vradenburg Café by FoodArts at The Phillips Collection 1600 21th St, NW Washington D.C., 20009

As part of Earth Day 2010, Earth Day Network is coordinating Green Hours throughout Washington, D.C. and FoodArts is thrilled to be a part of this event. On March 18th, and March 25th, FoodArts will be hosting Green Hour at The Phillips, serving organic wines and local beers to our patrons. In partnering with the Earth Day Network, $1 of each drink will be donated towards Earth Day Network. In addition, patrons who donate $25 or more to Earth Day Network at each event will receive a voucher for one free drink.

Green Hour at Busboys & Poets

on April 22, 2010 5:00pm – April 23, 2010 12:00am- Washington, DC

All three Busboys & Poets locations will be hosting Green Hours on Earth Day 2010, April 22nd, from 5PM to midnight.

2021 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009 4251 South Campbell Ave, Arlington, VA 22206 1025 5th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001

Stop by Busboys and Poets to celebrate Earth Day’s 40th Anniversary with special eco-cocktails (delicious and environmentally-friendly!) featuring sustainable spirits from VeeV and Leopold Bros.

The Green Rush

April 17, 2010 2:30pm – 5:30pm- Washington, DC

Join Live Green on April 17th for an action-packed, fun-filled scavenger hunt adventure where you race against the clock to explore DC’s most eco-friendly spots! Discover hidden treasures, solve puzzles, complete challenges, collect clues and sample food to earn as many points as possible. The team with the most points wins the grand prize of $1,000!

March for Babies

April 25, 2010 8:00am – 1:00pm- Washington, DC

The mission of March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. The event will take place at the Washington Monument grounds (corner of Constitution and 15th Street) on Sunday, April 25, 2010. Registration begins at 8:00 am. The walk begins at 9:00. Participants will walk the perimeter of the National Mall then return to enjoy lunch provided by Subway and live performances. To register online please visit the March for Babies official website.

Citizens’ Climate Congress

on April 22, 2010 1:00pm – 2:00pm- Washington, DC

Created by Global Warming Education Network

On Earth Day 2010, environmentally concerned groups and individuals from around the world will assemble at 1:00pm in front of the White House at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW. Join us to show your support in Washington DC and to demand immediate action from US leaders to deal with climate change. Sign up here.

Our number one demand will be for President Obama to take immediate steps to ensure that misinformed Americans become informed about climate change and the importance of acting now in order to preserve a livable climate for us and generations to come.

Obama Petition: If you can’t come to Washington DC on Earth Day, please do the next best thing and sign our petition on to President Obama, asking him to spread awareness and act on climate change.

Days of Service and Performance Arts

April 17-18 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

On Saturday, April 17, Earth Day Network will coordinate a volunteer park clean-up project in partnership with the National Park Service and Trust for the National Mall. This weekend, Earth Day Network and WeatherizeDC will also organize a door-to-door canvass and block party to raise awareness about how weatherizing homes in D.C. is good for the environment and the local economy. Mall activities will come alive all weekend with live music, performance arts and speakers from community leaders and environmental stewards.

Earth Day 40th Anniversary: April 22 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Members of Congress and environmental and industry leaders will speak on the Mall in honor of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day.

Earth Day and Creating Climate Wealth Summit

Jovana — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 13:54:26 +0000

With Earth Day 40th Anniversary right behind the corner, many outstanding events and gatherings are being carefully planed, organized and announced all around the world. From tree plantings and school greening to environmental rallies, live music events and community dialogues with elected officials, more than one billion people are taking action for Earth Day to fight climate change and build a global green economy.

Next week Washington D.C. will be home to numerous performances, gatherings and green actions. Appearances of many famous people are announced. Sting, James Cameron and John Legend will be a part of these celebrations, performing and speaking at The Climate Rally on the National Mall in D.C.

The green economy is one of the main issues that will be promoted, spoken about and demonstrated on this year Earth Day Anniversary celebration. Some of the events are dedicated to this specific topic connecting all individuals, students, professionals and small business people, who are interested in learning more about benefits of green economy, or who already practice green values in their everyday life and business.

Creating Climate Wealth Summit will be held in Washington on April 20-April 22, in organization of Earth Day Network and The Carbon War Room, convening some of the world’s top entrepreneurs in Washington during Earth Week. The event is supported by government, nonprofit and corporate leaders, in order to provide insights on clearing barriers to climate change solutions that will promote job creation and green economy.

Entrepreneurs will be asked to use their expertise to help devise new approaches that save tons of carbon and create jobs and economic growth.

The goal is to find new approaches that will restore economic prosperity, national security and improve the protection of natural resources. The final objective is to provide a balanced future for the planet and help new technologies to grow at the same time.

Creating Climate Wealth will be held at the

McDonough School of Business in Washington D.C.

3520 Prospect Street, NW

Washington, DC 20007

For more information and to register visit the Creating Climate Wealth Summit website.

Governor of the state of Massachusetts Announces Plan to Support Small Businesses and Create Jobs

Jovana — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 18:50:54 +0000

BOSTON – Wednesday, February 10, 2010 – Building on his continued efforts to foster job creation and economic growth in the Commonwealth, Governor Deval Patrick today filed legislation to help small businesses hire new workers and reduce the cost of doing business.

The Governor’s legislation provides tax credits for businesses that create new jobs, eases healthcare and unemployment insurance costs for employers and creates a new organization dedicated to providing businesses with the financial capital and resources they need to grow.

“Small businesses account for 85 percent of Massachusetts businesses, and for them this is an economic emergency,” said Governor Patrick at an address this morning to the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. “If we want new jobs, we need to focus special attention to meeting the needs of small businesses. That means addressing their need for access to working capital and credit, helping deal with escalating health care costs in the short term, simplifying necessary and eliminating unnecessary regulation, fixing the unemployment insurance system and helping to train ready workers.”

The Governor’s plan builds on the job creation efforts undertaken over the last three years, and delivers on many of the initiatives outlined at the Patrick-Murray Administration’s Economic Summit held last October.

Small Business Job Creation Tax Credit

A central piece of the Governor’s proposal is a tax credit for small businesses that will help create thousands of new jobs this year. Small businesses that create and retain new full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs this year will be awarded a $2,500 tax credit for each net new job they create.

Lowering Health Care Costs for Small Businesses

Under existing authority, the Governor is directing the Commissioner of Insurance to immediately file an emergency regulation requiring health insurance companies to file proposed changes in small business premiums with the Division of Insurance in advance of their taking effect so the Commissioner can review and disapprove rates that are excessive or unreasonable in relation to the benefit provided. His plan also includes legislation that would trigger a presumptive disapproval of health insurer rates that are significantly above the Consumer Price Index for Medical Services.

Unemployment Insurance Reform and Rate Freeze
The Governor’s proposal provides relief to employers by freezing the unemployment insurance (UI) rate increase schedule for 2010, minimizing cost increases on businesses. The rate freeze at Schedule E would save employers on average $158 per employee, or $391 million in total.

Additionally, the Governor’s bill makes the Workforce Training Fund a Trust Fund in order to protect employer contributions and ensure that the money in the fund is used to fulfill its intended purpose. The Governor’s bill also strengthens the Division of Unemployment Assistance’s anti-fraud measures and includes protections for workers, reducing unfair barriers to eligibility.

Mayor Bloomberg announces major reform to city’s bonding policy to increase opportunities for small businesses

San Francisco Bay Area home for green businesses

Jovana — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:03:03 +0000

For decades now, San Francisco has been well known as a center of liberalism, democracy and modern points of view, with its green movements and ecological organizations. Healthy, pure and clean way of life is more and more present in city life so no wonder that this have become a part of modern business. Green businesses are getting very popular, respected and noticed. There is no reason for you not to make your small business green-as much as possible.

So what is green business? It is a business run with responsibility to the world we live in. So if you already have or are planning to start a small business in San Francisco you might want to consider ecology as one of the basic values for your new company. Surely your company’s value is more than just the financial bottom line?

Many US entrepreneurs accepted the green concept of working, sometimes using this side of business in their marketing. Ecological products remind people of health-there is much less (or none) chemistry, less impact of technology and, generally, economy is very present.

There are two ways of practicing green business, depending on the type of your work and conditions that you work in.

First way would be to adjust your materials, machines and products to ecology. For example, if you own a dry cleaning business you should consider using eco-friendly cleaning products, or if you own a store with products for home or personal hygiene try to get natural products. Also for American customers lately it is more and more important to know what they eat, so you should consider working with fruits and vegetables clean of the pesticides or equipment for planting which would help people to grow food in their own home gardens (many ecologists believe that this is the only way to eat healthy and know exactly what we eat, so could it be a new trend?). If your company is connected with engine or sources of energy it is a good idea and a challenge to try working with solar and other sources of energy. With costs of traditional energy going up – making green business ideas related to saving energy and cutting energy costs also is a safe bet.

The other ecology business approach is very easy to apply. It is based on simple, well known green postulates such as recycle, using only the material which is necessary, and saving the electricity. Turn off your office equipment when you’re not using it and save electricity. Reduce paper waste, saving documents in your computer, encouraging communication by e-mail (instead of fax machine), find a supply of paper with maximum available recycled content etc. It is also a good idea that before deciding whether you need to purchase new office furniture, see if your existing office furniture can be refurbished. It’s less expensive than buying new and better for the environment.

Operating a green business could not only be good for the environment but could also improve your business because conserving resources and cutting down on waste saves money. And don’t forget that using eco-friendly products in your business could give you a competitive edge, so there’s no reason not to give your company a green shade.

Clean Cars and Green Jobs coming to California

Jovana — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:26:12 +0000

Opening of EVI Worldwide Headquarters in Stockton

The state of California is known to be a national leader in environmental goal, ecology and green business movements. Now we are going one more step ahead with Electric Vehicles International (EVI) opening their new worldwide headquarters and primary U.S. manufacturing facility in Stockton. EVI will design and assemble zero-emissions, all-electric, medium-duty delivery vehicles and light-duty vehicles using EVI electric motors and controllers manufactured at this facility. This way the EVI company will provide 150 direct green jobs.

EVI is a leading manufacturer of electric vehicles for multiple applications, covering a diverse range of transportation options. It was formerly headquartered in Toluca, Mexico. They produce delivery light trucks for high-traffic urban routes, ergonomically designed electric tourist vehicles and custom-designed vehicles for private facilities, ports and airports. It is estimated that their changing of location will bring not only 150 direct jobs in California by mid 2010, but also over 450 jobs including local vendors and other indirect employments. So this is a major news for regional ecology and for regional economy as well.

“California is the perfect location for electric vehicle manufacturing,” said EVI-USA Chief Executive Officer Ricky Hanna. “As the world’s leading location for adopting green technology and promoting sustainable transportation, California is where our customers are and where we need to be. Stockton is centrally-located to serve all our key markets and has exceptional infrastructure and an excellent labor force.”

This week Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger have joined officials from Electric Vehicles International to announce the opening of their new worldwide headquarters.

“In California, we are creating a new economic foundation for the 21st Century built on clean fuel, clean energy and clean cars that is turning us into the green capital of the nation and the world,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “EVI could have relocated anywhere in the world but they chose to come here to California because we have created the right environment for clean-tech and green-tech companies. I look forward to continuing to welcome these kinds of smart, groundbreaking businesses that are not only helping us meet our aggressive environmental goals but are spurring our economy and creating jobs when we need them the most.”

Since the Governor of California is quite interested in clean environment, green business and clean energy, during the last couple of years the state got some very useful ecological laws and programs such as Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32), Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), Automobile Emissions Standards, Million Solar Roofs Initiative, Sales Tax Exemption for Zero Emission Vehicle Equipment, Alternative and Renewable Fuels Vehicle Technology Program and Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS).

The Importance of Knowing San Francisco Market

Jovana — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:01:39 +0000

Market research is of great importance for every business. Information gathered through market research process helps you decide on how best to market your business. It gives you a better understanding of your potential customers and helps you evaluate your competition. Knowing your market, in this case San Francisco market conditions, news and needs is crucial for making the most of your business.

In contemporary San Francisco market small businesses need to concentrate on characteristics that set them apart from others in order to create a competitive edge. The uniqueness of a product/service is what will help them gain the firm position in the market place. Once you find out what makes you stand out from your competitors, you need to evaluate the relevance that has to your customers’ needs and wants. It is important to find out who your most profitable customers are and to learn how to effectively promote a business to the targeted customers.

Target marketing concentrates on customers’ needs and therefore builds loyalty. With better understanding of the needs of different customer groups, the marketing opportunities grow. Market can be targeted based on age, gender, location, geographic factors, demographic characteristics and other factors. The goal is that a business aims at target markets that will provide a good customer base. When you divide a market into a smaller markets then it is crucial to focus your marketing efforts on the differences that are important to customers. That can be best achieved through analysis of the targeted markets and finding out where the customers differ.

Bizcloud provides a comprehensive demographic view of San Francisco free of charge. Simply look up your business to view the demographics data to use for market segmentation.

It is also important to investigate your competition, their size, location and how best to use their weaknesses. Current economic conditions and advertising efforts are just some of the factors that influence sales volume. Marketing strategies must be reviewed regularly to determine if the customers’ needs are being met. Focusing your marketing strategy on retaining your customers is a guarantee for a long term success of your business. You can segment markets by product/service benefit your customers are looking for such as quality, low price, convenience, etc. When you identify the benefits your customers are searching you can create your offering to meet their needs. Target marketing based on customer needs and wants can increase profits. It identifies customer groups, the reasons they purchase and helps a business be more responsive to customer needs.

Green Chamber of Commerce Annual Celebration

Jovana — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:41:26 +0000

On November 5, 2009 at 5:30pm the Green Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its two years long existence and work. The event is titled “Building an Honest Economy”. The event is hosted by Wendel Rosen Black & Dean , a Green Chamber business member, and features an awards ceremony and speech by Ahmed Rahim, CEO and co-founder of Numi Organic Tea.

It is held in Wendel Rosen Conference Center, 1111 Broadway, 19th Floor, Oakland, CA.

Green Chamber of Commerce is a San Francisco-based business network of over 160 Bay Area businesses from various industry sectors including architecture & design, media, finance, legal, renewable energy and health. The Green Chamber future plans are to expand nationwide, spreading the consciences of health, ecology and nature among people and business companies.

Recently, many major businesses such as Nike, PG&E and Apple have withdrawn from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in opposition to its stance on climate change. More and more businesses are looking to alternative organizations which could represent their values. This is what the Green Chamber of Commerce is offering and present on its celebrations and events. This institution offers promotional, educational opportunities, gives a strong voice in favor of environmental policies such as AB32, California’s Global Warming Solutions Act.

Various industries whose leaders are committed to supporting and doing business with companies and organizations that share the vision of a sustainable and thriving economy, are members of Green Chamber of Commerce.

According to Green Chamber’s president, Phoebe Higgs,

“The Green Chamber of Commerce is built on the passion of companies and leaders who know going green is both better for the planet and good for business. To succeed in today’s environment, business must act with the greatest integrity, produce best-in-class products and clearly differentiate themselves in the marketplace. Companies must beat the competition on all fronts AND be green.”

Many American businesses – big and small – have begun to make the case for the economic opportunities posed by a comprehensive federal climate policy. Proponents of this type of policy are now standing behind a Senate bill called the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act. This policy could bring to our country good jobs, technological innovation and more holistic national security strategy.

As one of the globe’s largest economies, California’s strong environmental policies have clearly had a positive impact on both consumers and business. With California’s expertise and history of energy efficiency and clean energy policies, electricity bills have been lower per capita while energy costs increased across the country.

Then, there is job creation – the state’s efforts to cut global warming pollution will create hundreds of thousands of new jobs.

People are more likely to trust a business that supports the environment and more likely to buy its products, consumers are more supportive of the companies that care for the climate change and ecology issues. This is a message that has been heard by businesses in California who want to compete in a global market, lower their cost of doing business, and also do right by the planet.