2009 CERTs Conference Media Alert


Press Release \| February 11, 2009
Contact: Dan Thiede, Clean Energy Program Coordinator, The Minnesota Project, 651.334.0000, dthiede@mnproject.org
500 Minnesotans blaze the path to a clean energy future at the CERTs 2009 Conference
	The Third Clean Energy Resource Teams Conference will be held today at the St. Cloud Civic Center on February 11, 2009. CERTs 2009: Harnessing Resources & Teamwork for Minnesota’s Energy Future will bring together over 500 Minnesotans who are blazing the paths to a clean energy future by working on energy efficiency and clean energy projects in their communities. Join Randy Udall, Kerri Miller, Minnesota state representatives and senators, over 60 expert speakers, and hundreds of citizens to find out what people are doing across the state, connect, and share resources.
	This conference could not come at a more important time. Our economy is hurting, energy prices are on the rise, and the impacts of global warming are becoming increasingly clear. Minnesotans of all stripes want to know what they can do. It just so happens that many of the solutions to our global climate challenge are also the ones that are going to help our economy and our communities thrive. CERTs 2009 will highlight energy and cost saving projects in cities, schools, businesses, homes, and farms, and we will dig into the latest on green jobs, green manufacturing, and green investment & financing in Minnesota.
	You can be a part of Minnesota’s clean energy future, and you can get energy efficiency and clean energy projects on the ground in your community! Whether you’re a farmer, utility representative, school staff, local official, student, business owner—or member of any community—there is a role for you to play. Come experience the value of community and the power of the grassroots through presentations from energy experts, elected officials, CERTs staff, students, teachers, and congregations. Gather the resources and contacts you need to plan your community's energy future.
	Discover the technologies and strategies that will help us save energy and repower Minnesota. Wind, solar, biogas, efficient cooling, heating and lighting, and fuel-efficient cars will be discussed. We will hear from communities about their successful and replicable projects, partnerships, development models, and approaches to community engagement. Extensive networking time and 46 exhibitors will allow attendees to find technical resources needed to plan and implement their projects. A conference documentary and online discussion forum will allow us to harness our collective resources and share them beyond the event.
	Cover the story and learn more: See the full agenda >>

WHO: Randy Udall, Kerri Miller, Minnesota state representatives and senators, over 60 expert speakers, and hundreds of Minnesota community members, including farmers, utility representatives, school staff, local officials, students, business owners, and residents. WHAT: The Third Biennial Clean Energy Resource Teams Conference, CERTs 2009: Harnessing Resources & Teamwork for Minnesota’s Energy Future will bring together over 500 Minnesotans who are blazing the paths to a clean energy future by working on energy efficiency and clean energy projects in their communities. WHERE: St. Cloud Civic Center, 10 4th Ave South, St. Cloud, MN 56301 WHEN: February 11th, 2009 from 9:00am to 5:30pm CONTACT: Dan Thiede, Clean Energy Program Coordinator, The Minnesota Project, 651.334.0000, dthiede@mnproject.org
	The Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) project, launched in 2003, is connecting people with the technical resources needed to identify and implement community-scale energy efficiency and clean energy projects. There are seven regional teams, and all share common goals and values—they want strong communities, local jobs, and secure, clean, reliable energy. The CERTs approach is one of pragmatism and cooperation. It’s a model for how tangible economic, social and environmental benefits can be achieved by reaching across traditional interest groups and taking a true, community-based approach.
www.CleanEnergyResourceTeams.org