Jamez Staples, a social entrepreneur is founder and owner of Renewable Energy Partners (REP). Staples is a fierce proponent of renewable resources and an advocate of the green economy; REP’s mission is pairing the economic opportunity of climate change mitigation strategies with careers for the underserved, i.e., "Green Collar" economy. In April 2013, Minnesota Governor, Mark Dayton passed the Solar Jobs Act, which mandated that 1.5 % of the state’s energy must come from Solar. On October 14, 2013, Articles of Incorporation for REP company were filed. Renewable Energy Partners (REP) is a certified Minority Business Enterprise for state and federal projects. REP provides full-service renewable energy development. REP’s sister company Northgate Development has a long-term commitment to bring training by way of the Regional Apprenticeship Training Center (RATC). Currently training partnerships are still being established, however the goal is to use the existing 22k square foot building as a centralized career and technical education center for students of the metropolitan regions public schools and adults in the evening hours. RATC will focus on areas of sustainability, and emerging technology, preparing RATC students for careers of the 21st century.