NEW MEXICO GREEN JOBS

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009

NEW MEXICO Leaders meet about green jobs and the economy 

(SANTA FE, NM)—Leaders from New Mexico colleges, the renewable energy industry, non-profit organizations, and state and local governments will participate in a two day meeting starting tomorrow to discuss the creation of a statewide partnership promoting green jobs and a green economy. 

The conference coincides with President Obama’s release of a comprehensive stimulus package that includes more than $50 billion for energy efficiency and new energy projects, as well as $500 million for green jobs training programs.  The leaders from New Mexico are meeting to develop strategies to effectively compete for those funds. 

“There is a green wave of investment coming to America, and we want to ensure that New Mexico is positioned to ride the crest of that wave,” says Dr. John Fogarty, Director of New Energy Economy. 

Three local non-profit organizations, Bioneers, Regional Development Corporation and New Energy Economy have worked closely with the New Mexico Economic Development Department and New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions to develop the conference. Community colleges throughout the state have started to develop training programs for wind and solar energy, and the conference will help coordinate and expand those efforts. 

“Billions of dollars of both public and private investment will be flowing to develop the green economy in the next few years,” says David Griscom, Clean Energy Program Manager, Regional Development Corporation. “Now is our chance to create the infrastructure to help secure some of those investments.”

“The clean energy and clean technology sector represents a tremendous opportunity for New Mexico to create jobs and generate new economic activity,” says Daniela Glick, New Mexico Economic Development Department. “The Economic Development Department has begun work on a statewide strategy to ensure that we make the most of this opportunity. The creation of the Green Jobs Partnership will help to attract federal training funds, improve coordination, and ensure that our citizens are prepared for these jobs of the future.”

"This is an opportunity for New Mexico to position itself as a leader in developing its Green  Jobs workforce,” adds Griscom. “There are many existing and planned training programs around the state for the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries, and by creating a statewide partnership, we think that the State can leverage these resources with Federal support and increased business activity.”

The conference runs Wednesday, January 21, 12 p.m. through Thursday, January 22, 12 p.m. at Hotel Santa Fe in Santa Fe with an opening from the Secretary of the Economic Development Department Fred Mondragón. 

Green Workforce Summit Agenda
January 21-22, 2009 

Wednesday, January 21, 2009
12:00   Luncheon, Welcome, and Opening Remarks           
John Fogarty, New Energy Economy           
Ed Burkle and David Griscom, Regional Development Corporation (RDC)           
Secretary Fred Mondragon, NM Economic Development Department
1:10     The Opportunity for Green Jobs Funding in New Mexico            John Fogarty, New Energy Economy
1:30     The Federal Green Jobs Act and Other Federal SupportPablo Sedillo, Senator Bingaman’s Office
1:45     Proposed New Mexico LegislationJuan Reynosa, NM Youth Organized
2:00     Partnership Planning and Partnership Models
Brendan Miller, Green Economy Manager, NM Economic Development Department
David Griscom, Regional Development CorporationGreg Scheib, NM Wired
2:45     Break
3:00     Developing the NM Partnership – Small Group Work
3:45     Small Group Report Out
4:30     Adjourn
5:00     Reception Summit participants will join legislators and others for a hosted reception at the Rio Chama Steak House. Hors d’oeuvres and drinks will be served. Ed Mazria, internationally recognized founder of “Architecture 2030,” will address the group.
January 22, 2009
8:00     Breakfast
8:30     Dreaming New Mexico         Peter Warshall, Bioneers
9:00     Reconvene, Recap, and Check In
9:30     Partnership: Discussion on Next Steps
10:30   Break
10:45   Partnership: Development of Work Plan
11:45   Closing RemarksSecretary Sparrow Doris, NM Department of Workforce Solutions
12:00   Adjourn 

INTERVIEWS AND IMAGES ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

www.newenergyeconomy.org
www.bioneers.org
www.rdcnm.org 

Contact:
Jennifer Marshall
505-231-1776
jennifer@jmarshallplan.com
www.jmarshallplan.com