Friday, July 29, 2011
Brookings reports on the green economy
The Brookings Institute has released the report companion to its July 13th conference on the event of and trends in the green economy. The full report is in the Library, but you can also check out videos of 2 panels and the welcome session of the conference at the Brookings conference page
CA wind turbine rebate program in trouble
from today's Sacramento Bee (7/29):
Turbine maker accused of fraud
By Anne Gonzales
Published: Friday, Jul. 29, 2011 - 12:00 am | Page 6B
"The state's wind power rebate program is in a tailspin, after the California Energy Commission accused a turbine manufacturer of fraud this week.
The program for getting wind power rebates was suspended March 4 to allow the commission time to review a flurry of applications from DyoCore Inc. customers, who have already collected more than $515,000 in rebates.
Another 249 rebates for systems using DyoCore turbines were approved for almost $6.4 million, but not paid, and 1,069 rebate applications using DyoCore turbines, totaling more than $31 million, are pending review." ...
For the complete story
Turbine maker accused of fraud
By Anne Gonzales
Published: Friday, Jul. 29, 2011 - 12:00 am | Page 6B
"The state's wind power rebate program is in a tailspin, after the California Energy Commission accused a turbine manufacturer of fraud this week.
The program for getting wind power rebates was suspended March 4 to allow the commission time to review a flurry of applications from DyoCore Inc. customers, who have already collected more than $515,000 in rebates.
Another 249 rebates for systems using DyoCore turbines were approved for almost $6.4 million, but not paid, and 1,069 rebate applications using DyoCore turbines, totaling more than $31 million, are pending review." ...
For the complete story
China hotel market bottomed in 2009, rising now
from today's Hotels News (7/29):
China bottomed out in 2009: Horwath study
By Jeff Weinstein on 7/28/2011
"The 2011 China Hotel Industry Study created by Horwath HTL shows a revival in 2010 performance, especially in the major markets, after four years of declining performance levels. Primary markets such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen all recorded strong growth in RevPAR and GOP performance.
GOP levels increased for all star-rating categories with 5-star hotels recording a 28% increase in GOP at RMB 117,448 per available room (PAR); 4-star hotels recording a 27% increase in GOP at RMB 61,260 PAR; and 3-star hotels recording by far the largest increase of 52% and a GOP of RMB 35,950 PAR." ...
for the complete story
China bottomed out in 2009: Horwath study
By Jeff Weinstein on 7/28/2011
"The 2011 China Hotel Industry Study created by Horwath HTL shows a revival in 2010 performance, especially in the major markets, after four years of declining performance levels. Primary markets such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen all recorded strong growth in RevPAR and GOP performance.
GOP levels increased for all star-rating categories with 5-star hotels recording a 28% increase in GOP at RMB 117,448 per available room (PAR); 4-star hotels recording a 27% increase in GOP at RMB 61,260 PAR; and 3-star hotels recording by far the largest increase of 52% and a GOP of RMB 35,950 PAR." ...
for the complete story
Are Science Museums suffering for being too childish?
from the UK Museums Association news (7/20)
Are science collections headed for extinction?
Geraldine Kendall, 20.07.2011
"The future of science collections is up for debate at the Museums Association conference in Brighton this October.
In a session chaired by Ian Blatchford, director of the National Museum of Science and Industry (NMSI), a panel of experts will look at whether science and technology museums have lost sight of their collections.
The panel will argue that while art galleries and history museums have flourished with impressive new displays bringing collections to a wider audience, science museums have morphed into science centres aimed almost exclusively at children." ....
for the complete pre-conference news
Are science collections headed for extinction?
Geraldine Kendall, 20.07.2011
"The future of science collections is up for debate at the Museums Association conference in Brighton this October.
In a session chaired by Ian Blatchford, director of the National Museum of Science and Industry (NMSI), a panel of experts will look at whether science and technology museums have lost sight of their collections.
The panel will argue that while art galleries and history museums have flourished with impressive new displays bringing collections to a wider audience, science museums have morphed into science centres aimed almost exclusively at children." ....
for the complete pre-conference news
WTC retail bought by Westfield
from this morning's RE Business Online (7/29)
WESTFIELD SIGNS ON FOR $612.5M INVESTMENT IN WTC RETAIL COMPONENT
"NEW YORK CITY — The Westfield Group (ASX: WDC) has agreed in principle with The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey on the commercial terms for a joint venture of the retail component at the World Trade Center site. Westfield will invest $612.5 million for a 50 percent share of the joint venture, which is subject to potential increases of up to $37.5 million based on achievement of agreed yield targets. The investment will be funded progressively after the closing throughout the development period. The transaction is subject to completion of legal documentation, due diligence and final Board approvals and is expected to close in fourth quarter 2011." ...
for the complete story
WESTFIELD SIGNS ON FOR $612.5M INVESTMENT IN WTC RETAIL COMPONENT
"NEW YORK CITY — The Westfield Group (ASX: WDC) has agreed in principle with The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey on the commercial terms for a joint venture of the retail component at the World Trade Center site. Westfield will invest $612.5 million for a 50 percent share of the joint venture, which is subject to potential increases of up to $37.5 million based on achievement of agreed yield targets. The investment will be funded progressively after the closing throughout the development period. The transaction is subject to completion of legal documentation, due diligence and final Board approvals and is expected to close in fourth quarter 2011." ...
for the complete story
Thursday, July 28, 2011
AECOM and solar energy in the news!
from the Sacramento Bee (7/25):
Less red tape on solar projects would mean more jobs, study says
By Rick Daysog
Published: Monday, Jul. 25, 2011 - 12:00 am | Page 5B
"Reducing government red tape for the California solar industry would create nearly 4,000 additional jobs statewide over the next decade, according to a new study.
SunRun, a leading San Francisco-based solar provider, said inconsistent government permitting processes in California add nearly $2,500 to the average cost of installing a residential solar power system, creating barriers to growth for the fast-emerging industry." ....
"The SunRun report, conducted by the engineering consulting firm AECOM, estimated that a streamlined and uniform permitting system would reduce costs by as much as 76 percent, or about $1,900, for each residential solar project."....
for the complete story
Less red tape on solar projects would mean more jobs, study says
By Rick Daysog
Published: Monday, Jul. 25, 2011 - 12:00 am | Page 5B
"Reducing government red tape for the California solar industry would create nearly 4,000 additional jobs statewide over the next decade, according to a new study.
SunRun, a leading San Francisco-based solar provider, said inconsistent government permitting processes in California add nearly $2,500 to the average cost of installing a residential solar power system, creating barriers to growth for the fast-emerging industry." ....
"The SunRun report, conducted by the engineering consulting firm AECOM, estimated that a streamlined and uniform permitting system would reduce costs by as much as 76 percent, or about $1,900, for each residential solar project."....
for the complete story
Border zone industrial real estate on the rise
from this morning's RE Business Online newsletter (7/28):
El Paso/Juarez Industrial
Activity is picking up on both sides of the border.
07/19/11
"Industrial real estate activity is up in the El Paso/Juarez, Mexico metro area, indicating that the recession-driven slump, which had been intensified by reported violence on the border, has not deterred companies from making long-term commitments to the region. The increase in industrial leasing and sales, as well as improved employment statistics and increasing commercial truck crossing data are all positive signs for the future of the local industrial economy.
The industrial market in El Paso and Juarez totals 115 million square feet split between two countries and is an intersection of international manufacturing firms, global supply chains and the local economy. During the past 3 years both the global recession and security situation in Mexico have reverberated across the industrial market.
However, industrial leasing and sale activity is up on both sides of the border" ....
for the complete story
El Paso/Juarez Industrial
Activity is picking up on both sides of the border.
07/19/11
"Industrial real estate activity is up in the El Paso/Juarez, Mexico metro area, indicating that the recession-driven slump, which had been intensified by reported violence on the border, has not deterred companies from making long-term commitments to the region. The increase in industrial leasing and sales, as well as improved employment statistics and increasing commercial truck crossing data are all positive signs for the future of the local industrial economy.
The industrial market in El Paso and Juarez totals 115 million square feet split between two countries and is an intersection of international manufacturing firms, global supply chains and the local economy. During the past 3 years both the global recession and security situation in Mexico have reverberated across the industrial market.
However, industrial leasing and sale activity is up on both sides of the border" ....
for the complete story
Sacramento arena financing plan?
from this morning's Sacramento Bee (7/28);
Mayor's panel focuses on 'user fees' to fund new Sacramento arena
By Tony Bizjak, Ryan Lillis and Dale Kasler
Published: Thursday, Jul. 28, 2011 - 12:00 am | Page 1A
Last Modified: Thursday, Jul. 28, 2011 - 8:25 am
"Five years ago, Sacramento tried to finance a downtown sports and entertainment arena by asking voters to tax themselves. The result: an overwhelming "No way!"
With just weeks to go before a Sept. 8 deadline to reveal a new arena financing plan, the mayor's brain trust is taking a new approach they say will be more palatable.
New taxes are unlikely. Instead, it's pay to play.
Aides to Mayor Kevin Johnson say they're focused on user fees such as ticket surcharges for people who attend arena events. That revenue could be coupled with event-night parking fees at downtown garages, new corporate sponsorships, and up-front money from private companies that could build and operate the arena for the city." ...
for the complete story
Mayor's panel focuses on 'user fees' to fund new Sacramento arena
By Tony Bizjak, Ryan Lillis and Dale Kasler
Published: Thursday, Jul. 28, 2011 - 12:00 am | Page 1A
Last Modified: Thursday, Jul. 28, 2011 - 8:25 am
"Five years ago, Sacramento tried to finance a downtown sports and entertainment arena by asking voters to tax themselves. The result: an overwhelming "No way!"
With just weeks to go before a Sept. 8 deadline to reveal a new arena financing plan, the mayor's brain trust is taking a new approach they say will be more palatable.
New taxes are unlikely. Instead, it's pay to play.
Aides to Mayor Kevin Johnson say they're focused on user fees such as ticket surcharges for people who attend arena events. That revenue could be coupled with event-night parking fees at downtown garages, new corporate sponsorships, and up-front money from private companies that could build and operate the arena for the city." ...
for the complete story
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
New wind power for OH
from today's Akron Beacon-Post (7/27)
Wind turbine project cranks up in Jackson Township
By Dave Scott
Published: July 27, 2011 - 12:27 AM
"JACKSON TWP.: The energy business is changing and the Timken Co. is gearing up to be ready for the next generation of turbines.
The company’s partnership with Stark State College, the Stark Development Board and the Stark County Port Authority broke ground Tuesday on the $11.8 million Wind Energy Research and Development Center on 15 acres at Shuffel Drive and Frank Avenue Northwest.
The 18,000-square-foot building is expected to house 65 jobs." ...
for the complete story
Wind turbine project cranks up in Jackson Township
By Dave Scott
Published: July 27, 2011 - 12:27 AM
"JACKSON TWP.: The energy business is changing and the Timken Co. is gearing up to be ready for the next generation of turbines.
The company’s partnership with Stark State College, the Stark Development Board and the Stark County Port Authority broke ground Tuesday on the $11.8 million Wind Energy Research and Development Center on 15 acres at Shuffel Drive and Frank Avenue Northwest.
The 18,000-square-foot building is expected to house 65 jobs." ...
for the complete story
Life Science industry boosted near Phoenix
from today's Life Science's Site Selection release (7/27):
Anderson Grows in Gilbert
The Banner M.D. Anderson Cancer Center is set to open in Gilbert, Ariz., on Sept. 26.
The Phoenix suburb gets a boost from a new cancer center.
by JOHN W. McCURRY
"The planned Sept. 26 opening of the Banner M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in the Phoenix suburb of Gilbert could be the impetus for development of a major regional and national life sciences industry, city officials say. The city is also poised to become a major center of stem cell research.
John Lewis was elected mayor of Gilbert, which has a population of about 215,000, in May 2009. He previously lived in Houston for several years and has long been aware of the impact of Houston-based M.D. Anderson and its reputation as a leading cancer center. He says M.D. Anderson's investment in Gilbert, along with the Celebration Stem Cell Centre (CSSC), help give Gilbert a life sciences cluster encompassing more than 2 million sq. ft. (185,800 sq. m.) and will serve as a major draw to the region." ...
for the complete story
Anderson Grows in Gilbert
The Banner M.D. Anderson Cancer Center is set to open in Gilbert, Ariz., on Sept. 26.
The Phoenix suburb gets a boost from a new cancer center.
by JOHN W. McCURRY
"The planned Sept. 26 opening of the Banner M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in the Phoenix suburb of Gilbert could be the impetus for development of a major regional and national life sciences industry, city officials say. The city is also poised to become a major center of stem cell research.
John Lewis was elected mayor of Gilbert, which has a population of about 215,000, in May 2009. He previously lived in Houston for several years and has long been aware of the impact of Houston-based M.D. Anderson and its reputation as a leading cancer center. He says M.D. Anderson's investment in Gilbert, along with the Celebration Stem Cell Centre (CSSC), help give Gilbert a life sciences cluster encompassing more than 2 million sq. ft. (185,800 sq. m.) and will serve as a major draw to the region." ...
for the complete story
Sacramento going business friendly
from this morning's Sacramento Bee (7/27) --
Sacramento aims to make itself more business friendly
By Ryan Lillis
Published: Wednesday, Jul. 27, 2011 - 12:00 am | Page 3B
"City Hall wants to fix what some officials think is a hostile business environment in Sacramento.
The city is launching an effort aimed at speeding up development and doing away with regulations criticized for scaring businesses away from the city, officials announced Tuesday.
The process will begin over the next few weeks, when the city's Community Development Department will move toward placing permitting processes online, reducing fees associated with solar projects and creating "express lanes" for some projects." ...
for the complete article
Sacramento aims to make itself more business friendly
By Ryan Lillis
Published: Wednesday, Jul. 27, 2011 - 12:00 am | Page 3B
"City Hall wants to fix what some officials think is a hostile business environment in Sacramento.
The city is launching an effort aimed at speeding up development and doing away with regulations criticized for scaring businesses away from the city, officials announced Tuesday.
The process will begin over the next few weeks, when the city's Community Development Department will move toward placing permitting processes online, reducing fees associated with solar projects and creating "express lanes" for some projects." ...
for the complete article
ACM Staycations
Want to know what North America's children's museums had to say about their summer trends and current staycation programs? Give Ruth a call.
Business Traveler study
The Global Business Traveler Assn has release basic info from its annual study of corporate travelers (7/26)
"Alexandria, VA (July 26, 2011) – Business travelers increasingly use technology to make travel more productive but also to stay in touch with those back home, says a new research study released today that outlines different types of road warriors. Looking across all travelers, a strong majority (79%) noted they commonly bring technology on their trips to stay in touch with their family and friends. At least two-thirds bringing laptops, wireless broadband, portable GPS, and smartphones also utilizing mobile travel apps, among other tools." ...
"In general, looking at all road warriors:
Majority of business travelers report there is no substitute for being there in person (78%), and enjoy traveling for work (78%).
Almost half of business travelers report that staying in touch on the road with family and friends (46%) and staying safe (46%) while traveling are the most important goals on trip.
Nearly half (46%) have to work under tight budgets, putting pressure on their travel plans.
The average trip lasts four days and costs $1,837 USD.
Business travelers tend to be college-educated (71%), 38 years old on average, and male (59%)." ...
for the complete press release
"Alexandria, VA (July 26, 2011) – Business travelers increasingly use technology to make travel more productive but also to stay in touch with those back home, says a new research study released today that outlines different types of road warriors. Looking across all travelers, a strong majority (79%) noted they commonly bring technology on their trips to stay in touch with their family and friends. At least two-thirds bringing laptops, wireless broadband, portable GPS, and smartphones also utilizing mobile travel apps, among other tools." ...
"In general, looking at all road warriors:
Majority of business travelers report there is no substitute for being there in person (78%), and enjoy traveling for work (78%).
Almost half of business travelers report that staying in touch on the road with family and friends (46%) and staying safe (46%) while traveling are the most important goals on trip.
Nearly half (46%) have to work under tight budgets, putting pressure on their travel plans.
The average trip lasts four days and costs $1,837 USD.
Business travelers tend to be college-educated (71%), 38 years old on average, and male (59%)." ...
for the complete press release
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