Monday, April 27, 2009

Green Initiatives Making Progress

Last week we celebraed Earth Day, and I can't help but notice that each year, that seems to mean a little bit more, as green initiatives become "the norm". I hope that everyone took the time to appreciate our planet on that special, rainy day and that you took special notice of the steps many businesses are making to be more Eco-friendly. Hopefully, everyone is doing their best to be "green", but we can always get good ideas from the leaders in the green revolution.

One thing I'm so happy to see is that venture capitalists are making investments in green technology even amid this recession. According to what I've read, in the first quarter of this year, 59 deals were made in green technology valued up to $836.1 million. Forty three percent of those investments made were in solar power, 15% were in battery/energy storage, 10% were in the automotive sector, 11% were in bio fuels and 7% was in wind energy.

If the investments in environmental technology continue at this pace, investments could be up to $3.3 billion by the end of this year. If you are in any way involved in efforts to advance environmental technology, make sure to spread the word throughout your community. There may be volunteers willing to help out, or investors willing to help fund your advancements.

June Bisel
Partner, BBG&G Advertising and Public Relations
BusinessCardContacts.com
845-695-1880

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posted by June Bisel at 11:27 AM 0 Comments

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Acquiring Charitable Contributions in a Sluggish Economy

With incomes hurting, and bills and responsibilities mounting, both businesses and individuals have less money for their own expenses. This, in turn means that they will have much less money to give to others. These are facts that most nonprofit organizations are wrestling with in this harsh economy. And, unfortunately, one-third of consumers are planning to give less to charity in 2009.

One method to keep contributions coming your way is to use fundraisers with very specific purposes and to communicate these purposes to the public. Sixty percent of people prefer to give "designated gifts" to non profits as opposed to simply giving money to an organization in general. Let the public know that you are raising funds to build a 4H Park, to feed the hungry, or buy new medical equipment for a free clinic. Whatever the purpose of your fundraiser is, make sure it is clear, specific, and worthwhile to potential donors.

Use the internet to your advantage, as well. People who use social networks to follow their favorite charities are commonly the most engaged. The majority of them specifically discuss charitable causes, which usually means good word of mouth for your non profit organization.

Use your listing on BusinessCardContacts.com to spread the word about your latest fundraising effort to potential business donors in the Hudson Valley.

June Bisel
Partner, BBG&G Advertising and Public Relations
BusinessCardContacts.com

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posted by June Bisel at 1:26 PM 0 Comments