Odebrecht Award for Sustainable Development Releases Names of Judges for 2012 Program

World-class experts to determine winning sustainable development ideas in $65,000 award competition.

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – April 26, 2012 -- Odebrecht USA and Braskem have named the panel of judges who will select the winners of the Odebrecht Award for Sustainable Development. The award program seeks to uncover the most innovative ideas, practices, methods, and solutions for sustainable engineering and chemical development. Comprised of top industry leaders in sustainability, engineering, public policy, economic development, and chemistry, the panel includes:

Harvey M. Bernstein, McGraw-Hill Construction: As vice president for Industry Insights and Alliances, Bernstein has presented hundreds of speeches across the globe and written numerous papers on the topics of innovation and technology, energy efficiency and conservation, and sustainability in the built environment.
John Briscoe, Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences: A specialist in water and economic development policies, Briscoe holds joint appointments as professor in the Practice of Environmental Engineering and Environmental Health.
Tom Couling, Zachry Construction Corporation: With more than 20 years of experience working for regulatory agencies, consulting engineers, and construction companies, Couling specializes in environmental compliance for multi-billion dollar infrastructure projects.
Manny Diaz, Lydecker Diaz: During his two-term tenure as mayor of the City of Miami, Diaz was nationally recognized for his programs supporting urban design, sustainability, and green development.
Scott Kirkpatrick, Coast Builders Coalition: Kirkpatrick, president of Louisiana’s Coast Builders Coalition, is an attorney for government relations matters and has served as natural resources, transportation and environment policy advisor to former Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco.
Paula Loomis, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: In her role as sustainability program manager, Loomis provides sustainability policy, technical assistance, and training for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers engineering and construction worldwide.
Marie Martinko, Society of the Plastics Industry: As director for Industry Affairs - Environment & Health, Martinko leads the development and implementation of environmental, product regulatory, and occupational safety regulatory and technical programs.
Brooke Weizmann, American Chemistry Council: Weizmann serves as director of Sustainability/Responsible Care for the American Chemistry Council, an industry group engaged in political advocacy, communication, and research for the business of chemistry.

Odebrecht’s multifaceted view of sustainability as a synergy of economic development, social development, environmental balance, political participation, and cultural diversity will play a part in the judges’ decision, as will real-world applicability of the entries. The winning students have the potential opportunity to develop and implement their innovative ideas with Odebrecht.

Our all-star panel of judges is comprised of today’s best minds, with the real-world experience to evaluate tomorrow’s solutions to our sustainability problems,” said Gilberto Neves, president and CEO of Odebrecht USA. ”The judges have pioneered the way in their own industries, and they'll now give emerging innovators an opportunity to carry the torch for the next generation.”

The award is open to any undergraduate or group of students enrolled at a U.S.-accredited university, with at least one student pursuing a degree in engineering, architecture, building and construction management, or chemistry. Entries may be submitted through May 31, 2012, at http://www.odebrechtaward.com. Meanwhile, participants are encouraged to engage on Facebook and Twitter.

Prizes* will be awarded as follows:

First Prize:
$20,000 to the student (s), $10,000 to the advising professor and $10,000 to their university

Second Prize:
$7,000 to the student (s), $4,000 to the advising professor and $4,000 to their university

Third Prize:
$5,000 to the student (s), $2,500 to the advising professor and $2,500 to their university
Additionally, participants of all shortlisted entries will be invited to participate in the process to become an Odebrecht Young Partner or a Braskem Associate. These are trainee and internship programs where young talents will experience firsthand what it is like to work for a global leader in the fields of engineering and construction and chemicals and petrochemicals.

About the Odebrecht Organization
Founded in 1944, Odebrecht is a Brazilian multinational that operates in the engineering and construction, petrochemical, energy, bioenergy, oil and gas, real estate, and environmental engineering sectors. Present in 20 countries, it has more than 120,000 employees and $32.3 billion in revenues in 2010.

About Odebrecht
Founded over six decades ago, Odebrecht has grown to be a global leader in engineering and construction services, laying the groundwork for positive, sustainable change on five continents. Today, the Odebrecht Organization is a worldwide leader in providing engineering & construction, petrochemical and bio-energy services. As part of the Odebrecht Organization, Odebrecht USA opened its Coral Gables, Florida, office in 1990, and since then it has successfully delivered projects throughout the United States. Odebrecht has a particular emphasis on public-sector infrastructure projects of vital importance.

About Braskem
Braskem is the largest manufacturer of thermoplastic resins in the Americas. With 31 industrial plants in Brazil and the United States, the company produces more than 33 billion pounds of thermoplastic resins and other petrochemical products annually. Headquartered in Philadelphia, Braskem America, a wholly owned subsidiary of Braskem S.A., has three production facilities located in Texas, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, as well as its Technology and Innovation Center in Pittsburgh.

*All cash prizes currently listed before taxation in accordance with state and federal law.

Media Contact:
Thais Reiss
Odebrecht
(305) 341-8861

Dubai back on Real Estate Investors Wish-List, says AAA

Just a few years after a price crash among properties in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), investors are starting to return to the country, according to AAA.

Boston, MA, USA, April 26, 2012 -- Just a few years after a price crash among properties in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), investors are starting to return to the country, according to Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

The National Bank of Abu Dhabi is hoping to attract wealthy investors who may be looking for an alternative investment asset class to invest in. It wants to buy up UAE real estate with the funds raised through the commercial property fund. The fund is expected to effectively establish whether there is an appetite for these kinds of investments in the Middle East.

Although Dubai property values made a very high profile nose-dive a few years ago, investors are once again heading back to the UAE, with the hope of investing in a bargain and seeing values rise once more. The region is increasingly seen as a secure region surrounded in unrest and many Middle Eastern investors are thinking of moving their investments to Dubai as a result.

Real estate in general is growing in popularity among alternative investors, claims AAA, which advocates alternative investments of all kinds. AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, said, “The equity markets are highly volatile at the moment, and investors risk losing money overnight if they fall suddenly.”

He added, “This is leading to an increased interest in real estate and other alternative asset classes, such as forestry, social impact investing and precious metals.”

AAA claims that many of these asset classes are less correlated with equity markets, meaning they are less likely to drop in value when the economy takes further slides. They are also good diversifiers against risk.

AAA supports environmentally responsible projects and investments into sustainable forestry plantations and renewable energy projects. Firms like Greenwood Management, which runs plantations in Brazil, offer foreigners the chance to invest in timberland with a modest initial investment.

About Alternative Asset Analysis:
The remit of Alternative Asset Analysis is to analyse and provide news on the global performance of a wide range of alternative asset classes including, but not restricted to, commodities, real estate, forestry, foreign exchange, hedge funds, private equity and venture capital.

Media Contact:
Anthony Johnson
Alternative Asset Analysis
71 Commercial St
Boston, MA 02109-1320
617-939-9596

National Leader Volunteers For Ilario Pantano Campaign for Congress in Wilmington NC

William Gheen of the national organization Americans for Legal Immigration PAC is traveling to Wilmington, North Carolina, this weekend to volunteer for the ALIPAC endorsed congressional campaign of Ilario Pantano.

Raleigh, NC, USA -- William Gheen of the national organization Americans for Legal Immigration PAC is traveling to Wilmington, North Carolina, this weekend to volunteer for the ALIPAC endorsed congressional campaign of Ilario Pantano.

Ilario Pantano faces NC State Senator David Rouzer in the GOP primary to be settled on May 8. ALIPAC has endorsed Ilario Pantano for his strong stance in favor of immigration law enforcement instead of Amnesty.

In contrast, David Rouzer has lobbied Congress in the past in an effort to pass Amnesty legislation for illegal aliens that is opposed by a large majority of American and GOP voters.

"I'm looking forward to getting out from behind the computers and on the front lines of the fight against illegal immigration by getting in the trenches as a volunteer with the Pantano campaign this weekend," said William Gheen, President of ALIPAC. "If enough voters understand that David Rouzer actively supports Amnesty for illegal immigrants, then Pantano will win this race."

William Gheen has served as a campaign consultant in North Carolina prior to forming Americans for Legal Immigration PAC in 2004, which has quickly become the nation's largest grass roots political action committee addressing the issue of illegal immigration. Gheen has also served as an Assistant Sgt At Arms to the NC Senate, a legislative aide, and a registered issue lobbyist, and is cited regularly in state, national, and global media.

William will be filming short video clips during his volunteer efforts on the Ilario Pantano campaign for a video blog that will be released nationally to encourage other American activists to volunteer for the over 100 federal campaigns currently endorsed by ALIPAC. (See list at http://www.ALIPAC.us)

"Volunteering for one of our ALIPAC endorsed campaigns is a great way to support the national fight against illegal immigration and illegal alien Amnesty supporters like David Rouzer," said William Gheen. "ALIPAC was founded by campaign volunteers and this year we want to return to the founding motivations of our group by calling on Americans from Carolina to California to deploy behind campaigns that stand with Americans against illegal immigration."

William Gheen will be conducting interviews with the media while in Wilmington Friday, April 27, through Sunday, April 29. To schedule interviews or for more information please visit http://www.alipac.us or call (866) 703-0864.

Media Contact:
William Gheen
President
Americans for Legal Immigration PAC (ALIPAC)
Post Office Box 30966, Raleigh, NC 27622-0966
FEC ID: C00405878
(919) 787-6009

Rosendin Electric's Participation in Associated Schools of Construction Student Competition Helps Train Next Generation of Project Managers

Rosendin Electric Expands Support for ASC Western Region Student Competition with Open Call to Train Student Teams from Any College.

SAN JOSE, CA (April 26, 2011) -- Rosendin Electric, one of the nation’s largest private electrical contractors and a 100% employee-owned company, was back again this year with an extended program to support construction management students participating in the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) Western Region Student Competition held in Reno, Nevada. Rosendin Electric has committed to support the student teams by offering assistance to any school participating in the competition.

Every year, students from construction management schools across the country compete in the regional ASC Student Competitions to win trophies and monetary prizes. Each team of six students must complete a complex problem in various construction categories, including one in the electrical industry. Since the ASC added the electrical question to the Western Regional competition in 2008, Rosendin Electric has offered comprehensive training to students to bring practical experience and expertise to help them solve the problem.

Rosendin Electric is committed to expand and continually offer its support program to any college participating in the electrical problem. The field included 1,300 students from 64 schools throughout Regions 6 and 7, which covers the Rocky Mountains and western United States. This year, Rosendin Electric worked with student teams from seven schools, including Arizona State University, Auburn University, Boise State University, California Polytechnic State University, California State University at Chico, Purdue University, and Sacramento State University.

The problem posed for 2012 was the construction of a multi-level condominium in a high-density location in San Francisco. Rosendin Electric has an office in San Francisco and the company’s experts are familiar with the unique aspects of the city’s zoning and construction, so they were able to assist the ASC competitors using their special knowledge. More than 20 Rosendin Electric employees from engineering, estimating, safety, business development, operations, and human resources volunteered their time to help students prepare for the competition. A number of students received on-site training at Rosendin Electric’s San Jose headquarters and Rosendin Electric experts traveled to school locations to offer on-campus training as well.

This annual competition continues to raise the bar for both students and contractors,” said Richard Wilder, Human Resources Manager for Rosendin Electric. “We love supporting the ASC because it gives us an opportunity to train students using our best practices, and perhaps meet budding project managers who could be working for Rosendin Electric in the near future. In fact, we hired a winner from last year’s student competition. The entire industry benefits from this collaborative competition.”

This year’s ASC Region 6 and 7 winners in the electrical category were Auburn University with first place, Purdue University taking second place, and California Polytechnic at San Luis Obispo taking third place.

About Rosendin Electric
Rosendin Electric, Inc., headquartered in San Jose, California, is a 100% employee-owned electrical engineering, power and communications provider and is one of the largest privately held electrical contractors in the United States. With over 2,500 employees, Rosendin Electric has offices and experience nationwide and has built upon a 90-year reputation for quality design and installations. For additional information, visit http://www.rosendin.com.

Contact:
Shelly Goulart
Marketing Manager
Rosendin Electric, Inc.
880 Mabury Road
San Jose, CA 95133
(408) 534-2819

NanoMarkets Announces Upcoming Reports on Organic (OPV) and Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) Markets

NanoMarkets has added two new reports to the firms schedule titled “Opportunities in the Organic Photovoltaics Market - 2012” and “BIPV Encapsulation Markets - 2012.”

Glen Allen, Virginia - April 26, 2012 -- Industry Analyst firm NanoMarkets has added two new reports to the firms schedule titled “Opportunities in the Organic Photovoltaics Market - 2012” and “BIPV Encapsulation Markets - 2012.” The reports will be available in May of 2012 and continue the firm’s coverage of the increasingly challenging PV market. Details of the reports are available at http://www.nanomarkets.net.

The reports follow recent releases on dye sensitized cell (DSC) photovoltaics and BIPV glass markets.

Opportunities in the Organic Photovoltaics Market - 2012

The OPV market continues to struggle to get off the ground. The last year has produced a few bright spots - some new investments, some modest performance enhancements, additional demonstration and/or niche product launches, etc. - but the industry still needs a big breakthrough, or at least a clear path toward a large-area, large-scale application that can take OPV to the next level commercially.

Unfortunately, the value propositions that have been claimed for OPV in the past continue to get harder and harder to make: costs are still very high, flexible encapsulation is still a problem, and a big market pull for portable, small-scale charging has not materialized. Meanwhile, development and commercialization of DSC photovoltaics has outpaced that of OPV, and now it looks as though time for OPV may be running out.

In this report NanoMarkets looks at the changing prospects for commercialization of OPV in off-grid applications like solar chargers, as well as emerging - and larger-scale - opportunities for OPV in the BIPV market, particularly in BIPV glass and flexible BIPV applications. We also pay particular attention to the activities of the key OPV firms, and we examine the shifting market prospects brought on by technical achievements, commercialization efforts, demand patterns, and competition from other technologies. Based on these analyses, we have also updated our eight-year forecasts for both OPV materials and modules.

BIPV Encapsulation Markets - 2012

As the solar industry turns towards BIPV there will be a growing opportunity for the encapsulation business. Flexibility is often required in BIPV and this means that manufacturers of BIPV often have an immediate need for an effective flexible PV encapsulation system. In addition, as monolithic integration becomes more common, specialist encapsulation systems are required to protect the relatively delicate CIGS, OPV and DSC absorber materials that are commonly used in such products.

This report identifies and quantifies the emerging market for encapsulation systems and materials in the BIPV market. It investigates both how the leading suppliers of encapsulation products are viewing BIPV as a market for their products and the current and future demand for encapsulation from the BIPV industry itself. This NanoMarkets report includes a granular eight-year forecast of the BIPV encapsulation markets and assessments of the leading product/market strategies being adopted in this business.

About NanoMarkets:

NanoMarkets tracks and analyzes emerging market opportunities in energy, electronics and other markets created by developments in advanced materials. The firm is a recognized leader in industry analysis and forecasts of this kind and has been covering the photovoltaics sector for more than six years. Visit http://www.nanomarkets.net for a full listing of NanoMarkets' reports and other services.

Media Contact:
Robert Nolan
NanoMarkets, LC
PO BOX 3840
Glen Allen, VA 23058
804-270-1718