NEWS RELEASE SAULT STE. MARIE INNOVATION CENTRE ************************ Sault well positioned for a powerful future in alternative energy February 21, 2012 - The Sault Ste.

NEWS RELEASE

SAULT STE. MARIE INNOVATION CENTRE

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Sault well positioned for a powerful future in alternative energy



February 21, 2012 - The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC) today announced the release of a Smart Energy Strategy for the community, positioning it as a viable jurisdiction for investment and growth in energy projects.



Drawing on the momentum Sault Ste. Marie has experienced in the alternative energy sector with the development of wind and solar farms, as well as the development of a cogeneration and proposed waste to energy plant, SSMIC and the Destiny Energy Committee commissioned Nicholas Parker and Parker Venture Management to prepare a strategy for the community based on in-depth discussions, interviews, stakeholder sessions and analysis of clean technology trends.



Results show that participants of the study were supportive of a renewed vision for the community parallel to the guiding principles common in the strategy.



Proposed strategic priority areas and associated activities of the Smart Energy Strategy include:

• Accelerated activity in conservation, energy efficiency, and heat recovery

• Alternative energy and development of an intelligent regional grid (Smart Microgrid)

• Creation of a Community Investico and ensuring retention of investment throughout the region

• Community branding and outreach.

"Because of its unique combination of assets, the Sault is strategically positioned to take advantage of shifts in Ontario and North America's energy economy," said Nicholas Parker, Parker Venture Management.



Estimated job creation for the Smart Energy Strategy is 300-600 for Sault Ste. Marie and region if implemented and project plans come to fruition.



“Local stakeholders are excited at the opportunities identified and anxious to implement priority recommendations from the strategy,” said Tom Vair, executive director, SSMIC. “We look forward to working with a diverse group of organizations and citizens in order to capitalize on the unique advantages that Sault Ste. Marie and region possess and continue the momentum of our energy sector.”



Partners include the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre, the City of Sault Ste. Marie, Sault College, the Sault Ste. Marie Public Utilities Commission, the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation and private sector representatives.

Funding for the strategy was provided by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, City of Sault Ste. Marie, Sault College and Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre.



The executive summary of the strategy is available at this website and complete copies of the Smart Energy Strategy can be obtained by request.

For more information, please contact Diana Medaglia, marketing and communications manager, at 705-942-7927, ext. 3138 or by e-mail.



About Parker Venture Management

PVM is the investment and advisory company of Nicholas Parker.

Clients include major global corporations, sovereign governments and private family offices.

Nicholas Parker is chairman of the Cleantech Group - the market-leading research company that introduced the cleantech concept to the investment and business community in 2002, and Parker Venture Management, his private investment and advisory business.

He’s currently chairman of Corporate Knights Media, the Blue Economy Initiative, and the WaterTAP Corporation, as well as on several boards, including Government of Singapore Energy and Cleantech Advisory Panel and the Canadian Centre of Excellence for Commercialization of Research.

From 2003-08, he was Chairman of E+Co, the award-winning investment company for clean energy enterprises in developing countries.

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