General Motors has recently selected Chris Liddell - Microsoft Corp’s chief finance officer - as vice chairman and CFO to replace Ray Young. Liddell, age 51, has been CFO at Microsoft Corporation since May 2005 but is leaving his position there as of December 31st. Despite his demotion, Ray Young is staying with the company as vice president of international operations; leading the unit’s finance projects, with additional responsibilities to be “clarified in the near term,” GM said…

Searchlight, NV might soon have more solar panels per square mile than people, thanks to a long-term PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) between American Capital Energy and NV Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NVE). The power will be produced by a 20-MW solar PV plant being constructed near the town of Searchlight, NV. Southern Nevada’s existing solar array at Nellis Air Force Base is currently the largest operating solar PV plant in the United States.

Now more than ever, financing options are becoming a HUGE factor in the equipment acquisition process. Salesmen of heavy equipment/capital equipment will tell you time and time again, the ability to control the financing process allows them to close more deals. In this economy, many companies simply cannot handle the burden of paying cash for new equipment purchases, even if the purchase is necessary. Small businesses all across the US and Canada are delaying equipment acquisitions until the economy turns around, even if the upgrade/purchase is well past due. As an equipment/technology vendor, the ability to offer comprehensive equipment leasing and financing options is a must, and the ability to control the financing process can be just as important…