President Obama recently held a meeting with some of the nation’s largest commercial banking groups, stressing the importance of taking “extraordinary” steps to restore the U.S. economy after obtaining taxpayer bailout dollars. Financial service institutions were monetarily assisted by taxpayers to avoid bankruptcy, which was “largely of their own making,” he said; rendering them indebted to homeowners and small businesses alike.

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…

A group of world business leaders issued a clear call for change this Tuesday, issuing “The Copenhagen Call,” a demand for a global climate treaty. This came after Al Gore, on Sunday, called on attendees to pressure governments around the world to cut greenhouse gas emissions.”The clock is ticking…” Gore Said. “We have to do it this year. Not next year. This year… because Mother Nature does not do bailouts.”"The Copenhagen Call” encourages businesses around the world to adopt a treaty which will help reach GHG reduction targets in 2020 and 2050, and cut global emissions by at least 50% by 2050…

While it may seem as if commercial lending has all but dried up in the current economy, many small businesses have found that equipment leasing companies offer some flexible financing options, even in this tough economy. Over 80% of businesses in the United States utilize equipment leasing options as a means of business financing. Equipment leasing approvals are generally available in as little as 48-hours for amounts under $75k, with larger commercial approvals up to $3MM…