1. Buy a green fleet- if you need a new company car try and buy a hybrid-Benefits IRS has dozens of hybrid vehicles that qualify for a tax credit up to $3,400.
2. Replacing old appliances with “energy stars”-you can simply achieve this by upgrading your lighting system, use compact florescent lights and high-efficiency light bulbs. Visit www.energystar.gov for more information
3. Recycle, reduce and reuse-establish a recycling program for paper, computers and other office equipment. In addition, where possible buy recycled paper and other office supplies. Visit www.EARTH911.com to find out how to recycle your old computers by (State and City).
4. Switch to renewable or high efficiency heating and cooling systems – this could be costly for new installation, but if your business requires repair or replacement, install high-efficiency units. PA doe offer tax rebates and other incentives available.
5. Eat food grown locally – here’s the fact; our food travels an average of over $1500 miles to get to our plates. Think about it. Starting today you can begin to support local agriculture and help reduce green house gases emitted by trucks used to transport food by supporting our locally grown farmers markets.

I have never been so delighted to work anywhere, until now! An email was sent to me from the Philadelphia Commercial Development Corporation (PCDC)’s CPA, Vice President & Chief Financial Officer Linda House. Ms. House requested that I look into writing a piece on PCDC’s ACES Program’s recent community/service project. The program symbolizes Academic assistance, Cultural enrichment, Entrepreneurship, Sports and Socialization. I was well aware of the positive capabilities that has and will come from an outstanding program like this. So, of course, I was going to write something to capture its success but I had no idea as to what I was about to read.

The email sent, would be the most moving piece I have ever received from a staff member, thus far. The touching correspondence would include a conversation between Aleandra Elliot, PCDC ACES Program Administrator/ Director and Nakia Bailey, mother of two ACES students: Aiyana and Travonn Parrish. Ms. Elliot introduced herself and proceeded to tell Ms. Bailey why she is writing. These words stood out to me “It is our MISSION as a program to HELP OUR TROOPS as a service learning/community service project.” How inspiring! I thought to myself.

Ms. Bailey is part of the Fox Company 2/30th Infantry Unit that is stationed in Iraq. We hear about the numerous things people do to help aid and support our troops but when the willingness to help our troops is close; it is truly stimulating. I became alert and wanted to know how these PCDC ACES were going to help the troops. Ms. Elliot asked Ms. Bailey to assemble a list of things that her unit can use to make their time in Iraq (a little) like home. Ms. Bailey replied, “Whatever the kids want to send would be appreciated and used. Anything that is within a budget for the children because we feel that the thought is what counts.”

Every day we turn on the news, is a daily reminder of just how serious this war on terror truly is. I think about all the families that have loved ones deployed overseas that are putting their lives on the line for their country. Although, these courageous men and women take honor and pride in doing their jobs to protect us; their hearts yearn for their families back home.

I could sense this while reading the e-mail between Ms. Bailey and Ms. Elliot. Ms. Bailey expressed her gratitude to Ms. Elliot and the ACES for wanting to do such a special and selfless thing like helping her troop.

She also wanted Ms. Elliot to relay a poignant message to her 11 and 7 year old, “Mommy misses them very much and thank you for being so brave and understanding. I love them.” I could not imagine how Aiyana and Travonn must be feeling not to have their mom around. Of course, they are proud of her but the sadness runs deep, I am sure.

To learn more about the program click here PCDC ACES.