A new year for OC Renewables

Greetings fellow OCR-ers!  I am writing you today with an update on OCR and to spread some excitement about our organization in this new year.  Late last year, the board of OCR decided to make a few changes to the organization to preserve the elements that we've worked hard over the last several years to build while respecting the hustle and bustle of our daily lives.  The outcome of these changes should be a more flexible, leaner OCR that is ready to support renewable energy and energy efficiency technology through 2013 and beyond.  Lets take a minute to review the new OCR.

First, we will of course continue to be the official local chapter of the American Solar Energy Society and your local gateway to a national ASES membership and benefits.  Second, our Associated Director Mike Kilroy will continue to bring great renewable themed news and info to our audience through our Twitter feed, our Facebook page and posts at our website.  Third, we will continue to nurture and build our great network of clean tech enthusiasts that we have throughout Orange County.  Fourth, we will support several great annual events that we have been known for over the past years (see what we have in store for 2013 below).  Last and most importantly, we will continue to evaluate partnership opportunities with other organizations and events on a case by case basis and are excited to see where this approach can take us and our membership.  This could include anything from a presentation at a local venue by a special guest or partnering with a sister organization for a green-themed event, like a solar-homes tour.

While this means we will no longer have standing monthly meetings, here are just a few of the events for 2013 that we are already looking forward to:

• April:  The BDR Fun Run, a 5k run to support clean tech and the BDR Foundation
• June:  The OCR annual BBQ, a casual summer event at a TBD location to network and hang out
• October: The 2013 Solar Decathlon, held this year at the Great Park in Irvine, OCR will provide all in the info you need for this unique green tech competition
• December: OCR / YPE OC Holiday Party, a joint party to celebrate 2013, look forward to 2014

Thanks to all who continue to support OCR, we hope you are as excited about the new OCR as we are.  Please do not hesitate to reach out to us via the email link and the bottom of the page or the form on our membership page, especially if you have partnership opportunities for the organization.

Regards, 

Adam P & Mike K., Mike H., Yair and Dr. Lori.