1. Vermont Environmental Consortium Building A Competitive Advantage For Our Future

2. Introductions The Partners n Environmental Technology Firms n State of Vermont - Agency of Commerce n Vermont Chamber of Commerce n US. Department of Commerce n Sustainable Jobs Fund n Lisman & Lisman n Associates in Rural Development

3. US Department of Commerce Grant - Overview

4. Trade Missions n Taiwan n Mercosur

5. Chinese Petroleum Corporation n The Trip to Taiwan led by Governor Dean n The Meeting with Chairman Chen n The Proposal n The Idea n The Reality n Other Opportunities

6. What is a consortium? n Group of Businesses in the same industry working together to attain new business. n Networking between similar or like businesses in an industry to create sustainability.

7. An Example from Montana n Has about 70 environmental firms. n Most making less than $2 million in annual sales n Specializing in mining & clean-up technologies n Independent businesses

8. Critical Mass & Strategic Focus n Critical Mass - 43 firms signed on to the Rocky Mountain Environmental Consortium n Organization - One-stop shopping for environmental companies n Politics - One large group is stronger than one individual company to access political support and international markets n Niche Marketing - Working together establishes credibility & market advantage n Focus - Chose international markets based on profiles and matched them with Montana’s environmental expertise n The consortium has bid on four projects. Expected to be managing a portfolio of $40-50 million

9. The Bottom Line & The Catch Montana’s Approach 2 Years Minimum of time to be short listed for $50 - 100 million contracts. Be able to demonstrate to the decision makers that the proposal is serious and that as small businesses and a small state we are committed to their community beyond the project. Need Project administrator to administer projects, develop the government relations and put together the proposals.

10. Funding Sources n Sustainable Jobs Fund n US Department of Commerce Grant n NASDA - Exploratory Grant & Consortium Grants n USAID

11. Growth in International and National Environmental Projects

12. Total Environmental Exports in the state of Vermont -1990 - 1998

13. Discussion n What are you doing now? n What are you unable to do because you lack resources? n What goals have you established for your company? n What other partners can you think of to be included in this consortium?