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The AQMD has created the Helping Hand Initiative specifically designed to
help our stakeholders during these tough economic times. We want to help and
that is why we will be offering businesses and residents a program suited to
their needs.
Bringing investors and innovators together
Relationships and networking are more important than ever. Jobs are
scarce and competition is keen. What helps is getting to know the right
people. This summer, we will be bringing together clean air technology
developers and venture capitalists at our first conference.
Green
Tech Connect Forum
The people with
the great, innovative ideas will get connected to those that can make those
great ideas happen. The event, to be held on August 3-4 at the Pasadena
Convention Center, will expedite the introduction, and potential funding of
new, low-emission technologies needed to produce economic, energy
sustainability, and clean air benefits.
Visit the conference website at
www.greentechconnectforum.com
Contact: Chung Liu, Deputy Executive Officer, Science & Technology
Advancement
909-396-2105, cliu@aqmd.gov
Sponsoring training programs at local community colleges
We will be co-sponsoring educational training through community colleges
and private institutions. As experts in the clean fuels transportation
technology, we want to share our knowledge with students interested in
pursuing careers in the clean energy and transportation technologies.
Part of our plan is to develop curriculum to ensure that available new
low- and zero-emission technologies are properly installed and cared for
after their introduction. Our education outreach would primarily focus on
four local community colleges. We also plan to get in touch with private
institutions and offer training to students who would otherwise not be
exposed to these advanced technologies.
Contact: Chung Liu, Deputy Executive Officer, Science & Technology
Advancement
909-396-2105, cliu@aqmd.gov
Creating urban forests to achieve health benefits
By partnering with cities and counties, we hope to create healthy urban
forests that will assist us in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The
tree-planting projects will be open to government agencies throughout the
four counties we serve: Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside.
The funds, which total $1.5 million, will be equally distributed between the
four counties where there will be a dollar-for-dollar match.
Non-profits and other organizations that want to participate in the
program must apply through a local government entity. For more
information on workshops, project requirements and a full list of qualifying
trees, visit
www.aqmd.gov/aqmd/funding.html.
Contact: Elaine Chang, Deputy Executive Officer, Planning and Rule
Development
909-396-3186, echang@aqmd.gov
Enhancing customer service options to make life easier
The AQMD is in the process of improving and enhancing our customer
service activities for permit applicants and permit holders. Conducting
monthly Saturday permit assistance open houses is just one way we hope to
make the lives of the busy residents living in our jurisdiction easier. This will enable us to give
you the personal assistance your small business needs.
Expanded Permit
Assistance Program on Saturdays (pdf 317KB)
Contact: Mohsen Nazemi, Deputy Executive Officer, Engineering and
Compliance
909-396-2662, mnazemi1@aqmd.gov
The AQMD is committed to protecting public health and cleaning the air.
We believe we will be able to overcome these tough times – working together.
Click
here for
the AQMD board letter and work plan for the Helping Hand Initiative.
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