"Alternative Energy Sessions for Regional Businesses" - a free event - will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at the Pine River-Backus School.

The event, organized by Region Five Development Com-mission, features speakers who are specialists in the areas of conservation, solar energy, wind energy and biomass gasification.

"Our focus is to really try to get businesses to attend so that they can learn more about the technologies," said Cheryal Hills, Region 5 executive director. "The presentations highlight the return on investment for each of these technologies," she added. Presenters will highlight case study examples in our area that will show start-up and maintenance costs over the life of a system and when to expect a return on the investment through energy savings.

"We've tried really hard to make sure that we had information that would be beneficial to all sizes of businesses," Hills said.

Hills has observed a heightened interest in businesses who want to know more about alternative energy and technology. "Our goal is that 30-50 businesses will attend," she said of the Pine River sessions.

Jill Curran , Energy Smart Program coordinator, will present on the topic of conservation. Jennifer Henry, communications and outreach coordinator, will be her co-presenter. The Energy Smart Program, based in St. Paul, is part of the Minnesota Waste Wise initiative - an affiliate of Minnesota Chambers of Commerce.

Their presentation will focus on helping businesses save money through energy efficiency. Energy Smart helps businesses identify potential energy savings and connect with businesses. Their Web site is: www.mnenergysmart.com.

Jason Edens, founder/director of Rural Renewable Energy Alliance (RREAL), based in Pine River, will provide information on solar energy. Their Web site is: www.rreal.org.

Mike Foster, president of Denali Power Systems will present on the topic of wind energy through wind-powered turbines. Denali Power Systems' Web site is: www.denalipowersystems.com.

Ryan Stockwell, Clean Energy Program manager for the non-profit Minnesota Project, wil l focus on methane digesters and biomass gasification: conversion of manure and organic matter into biogas. The biogas can be used to generate energy. The Minnesota Project's Web site is: www.mnproject.org.

The May 19 Alternative Energy Sessions for Regional Businesses was a good fit for Region Five, which is a regional unit of government that provides economic development, transportation and other regional initiatives. Region 5 wanted to spearhead the effort and try to move forward alternative energy and conservation-related activities, Hill said.

The sessions are also co-hosted locally by the Pine River Chamber of Commerce and the Pine River Area Economic Development Group.

It's time to register

To register for the free "Alternative Energy Sessions for Regional Businesses," send an e-mail to registrations@regionfive.org or call(218) 894-3233. Lunch is provided.

The sessions rum from 9 a.m. to noon on May 19.