Public Private Partnership to Advance Local Hiring

Framingham, MA and Lawrence, MA – March 25, 2014 – Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE:AMRC), a leading energy efficiency and renewable energy company, the Merrimack Valley Workforce Investment Board and the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission are teaming up to promote local hiring on the energy performance contracts  emerging  in area cities and towns.

Ameresco is expected to complete over $20 million dollars of energy management services in Merrimack Valley cities and towns.  Ameresco will conduct a variety of infrastructure upgrades making municipal buildings more efficient.  Some of the energy conservation measures include installing high efficiency lighting, boilers and weatherization tools. Subcontractors will perform the work, and additional employees may be needed.

The Merrimack Valley Workforce Investment Board, through its chartered ValleyWorks Career Center, will recruit qualified candidates for jobs in the expanding energy efficiency sector.  Training funds and other incentives may be offered to the subcontractors who hire Merrimack Valley candidates.

“We want to help area residents who are hurting in this tough economy have job prospects in green industries,” explained MVWIB Executive Director Rafael Abislaiman.  Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera is the Chief Elected Official for the MVWIB on behalf of the entire region.  He states, “Leveraging public sector investment for private sector jobs can help reduce unemployment.  Our workforce is ready to take advantage of these opportunities.”

Ameresco’s Vice President of Development, Michael Daigneault reports that hiring local talent is a priority for Ameresco’s energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.   The MVPC selected Ameresco to provide comprehensive efficiency services to this region.  Dennis DiZoglio, Merrimack Valley Planning Commission Executive Director said “We are very pleased that when additional resources are needed, the Company focuses on hiring local area businesses and residents.”

A key finding of the 2013 Massachusetts Clean Energy Industry Report shows that there are 79,994 clean energy workers in the Commonwealth and 11.8% growth from 2012 to 2013.

Unemployed Merrimack Valley residents with an interest or experience in the trades are encouraged to visit ValleyWorks Career Center at 439 S. Union Street in Lawrence Monday through Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm or call the membership desk at 978-722-7000 to inquire about the program.

About the Merrimack Valley Workforce Investment Board: The MVWIB is responsible for the planning, coordination and oversight of Federally-funded job training programs for residents of 15 Merrimack Valley cities and towns.  The goal of the MVIWB is to promote economic vitality and employment by helping actual and future employees excel in area growth industries.  More information at mvwib.org.

About the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission: The MVPC is a public, nonprofit organization committed to assisting the Valley’s communities in the planning areas of transportation, the environment, land use, economic development, and GIS mapping. Founded in 1959, its mission is to Foster a cooperative effort among its communities in resolving common, regional problems, to allow its communities to plan jointly, and to promote with the greatest efficiency and economy the coordinated and orderly development of the region and the general welfare of its residents. Visit www.mvpc.org for more information.

About Ameresco, Inc.: Founded in 2000, Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE:AMRC) is a leading independent provider of comprehensive services, energy efficiency, infrastructure upgrades, asset sustainability and renewable energy solutions for facilities throughout North America.  Ameresco’s services include upgrades to a facility’s energy infrastructure and the development, construction and operation of renewable energy plants.  Ameresco has successfully completed energy saving, environmentally responsible projects with federal, state and local governments, healthcare and educational institutions, housing authorities, and commercial and industrial customers.  With its corporate headquarters in Framingham, MA, Ameresco provides local expertise through its 70 offices in 33 states, five Canadian provinces and the United Kingdom.  Ameresco has more than 900 employees. For more information, visit www.ameresco.com.

For more information please contact Susan Almono at [email protected] or 978-682-7099. 

Contacts: 

Ameresco: CarolAnn Hibbard, 508-661-2264, [email protected]