The New York Times reports that Walmart has stepped back from its two-year, multi-million dollar campaign to open stores in New York City.  The retailer has pulled much of its advertising and dismissed its team of New York lobbyists.  This is the second time Walmart has tried and failed to break into New York.  Its first failed push… Continue reading

The Plain Dealer, March 12, 2013 A Cleveland company that has been turning scrap tires, plastics and medical waste into crude oil in its Akron plant for the past few years is planning a large-scale expansion on the cusp of a residential area on Cleveland’s East Side. Vadxx Energy intends to build a 10,000-square-foot facility… Continue reading

Forbes, March 12, 2013 Google Now may level the playing field for independent business.  Walmart is often cited as the death of main street. The big box stores are to blame for all of our job woes and economic challenges. Independent retailers taking their last breaths thanks to Home Depot, Target, Best Buy, not to… Continue reading

Silicon Beat, March 11, 2013 Walmart has about 4,500 stores in the United States (which includes retail stores, Sam’s Clubs and distribution centers). That’s a lot of big, flat roofs: perfect for solar PV. Many stores are 80,000 to 120,000 square feet in size; some are as large as 180,00 square feet.  To date, Walmart… Continue reading

The New York Times, March 9, 2013 The chief burnisher of Wal-Mart Stores’ reputation is leaving the company as its image is under new strains. Wal-Mart said on Friday that Leslie Dach, a former aide in the Clinton administration who is credited with polishing the company’s image through energy conservation, environmentally friendly packaging and philanthropy,… Continue reading

PR Watch, March 7, 2013 Members of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) in the Georgia Legislature are pushing a bill to thwart locally-owned internet in underserved communities, an industry-sponsored effort that effectively reinforces the digital divide. A vote in the Georgia Assembly is scheduled for Thursday, March 7; if Georgia passes the bill it… Continue reading

Renewables International, March 7, 2013 The Institute for Local-Reliance (ILSR) has begun publishing a series of Local Energy Rules podcasts. Installments will be added twice a month on the first and third Thursday of each month. The third installment shows how community ownership is a great option for Americans – but also how unnecessarily complicated… Continue reading