AllEarth Renewables named Bicycle Friendly Business by the League of American Bicyclists

From VTDigger

NEWS RELEASE — AllEarth Renewables
April 22, 2013

Solar tracker manufacturer earns silver-level designation in national cycling program

Williston, VT … April 22, 2013 … As businesses work to support healthy employees and reduce their environmental impact, some companies are promoting bike-friendly workplaces.

On this Earth Day, the League of American Bicyclists recognized AllEarth Renewables with a silver-level Bicycle Friendly Business (BFB) award.

With the announcement of 63 new BFBs today nationally in 44 states, AllEarth Renewables joins a visionary group of more than 500 businesses, government agencies, and Fortune 500 companies across the United States that are transforming the American workplace.

AllEarth Renewables, a solar tracker manufacturer in Williston, VT is an Inc. 500 company for fastest growing businesses nationwide, and was designated one of the 2013 Best Places to Work in Vermont.

“More and more business leaders are realizing that bicycling is a simple and cost-effective way to move toward a more productive company,” said Andy Clarke, President of the League of American Bicyclists. “Promoting healthy transportation is increasingly attractive to employers and prospective employees, and it’s moving America toward a more sustainable future.”

Being bike-friendly has helped AllEarth Renewables to support a healthy, lower-carbon workforce and reduce cost of living expenses among its 27 employees — and it’s a concept that’s mission-centric for a manufacturer of solar energy systems already committed to a triple bottom-line of profits, people and the planet.

On any given day in the summer, more than a third of the company saddles up to get to work or run errands near its Williston office and at least three employees commute to work by bike year-round. The company encourages bicycling as an easy option for transportation and provides shared bikes, lockers, shower facilities, bike maintenance tools, and the use of company vehicles for mid-day appointments. AllEarth Renewables also offers incentives such as a carbon-reduction benefit program and a wellness benefit allowance that can be used to purchase cycling and bike-safety equipment. An annual three-day group ride led by the CEO allows employees and their family members an opportunity for long-distance cycling.

Last year, AllEarth Renewables participated in the Vermont Bike Challenge, part of a national effort to engage cyclists around the country. The company won the statewide challenge in its size division. Vermont-based cycling advocacy nonprofit Local Motion coordinated the Vermont portion of the challenge, and afterward reached out to Vermont businesses to help them apply to the League’s BFB program, including AllEarth Renewables.

“AllEarth Renewables is honored to be named a Bike Friendly Business. Promoting bicycling fits well with our company values, is fun, and makes good business sense. I encourage other Vermont businesses and communities to join us in the Bike Friendly America program,” said David Blittersdorf, President and CEO of AllEarth Renewables. Blittersdorf added, “Local Motion deserves great credit for all of its efforts promoting biking in Vermont. As a company, we’re looking forward to participating in the 2013 Vermont Bike Challenge, starting on May 1.”

As a result of the designation, AllEarth Renewables will have access to a variety of free tools and technical assistance from the League to become even more bicycle-friendly.

More about the free Bicycle Friendly Business program can be found by visiting the League online at bikeleague.org/businesses.