This book will help electric sign companies compete for extra income by servicing parking lot and security lighting for existing customers and new ones. The book includes merchandising planning, servicing ...
Solar power has converted J.R. and Nepalese villages.
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By Susan Conner
Once one of the world's most ruthless and notorious (and fictional) oil barons, J.R. Ewing, of the TV show Dallas fame, has turned his back on black gold to spend his retirement selling eco-friendly solar panels. Why? Because he, and the company he represents in commercials, can make money. And actor Larry Hagman has totally converted his own home to solar power.
The ethical minefield that’s prevented so many business owners from going green, and also making a profit, is being defused. With venture-capital dollars flowing slightly more freely, and increased acceptance of green products’ quality and, thus, their lower prices, sign-companies see the current market is ready for energy-saving products and plan to incorporate the green ethos into their business plans.
SouthWest Signs and Harbinger know the wisdom of basing their business on their green goals. They tell how they’ve profited from their environmental focus in ST’s September issue.
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Mahabir Pun
While I was investigating sign companies that had invested in the green movement, I came across the inspiring story of Mahabir Pun. Making a profit is essential, but measures of success also include the social, environmental and economic impacts of business. Mahabir provide meaningful leadership to his region in Nepal and achieves results far beyond profits.
Nangi Village, where Mahabir Pun was born, rests high in the Himalayan foothills of western Nepal. After a seven-hour climb, you might reach Nangi from the nearest road. No telephone lines have reached it. Despite this, Nangi is connected to the world. Mahabir and hundreds of volunteers have made it happen, via donated computer equipment, solar panels and valuable time.
As a child, Mahabir’s village school didn’t have paper, pencils or books. The family moved to Nepal's lowlands to obtain a better education for him. He eventually finished high school and became a teacher for 12 years. Then, a scholarship led him to a bachelor’s degree at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Then, in 1992, after more than 20 years away, he returned to Nangi, determined to make things easier for others.
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