By Matt Leclercq and Rebecca Logan
Staff writers

Does "Executive Order 13514" mean anything to you? It's not a catchy name for something that could have significant, lucrative amifications for North Carolina's businesses. f your company does business with the military or federal government - or you ant to - you should familiarize yourself with the order.

It's the mandate signed by President Obama in October ("Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance") that, in most basic terms, sets out a strategy for government to go "greener." Among the goals are a 30 percent reduction in vehicle fleet petroleum use and 26 percent improvement in water efficiency by 2020; 50 percent recycling and waste diversion by 2015; and 95 percent of applicable contracts to meet sustainability requirements.

(Homework assignment: edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/ E9-24518.pdf)
On Friday, the N.C. Military Business Center held a symposium in Raleigh that brought together industry with key military government players. The idea was to discuss what the government is already doing at installations and agencies, and what it still needs to do, and for industry to offer ideas and ask questions. Scott Dorney, executive director of the center, said the government "knows what their requirements are, and already have undertaken some initiatives, but they're also looking for the next great idea."

Usually, government knows what it needs and shops around for it. As we venture into new territory with sustainability, it sounds as if a smart business person can help come up with solutions. Beyond government contracts, the "next great idea" probably will be marketable in the private sector, Dorney said. "The requirement on the federal agencies is really a jumpstart for these technologies."

About 225 people registered for the symposium, which included discussions of infrastructure, "green" products, sustainable construction and water management. One company that participated was Asheville-based FLS Energy, which in May announced a partnership to develop solar-powered water heating for 900 homes at Camp Lejeune.

The company is interested in doing business at Fort Bragg, too, said Tyler Johnson, who works with military and federal government business for FLS.
"FLS Energy's main mission is to help make solar mainstream, and one way to do that is to invest in and support organizations like the Military Business Center as they foster dialogue between the military and industry on how to move forward." No doubt a topic we'll be hearing much more about.
Boss alert Heads up, Smithfield workers in Tar Heel. The big boss may pop by soon to pump you up.

"I'm going to be leaving the offices on a frequent basis visiting our customers ... as well as spending a great deal of time inside our plants with our people, recharging this organization to go forward," CEO C. Larry Pope told analysts last week. The Virginia-based company returned to profit in the first quarter, though it's still looking for efficiencies to face economic challenges. "I am excited for the first time in a good while about what I see (for) this business," Pope said. "The rough road appears to be behind us, the nice smooth road looks to be in front of us. And the
sun is shining."

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