Green economy part of Obama's plan

GreenMark Public Relations, Inc., based in the Chicago area, congratulates Illinois Sen. Barack Obama on becoming president-elect of our great country. Obama offers change and hope for America, including in the areas of energy and the environment. As we prepare for the holidays and an end to this challenging and difficult year, GreenMark Public Relations looks to further growth for the green economy in 2009. The green economic climate in Chicago already is growing, including with business networks and opportunities that haven't existed previously. Chicago can and should be the model for greening in action.

President-Elect Obama has said that he plans to help create 5 million new jobs by investing $150 billion over the next 10 years to catalyze private efforts to build a clean energy future. He also wants to put 1 million plug-in hybrid cars, built in America, on the road by 2015. He ensures that 10 percent of our electricity comes from renewable sources by 2012, and 25 percent by 2025. We've all heard promises of change over the past two years from both parties, now it's time for us all - Republican and Democrat - to join together and help take responsibility for that change to happen. We believe it can, and that Chicago will help drive that change for good.

No matter how we voted in this election, the world is looking at us differently. They see hope again. Not only are the racial stigmas that have divided this country from its beginning finally put to rest, the world is seeing that The American dream still lives and that common, everyday people can still strive to - and achieve - greatness. Success can still happen for those who do not give up. All things are still possible for those who believe in hard work with a purpose, dedication to others and passion for doing the right thing. God did not give us dreams for sleeping. He gave us dreams for pursuing.

Sue Markgraf President, GreenMark Public Relations

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