When Scott and I think back on our year with Social Venture Partners both of us would wholeheartedly agree that SVP inspired us to step out and take a risk to follow our heart and taught us how to do that effectively.

There were two specific SVP events that have had a lasting impact on us. At the 2007 SVP International Conference we attended a break-out session called “Accelerating your Impact” with PLAN founders Al Etmanski and Vickie Cammack. They shared that “To achieve sustainability, one needs to get its principles, concepts and values into the ‘water supply.’ We kept coming around to that question. What does it mean to get solar power education into to everyday lives of those around us and “into the water” ?

The second event was a breakout session by Randy Ottinger who spoke about leaving a legacy. His question was what do I/we want to make last for our family and our community? As Scott and I mulled this question we felt called to do what we could to accelerate the adoption of safe, clean renewable solar energy. We believe that solar energy is right on three levels:

Safe, Clean and Infinite Source of Power for the future
Good for the Environment
Good for National Security

Thanks SVP for informing and empowering us to take the next step. Willow Russell and Eric Becker from the SVP staff made a video of our story. We are so grateful to SVP for the opportunity to tell the story of
how SVP taught us to step out and take action. Our story is your story too.

Heather Reese is the Downtown Neighborhood Blogger for KOMO News. Her question was great "what's it mean?

The thirty six panels on top of the PEMCO roof are generating that much power from the sun. Amazing isn't it that PEMCO installed this roof and broadcast the metrics for homeowners in Seattle to learn about Solar Energy. It is something to enjoy while you are stuck in traffic. Thanks PEMCO.

Starting at 11:30 September 2nd, 2009 this very parking lot at 401 Eastlake Avenue E.,in Seattle will be transformed for the Solar Pie Kick Off Event. Starting at noon the clock will reflect the real time production metrics from the Solar Pie roof on top of the PEMCO Building.

All Solar Pie Members are invited. To become a Solar Pie member click here.

Gabriel Campanario sketched this view of the Iconic PEMCO Clock for The Seattle Times, July 29, 2009 issue.

Seattle Sketcher Sketch is Copyright 2009, Seattle Times Company. Used with permission