Watch the press conference on Orange TV.

Orange County Mayor Richard T. Crotty has announced he is taking his "Orange to Green" global warming initiative to the next level. Speaking to reporters, Mayor Crotty noted that ambitious goals have already been set to greatly reduce carbon emissions and fossil fuel consumption countywide. The next phase, what Mayor Crotty calls his "Green To $Green$" initiative, will focus on attracting clean technology (Cleantech) businesses that produce goods and services to help the world go green.  "My goal is to make Orange County a world showcase for solar power and 'green' technology," said Mayor Crotty. "I am rolling out the green carpet to lure green businesses who will bring green collar jobs to Orange County . We believe we've found the next big thing."

Mayor Crotty also appointed staff to a new Green Ribbon Task Force to ensure all County departments adhere to the Orange to Green practices. The task force, led by Lori Cunniff, Orange County Environmental Protection Division Manager, will also spread the "Green Gospel" to the entire community by encouraging the use of renewable resources, conservation and other green practices.

Mayor Crotty also announced plans to strengthen the County's relationship with traditional business recruiting partners; the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission and Enterprise Florida and form new alliances with: the Winter Park Angels, a company that invests in promising start up companies, NewGate Capital Partners, strategic planners for exciting new ventures, and Nano Holdings, an investment firm that works with emerging technologies. 

"The bottom line," said Mayor Crotty, "and I believe it's a green bottom line, is to help us attract emerging Cleantech companies to Orange County to diversify our economy and create jobs."