As President and Chief Operating Officer of TVC Systems and a Business Partner in the Green Alliance, Linda Tyring understands the value of the local green economy. After all, her company is on the forefront of the green energy industry, working to install process control systems for alternative energy and cogeneration power plants.

In October, Tyring decided to blaze a new green trail by becoming the very first Green Alliance Benafactor, a new program that enables new and old supporters alike to make a long-term investment the future growth of the Green Alliance by making a one-time contribution of $500.

“We’ve always supported what the Green Alliance does in the community, and this was just another way for us to tie our ship to an organization we believe in,” said Tyring. “These are tough times for any business, but we also have to remember we’re all in this together. So it felt right to kind of solidify our mutual support." 

Already, the GA has grown to include over 90 local green businesses and 2,000 citizen members, demonstrating that individuals and families in Maine and New Hampshire are committed to buying green to protect the environment and create good paying local jobs even in tough economic times.

“The Benefactor Program will help our organization continue to enjoy sustainable grow,” said Sarah Brown, who started the Green Alliance three years ago and is now the organization’s Director. “Our next goal is to reach 150 green businesses and 5,000 citizens.”

For Brown, the goal of the Benefactor Program is not only to boost the effectiveness and reach of the GA itself, but also to highlight the contributions of community members most committed to building a vibrant, sustainable local economy.

Benefactors enjoy permanent recognition on GreenAlliance.biz, including a blog post detailing their generosity and green spirit, as well as a lifetime membership in the GA. They also get a free lunch with GA staff members, plus five complimentary GA memberships to give to their friends and family.

“We feel we are in at a place as an organization where we needed to think outside the box in terms of membership and support,” said Brown. “We know there are people out there who really loved what we do and are want to support it wholeheartedly into the future.”