DWEA's Executive Director Recognized for Contributions to Sector

Flagstaff, AZ, June 13, 2012 – The Distributed Wind Energy Association (DWEA) today announced that Executive Director Jennifer Jenkins was named Rising Star by the Women of Wind Energy (WoWE). The award was presented at the annual WoWE luncheon during the American Wind Energy Association's WINDPOWER 2012 Conference in Atlanta, GA. The award is given to a woman who is relatively new to wind energy and already making significant professional contributions by demonstrating unusual talent, dedication, and innovation in her renewable energy work. Awards also were given to two DWEA Board of Directors, the 2012 Small Wind Leadership Award Winner, Brett Pingree, sales manager of Dynapower Company; and 2012 Mentor of the Year, Heather Rhoads-Weaver, owner of eFormative Options LLC, for their respective contributions.

"I'm honored to receive this prestigious award from a great organization that helps mentor and support women across our industry," said Jennifer Jenkins, executive director, DWEA. "It's been fulfilling to contribute to the growth of the industry at such a critical time. Our members are what make us keep moving forward. We believe in their mission and in turn, they believe in us. Together, we can advocate for a greener and wind filled future."

WoWE was founded in 2005 and works to promote the education, professional development, and advancement of women to achieve a strong diversified workforce and support a robust renewable energy economy. Other award recipients include 2012 WoWE Woman of the Year, Leslie Freiman, general counsel, chief regulatory officer, and secretary for EDP Renewables (EDPR) and William Holmes, recipient of the 2012 WoWE Award Winners Champion Award. Holmes is a partner and immediate past chair of the renewable energy initiative at Stoel Rives, LLP.

About the Distributed Wind Energy Association

The Distributed Wind Energy Association is a collaborative group comprised of manufacturers, distributors, project developers, dealers, installers, and advocates, whose primary mission is to promote and foster all aspects of the American distributed wind energy industry. Distributed wind, commonly referred to as small and community wind, is the use of typically smaller wind turbines at homes, farms, businesses, and public facilities to off-set all or a portion of on-site energy consumption. DWEA seeks to attract members and associates from all sectors with relevant interests pertaining to the distributed wind industry. For more information on DWEA, please go to www.distributedwind.org.