2.06.2003 ET

(CSRwire) Beaverton, OR - The Oregon Office of Energy has presented Nike with the 2002 Energy Partnership award for its outstanding achievement of energy-efficiency improvements in Oregon public schools.

Last year, the Office of Energy and Nike partnered to direct $1 million to state public schools by using the Business Energy Tax Credit Pass-Through Program. Nike's commitment helps fund $3.7 million in energy conservation projects at 100 qualified schools. So far, over $83,000 in annual energy costs have been saved by six school districts across the state.

"This partnership is a great example of a business taking an active role in the community and really making a difference," said Michael W. Grainey, Director of the Oregon Office of Energy. "We are actively seeking more business partners to help with energy conservation projects in schools."

The new Business Energy Tax Credit pass-through option was designed to help organizations without tax liability; such as schools, certain non-profits or tribes, to partner with businesses to fund energy conservation measures. A tax credit is transferred to a business in exchange for a lump-sum cash payment to the school.

"We are honored to work with the Oregon Office of Energy and public schools across the state on what we believe is a win-win partnership for everyone involved, " said Jim Petsche, Director of Corporate Facilities for Nike. "This partnership represents how businesses and government in Oregon can come together to support two of Oregon's most valuable resources - our public schools and our environment."

Nike's most recent partnership is with the North Santiam School District to complete projects at the Stayton Elementary and Middle Schools. The district, which is also receiving a state energy loan from the Office of Energy, will get $129,000 from Nike.

Oregon businesses that invest in energy conservation and renewable resource projects can claim a tax credit of 35 percent toward their state income tax. The Oregon Office of Energy's Business Energy Tax Credit (BETC) program began in 1978 and promotes projects that recycle waste, save energy, or use renewable resources.

For more information on how your business can partner with one of Oregon's public schools, please contact the Oregon Office of Energy toll-free at 1-800-221-8035 or check the Web site at www.energy.state.or.us.

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