Long Island Takes Lead in Alternative Energy Research: AERTC Groundbreaking Set for October 16th

Hicksville, NY – October 10, 2007 – The Advanced Energy Research and Technology Center (AERTC) has announced that a groundbreaking ceremony will be held on Tuesday, October 16th, 2007 beginning at 10:00am with addresses and refreshments at the Charles B. Wang Center on the Stony Brook University campus and then the groundbreaking itself will take place at the AERTC site nearby.

The AERTC is a research facility created to develop alternative energy sources and protect natural resources by exploiting cutting edge technologies, the largest facility of its kind on Long Island. 

The event will begin with addresses by AERTC Co-Chair Robert Catell (Chairman, KeySpan/National Grid USA), AERTC Co-Chair Dr. Shirley Strum Kenny (President, Stony Brook University), State Senator Kenneth LaValle, Kevin S. Law (Chairman, LIPA), Dr. Yacov Shamash (Dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences and VP of Economic Development, Stony Brook University) and others TBA. Transportation will then be provided to the AERTC site for the actual groundbreaking, which will include gold shovels and gold hardhats for a photo opportunity.

The schedule will be as follows:

10:00 a.m.        Refreshments and informal networking, Wang Center, Stony Brook University

11:00 a.m.        Keynote, Sponsor and Participant Addresses at Wang Center, Stony Brook University

11:30 a.m.        Transportation provided by several vans to the Groundbreaking Ceremony at the AERTC site

*members of the press are also permitted to take their own cars if they would prefer.

Directions to the Charles B. Wang Center:  LIE to Exit 62 North on Nicolls Road (8.5 miles). Cross over Route 347 and make left at Main Entrance to Stony Brook University on Nicolls Road. Follow entrance roadway to Parking Garage, which is attached to Administration Building. The Wang Center is located directly across from the Administration Building.

Directions to AERTC Building Site: Take LIE (495) to Exit 62 Nicolls Road (97) North.

Drive approximately 8.5 miles to the South entrance of Stony Brook University. This entrance will be on your left.  Turn onto South Drive and follow South Drive, through two traffic lights to the end which will be Stony Brook Road.  At the end, make a right and the construction site will be on your left hand side exactly .3 miles. Follow directions for construction site below.

AERTC Construction Site – Drive up the gravel road and make a right before the new CEWIT building through the chain link gate opening.  Follow the gravel road to the end where the ceremony will be held.

The Advanced Energy Research and Technology Center (AERTC) is a true partnership of academic institutions, research institutions, energy providers and industrial corporations. Its mission is innovative energy research, education and technology deployment with a focus on conservation, renewable energy and nanotechnology applications for new and novel sources of energy. For more info log on to http://www.aertc.org

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

Diana L. Parisi
Media Relations
KeySpan/National Grid USA
516-545-2495

Patrick Calabria
University Media Relations Officer
Stony Brook University
631-632-4965

Bert Cunningham
VP Communications
LIPA
516-719-9839

Rick Eberle
Manager, Public Relations
Todd Shapiro Associates
516-729-6872