SunbitsSass Peress – CEO of ICP Solar – Solar Blog

Many investors have been wondering what is the big deal about the merger agreement we have signed. Where does it lead ICP? What happens to the consumer goods in light of a solar farm/rooftop focus.

The fact is that as a company engaged in small consumer goods, affording the publico costs, processes and requirements for disclosure put us at a significant disadvantage to our competitors. So a merger with an entity which has significant pipeline in solar farms, and therefore projected cash flow positive realities, makes perfect sense. It permits me (no longer CEO after 21 years) to focus on what I love to do…create award winning consumer directed solar chargers, while the responsibilities and tasks of a public company CEO and Chairman are passed on.

We are excited about this merger, and hope to announce its closing in the near future. Whatever happens, it has changed our sentiment on the future and permitted us to get goods flowing again. That in itself was tenuous in early Fall, and now is assured. It will take a while to get things fixed, yet I have a feeling that with the Energizer(R) company by our side, and this new partnership, and my resignation from the position for which I am not suited (at this time) to hold, I believe that the merged entities are looking at a great opportunity to create shareholder value beyond anything in the past.

Sass

This is a youtube video of John Crawford, technology guru at Energizer, talking about Energizer’s various offerings in the solar sphere, including our own charging kits.

The response at CES was tremendous, even though we chose not to exhibit this year. The fact is that even Energizer no longer exhibits at the show and I believe we were redeemed by using a “virtual launch” instead. There are smarter ways to spend money than on freight, booth models and electrical hookups to promote the program.

Sass

The new www.energizersolar.com website went live today. Its a view of good things to come in the renewables sector. Energizer(R) itself announced a range of solar powered lights last night at Digital Media Conference. Its looking like a sunny year to come…

UPG and ICP Solar have united to bring the electrical and consumer goods industry the best of both worlds. ICP’s licensed solar chargers, under Energizer brand, will now be offered to over 2000 dealers of UPG’s. UPG’s new Energizer inverters and powerboxes will be included in ICP Solar power kits for its customers. UPG is one of the premier third-party logistics companies in the USA and their knowledge of batteries and battery related systems is simply going to further enhance our position. Brands, innovation, execution, range.

With two parties bringing complementary core competencies and assets to the party, it is bound to enhance both companies’ customer confidence, and risk-management. Shareholders of both seem to be pleased yesterday…

Sass

The most efficient retail outlet for consumer goods selected a few of our Energizer(R) brand products for their stores next year, with more to come online. Its a great feeling that this move is the right one for ICP Solar and its consumers. The Energizer(R) brand brings credibility and confidence by consumers who are first time buyers of solar and want to be assured that the company behind the product is serious.

Costco Canada has been a long-time client, yet this program is different in that its also going to be better managed. I won’t give the details, yet ICP Solar hired the right team to make this happen and to manage moving forward, as witnessed by the fact that we got the business.

Its a big vote of confidence in ICP Solar’s ability to deliver and product portfolio, as well as the superior customer service we are known for. Rare is there a consumer that doesn’t feel treated like the best. That’s the only way forward if you want anyone’s hard earned dollars spent on you. They are trusting so, so you’d better deliver the goods.

More to come…

Sass

Many of us often hear “I need” this or that. What do we really “need”? Do we NEED the BMW? Do we NEED the house in the centre of town? Do we NEED that two-week christmas vacation in the islands? I could go on and on…

My point is that we often confuse needs and desires, and therein lies a secret. When we make something a desire rather than a need, we’ll often get it. When me make something a need, that is not, we will not. The mind that believes that it needs something is often tricking itself, because the very act of needing, makes you less likely to get it. Letting go of the need, helps you relax, and helps you do whatever it is you must do in order to actually get that thing you desire. Staying anxious or over-focusing on the need, is actually helping you create a situation where it doesn’t become possible.

Does this mean we don’t work towards achieving those things we identify as needs that could be nice to have? Not at all. I am only writing about making that need into a desire in our minds and then getting what you want. If you need chocolate ice cream today and they don’t have it at the store…do you have a fit…or do you accept the choice they have that day, knowing full well that chocolate ice cream will soon be back on their shelves?

So by the same token, make your needs (except those basic ones which nature demands) into wants and then you will live a relaxed state which will help you get what you want. Athletes who relax before their performance, often do better. Business people who walk into negotiations relaxed often win what they wanted in the first place. Guys or girls who walk into a bar with that “need” look…what to they get?

So relax, enjoy, desire…and win.

Sass

Second major meeting, second major success. The Energizer brand, and the products we have developed for it, are by far the biggest thing we’ve ever done… I know I’ve said it before, but the combination of new technologies, new products and this brand is a killer combo….

Sass

OK, sometimes I’m cheesy yet I have my right to have some fun too! Today we announced the iSun(R) brand will be revived with a range of innovative pocketable devices for road warriors and urban explorers.

We finally retarget the billions of mobile electronic devices that are always running out of power. Its a new range that will feature all of the chararacteristics which my old friend Po always focused on “portable, scalable, modular”. Each of them will have some or all of these attributes to varying degrees. The key, as always, is the user experience. So if you think of how much iFUN it is to user your iPod or iPhone, it will be just as easy and fun to use your iSuns…

Sass

A pretty cool review of green technology cars going back a century.

Sass

Here is an excellent article on leadership, whether in business or your personal life.

It calls to the true leaders in family or businesses, who inspire others to become more than they could have. Like the tip of an arrow, a leader is simply a reference point for where to go, on its own, it embodies little, yet with the rest of the arrow, it creates a united being in purpose and direction.

sass