The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that certifies sustainable businesses, homes, hospitals, schools and neighborhoods. USGBC is dedicated to expanding green building practices and education, and its LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System™.

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System is a voluntary, consensus-based national rating system for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. LEED addresses all building types and emphasizes state-of-the-art strategies in five areas: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials and resources selection, and indoor environmental quality.

LEED Accredited Professionals (LEED APs) have demonstrated a thorough understanding of green building techniques, the LEED Green Building Rating System, and the certification process. The LEED AP program is administered by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI), which was established with the support of USGBC to allow for objective, balanced management of the credentialing program.

The Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) is a nonprofit Florida corporation dedicated to improving the built environment. Our mission is "to provide a statewide green building program that defines, promotes, and encourages sustainable efforts with environmental and economic benefits."

The Florida Solar Energy Industries Association (FlaSEIA), founded in 1977, is a nonprofit professional association of companies involved in the solar energy industry. Members include manufacturers, distributors, contractors, retailers and consultants who provide solar water heating, pool heating and solar electric systems. Research Centers and Utilities also are members.

The Florida Alliance for Renewable Energy “FARE” is a coalition of concerned individuals, businesses, communities, associations, policy makers, non-profits, and renewable energy producers.  FARE is dedicated to educating and engaging Floridians on Renewable Energy Dividends. RED's have proven to be the most wide-spread and effective legislation for the promotion of renewable energy.  Support FARE today and help secure a future for Florida that includes job creation, energy independence and environmental stewardship.

The Florida Alliance for Renewable Energy “FARE” is a coalition of concerned individuals, businesses, communities, associations, policy makers, non-profits, and renewable energy producers.  FARE is dedicated to educating and engaging Floridians on Renewable Energy Dividends. RED's have proven to be the most wide-spread and effective legislation for the promotion of renewable energy.  Support FARE today and help secure a future for Florida that includes job creation, energy independence and environmental stewardship.

Leadership Sarasota County is part of a nationwide network of programs developed to encourage continuing stewardship and oversight of the community. Leadership Sarasota County's program includes both community immersion and training, educating participants in "how things work" in our community and our county. Participants learn about the roles that business, government, the arts and not-for-profit institutions play in making Sarasota County a great place to live and work - and participants have ongoing opportunities to make an impact in the community themselves by learning where and how to get involved in current and ongoing issues.

NWBOC was created in response to needs identified by the Procurement Special Interest Group of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO.) The investigation revealed that to a large degree corporate America and government agencies had not received, nor recognized, the benefits of contracting with women suppliers. Only a small fraction of corporate and government contracts were with women-owned firms. This mindset prevented purchasers from obtaining the best value in their procurements, and it limited women business owners from penetrating these markets, which has stymied their business growth. Research has shown that after developing supplier partnerships with women-owned firms, many companies and government agencies have enhanced their bottom line for their shareholders, and taxpayers, respectively.

The American Solar Energy Society is a non-profit organization with the mission of stopping global warming, fostering economic development and increasing energy independence by bringing solar energy into the mainstream.