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Gander Mountain Makes Landmark Renewable Energy Purchase
Largest retailer purchase in the state of Minnesota, first in outdoor lifestyle industry
ST. PAUL, MN, March 1, 2007 — Leading outdoor lifestyle retailer, Gander Mountain, (Nasdaq: GMTN), announced today it was purchasing renewable energy to offset 100 percent of the electricity used in all its Minnesota, North Dakota, Iowa, Kansas and Colorado stores as well as their St. Paul, Minn., headquarters. This landmark purchase of renewable energy credits is the largest by a retailer in the state of Minn. This purchase is also a first among outdoor lifestyle retailers.
"Gander Mountain has a long tradition of supporting conservation efforts and we are expanding that commitment to renewable energy,” said Mark Baker, president and CEO of Gander Mountain. “Increased growth of renewable energy allows our communities to help meet today’s important energy challenges, diversifying our energy sources, preserving precious natural resources for future generations and proactively addressing climate change,” noted Baker.
As a facet of its “Keeping the Outdoors Safe for Tomorrow” program, Gander Mountain is purchasing 17,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of renewable energy credits from renewable energy facilities including wind farms and biomass facilities. This purchase of renewable energy from domestic sources in rural communities, will avoid more than 23 million pounds of carbon dioxide pollution in 2007. To have the same impact, more than 2,000 cars would have to be taken off the road or more than 3,100 acres of trees would have to be planted, according to statistics from the Environmental Protection Agency.
Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty applauded Gander Mountain’s decision to support renewable energy.
“Minnesota is showing its leadership in a better, cleaner, more independent energy future,” said Governor Pawlenty. “It is gratifying that a company based here in St. Paul is the first outdoor retailer to purchase renewable energy for 100 percent of the electricity it uses in Minnesota.”
This purchase of renewable power is made possible by renewable energy credits (RECs). Since it is physically impossible to deliver electricity straight from a renewable energy facility to Gander Mountain stores, renewable energy credits make purchasing renewable power possible. RECs ensure that the amount of electricity the company uses is replaced onto the power grid with clean, renewable energy. Renewable energy producers sell RECs to better compete with fossil fuels, allowing consumers to choose clean, renewable energy.
Gander Mountain has chosen Colorado-based Renewable Choice Energy as its supplier of RECs. Renewable Choice Energy is a leading national provider that is building the market for clean and renewable sources of energy.
"Renewable Choice Energy is excited to be working with Gander Mountain to make this important renewable energy purchase possible," said Quayle Hodek, Renewable Choice Energy chief executive officer. "Gander Mountain has answered the call for a leader to demonstrate that renewable energy is ready for the mainstream," he added.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Wind farm b-roll and still photography available upon request.
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About Gander Mountain Company
Gander Mountain Company (Nasdaq: GMTN), headquartered in Saint Paul, Minnesota, is the nation’s largest retail network of stores for hunting, fishing, camping, boating, marine and outdoor lifestyle products and services. Since 1960, the Gander Mountain brand has offered an expanding assortment of competitively priced outdoor equipment, technical apparel and footwear, as well as gunsmith, archery, ATV and marine services. The stores feature national, regional and local brands as well as the company’s owned brands. Focused on a “We Live Outdoors®” culture, Gander Mountain dedicates itself to creating outdoor memories. There are currently 105 Gander Mountain outdoor lifestyle stores in 22 states. For the nearest store location call 800-282-5993 or visit http://www.gandermountain.com/.
About Renewable Choice Energy
Based in Boulder, Colorado, Renewable Choice Energy (http://www.renewablechoice.com/) promotes the development of clean alternatives to fossil fuels. Renewable Choice connects renewable energy producers with forward-thinking consumers including Fortune 500 companies, cities, universities and residential consumers across the country. As a pioneer in wind power marketing, Renewable Choice Energy has helped develop many industry standards and best practices, and is the leading supplier to LEED certified green building projects.
Contact:
Gander Mountain
651-325-4300
investorrelations@gandermountain.com
Ted Rose
Renewable Choice Energy
(303) 468-0405 x 222 |
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