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forgiven and the participant would have no further obligation to pay. The program would be similar to the Agency's commercial rehabilitation program. The Committee inquired about assistance to Ghirardelli for its recent energy efficiency project and if that was a loan similar to the Industrial Competiveness Program. Kay replied it was a pilot program using funds from the Joint Project Area's Commercial Rehabilitation Program since Ghirardelli is not in the WSL/Mac Project Area. Manager Battenberg added that Natural Capitalism, a leading consulting company in energy efficiency/sustainability, has proposed to the City and the Chamber of Commerce a Sustainability Study Circle program for industrial businesses. The program would meet the funding parameters of the Industrial Competitiveness Program by providing technical assistance to participants with an ultimate goal of improving their profitability and retaining them in the city. 3. Update on East Bay Green Corridor (EBGC) Manager Battenberg provided the Committee with an update regarding the East Bay Green Corridor (see attached correspondence). The City began participating in committee meetings. There are four sub-committees that include business development, marketing, innovative policy, and workforce development. The EBGC was awarded $4.7 million in ARRA green jobs grants for work force training, jobs creation and outreach. EBGC has also applied for Innovation Hub (iHub) certification from the State. This will promote collaboration and commercialization of technology to stimulate job creation. Companies and research institutions within the iHub will have partnership opportunities, national and international exposure, and marketing opportunities. In October, the EBGC hosted a team from Freiburg, Germany's Solar Information Center (SIC). SIC is looking for a large property to tenant with various green technology businesses the bay area. The EBGC's priorities and policies make the East Bay a great option. After touring sites including a few in the city, SIC decided to pursue development of the Marchant Building, a large industrial site straddling the Berkeley, Emeryville and Oakland borders. Although, SIC selected a property outside the city, it is expected that San Leandro can benefit through regional job creation as well as spinoff and supplier opportunities. EBGC submitted a letter of support to the Department of Transportation for the City's Estudillo/Callan Garage and Electric Vehicle Battery Swap Station/Charge Station. 4. Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Report -July/August/September 2009 Mr. Johnson provided the Committee with the Chamber's quarterly report (see attached memorandum). It covered the efforts to assist and enhance the industrial community in the city. He stressed the City's `business-friendly' attitude and its geographical location are keys assets to promoting and supporting the industrial neighborhoods. He spoke appreciatively about the City and Chamber's partnership to procure Natural Capitalism's services which will benefit local businesses to operate more efficiently. Marina Mechanical is one business that will be using Natural Capitalism's expertise in operational and environmental efficiencies.