Vancouver, B.C. - Nexterra, a leading supplier of advanced biomass gasification systems, announced today that President and CEO Jonathan Rhone has been named Person of the Year by the British Columbia Technology Industry Association (BCTIA), for his demonstrated vision and executive leadership in B.C.'s technology sector.

The Person of the Year Award is presented annually by the BCTIA to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the technology industry during the past year. Criteria for this award include leadership and vision, reputation, and a demonstration of exemplary skills, mentorship, and career success. Awards were handed out at the Technology Impact Gala held on June 17, 2009, and attended by over 700 representatives from B.C.'s technology and business community. Nexterra was also nominated as Emerging Company of the Year.

"Jonathan Rhone is one of B.C.'s most prominent leaders in the clean tech sector," said Pascal Spothelfer, president and CEO of BCTIA. "Applying his drive to Nexterra, Jonathan has created an emerging force in the alternative energy sector while his personal commitment to help guide the B.C. sector ensures that environmental sustainability remains a top priority in the province. In addition to his role at Nexterra, Jonathan acts as chair of the B.C. Cleantech CEO Alliance, serves on boards of the BCTIA, The Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions and the External Advisory Board of the President's Sustainability Advisory Council at the University of British Columbia. On behalf of the BCTIA, we congratulate Jonathan on this achievement."

Founded in 2003, Nexterra develops and manufactures biomass heat and power solutions for institutional and industrial customers. Nexterra systems are based on its proprietary biomass gasification technology which is cleaner, and more versatile, efficient and cost-effective than conventional combustion equipment. Nexterra has made tremendous progress in recent years including a 450 per cent increase in sales in 2008 over the previous year, a successful fourth round of financing, a strategic alliance with GE Energy and sales of multi-million dollar energy systems for projects including the U.S. Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the University of South Carolina, Dockside Green Power in Victoria, B.C. and Kruger Products' tissue mill in New Westminster, B.C.

"B.C.'s clean energy industry is poised for rapid growth over the next few years and I am very fortunate to be part of such a vibrant and productive community," said Jonathan Rhone. "It is certainly a tremendous honour to be recognized by the BCTIA for this distinguished award. I view this accolade as a greater testament to the outstanding achievements of the Nexterra team-reflecting the talent, commitment, accomplishments and hard work that all of our employees deliver each and every day."

The BCTIA is British Columbia's leading member-based industry association that represents start-ups to established technology companies across the province. For more information visit www.bctia.org.

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