November 5, 2003

Dear 2003 National Solar Tour Organizers:

On behalf of ASES I would like to thank you for your help in organizing the 2003 National Solar Tour. I am hearing reports of successful tours from all over the country, and many tour organizers are reporting record attendance this year. Wisconsin more than doubled its attendance this year. The East Coast reported severe rain storms on October 4th, but the people that braved the weather were very interested and were ready to take action to include solar and renewable energy features in their homes and businesses.

I want to let you know about some changes that will be taking place in regard to the tour. ASES will not know for quite some time if we will receive funding from the Department of Energy (DOE) for the 2004 tour, and if so, at what level. Therefore it is not possible for ASES to maintain my current position until 2004 funding levels are determined.

As a result, our existing ASES staff will be taking over the remaining details of the tour this year. Becky Campbell-Howe will be the primary contact and can refer you to others in the office for information as well. Becky will be developing an on-line electronic (Zoomerang) 2003 Solar Tour evaluation form and will be sending this to you in the near future. I hope you will take the time to complete this form even if you have already sent in tour information.

I also hope you will encourage your homeowners to complete the Tour Homeowners Survey on our web site (www.ases.org) if they have not done so already. Dr. Richard Perez will be analyzing the data for a future article in SOLAR TODAY magazine. 

Most of you have sent in your prize drawing forms and complimentary magazine subscription requests at this point. If not, be sure to send these to the ASES office soon so we can include them in the drawing that will take place on November 14, 2003.

Thank you again for your continuing support of the National Solar Tour. Your goal of informing the public of their energy options seems to be working. The tour continues to grow in attendance, scope and media coverage thanks to your dedication and hard work. I hope you will continue to share your enthusiasm and knowledge on the 2004 tour as well.

Sincerely,

Cindy Nelson, CMP