FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - February 16, 2009 - Robert Kornahrens and his wife Deborah have been recognized by the Sun Sentinel of South Florida as distinguished business leaders of Broward County. The Kornahrens own and operate Advanced Green Technologies, a renewable energy solutions provider that works with tier one roofing contractors across the country installing solar panels, wind turbines and prismatic skylights on commercial buildings. Their headquarters' roof boasts the largest solar energy system in the state.
"It's an honor," said Kornahrens at the February 5th ceremony and thanked Deborah and their family for their support. The Kornahrens were selected out of 30 nominations in their business category. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Excalibur Awards, recognizing exceptional business leaders in South Florida communities. Past recipients include Jim Moran, late owner of JM Family Enterprises and Wayne Huizenga, famed business entrepreneur and founder of Waste Management Inc., Blockbuster Video and Auto Nation. The panel deemed 2009 winners are stand-outs in customer service and community service.
A few years ago Kornahrens launched Advanced Green Technologies, when he saw an opportunity to use his roofing expertise to make building-integrated solar energy and now wind energy a reality for commercial facilities. AGT has identified the best renewable solutions available today and creates custom financial models, making it easier for facility owners to take advantage of federal and state tax incentives. In just a few years AGT has helped hundreds of facilities reduce greenhouse gas emissions and set a course for environmental stewardship.
The Kornahrens are actively involved in many charitable organizations. Rob recently led a team of employees in putting shingles on a Habitat for Humanity home. The pair also organize the annual MS 150 bike ride for the Multiple Sclerosis Society and Rob leads a team of riders and has raised nearly a quarter of a million dollars over the years.
The Excalibur Awards recognize business achievement and civic involvement in South Florida. They are presented annually following an in-depth application process and thorough panel review. The Kornahrens will now sit on the awards selection panel and work with the Sun Sentinel to continue recognizing the best of South Florida business in the future. The daily newspaper is a subsidiary of the Tribune Company and has a circulation over 186,000.
