As the calendar switches to September, exciting events return to the horizon. Stadiums welcome the return of frenzied fans, parkways of summer green evolve to autumn auras, flashing school zones emerge from summer hibernation and Mother Nature ushers in relief from summer’s grasp.

Whatever your preferred part of autumn’s arrival, the fall feels refreshing. As cooler breezes blow and temperatures begin to drop, Stream Energy is refreshing our rates.

Effective last week, Stream Energy dropped rates in most of our service areas across Texas, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey. The perfect beginning to fall is already in full force.

In Texas, fall is still in its infancy as many cities saw temperatures topping 100º for much of last week. As a cold front arrived, so did lower Texas rates. Lower rates were also seen in the Northeast territories, as well as in Georgia.

So as September succulence begins to sink in, Stream Energy customers can keep focused on pigskin players, pumpkins and helping with homework.

As your best friend’s energy company, we know your time is precious because we’re husbands and mothers, too. So, get back to what’s important and we’ll take care of your energy needs with great rates that you don’t have to think twice about and customer service you’ll want to brag about.

From our family to yours, enjoy the upcoming autumn and don’t forget to start off your September succulence with a great new low rate from Stream Energy—your best friend’s energy company.

The wave of excitement around Clean Nation by Stream Energy has spread to your favorite social media. Stay on top of all important Clean Nation announcements and remain up-to-date with the latest and greatest information about Clean Nation. Share it with your friends and help spread the word of Clean Nation by Stream Energy.

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By Internet Communications Editor Brian Hale

Bottoms up! Stream Energy is collecting diapers for Captain Hope’s Kids during our annual Diaper Drive, which runs from Thursday, June 14 – Thursday, June 28.

Stream Energy employees have supported this great cause for many years in many ways. From the annual Toy Drive in December to Stream Energy’s annual publicity exposure for Captain Hope’s Kids during the televised downtown Dallas New Year’s Eve celebration, the Stream Energy family fully supports this very worthy cause.

As an Ignite Associate, you can also be a part of something great. The 2012 Diaper Drive runs from Thursday, June 14 – Thursday, June 28. Drop off size 5 and 6 diapers and/or 4T/5T training pants to the Ignite Corporate Headquarters in Dallas.

If you cannot get to the corporate office but would still like to assist Dallas-area children, you may do so by making a financial donation to Captain Hope’s Kids.

Thank you for your support of Stream Energy’s annual Diaper Drive benefiting Captain Hope’s Kids. Stream Energy, Captain Hope’s Kids and the children of Dallas thank you very much!

When Stream Energy and Ignite launched in 2005, it was not only the beginning of an innovative energy company, but an opportunity to be a part of something truly unique.

As Stream Energy and Ignite grew in both size and maturity, the firm adopted certain “mantras” that shaped the internal culture. The mantras encompassed an overall feeling and attitude that the firm was not just a great company, but a great family.

Although the two entities had two different logos, they both represented one company and one team with one goal.

To help make that point, Senior Director of Marketing Darryl Smith had an idea: merge the family-like atmosphere of Stream Energy with the team aspect of football into a visual representation of the firm’s support of the thousands of Ignite Associates around the country.

“Stream Energy and Ignite are a team,” Darryl said. “Supporting our Ignite Associates in the field is something every Stream Energy employee does on a daily basis. We are a very competitive group, and we have great passion and love for this firm – the same passion and love that many have for their hometown sports teams.”

“I wanted to take a symbol of that love and passion of each of our states and bring it back to the home office,” Darryl said. “It’s a symbol that we are always thinking about our IAs in all these areas, and a little piece of them is always represented in our office.”

Stream Energy and Ignite’s history can be seen in a unique visual timeline along one wall inside Stream Energy’s corporate office.

Each jersey represents when Stream Energy and Ignite entered a certain state or area. Each jersey has a number on the back of it which represents when we entered that particular state:

• Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans – the founding of the firm in Texas in 2005.
• Atlanta Falcons – Stream Energy’s first expansion efforts reached Georgia in 2008.
• Philadelphia Eagles – the firm first entered the Pennsylvania market in the Philadelphia area in 2010.
• Pittsburgh Steelers – the firm expanded their Pennsylvania service to the Pittsburgh area in 2011.
• Baltimore Ravens – Stream Energy began offering service in Maryland also in 2011.

“As a lifelong, die-hard Cowboys fan, my office sits between the Eagles and the Steelers,” Darryl said smiling. “It’s not easy looking at those colors every day.”

Near the end of 2011, Stream Energy and Ignite expanded to a fifth state in the Northeast. To avoid confusion (and also because he just couldn’t bear hanging any blue and white jersey other than the Cowboys) Darryl decided to utilize a different sport to represent Stream Energy’s latest market.

•  New Jersey Devils – the entrance into Stream Energy’s fifth state in 2011.

But what comes after New Jersey? An empty spot resides next to New Jersey’s colors. We are anxiously awaiting a jersey to represent the loyal Associates in a brand new Stream Energy market.

“I don’t know what we’ll do if we ever go to Montana,” Darryl said jokingly.

The next jersey may be unknown, but what is certain is that Stream Energy and Ignite will continue to achieve huge long-term success as long as we work together as one team.

Last weekend, Ignite held its seventh annual Ignition convention. During each convention, Ignite delivers many great new programs to help Associates better their lives and their businesses. For this year’s event, Ignite witnessed a special surprise announcement that came as a first in the seven years the company has been hosting Ignition.

Presidential Director Brian Lucia emceed this year’s General Session on Saturday and periodically went into the audience to interview Associates who shared their life-changing stories with the thousands of other in attendance.

As the General Session cranked up after lunch, Lucia ventured back into the audience and introduced New Jersey Managing Director Patrick Franklin and Patrick’s girlfriend, Director Kristin Kane.

Patrick began sharing his story when Lucia smiled and asked: “Is there a defining moment that you’d like to share with us?”

Patrick smiled and replied, “Actually, I thought today would be a great time to make a defining moment.”

As Patrick turned to his girlfriend, excitement and anticipation made its way around the arena. Patrick knelt down in front of Kristin, and cheers and applause resonated throughout the arena. Lucia held a microphone for the heartfelt marriage proposal heard by roughly 7,500 witnesses. 

As the proposal ended and the new sparkles donned Kristin’s finger, Patrick hugged and kissed his new fiancée to the roar of the arena’s approval. Lucia then presented the newly-engaged couple with an envelope that contained a special gift on behalf of the Stream Energy executive management team. The couple was given a gift certificate for an elegant dinner at a location of their choosing upon arrival back home in New Jersey.

As an Ignition first, how could the moment get any sweeter?

A few days after the couple arrived home, Patrick sent an email to Senior Director of Field Development, Darryl Smith, expressing his gratitude for the assistance Ignite provided in the proposal. Patrick expressed his love of Ignite and said how proud he was to be a part of such a great family and company.

Patrick wrote: “Kristin and I realized that we would like to keep the gift going forward to help someone less fortunate and were wondering if you would instead make a donation to Captain Hope’s Kids on our behalf.”

(Captain Hope’s Kids has been on hand at Ignition the past two years, and Stream Energy and its Ignite Associates have donated thousands of dollars to help support Dallas-area homeless children. For 2012, the company is donating $5,000.)

To honor the couple’s generosity, Stream Energy donated an additional $200 to Captain Hope’s Kids on behalf of Patrick Franklin and Kristin Kane. With the additional donations made by other Associates at Ignition, the charity will receive a total of $6,458.

This year’s Ignition was geared towards helping Associates turn their lives around financially and bettering their families’ futures. Thanks to the generosity of the Associates in attendance at Ignition 2012, thousands of homeless children in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex can look forward to a brighter future.

The generous spirit of the Ignite family is seen in our business on a daily basis during business meetings and presentations; from Presidential Directors to new recruits. And thanks to Patrick and Kristin, it can be found during even the most personal and memorable of life experiences.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A DONATION TO HELP THE HOMELESS CHILDREN OF NORTH TEXAS, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Stream Energy and Ignite are pleased to announce a special opportunity for our Associates. Beginning next week and running through the end of January 2012, the first-ever Ignite Social Media Treasure Hunt will allow Associates the opportunity to win two free registrations to Ignition 2012.

The Treasure Hunt will take place across Ignite’s three major social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. A clue will be randomly posted on one of these platforms every week or two. No announcement will be made regarding the posting of the clues, so Associates should monitor these sites daily.

Each clue will offer instructions on how to successfully answer or complete the clue. All respondents who successfully answer or complete each clue will be given one point. When the Treasure Hunt concludes at the end of January, the respondent with the most points will win two (2) free registrations to Ignition 2012 (or a refund of two [2] already-paid registrations).

Should a tie occur between Associates, the names of all tied Associates will be put into a raffle. Doug Witt will be filmed drawing a name and announcing the winner. The results will be posted on Ignite’s social media platforms.

Please do not wait to register for Ignition 2012 contingent upon this contest. Should the winner have already registered for Ignition 2012, the winner will be refunded the price paid for up to two registrations. Please note that this contest DOES NOT include hotel accommodations or airfare or other travel arrangements.

The clues will be placed randomly and will be unannounced, so please monitor each of the aforementioned social media sites as the first clue will come within the next week!

Ignition is less than 120 days away! Happy Hunting!

Registration opens soon for Ignite’s annual “Ignition” event, and this year’s event promises to be the best yet. There are so many things to get excited about Ignition that we can’t list them all here, but here are ten reasons to attend Ignition 2012.

10. Networking
It’s no secret that our firm has a strong to commitment to creating a family-like atmosphere. It’s our founding principle—warm marketing to your friends and family. There’s no doubt you’ve made connections not only in your own city, but with other Associates from around the country. There’s no better place to rekindle friendships and make great, new connections than at Ignition 2012.

9. Ignite Store
Every year, one of the most exciting places to be between workshops and meetings is the Ignite Store. We never fail in introducing new, fashionable items that not only add to your already stellar Ignite wardrobe, but also help enhance the Ignite image and promote your business. We use Ignition to offer you the best new training materials, professional sales aids, jewelry, clothing and much more. It’s also a great opportunity to mingle and meet some of the Stream Energy staff that appreciates you as much as you appreciate them.

8. Be In the Know
Doug Witt said, “Ignition is the culmination of all things Ignite.” So what better time and place to announce all of our upcoming promotions, contests and expansion news? Sure, you can hear all the latest news from home a few days later, but as any Associate who has seen expansion announcements in person will tell you, the announcements made at Ignition are something you definitely want to see for yourself.  We take things to a whole new level during Ignition.

7. Be Inspired
Our main goal during Ignition is to send every Associate home stirred to grab hold of his or her dreams and fully equipped to do so. We want you to be energized and motivated by people just like you. That’s why we spend months planning a schedule of events with speakers and presentations that will blow your mind. You will hear stories from other Associates that will take you to the next level. These are people just like you who were where you are now and have built a business that provides financial freedom for their children and grandchildren. You will leave Ignition motivated, inspired and ready to tackle your future.

6. Transform Your Life
At Ignition, you will hear from professionals who will teach you new methods for creating a better business and a better you. Ignition is designed to push down the accelerator and drive your Ignite business to the next level—it’s a journey that can truly transform your life.

5. Leadership Dinner
This black-tie-optional event for SDs and EDs creates the perfect setting to recognize your hard work and accomplishments in the presence of Ignite’s elite. The exquisite cuisine and first-class service provides a memorable setting for you and your fellow Ignite team members during your weekend in Dallas.

4. Training
We’ve packed so much information into our workshops and meetings that you are going to leave Dallas better trained on Ignite than you’ve ever been before. Presented by the best of the best, it is a world-class training experience as taught by the leaders who have made Ignite a towering giant among network marketing companies. The amount of training and information available is something you won’t get anywhere else but at Ignition.

3. Doug and Darryl
Every year, Ignite’s leaders hold a well-kept secret. It’s a secret they keep from even the employees of Stream Energy. How will Doug Witt and Darryl Smith make their grand entrance to start off the General Session this year? You never know what the boys have worked out. And of course, you’ll see and hear from Doug and Darryl throughout the weekend who will provide you with outstanding leadership information, new Ignite promotions and contests and other game-changing announcements. You don’t want to miss

2. Bigger Than Yourself
Ignition isn’t just a conference that brings together our Ignite Associates to get motivated and rejuvenated over a weekend in Dallas. It’s something more than that. It’s an opportunity that only comes once a year to be a part of something bigger than yourself; to celebrate our successes, learn, grow and become better people; and to share the Ignite passion with thousands of other Ignite Associates and Stream Energy employees who consider you family. Ignition is something truly amazing.

1. Grand Finale
After three days of workshops, fun, teaching and inspiration, what better way to end our annual event than with a huge party? This annual Saturday night grand finale party has become known for its exciting themes, colorful décor and amazing entertainment. This year’s theme is … really? You thought we were going to tell you the details already? Stay tuned – more to be revealed. This is one party you don’t want to miss.

BONUS REASON!
Our official Ignition hotel for 2012 is the brand new Dallas Omni Convention Center Hotel, a truly unbelievable and extravagant accommodation. You won’t believe this place – you have to see it for yourself! “Luxurious” doesn’t begin to describe it – and we’re enjoying it in its brand new, pristine glory.

After already planning for months, ‘Ignition 2012: Life 180’ is less than 120 days away. With this year’s even poised to be the best ever, make sure you take advantage of the Early Bird Registration coming soon. Make sure you don’t miss Ignition 2012: Life 180. It’s your turn!   

Check out the Ignite YouTube channel – we have posted some great Ignition 2012 teaser videos, with more on the way! Also, take a look at Ignition from years past – 2011 and 2010.

Working here at Stream Energy definitely has its perks. The employees come to a workplace that earned a national designation for a top workplace. We interact with some of the most inspirational people on a daily basis and the number one favorite thing about Stream Energy among its employees is the culture and family-like atmosphere promoted within the office.

But Stream Energy also promotes healthy living to employees. Employees have free use of a gym on the first floor of the building that Stream Energy calls home, and we have even set up a year-long program designed to promote healthy living among employees.

The health and wellness program is titled “Stream Energy’s Highway to Health.” A website allows all employees to log into their own personal accounts and view webinars, look at healthy recipes, perform monthly “challenges” that encourage healthy living and even get some motivation in a letter from chairman Rob Snyder. With each webinar, challenge or healthy event an employee participates in, that employee earns a certain number of points. At the end of the year, all employees who have a total of 100 points earn a discount on their insurance premiums during the following calendar year.

Along with Highway to Health, the firm has gone even further by allowing employees to get a free health screening performed in the office by medical professionals once per year. The screening allows employees to learn their blood pressure, cholesterol levels, BMI and other health statistics about themselves. The tab is picked up by Stream Energy in order to promote awareness about eating right and exercising on a regular basis.

To help alleviate sick days, the firm offers all employees the opportunity to get a flu shot—also done once per year by medical professionals and is free to employees. Usually performed in October, these free vaccines allow employees to remain flu-free without having to travel to a clinic or their family doctor on their own time to get the vaccine.

While Stream Energy loves our customers and our Ignite Associates, we also make sure to take care of our employees here at home who work daily to make it all happen.

With the peak of summer’s heat upon us, the welcomed relief of cooler temperatures is on the horizon. The summer of 2011 will go down as one of the hottest summers on record in the US. Temperatures soared into the triple digits multiple times for much of the nation, with Texas suffering from more than 50 days of the triple-digit heat.

The welcomed heat relief will bring with it a reduction in the amount of electricity used for powering air conditioners across the nation. A reduction in electricity usage provides some relief for consumers’ pocketbooks. But with summer still holding on for the time being, there are additional ways to keep some extra green in your pockets for the final weeks of summer and the colder winter months.

Energy Tax Credits and Rebates

Depending on where you live and how “green” the appliances are in your home, you might be eligible for tax credits and rebates. Check with your local poles and wires company to see what, if any, rebates or credits they offer and if you are eligible. The Department of Energy provides a detailed list of providers around the country who offer rebates and credits.

Reduce Your Footprint

In 2009, the average energy consumption per person in the United States was more than 7,400 kwh each month. In Texas, the average was sixth worst in the nation at almost 11,000 kwh per person per month. You can help reduce the usage by unplugging all devices when not in use. This includes everything from home computers and televisions to electric toothbrushes and iPods. Even if a device is off, if it is plugged into an outlet, the device still draws a current.

Unplugging your electronics doesn’t have to be a daunting task. A power strip is an easy way to unplug multiple devices at one time. Reducing the number of devices drawing a current not only reduces the amount of electricity being drawn to your home, it relieves strain on the power grid that can quickly become overloaded during peak times. If too much strain is placed on the electric grid, states may be forced into rolling blackouts to reduce the strain—something Texas was on the verge of multiple times this summer.

Another way to increase your pocketbook while decreasing the strain on the environment is in your daily commute. Public transportation is an inexpensive way to get to your destination while reducing your carbon footprint. Many public transportation departments across the nation have busses and trains that run on alternative fuels such as ethanol, compressed natural gas (CNG), biodiesel liquefied natural gas (LNG) or electricity.

If public transportation isn’t an option for you, consider trading in your current high-emissions vehicle for a cleaner and greener vehicle. Soon, “green” vehicles may be your only option. President Obama recently announced a new policy that requires U.S. automakers to produce vehicles that achieve an average of 35.5 mpg by 2016—just five short years from now. Furthermore, an agreement with 13 automakers will increase the average fuel economy of vehicles they produce in 2025 to 54.5 mpg.  According to the Department of Transportation, the agreement is with manufacturers that produce 90 percent of the vehicles sold in the United States today.

A vehicle that runs on alternative fuel is something good for the environment and will save you money over your current vehicle. Locations for filling up on gasoline are much more prevalent than alternative fuels, but alternative fueling stations are located plentifully around the nation.

Keep What You’re Paying For

It’s no secret that heat rises. It also sinks. If you live in a multi-story home, the problem of how to keep the top floor comfortable is perplexing. Caused by a combination of the heat inside the home rising and the summer heat pounding your roof, the top floor of your home gets warmed from above and beneath. Ensure that your attic or roof has updated and adequate insulation or barrier. There are many new, inexpensive products available at your local hardware or home improvement store that can help reduce the amount of heat on the top floor of your home. When the weather eventually starts turning colder, you’ll be able to reduce the heat lost through the attic or roof, reducing the workload on your heating system.

You most likely have a rent or mortgage due every month. You also have an energy bill due every month. But could the home you’re paying for be costing you extra money? According to BBC News, the majority of heat lost is mainly through the roof, windows and gaps around doors. A radiant barrier is a great addition to your roof in the summer time (to keep your home cooler) and in the winter time (to reduce the amount of heat lost).  Exchange single-paned windows for double-paned windows and hang curtains. Add weather stripping around doorways and window panes.

You’re paying for your home and your energy. By taking these simple steps, you can help reduce your monthly utility bill while increasing the value and efficiency of your home.

Summer is getting close to finally fading into Fall, and with smarter decisions, you can make your home and life more efficient. Save some green by going green, and enjoy the autumn weather.

It’s no secret that communication is the basis for all types of business relationships. Stream Energy puts great emphasis on effectively communicating with all our customers and Ignite independent associates on a frequent basis to retain good-standing relationships by providing valuable information regarding our firm and the energy landscape.

Not only do we communicate externally with our customers and associates, but we also put great importance on communicating internally with all Stream Energy employees.

As both an energy and network marketing firm, it is especially important to communicate with our employees for several reasons. To begin, many different departments must work closely together to ensure the best possible service is provided to customers and associates. Although we have many employees spread across departments such as billing, associate support, commercial, legal and information technology, these departments are dependent on each other. For example, one change from our I.T. team could mean our system works differently for every other department. If those teams are not knowledgeable in the change, it could greatly affect our ability to efficiently accommodate customer and associate requests. Additionally, if the billing department comes across an issue that is not communicated to the associate support and commercial teams, it could affect their responses and could cause confusion among our teams, leading to inefficient service.

Internal communication is also a viable means to have a little fun at work. One of the principles that separates our firm from competitors is our culture. Our distinguished culture is driven from our founding mantras upon which this firm has operated since its genesis in 2005. Upper management, Rob included, meets regularly with every department in the firm for a town hall-style meeting where employees are served lunch and are urged to ask anything they desire. This internal communication within the firm allows employees to feel engaged with upper management and boosts morale. If happy cows come from California, then happy employees come from Stream Energy.

Communication within the firm also reaches employees via email known as an “Outlet.” This firm-wide message system is sent to employees on a daily basis. Outlets contain information regarding upcoming firm events, employee profiles, updated energy rates, charity drives, contests and any other information to help boost morale and inform and educate employees on new news.

As important as external communication is to our business, internal communication is equally important. Without the proper care and handling of communication in both areas, our firm’s culture would not be as revolutionary and envied as it is.