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Konarka Named Recipient of MassEcon's Team Massachusetts Economic Impact Award

Konarka Recognized for Positive Impact on Job Growth, Facility Expansion, Investment and Community Involvement in Massachusetts

Lowell, Mass. - Nov. 24, 2009 - Konarka Technologies, Inc., an innovator in development and commercialization of Konarka Power Plastic®, a material that converts light to energy, today announced the company was named a recipient in MassEcon's Sixth Annual Team Massachusetts Economic Impact Award. Gold, silver and bronze awards were given to one company in each of the five regions of the Commonwealth in recognition of outstanding contributions to the Massachusetts economy. Konarka will receive the silver award for the southeastern region of Massachusetts at the Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at the Seaport Hotel Boston.

Konarka expanded its presence in Massachusetts with the opening of the world's largest roll-to-roll flexible thin film solar manufacturing facility in New Bedford in October 2008. The company is utilizing the former Polaroid plant for the mass production of its Power Plastic, the company's unique light weight, flexible solar material.

"We are delighted that MassEcon has recognized Konarka for our creation of green jobs in Massachusetts and our positive impact on the economy," commented Rick Hess, president and CEO at Konarka."Opening the former Polaroid plant in New Bedford has been a smooth venture, hiring former Polaroid employees who have the precise manufacturing skills and knowledge for us. Massachusetts is clearly the place for Konarka to find the high-quality workforce in order to advance our solar technology."

Winning companies were selected after a reception hosted by the president of the University of Massachusetts, Jack Wilson and attended by featured guest, Secretary of Housing and Economic Development, Greg Bialecki. Company representatives presented their contributions in the areas of job growth, facility expansion, investment and community involvement since January 1, 2008. Award recipients included a broad range of company sizes and industries including healthcare, software, consumer products, telecommunications, life sciences and manufacturing, in addition to renewable power.

"The Team Massachusetts Economic Impact Awards allows us to honor companies not only at a state level, but those that are making waves worldwide," commented Jerry Sargent, executive vice president of Citizens Bank and MassEcon Chair. "These honorees are strengthening the foundation of the state's economy."

For more information on MassEcon's Sixth Annual Team Massachusetts Economic Impact Award, visit: http://www.massecon.com/docs/2009ImpactAwardWinners.pdf

About MassEcon
The Massachusetts Alliance for Economic Development (MassEcon) is a private, non-profit partnership of business, industry leaders, and government dedicated to fostering economic growth in the Commonwealth. Formed in 1993, its services include the Site Finder Service, the Research & Information Service; and the Massachusetts Ambassadors. A member of the Massachusetts Business Resource Team, MassEcon executes its mission in collaboration with state, regional, and local partners. For more information, visit: http://www.massecon.com/.

About Konarka Technologies, Inc.
Konarka develops and manufactures solar plastic films that convert light to energy – anywhere. As the leading developer of polymer-based, organic photovoltaic (OPV) technology that provides a source of renewable power in a variety of form factors, Konarka has a broad portfolio of patents, technology licenses and an accomplished technical, scientific and manufacturing team. Manufactured at low cost and low energy consumption, the company's Konarka Power Plastic® technology is lightweight, flexible, scalable and adaptable for use in a variety of commercial, industrial, government and consumer applications. Konarka Technologies is headquartered in Lowell, Mass., U.S.A. and has a full scale production manufacturing facility in New Bedford, Mass. U.S.A., with European headquarters in Nurnberg, Germany, business development offices in Asia and a research and development facility in Austria. For additional information, visit http://www.konarka.com. 

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