Orion Energy Systems: Marian University recognizes Orion Energy Systems for entrepreneurial achievements

Clean energy will keep jobs, dollars in Wisconsin, Doyle says

MANITOWOC, Wis. — Orion Energy Systems Inc. (Nasdaq: OESX) on Thursday received the Entrepreneur of the Year award at Marian University’s 28th annual Business & Industry awards dinner.

The Entrepreneur of the Year award recognizes a company that has successfully taken on the risks and unique challenges of creating and growing a business.

Orion Energy Systems is a power technology enterprise that designs, manufactures and deploys energy management systems that significantly reduce energy costs for commercial and industrial companies while delivering capacity to utilities throughout North America.

Since 2001, Orion’s technology has helped 5,374 facilities save more than $782 million in energy costs, displacing more than 10 billion kilowatt-hours, keeping 6.7 million tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

“Our entrepreneurial spirit is what drives innovation at Orion,” said Orion CEO Neal Verfuerth. “When combined with a Wisconsin workforce that is second to none, the result is technology that is changing the way commercial and industrial businesses use energy. We’re honored to receive this award from Marian University, an outstanding institution that is educating the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators who will be instrumental in developing Wisconsin’s clean energy economy.”

The keynote speaker at Thursday’s event was Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle. The topic of his address was “Strengthening Our Economic Future.”

Doyle applauded Orion Thursday, saying the company is a shining example of the kind of innovation and quality manufacturing that will make Wisconsin’s economy thrive. Innovative and energy-efficient technology like Orion’s will help create jobs and keep in dollars in Wisconsin that would otherwise be spent out of state, or out of the country, Doyle said.

Founded in 1936 by the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes, Fond du Lac-based Marian University is a coeducational, Catholic university providing a values-based applied liberal arts education. The university’s core values are community, learning, service, social justice, and spiritual traditions.

Orion Energy Systems Inc. (Nasdaq: OESX) is a leading power technology enterprise that designs, manufactures and implements energy management systems, consisting primarily of high-performance, energy-efficient lighting platforms, intelligent wireless control systems and direct renewable solar technology for commercial and industrial customers without compromising their operations. For more information, visit http://www.oesx.com.

Media Contact

Linda Diedrich

Vice President Corporate Communications

(920) 482-1988

ljd@oes1.com