Stage	Project Description	Action
	Affordable Solar Housing Group: we believe that continued globalization of industrial production will, inevitably, result in downward pressure on U.S. wages, prices and asset values. This deflationary spiral will mean that the middle class must learn to live on a smaller diet of cash flow by living in smaller, energy efficient homes that have a lower carrying cost. This SIG is actively developing workable home designs and building actual model homes for people to live in. Click HERE to see an actual sample model home and HERE to view/save a PDF on a proposed affordable solar home building system.
	Back to Basics Group: we believe that needed adjustments to the U.S. economy are under way, and that we must stand back from the "Dotcom Era" and re-examine our business models, goals and priorities. This group is taking a long-range view of economic activity and its role in improving mankind's quality of life, with the objective of creating and supporting sustainable, small scale businesses that meet real human needs for the basics of life. Hardworking entrepreneurs are especially welcome!
	Sustainable Community Development Group: as we anticipate a steeply rising demand for fossil fuels by the developing world, it is clear that energy costs will trend upward and supply problems will likely develop in the near future. Moreover, it is becoming increasingly clear that post-industrial America will produce a plethora of low-wage, low-benefits service sector jobs that will lower our median standard of living and create a sustainability crisis. As more people seek out lower cost of living locations, we believe that an influx of large numbers of people into the Smoky Mountains will bring both opportunities and problems to local communities. As the influx is inevitable, it is prudent to assist the process by consciously developing small cluster communities that are designed to anticipate the needs of the new residents. Since gated communities for the wealthy are already well represented, this group is focusing on the needs of  the working middle class in partnership with the aging & retired.
	Decorative Remodeling Group: now that Maggie has demonstrated her remarkable interior decorating prowess here at Maggie's Place, and we've identified some reliable local contractors who do excellent work at a fair price, it's time to market all of this creative expertise and let local homeowners know about all of these terrific home remodeling services. You have to be really good at something to join this group.
	Internet Marketing Group: we believe that all small business owners, managers and workers must learn to operate within the emerging Global Marketplace, and that one key to successful participation is the use of the Internet as a marketing tool. This low-cost advertising medium gives SMB's the international reach they need to market their products and services wherever there is consumer demand. This group is actively involved in promoting real world enterprises on the WWW and sharing the techniques that are found to yield productive results.
	Permaculture Homesteading: when the Great Depression devastated America in the 1930's, my mother's family hardly noticed it - other than a little less cash in Papa's mayonnaise jar. This was because they had built their own house and owned it outright, grew most of their own food in their backyard, and performed "essential" work like roofing, mending, and canning to earn a little money now and then. Nowadays, we are all deeply in debt, mortgaged over our heads, and using credit more & more to make ends meet. This SIG will examine the successful application of Permaculture Homesteading Principles & Technologies in the creation of long-term, sustainable, earth-centered lifestyles & communities.