U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Awards Capstone the President's "E" Award for Excellence in Exporting

CHATSWORTH, Calif., Nov. 6, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Capstone Turbine Corporation (www.capstoneturbine.com) (Nasdaq:CPST), the world's leading clean technology manufacturer of microturbine energy systems, announced today that it was awarded the President's "E" Award for U.S. Exporters. U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke presented Capstone with the "E" Award during a ceremony held at the Commerce Department headquarters in Washington, D.C.

"I'm a great believer in the ability of American companies and workers to compete anytime, anywhere in the world, on a level playing field. We're here today to honor the people, firms, and organizations that produce and promote U.S. goods and services that support American jobs," Secretary Locke said in a U.S. Commerce Department press release. "Trade has always been crucial to American prosperity. But, in today's difficult economic times, with other drivers of growth like consumer spending lagging, it's even more important for American industry to take advantage of every opportunity for export-driven growth."

"Capstone is honored to be awarded the President's "E" Award for U.S. Exporters in recognition of our strong sales overseas," said Darren Jamison, Capstone Turbine's President and CEO.

"We have increased our export sales by 266% over the past four years," said Jim Crouse, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "Adding strong distribution partners across the world has enabled us to seize opportunities in markets in Europe, Latin America and Asia."

The company also received a Certificate of Export Achievement from the U.S. Department of Commerce in 2008. Capstone has been a delegate on several U.S. government trade missions over the years, including missions to China, India, and Vietnam.

About the President's "E" Award

The President's "E" Award (http://www.trade.gov/cs/eaward.asp) was created by Executive Order of the President on December 5, 1961, to afford suitable recognition to persons, firms, or organizations which contribute significantly in the effort to increase United States exports. During World War II, more than 4,000 "E Pennants" were presented to war plants in recognition of production excellence. The famous flag with the big "E" emblazoned on it became a badge of patriotism in action. President Kennedy revived the World War II "E" symbol of excellence to honor and provide recognition to America's exporters. Thus, the "E" Award Program was established by Executive Order 10978 on December 5, 1961.

Winners of the "E" Award are authorized to fly the blue and white banner, to display the accompanying certificate of commendation which is signed by the Secretary of Commerce in the name and by the authority of the President, to wear and issue to employees an "E" lapel pin, and to refer to the award in their advertising.

About Capstone Turbine

Capstone Turbine Corporation (www.capstoneturbine.com) (Nasdaq:CPST) is the world's leading producer of low-emission microturbine systems and was the first to market commercially viable microturbine energy products. Capstone Turbine has shipped over 4,000 Capstone MicroTurbine(R) systems to customers worldwide. Capstone Turbine is a member of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Combined Heat and Power Partnership, which is committed to improving the efficiency of the nation's energy infrastructure and reducing emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases. A UL-Certified ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 14001:2004 certified company; Capstone is headquartered in the Los Angeles area with sales and/or service centers in the New York metro area, Mexico City, Nottingham, Shanghai, Singapore and Tokyo.

"Capstone Turbine Corporation" and "Capstone MicroTurbine" are registered trademarks of Capstone Turbine Corporation. All other trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

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CONTACT:  Capstone Turbine Corporation
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Released November 6, 2009