The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) and the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce will host a free business energy breakfast workshop from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Friday, March 9, at the MedTech Centre across from the college.
The purpose is to help small businesses and not-for-profits learn about free energy audits, incentives for energy efficiency improvements and low-cost financing opportunities to help them reduce their energy bills.
Saving energy is an excellent way for small businesses and not-for-profit organizations to reduce overhead costs. It’s also an opportunity to set a powerful example of good environmental stewardship.
A qualified energy auditor can help companies and organizations understand their current energy usage and identify energy efficiency improvements for their buildings. Organizations that get energy audits may also take advantage of Green Jobs – Green NY financing, which offers access to low-interest rate loans to finance energy efficiency improvements. And many energy improvement projects are eligible for cash-back incentives from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), National Fuel, National Grid and NYSEG.
The workshop will feature opening remarks by GCEDC Vice President of Business Development Chris Suozzi and Genesee County Chamber of Commerce President Lynn Freeman. Expert presentations will be made by: Lee Loomis of the New York Energy $mart Communities Program on behalf of NYSERDA to discuss energy audits, low-cost financing and incentives for energy improvements; Andy Szajta of National Fuel regarding small business rebates/incentives for high-efficiency gas equipment; and Bob Trembath of Lime Energy on behalf of National Grid’s Small Business program.
Organizations that provide program support and business financing, such as the Small Business Development Center and Pathstone Corporation, will also be available to answer questions.
All local and regional small businesses and not-for-profits are encouraged to attend. The first 50 participants to pre-register and attend will receive a free Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulb from NYSERDA and an energy kit from National Fuel.
Pre-register for the workshop at www.GreenGeneseeCounty.org or call toll free at 1-866-495-2959. Walk-ins are welcome.
The Dr. Bruce A. Holm Upstate MedTech Centre is located at 99 MedTech Drive (across from the main Genesee Community College campus [1 College Drive] in Batavia). The workshop will be on the second floor, inside the School of Nursing Lecture Hall.
