Evans-Brant Chamber of Commerce is proud to celebrate with the following Local Businesses

Gary Carrell from the NYSERDA spoke about the free energy audit program. The no-cost energy audit is available to small businesses (10 employees or less) and not-for-profits with an average electrical demand of 100kw or less. He described incentives available for lighting, chillers, HVAC, motors, adjustable-speed drivers, and building controls. All of these programs are associated with the state’s goal of reducing energy consumption by 15% by 2015. National Fuel’s Cliff Mason described their rebate program. The program includes free weatherization for low income customers and rebates for residential customers, and rebates for non-residential customers using less than 12,000 Mcf of natural gas per year. It applies to replacement of specified appliances with qualifying new energy efficient models. The rebates are available for equipment for space heating, for water heating, and thermostat replacement. Rebates are also available for cooking equipment (see nationalfuelforthought.com). The program has resulted in rebates to small businesses in excess of $1.2 million since its inception in 2007. National Grid’s Paul Eister outlined his company’s programs directed to medium sized businesses (see www.powerofaction.com.) Residential programs include second refrigerator pickup and home energy audit. For businesses, the program is incentive-based to help improve the efficiency of their equipment and facilities. This includes lighting, building coded equipment and air compressors. He demonstrated how lighting changes can save a business 35% on its electric bill. The commercial applications for the modern generation of LED lights were outlined (parking area, walkways, security lighting, high by/low bay, recessed lighting, and retail displays.) While the expense is higher, the lights last 15-20 years. This dramatically decreases the business maintenance and labor-related expenses for replacement. Lime Energy is the exclusive contractor for National Grid’s program directed to small businesses. Lime Energy’s Joe Sweet and Bob Trembath (an Angola native who currently resides in Derby ) talked about the program’s success in increasing efficiencies for small businesses (companies which use under 100kw per month.) There are programs for equipment such as lighting, coolers, HVAC, motors, drivers, and building controls. Following the program, attendees had questions about scheduling a free energy assessment and comprehensive audit; applying for the subsidized installation and how to obtain rebates for energy efficient measures. Refreshments were provided from local Chamber members Jay’s Hilltop Bistro and Scallywag’s (see photo of watermelon carved into the Chamber logo.)

August 26, 2011 The Evans-Brant Chamber of Commerce held its 5th Annual Golf Mixer on Friday, August 26. This year's mixer was hosted by Rose Brook Golf Course, and Evenhouse Printing. Chamber members and local golfers enjoyed a beautiful summer evening for the 9-hole event. The Chamber had Tim Smith of Ergonomic Consulting to thank for coordinating the prizes. Prizes were donated by Heaven Scent Floral Designs (a division of Universal Industries), Jay's Hilltop Bistro, Ace Hardware of Derby, Angola Physical Therapy; Flexovit, Gift Baskets by JoAnn, Tim Smith of Ergonomic Consulting, Bella Terra Greenhouse, and North Smith of Industrial Solutions. The event was sponsored by tee hole sponsors Goya Foods Great Lakes, Bella Terra Greenhouse, Jar Trophies, Michael Spence, Potwora Insurance Agency, Jonica DiMartino, Addison Funeral Home, the American Legion - Post 928, Linda Giancarlo, Paul Cooper, Michelle Parker, Atty.; and Howard "Hub" Frawley. The best team score/mens prize went to The Bob Woods Quartet (golfers: Bob Woods of Lakeview, Bob Woods of Evans, Joe McCourt, and Chuck Wilson.) The best team score/co-ed went to Normiversal Industries (golfers: Norm Smith and from Universal Industries: Melissa Foster, Mark McHale, Erick Griewich and Rob Griewich.) Closet to the pin honors went to Joe DiFrancesco. Following the golf, attendees enjoyed an evening of music performed by Ron Davis a/k/a LeeRon Zydeco and the Hot Tamales, with their spicy, upbeat mix of Zydeco, Cajun, Caribbean, Blues, Tex-Mex and New Orleans party funk. Everybody had a great time and look forward to doing it again next year. ////

Speakers are available to groups interested in presentations on the Chamber of Commerce, the Evans-Brant community, tourism & local business updates.

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