Energy - Part 1

Dear Friends,

"Save Energy - Earn Bonus"

Just this morning I saw the above headline rewarding employees with bonuses for turning off lights, adjusting the room temperatures and doing a better job of recycling. Once again energy impacts the bottom line. 

Energy IS a Big Deal Whether you are burning more energy, saving energy or converting energy, almost every aspect of our day is impacted by how we think about energy. Our doctors, trainers, and employers what us to burn more calories so we lose more pounds so we save our hearts and other parts of our bodies. Burn More Energy. Turn off the lights, change the types of bulbs we use, adjust our thermostats, and put my computer on sleep mode reflects the cry of many a CFO. Saving Energy. And, let's separate our paper, plastic, metals and trash so we can do a more effective job of converting our trash into something we can use again. Converting Energy.     We Know Why? There isn't a single human being who lacks in the knowledge of why all of this is important. The education of the masses has been very successful. We know why and in most cases we even know how. So why is it still an issue? Well... Why do people still smoke? Why do people still text and drive? Why do people still throw plastic in the trash? One word...Motivation.   What's In It For Me? As the headline suggests; "Save the company some money and we'll share the savings with you." Ask anyone who has ever run a corporate wellness program how many t-shirts and water bottles they gave away in an effort to get employees off their duffs. "What if I gave you a different insurance deductible, will you stop smoking?" or "Click It or Ticket." We are motivated by incentives.   So, How Can We Make This Happen? Franklin County is very fortunate to have a series of incentives coming down the pike. Whether you are looking for ways to save money by saving energy; or you are hoping to start wellness program in your company or community group; or you want better information on how to effectively re-cycle; help is on the way.   Save Energy Efficiency Vermont and Shelter Analytics are teaming up to bring a fresh approach to energy services. They are introducing "St. Albans Power Play for Small Businesses," a free service offering business owners assistance with identifying where energy is being wasted. In addition, they will be offering additional layers of support and financial resources. To learn more, attend the Strategies for Success Seminar on May 29th. Learn More...    Burn Energy Later this summer you will be introduced to one of the most exciting Community Health Initiatives that this area has ever seen. Organizations from all corners of our County have combined their "energy" and resources to unveil a wellness program that has the potential to reach thousands. I can't tell you any more at this time but stay tuned...    Convert Energy We are fortunate to have resources in our community that know everything there is to know about converting trash into re-usable and useful forms. Barry Domina from the Northwest Solid Waste District will be on hand later this summer to fill us all in on the best way to capture the most out of our trash. And as an added bonus keep an eye on SunCommons and some of the creative programs they have coming to convert the sun into electricity for you.

Thank you for your continued support of the Chamber in your community.  As a reminder, if you have missed a pass issue of the Director's Desk, check out the archives. Click the link below...

Dave Southwick Executive Director  802 524-2444