Thurston Energy Co-Hosts Local Energy Convergence on January 30 in Olympia

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Event to help businesses grow, showcase Thurston County’s energy efficiency projects

January 12, 2011 – Thurston Energy will co-host the Local Energy Convergence with Sustainable South Sound’s Buy Local Program on Monday, January 30, 2012, at the Olympia Center in Olympia, WA. The Local Energy Convergence is two events in one: an afternoon workshop designed specifically for local businesses, and an evening reception for customers and friends of Thurston Energy and Buy Local South Sound.

“The inaugural Local Energy Convergence is designed to bring people together to share best practices and find new opportunities to save energy and money, buy local, build our local economy and move our community toward a more sustainable future,” says Ramsey Zimmerman, Program Director for Thurston Energy.

Sponsors for the Local Energy Convergence include:

  • Platinum Sponsor: Washington State University Extension Energy Program
  • Gold Sponsors: City of Olympia, Olympia Federal Savings, Thurston County
  • Silver Sponsors: Capitol City Press, Fairchild Record Search, Jessica Jensen Law, O Bee Credit Union, South Sound Solar
  • Bronze Sponsors: Rural Energy Development for Washington Program, Generations Credit Union, LOTT Clean Water Alliance, Batdorf & Bronson Coffee Roasters, Fish Brewing Company

 

The afternoon workshop (1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.), Local Energy for Local Business, is geared toward helping local business owners decrease operating costs and increase their profits through energy efficiency and sustainable practices. Small business owners will have the opportunity to interact with businesses that have employed energy efficiency and sustainability in their everyday operations, and take away an actionable plan to get their businesses started along the path. A graphic recorder will be on-site for the duration of the event to capture the facilitated discussion portion of the day.

Local resource tables will be available on site to help owners grow their businesses – lending institutions, government agencies, utilities, technical assistance, non-profit organizations and more.

The evening event (4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.), Local Energy Celebration, is designed to celebrate the success our community has had in reducing energy usage and buying local, and present opportunities to go even further. Guests will have the opportunity to meet other customers of Thurston Energy and Buy Local, enjoy local food and drinks, enjoy kid’s activities, win door prizes, listen to live music and more. Attendees can access resources on hand from sponsors to take additional steps to save energy, save money, buy local and make home improvements. Thurston Energy will be announcing next steps for the program during the evening as well.

“So many people have been integral to Thurston Energy’s success in creating jobs and saving energy and money in our community – Stakeholders, Community Partners, Contractors on our Vendor Network, Local Businesses, and especially our 700 customers,” says Zimmerman. “We want to recognize their commitment to energy efficiency, and thank them for the opportunity to help them along the pathway to savings. This event is designed to do just that.”

Residents and business owners can visit the Local Energy Convergence website at www.localenergynow.org to register and RSVP, or call 360.528.2112 to find out more information. Attendees are encouraged to bring friends and family to this community event.

 

About Thurston Energy:

Started in January of 2010, Thurston Energy is a local program, run as a partnership between the Thurston Economic Development Council and the Thurston Climate Action Team. A WSU Extension pilot program funded by federal stimulus dollars, Thurston Energy’s mission is to make it easy for homeowners and businesses to save money, save energy and reduce climate impacts by reducing their energy usage.

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