Reflection on Green:
by Marcy Allen
Bitterroot Economic Development District (BREDD) recently hosted a half day workshop in Missoula called Green Recovery: creating jobs and partnerships around Montana’s clean energy future. The workshop’s goal was to inform regional businesses about opportunities to grow the green economy through American Recovery and Reinvestment Act programs. The first half of the workshop was informational and the second half focused on developing ideas around some of the funding opportunities.
Now that I am not in the midst of it I have had time to reflect:
1) My favorite feature of the workshop was the diversity of knowledge and skills represented. It reflected the skills needed to run a successful business. There were people with financial skills, some with field experience, some experienced with planning and those with sales and marketing abilities. I think this diversity promoted good networking and conversations.
2) The presenters and panelists did an incredible job. This workshop was put together in a short period of time and the participants did a good job sharing their knowledge to date.
3) I would like to be able to package and distribute the connections that were formed during the breaks and at the social networking event. How do we encourage this type of information sharing in our very busy lives?
4) I am especially excited about the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program. Missoula City and County have allocated $680,000 and $160,000 respectively for this program. Smaller communities in the region can apply for these grants through the state DEQ.
Here are some interesting tidbits:
• An increase in Tax Credits for the installation of 75% efficient biomass-burning stove http://www.hpba.org/index.php?id=34
• Appliance rebates may be in the works for Energy Star appliances. Check in with the DEQ
• A list of energy audits training and certifications:
o National Center for Appropriate Technology: www.ncat.org
o Saturn Resources: http://srmi.biz/
o UM's College of Technology (COT): http://ace.cte.umt.edu/about/default.html
