US (MT): Energy workshop for ag businesses

The Montana USDA Rural Development office has scheduled a workshop about funding energy efficiency and renewable energy projects to help small business owners and agriculture producers cut costs and maximize profits. The workshop will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. on Wednesday, January 18, at the Missoula Electric Cooperative, Inc., 1700 West Broadway Street, Missoula. Lunch will be provided.

Because interest is so widespread and seating is limited, advance registration is required. Please RSVP to Heather Handeland at USDA Rural Development with the names of all attendees either by phone, 406-829-3395 ext.106, or email, heather.handeland@mt.usda.gov.

The workshop will offer examples of Montana businesses that have realized a return on investment as a result of improvements made with the help of programs such as Rural Energy for America (REAP), utility commercial and rural electrical co-op rebates, and other state and local funding programs. Rural business owners, agriculture producers, and system installers will take away tools, templates, and business case studies to make their energy efficiency improvements or renewable energy system become a reality.

Along with representatives of USDA Rural Development and the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, NCAT Energy Engineer Vicki Lynne will be a presenter at the workshop. Other speakers are from the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency, and the Small Business Administration.

Time is also set aside for attendees to talk directly with the experts about their specific projects and goals.