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Governor Rendell: PA Helping Small Businesses Conserve Energy, Reduce Expenses

Posted on: Thursday, 8 November 2007, 15:00 CST

HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With energy costs continuing to rise, Governor Edward G. Rendell today said Pennsylvania will persevere with its work to help small businesses reduce electricity and fuel consumption.

The Governor said 89 small businesses across the state will receive a total of $521,000 in grants to incorporate innovative technologies that improve energy efficiency and reduce pollution.

"From electricity to natural gas, gasoline and diesel fuel, energy prices are going up and that can have a drastic impact on the bottom lines of small businesses," said Governor Rendell. "Conserving energy and reducing pollution makes sense not only for the environment, but also economically. We're announcing our investment in these 89 innovative companies because they have recognized that truth and are investing in their future."

With more than 264,000 small businesses in the commonwealth that employ nearly 2 million people and annually pay in excess of $19 million in salaries, the Governor said helping these firms reduce energy expenditures is key to growing the economy and achieving energy independence.

"Beyond the financial benefits of reducing energy consumption, conserving and being more efficient in our usage affects our national security and way of life. By reducing our dependence on foreign fuels, we're keeping more of our energy dollars here at home rather than sending them abroad to oil-rich nations that are often hostile to America's interests."

The Small Business Advantage Grants program provides a 50-percent match of up to $7,500 for equipment or processes that reduce energy consumption, promote pollution prevention, and increase profitability. Examples include high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, motion sensors that shut off lights when rooms are empty, and auxiliary power units that allow long-haul truckers to turn off engines during layovers and still have heat and electricity.

Since Governor Rendell launched the Small Business Advantage Grants program in July 2004, more than $3.3 million has been awarded to almost 600 businesses across the state.

This year's grants will leverage almost $1.5 million in private investments.

"Energy efficiency is more important than ever with the cost of a barrel of crude oil topping $98 and electricity rates expected to jump by double- and triple-digit figures across the state in less than two-and-a-half years," said Environmental Protection Secretary Kathleen A. McGinty. "By cutting the waste of electricity, fuel and other natural resources, these businesses are keeping our environment clean and improving their profitability."

Energy conservation and efficiency are key components of Governor Rendell's Energy Independence Strategy, which includes measures that will make it easier for businesses and homeowners to cut up to $1 billion per year from their power bills over the next decade. It also provides critical investments Pennsylvania needs to attract new economic development opportunities in the rapidly growing alternative and renewable energy industries, and the strategy supports homegrown, clean fuels to reduce our national dependence on expensive imported oil.

The Small Business Advantage grant program is open to small business owners whose business or facility is located in Pennsylvania. An eligible applicant must be a for-profit business enterprise that is a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, sole proprietorship or other legal entity that has no more than 100 employees and is a separate legal business entity at the time the application is submitted. Applicants may be manufacturers or service providers.

For more information, visit http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/, keyword: Small Business Advantage Grant Program. For more information on the Energy Independence Strategy, visit the same Web site and click on the "Fueling Energy Savings" icon.

The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit his Web site at: http://www.governor.state.pa.us/.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is a list of the 89 Small Business Advantage Grants projects, by county.

ALLEGHENY COUNTY

Cheswick Laundromat - $7,500 for high-efficiency clothes drying machines to reduce energy use.

ARMSTRONG COUNTY

The Towne Hall Inn - $2,000 for high-efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.

BEAVER COUNTY

Dudo Trucking - $4,050 for an auxiliary power unit in a long-haul trailer to eliminate idling during layovers.

BEDFORD COUNTY

Lightner Electronics - $6,001 for high-efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.

BERKS COUNTY

Dave Mellner Auto and Truck - $3,927 for a waste oil boiler and furnace to conserve energy through use of alternative fuel.

National Cleaners - $7,500 for a high-efficiency boiler with zone controls to conserve energy.

BRADFORD COUNTY

Deerpath Kennels - $1,828 for pellet and corn stove to conserve energy through use of alternative fuels.

BUTLER COUNTY

Farrow Trucking - $3,750 for an auxiliary power unit in a long-haul trailer to eliminate idling during layovers.

CAMBRIA COUNTY

Dr. Kathy Percosky's Gentle Dentistry - $7,500 for digital radiography equipment to conserve electricity and water, as well as reducing hazardous waste and radiation emissions.

Hill Top Coin-Op Laundry - $7,500 for high-efficiency washing machines to conserve energy and water, and decrease wastewater.

CARBON COUNTY

Julia's Family Restaurant - $7,500 air-to-water heat pump to produce hot water for restaurant, reducing energy use.

Panther Valley Mini-mall - $7,500 for high-efficiency geothermal heating and cooling equipment.

CENTRE COUNTY

Hedrick's Investments - $7,500 for a high-efficiency boiler with zone controls to conserve energy.

Blazer Enterprises - $7,500 for auxiliary power units in two long-haul trailer to eliminate idling during layovers.

Steven A. MacNamara - $7,500 for auxiliary power units in two long-haul trailer to eliminate idling during layovers.

Rishell Enterprises - $4,150 for an auxiliary power unit in a long-haul trailer to eliminate idling during layovers.

CHESTER COUNTY

Sam's Truck and Tire Shop Inc. - $7,500 for waste oil burner and furnace to conserve energy through use of alternate fuels.

Manfredi Mushroom - $7,500 for an auxiliary power unit in a long-haul trailer to eliminate idling during layovers.

CLARION COUNTY

Clarion Coin Laundry - $7,500 for high-efficiency boiler with zone controls to conserve energy.

C&A Trees Unlimited - $7,500 for thermal curtains to reduce energy consumption.

CLEARFIELD COUNTY

Branding Iron - $2,240 for high-efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning system to conserve energy.

CRAWFORD COUNTY

Syzmankski Coin Laundry - $3,980 for high-efficiency washing machines to conserve energy and water, and decrease wastewater generation.

Brunot Chiropractic - $3,496 for a high-efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning system to conserve energy.

CUMBERLAND COUNTY

John M. Paviol, DMD - $7,500 for digital radiography equipment to conserve electricity and water, as well as reducing hazardous waste and radiation emissions.

Berrier Trucking - $4,695 for an auxiliary power unit in a long-haul trailer to eliminate idling during layovers.

DAUPHIN COUNTY

Jeron Enterprises - $3,003 for a paint spray booth containment and filtration system to prevent pollution and protect worker health.

Jeron Enterprises - $4,237 for a waste oil boiler and furnace to conserve energy through use of alternative fuel.

Foremost Towing - $7,364 for a waste oil boiler and furnace to conserve energy through use of alternative fuel.

DELAWARE COUNTY

Glencroft Veterinary Medical Hospital - $7,500 for digital radiography equipment to conserve electricity and water, as well as reducing hazardous waste and radiation emissions.

ELK COUNTY

Peterson Refrigeration & A/C - $7,403 for an outdoor wood boiler heating system to conserve energy through use of alternative fuels.

J. P. Zeitler, Jr., DMD - $7,500 for digital radiography equipment to conserve electricity and water, as well as reducing hazardous waste and radiation emissions.

Kopper Kettle Restaurant and Pub - $2,182 for wall and ceiling insulation to increase HVAC system efficiency to conserve energy.

ERIE COUNTY

Erie Press Systems - $7,500 for high-efficiency boiler with zone controls to conserve energy.

CJ Trucking - $4,794 for an auxiliary power unit in a long-haul trailer to eliminate idling during layovers.

Quantum Plating - $7,500 for a process-water recycling unit that incorporates reverse osmosis to prevent pollution and reduce metal discharges.

FOREST COUNTY

Forest Lodge and Campground - $7,482 for high-efficiency boiler with zone controls to conserve energy.

FRANKLIN COUNTY

Mike Wagner Transport - $5,500 for an auxiliary power unit in a long-haul trailer to eliminate idling during layovers.

Wash 'N Dry - $7,500 for high-efficiency washing machines to conserve energy, and water, and decrease wastewater.

INDIANA COUNTY

HMS Industries Inc. - $7,500 for upgraded metal heat-treatment furnace to conserve energy.

JEFFERSON COUNTY

G. Leiberton Trucking Co. - $4,876 for an auxiliary power unit in a long-haul trailer to eliminate idling during layovers.

East End Laundry - $7,500 for high-efficiency washing machines to conserve energy, and water, and decrease wastewater.

Reynoldsville Laundry - $7,500 for high-efficiency washing machines to conserve energy, and water, and decrease wastewater.

LACKAWANNA COUNTY

Darleen A. Oleski, DMD - $7,500 for digital radiography equipment to conserve electricity and water, as well as reducing hazardous waste and radiation emissions.

Michael Biondi Transport - $7,500 for auxiliary power units in two long-haul trailers to eliminate idling during layovers.

Kevin's Wholesale - $7,500 for high-efficiency, gas-fired heating system to conserve energy.

LANCASTER COUNTY

Milton Grove Investments - $2,080 for high-efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.

LAWRENCE COUNTY

Magic Touch Laundry - $7,500 for high-efficiency washing machines to conserve energy, and water, and decrease wastewater.

LEBANON COUNTY

Rockville Enterprises - $7,500 for high-efficiency washing machines to conserve energy, and water, and decrease wastewater.

LEHIGH COUNTY

Wanamaker's General Store - $3,056 for energy-efficiency upgrades to HVAC and refrigeration units, and high-efficiency lighting.

Woof World - $7,500 for high-volume, low-velocity destratification fans for heating and cooling of warehouse space.

Big Dog Express - $4,750 for an auxiliary power unit in a long-haul trailer to eliminate idling during layovers.

LUZERNE COUNTY

Dallas Truck Lines - $4,300 for an auxiliary power unit in a long-haul trailer to eliminate idling during layovers.

G. Derr Jr. Construction - $6,143 for an auxiliary power unit in a long-haul trailer to eliminate idling during layovers.

Nathan's Furniture Store - $7,500 for high-efficiency lighting system to reduce energy costs.

LYCOMING COUNTY

Norge Village Dry Cleaners - $7,500 for high-efficiency shirt-finishing equipment.

James Ely Insurance - $5,708 for a high-efficiency boiler with zone controls to conserve energy.

Thirty-Three East - $7,500 for a high-efficiency boiler with zone controls to conserve energy.

West Branch Tennis Club - $3,647 for a high-efficiency water heater to conserve energy and reduce costs.

Creekside Country Market - $4,825 for high-efficiency heating and cooling system.

Faxon Cleaners - $7,500 for high-efficiency boiler with zone controls to conserve energy.

MERCER COUNTY

Grove City Coin Laundry - $7,500 for high-efficiency washing machines to conserve energy and water, and to reduce wastewater generation.

MIFFLIN COUNTY

Aumiller's Auto Wreckers Inc. - $5,702 for a waste-oil burner and furnace to conserve energy through use of alternate fuels.

Highland House Apartments - $1,166 for a high-efficiency water heater to reduce natural gas use by 80 percent and reduce energy costs.

MONROE COUNTY

Blakeslee Market - $7,500 for upgraded lighting with individual motion sensors to control new fixtures to conserve energy.

Brite Cleaners - $7,500 for high-efficiency boiler system to conserve energy.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

WashStop Laundry Center - $7,500 for high-efficiency washing machines to conserve energy and water, and decrease wastewater.

Village Cleaners - $3,500 for a waste-heat economizer to capture and reuse process heat.

Blue Bell Motorcars - $6,353 for a waste oil boiler and furnace to conserve energy through use of alternate fuel.

NORTHAMPTON COUNTY

Missing Piece - $195 for high-efficiency compact fluorescent lighting with individual motion sensors to conserve energy.

Donegal Square - $7,438 for high-efficiency refrigeration equipment to conserve energy and reduce waste.

PC Beverage Inc. - $889 for high-efficiency fluorescent lighting with individual motion sensors to conserve energy.

Schuylkill Valley Sports - $7,500 for high-efficiency lighting to conserve energy.

Bath Market - $7,500 for upgraded lighting with individual motion sensors to control new fixtures to conserve energy.

41 Associates - $2,206 for upgraded lighting with individual motion sensors to control new fixtures to conserve energy

NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY

Schrawder Financial Services - $7,500 for a high-efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning system to conserve energy.

POTTER COUNTY

PA Pellets LLC - $7,500 for biomass pellet conveyor and pellet/conveyor lubrication system to save energy.

Protektor Model - $7,500 for high-efficiency lighting with individual motion sensors to conserve energy, and an outdoor wood boiler heating system to conserver energy through use of an alternative fuel.

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY

HJJT Family Limited Partnership - $7,500 for high-efficiency lighting with individual motion sensors to control new fixtures to conserve energy.

4D Trucking - $4,750 for an auxiliary power unit in a long-haul trailer to eliminate idling during layovers.

Thomas Transportation - $4,650 for an auxiliary power unit in a long-haul trailer to eliminate idling during layovers.

TIOGA COUNTY

Burkholder's Garage - $3,800 for antifreeze recycling unit to prevent pollution and reuse antifreeze product.

VENANGO COUNTY

Rockland Corner Store - $7,500 for high-efficiency refrigeration units to conserve energy.

Xtreme Snow Removal - $3,115 for a waste oil furnace to conserve energy through use of alternative fuels.

WASHINGTON COUNTY

FMS Trucking & Excavating - $4,697 for an auxiliary power unit in a long-haul trailer to eliminate idling during layovers.

Mike Christopher Trucking - $4,625 for an auxiliary power unit in a long-haul trailer to eliminate idling during layovers.

WESTMORELAND COUNTY

Greg's Car Care - $7,500 for a sprayed polyurethane foam insulation roofing system to conserve energy.

Lincoln Coin Laundry - $3,952 for high-efficiency washing machines to conserve energy and water, and decrease wastewater.

YORK COUNTY

Joseph DePasquale, DMD - $7,500 for digital radiography equipment to conserve electricity and water, as well as reducing hazardous waste and radiation emissions.

Higgins Trucking - $4,750 for an auxiliary power unit in a long-haul trailer to eliminate idling during layovers.

CONTACT: Mark Shade 717-783-1116 Neil Weaver (DEP) 717-787-1323

Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

CONTACT: Mark Shade of the Pennsylvania Office of the Governor,+1-717-783-1116, or Neil Weaver of the Pennsylvania Department ofEnvironmental Protection, +1-717-787-1323

Web Site: http://www.governor.state.pa.us/

Source: PRNewswire-USNewswire

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