Archive for June 2009
Financial Help for Green changes!
In today’s economy, saving money is very important for businesses and personnally. With the cost of energy changing, but most definately on the rise (again), it may be time for you to consider a change in your heating and/or cooling system(s). With the push for green power and energy conservation, there are many tax credits for you to possibly take advantage of with such improvements.
For homeowners, there is a program called “HowSmart” provided through Midwest Energy. In a nutshell, they provide an energy audit to be done on the energy efficiency of your home, then the audit shows your possible energy savings with new systems/performed maintanence. The cost savings for the homeowner (the difference) can be utilized through the existing credit maintained through Midwest Energy to establish the payments (over 180 months) for the changes, with very little if any immediate out of pocket cash (depending on circumstances).
For the business owner, the USDA Rural Development provides applications for grants and loan guarantees for farmers and rural small businesses to install renewable energy systems, make energy efficiency improvements, or conduct feasibility studies for a renewable energy system. These funds are administered through USDA Rural Development’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) program. At this time, this is an ongoing program for the USDA. The energy audit needed for this program is a cost to the business owner, but if assistance for the audit is needed; the business could possible recieve financial assistance for the audit through the local EBE program in Phillips County. Please visit with PCED staff and schedule an appointment.
Commissioners Appoint New Board Member
Phillips County Commissioners appointed Jim Lanier of rural Phillipsburg, to fill the unexpired term of Jim Giedd on the Phillips County Economic Development Board. This term expires 10-24-2009.
Entrepreneurial Center to Host a Grant Writing Workshop
The Entrepreneurial Center in Phillipsburg, will be holding a grant writing workshop on July 7th from 9 am until 3 pm. Topics will include, Start with the Basics, Narrative is Key, Research Ideas, Grant Projects Welcome and Questions and Answers. Pre-registration is required. Fee is $20.00 and includes lunch. This class is funded by the USDA Rural Development RBEG Grant. For more information, contact Juanita Brown, Director for the Entreprenurial Center at 785-540-4110 or email at ecenter@ruraltel.net.
BIH Plumbing and Electric, Inc located in Agra
BIH Plumbing and Electric in Agra, Kansas is another example of the loyalty and dedication small town business owners have to Phillips County. BIH is in it’s 27th year of business in this community.
This business has been an active part of the Agra community since 1982. Originally located adjacent to the grocery store in downtown Agra, BIH built a new building at 919 Frontage road after a fire damaged their original location.
BIH provides certified plumbing, electric, well repair, heating and air conditioning services to the surrounding area. In their showroom, not only do they have an inventory of plumbing and electrical needs, they also carry Martin-Senour paint.
BIH is owned by David Hesterman and currently employees 4 individuals. Contact Dave or Jan at 785-638-2335 for any plumbing or electrical services needs.
Leadership!
It seems in these indecisive times, many people strongly encourage you to be politically correct in comments and actions, even to the point of “NOT” making a stand. No one can be wrong, everyone is right in some way. Being apathetic, not being a leader, not speaking up against wrongs, and just following the groove (path) that everyone else is in .. That’s fine.!?
This is completely opposite of what we need to do. Yes, we need to be polite, but people need to know where you stand. I remember a quote my teacher, Mr. Hamel, told me when I was in 5th grade class. “You must make a STAND on everything, or you will FALL for anything!”, he stated. I don’t remember the exact surrounding or reasoning for him bring this up, but it is even more prudent now, than it was then. A statement I use many times with clients is: “You want me to be compassionately honest, don’t you?”, In every case, they say “yes”, but sometimes are unprepared for an answer they don’t want to hear. The truth, is something that ultimately helps a person, organization, or group!
What does this have to do with economic or community development!” In short…It has to do with everything! It revolves around Leadership. Leadership is not how active you look when you speak… it is how you speak through your dedicated actions. Community development is born through perseverance to make things better, a driving passion to help people and your area, and the enduring power to withstand the storms of strife, which do occur, when making a stand.
Phillips County has had some great leaders in the past, which made a stand for community and economic development. Were all the ideas “perfect” …”No”. Is Phillips County better for the “stand” made at that time by those leaders? Some may ponder on this and never make a decision…”why”… Because they are wondering what the politically correct answer should be. Phillips county IS better off for most of the decisions made in the past by our forefathers, and if mistakes were made, it is up to us to rectify them.
The Discover Phillips County initiative, is in many ways making a stand. Leaders – citizens – groups, all saying “we can make a difference!”. They are making a stand in one area or another to better their community. Strangely enough, once you catch the “leadership bug”, it is contagious. When you make a stand for what is ..Good..Right… you are mentoring to someone in some way through your actions! Our youth learn this way, too. If a community is focused on the positive amid challenging times, our youth learn endurance and leadership.
These are just a few simple words for the general thought is much bigger, but I feel you get the larger picture. As local , active, leadership grows — so does your community and the development possibilities within!
JDH
Telethon for Community Building
Title: Telethon for Community Building
Location: Huck Boyd Center
Description: Proceeds to benefit the Phillipsburg Community Building Renovation
Start Time: 4:00 pm
Date: 2009-10-17
End Time: 11:00 pm
Fireworks Stand
Title: Fireworks Stand
Location: Alco Parking Lot
Description: Proceeds to benefit the Phillipsburg Community Building Renovation
Start Date: 2009-07-01
End Date: 2009-07-04
Riverless Festival
Title: Riverless Festival
Location: Downtown Phillipsburg
Link out: Click here
Description: 25th Annual Riverless Festival in Phillipsburg. Events on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Contact the Chamber office for more information
Start Date: 2009-06-05
Start Time: 7:00 pm
End Date: 2009-06-07
Market Analysis Presentation
Title: Market Analysis Presentation
Location: Golden Years Center
Link out: Click here
Description: Kennedy Smith from the Clue Group, as well as Mary Helmer from Kansas Main Street will be presenting the Market Analysis Information for Phillipsburg
Start Time: 6:30 pm
Date: 2009-06-09