Blog
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.
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
Starting a Business?!
Turn on the news, especially television, and most of all you will find is ‘negative” news about the economy. Yes, there are major issues going on right now with the economy at the national level and also the state level. Phillips County, along with other surrounding counties, have been affected; but, there is positive aspects right now to look at for starting a business. First, living and establishing a business in a rural community, such as Phillips County, allows you to keep your costs at a minimum, while still being able to market your product and service through high speed broadband internet (connecting you to the world). Right now these lower costs-of-living expenses, as compared to more urbanized areas of the state or country, impact both you (as a owner) and your employees in a positive way. Second, although it may be more challenging to get a loan right now (anywhere), our local and regional rural banks are more understanding your needs and ways to help, than large corporate banks. While speaking on financing a new business, there are MORE (revolving loan funds – RFL’s) in the region than ever before. These specialize in small business development and creation. Some of these RFL’s are provided through utilities or CDC’s (Certified Development Companies); such as, (i.e. Nex-tech, Sunflower Electric, PrairieLand Electric, Midwest Energy, & Pioneer Development). There are also local incentives available at the county level (see local incentives). So, what is the first step! Think positive… and start planning. Your first step should be putting together a business financial plan. Make an appointment with the PCED staff to go through a how to get started booklet and review the idea with them. Read more
MarketPlace Kansas
Exciting News for Kansas Entrepreneurs! Over a year of planning and collaboration with key designers of the MarketPlace event in Nebraska has resulted in the expansion of this entrepreneurial event in Kansas. Mark your calendars! On November 9 & 10, MarketPlace Kansas will be coming to Hays, Kansas. Normally a one day event, the organization team has decided to put on a day and a half of MarketPlace at the Hays Ramada Inn Convention Center in November to host the hopefully anticipated 500 + participants.
If you are not familiar with MarketPlace, you should look at the Center for Rural Affairs website and review activities and educational opportunities for small and midsize entrepreneurial businesses at the 2009 Nebraska Marketplace. This conference is directed toward small businesses, entrepreneurs, as well as economic development and community leaders. It will be a great learning and networking opportunity for your local businesses and young/developing entrepreneurs. Over 500 people attended the one-day event in North Platte this year, and it is hopeful that the same or more will attend in Kansas; if we start getting the work out!
Mark your calendars. Plan to attend and share your talents/products at the Kansas Market in November!
Renewable Energy Standard
In the age of higher energy costs and ways to utilize more green energy, Kansas has made the step forward to help renewable businesses consider developing in Kansas. This helps everyone in Kansas, including Phillips County. As stated in a press release from Governor Parkinson’s office,
“Prior to this year, Kansas was falling behind many other states in the production of cleaner energy. More than two-thirds of the country had a Renewable Energy Standard, and Kansas was one of only six states not to allow net metering. With this legislation, we are no longer at the back of the line,” Parkinson said. “The nation’s energy challenge provides the opportunities for a ‘made in America’ energy program, and Kansas is ready to be a leader in that effort. We look forward to the new jobs, more wind power and the stronger economy that will be a result of this legislation.”
Senate Sub. for HB 2369 enacts the Renewable Energy Standards Act, which codifies the goal of major Kansas utilities generating 10 percent of their power from renewable sources by 2011, 15 percent by 2016 and 20 percent by 2020. This legislation also enacts the Net Metering and Easy Connection Act, which enables customers to use their own generation and sell back the extra electricity they produce to their utility. Additionally, this legislation enacts new law regarding fuel efficiency for state-owned motor vehicles and energy efficiency of state-owned and leased space and equipment. This legislation goes into effect after its publication in the Kansas Register.
After hearing the questions many times, “Does Kansas have a Renewable Energy Standard?”, at an international energy conference by wind manufacturers and developers; PCED is very happy to see this legistion get passed. With the beginnings of a wind development project in our county, the timing could not be any more perfect.
EBE Program
The EBE Program of Phillips County has been a strong stimulus to the local economy This program helps financially support new and existing businesses with items needed in the area of (building structure, equipment and marketing). Over the course of 13 months, this program has given support toward 8 businesses in the amount of around $210,000. As this program offers cost-sharing (a grant) , it allows for entrepreneurial businesses, to have a better chance to expand and grow, but also enabling needed businesses to improve their services and maintain employees. These 8 businesses that PCED has assisted through this program, has preserved 7 jobs and added 25.5 jobs to the area. Calculating the economic benefit from these jobs over a course of one year attribute around $800,000 dollars in salaries to the area. Also, the cost share (investment) match required by the businesses in their projects added another 1.1 million to the local economy. By dividing salaries as a base for comparison against the PCED EBE program funds given toward the business, you can get a simple cost benefit ratio. Having a 2 to 1 ratio for the short term is a great usage of funds. The simple cost benefit ratio for this program, using only salary for created and retained jobs produces a 4 to 1 ratio.
We have had many positive comments on this program from those businesses that have used it, but in many respects, this program is not well known or used. I encourage you to turn to the local incentives page for more information on the EBE program. If you have any questions, please contact the PCED staff at 785-543-5809.