I recently attended a meeting of the Town’s Agriculture Subcommittee. There was some business on the agenda; but, what really struck me was that a few of the farmers began talking about issues they were having and some opportunities they were pursuing. Within the space of a few minutes, some pretty good information was shared and some problems solved.
That to me is pretty special. It the kind of thing that the Economic Development Commission is working to foster. If you have a home business; whether you sell things or provide a service, you can gain from the experience of other home based businesses. Similarly, retailers, manufacturing firms, ..., we can all learn from each other. As a community, we all have a lot to gain, just, by communicating.
Technology
If you go to CTDOT web page on the State’s Local Bridge Program, you will find a link to a “Twitter feed” to receive updates on the program. I found that pretty amazing and it is an indication of where we are heading. There are so many new ways to share information, it is hard to decide what to focus on and what would be meaningful. Here are some things we are considering:
• You are receiving this newsletter by traditional mail, it would be quicker and cheaper to use the web or email. (Well, no your not; this is the digital version; but, you know what we mean.)
• A “Facebook” page for local retailers/restaurants could provide a good opportunity to highlight special events and activities.
• A web listing of local businesses with their products and services could make it easier for people to shop locally and for businesses to purchase from each other.
There is a lot we can do and, again, it is hard to decide where to put our energy and efforts to best use.
We need your ideas, thoughts and comments!Your can contact the EDC through the Planning Office, 860.464.32 or at
ckarn@town.ledyard.ct.us
Small Business Energy
Advantage
In today’s competitive environment, energy efficiency is a key element in maintaining a healthy bottom line. The Small Business Energy Advantage (SBEA) program is designed to provide cost-effective, turnkey energy-saving services for small commercial and industrial customers who do not have the time, financial resources, or in-house expertise necessary to analyze and reduce their energy usage. With support from the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund, you now have the financial assistance and expert guidance that will enable you to determine your energy future. You can make decisions based on efficient technology that will benefit your business in the long term.
Who’s Eligible?
Commercial and industrial customers with an average 12-month peak demand between 10 kilowatts (kW) and up to 200 kW.
How Does the Program Work?
SBEA-authorized contractors work throughout the state. These licensed professionals have been selected by CL&P and are fully trained in how the program works. If you have not already been contacted directly by a SBEA-authorized contractor, please call 1-877-WISE-USE to start the process.
Once CL&P determines that you are eligible for the program, the contractor will call you to schedule a visit.
During the visit, the contractor will conduct an energy assessment of your facility at no cost to you. This assessment will be reviewed by CL&P and if accepted, the contractor will present a proposal to you. The comprehensive proposal will include all possible energy-efficiency measures, the complete costs and estimated energy savings, along with available SBEA program incentives and your financing options.
Once the paper work has been signed, your project will begin within 30 days. You have the option to pay nothing up front. The Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund’s SBEA program incentives will offset a portion of the cost of the eligible measures.
Interest-free financing for the balance of the project is available for qualified customers. The financed amount will appear on your monthly electric bill, allowing you to make just one monthly payment for both your SBEA loan and your electric bill.
For More Info:
www.cl-p.com/business/
saveenergy/services/energyadvantage.aspx
Wouldn’t it be great if you go to one place to see all the available commercial/industrial property in Ledyard. No, we are not realtors, but, if we can make it easier to find locations in Ledyard, we want to try. If you own or represent com/ind property for lease or sale in Town, let us know.
Want to see your property from a few thousand feet; get an idea of the location of your property line; find out if there are wetland or farmland soils on the land, ...; www.ledyardgis.com is the place to start.
Using grant and Town funds our geographic information system has recently been updated. The photogrammetry is from 2009 and we will soon be adding topographic data.
This is a great resource for any one interested in Ledyard, its land use and potential. Check it out; its pretty interesting.
Farming is one of our great assets and it is a sure sign that the weather is getting better when we can tell you about this year’s farmers market. Visit www.ledyardfresh.com for more information.
June 2 - September 2
Wednesdays, 4-7:00 PM
Ledyard Fair Grounds
goat cheese, heirloom tomatoes, maple syrup, homemade bake goods, greens, honey, organic vegetables and more.
While we are talking about farming, in 2009, the Town received an Agriculture Viability Grant from the Connecticut Department of Agriculture. As part of that program, we are currently surveying local farmers and will be creating a brochure and web site to promote their products.
We need to hear from you! You can contact the EDC with you comments, questions and suggestions through the Town’s Planning Office:
741 Colonel Ledyard Hwy.
Ledyard, CT 06339
860.464.3215
ckarn@town.ledyard.ct.us
