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USDA RD Small Business and Energy Workshop - 25 March 2015

Name
Michael Dann
City
Hamilton
Release Date

USDA Rural Development Montana to Host Small Business and Energy Workshop

BOZEMAN, March 20th, 2015 – USDA Rural Development and Ravalli County Economic Development Authority will present a workshop that will inform small businesses of Rural Development funding programs and the ways in which these resources can help small businesses to excel, grow, and create economic opportunities for themselves and our community. A feature of the workshop will be a presentation on USDA’s new Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).

Presenters include USDA Rural Development Area Director, Lad Barney and Area Specialist, Heather Handeland. Other agencies and businesses presenting will include Montana Department of Environmental Quality, Ravalli Electric Cooperative, National Center for Appropriate Technology, SBS Solar, Ross Rademacher - Flag of Farmers State Bank, Headwaters Food and Agriculture Development Center, and Ravalli County Economic Development Authority.

WHAT:           Making Energy Work for Your Business and  Funding Business and Community Projects

WHERE:         Bitterroot River Inn Conference Room, 139 Bitterroot Plaza Dr., Hamilton

WHEN:           Wednesday, March 25, - 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

WHY:             For many businesses, energy costs are among their highest variable expenses. Session A of the workshop will introduce the Rural Energy for America Program and will spotlight how businesses from western Montana have realized a return on their investment as a result of energy efficiency improvements or a renewable energy system. In addition, USDA Rural Development has programs to help small business and communities to secure financing to meet business goals. Session B of this workshop will present programs available to support businesses and communities. Ross Rademacher will deliver a special presentation on Renewable Energy and the Triple Bottom Line – How to effectively market your business and attract customers.

Presentations on funding programs will be followed by questions and answers, an overview of application guidelines, as well as discussion with program experts on participants’ specific projects and application possibilities. Attached is an agenda for the day.

The USDA Rural Development invested more than $290,000,000 in Montana during FY 14. Over the last six years USDA Rural Development has provided Montana with more than $2.1 Billion in funding.

USDA Rural Development Area Director and staff will be available to speak with media following the workshop.

Media are welcome and encouraged to attend the workshop, please keep in mind the seating is limited,   so advanced registration is required. Registration information is available on the attached agendas.

Contact Lad Barney at (406)756-2005 ext. 118 or lad.barney@mt.usda.gov for detailed information.