HomeMy WebLinkAboutChamber - Brad MolnarDear Laurel Chamber Member,
On Dec 6, 2007, from 7 PM to 8 PH Billings's residents participated in a ~ brownout.
Originally it was billed as "The Greatest Conservation Effort in Montana." ]t exceeded
expectations and is now recognized as "the moat effective, me~__e._.~ed, electri¢iblf
conservation effort in the nation." Billing's residents, using Iow cost and no cost techniques
that they learned during the educational component of the brownout, reduced electrical
consumption by 6.6% and reduced carbon emissions bv 1.2 ton~. That's enough to power 3,900
homes!
A new national record! Second only to Sydney, Australia, which cut consumption by 12.2%.
On Hatch 27. 2008 from 7 PH to BP.". Laurel is invited to join friends and neighbors to take
part in a voluntary brownout ....PLUS the residents and businesses of Miles City, Montana shall
also take part in a voluntary brownout at the exact same time. Now that's fun!H [t shall be
known as the "Conservation Challenge" because we are challenging people to think about ways
and reasons to conserve.
Let me be clear. The purpose of the brownout is to create an educational outreach opportunity;
to teach people how to reduce electricity consumption. Whether their impetus is to lower their
utility bills, or concern over carbon dioxide issues, the message is clear; conservation is
ultimately determined by what you decide to plug in or to unplug. This effort of empowerment
through education is to promote logical and effective choices without governmental mandates or
cost shifting. Actually a novel concept.
As a beginning ! have talked with the City of Laurel, Laurel School District, Laurel Chamber of
Commerce, Ace Hardware, Wal Mart, NorthWestern Energy, kIDU, and assorted city leaders.
Their response was a unanimous, "How can we help?"
There are no tax or rate payer dollars involved. As with Billings ! must rely on community
participation. Thousands of brochures, sundry educational materials, and promotional
advertising is needed.
· To be listed as a "Particioan~-' all you need do is agree to ask your employees for ideas on
how to conserve at your business location and then give them our material on how to
conserve at their homes.
· Soonsorshios are as follows: To be recognized as a:
· "Platinum Sponsor" requires a $000 donation (We already have one!!!).
· "Diamond Sponsor" requires a $500. donation
* "Golden Sponsor" requires a $250. donation
· "Silver Sponsor" requires a $100 donation
· "Copper Sponsor" requires a $50. donation
Participants and Sponsors will be recognized in the distributed flyer. !t may be considered tax
deductible advertising.
Of course there are many fun and profitable ways to participate i.e.: candle light dinners at
restaurants, sales of energy efficient gizmos, "Green" promotions". The more we promote the
event with germane offerings the more successful the event, and we, shall all be. We will offer
more ideas later.
Brad Molnar
Public Service Commissioner
Please take a moment to consider the following and send it back to Commissioner Brad klolnar,
Box 517 Laurel, and Mt. 59044
YES! WE SHALL BE PARTICIPANTS IN LAURELS CONSERVATION CHALLENGE!!!
We shall discuss ways of conserving around our business and how best to participate in the
Conservation Challenge during the brownout. And we shall distribute information to our
employees on how to conserve energy round their homes. During the "Brownout" we shall do
the following at our business
A conservation idea for others to consider is
Is it OK if we list your ideas in our brochure? Yes __ No
We would like to be listed as (circle one) Participants Platinum Sponsor $1000 Diamond
Sponsor $500 Gold Sponsor $250 __Silver Sponsor $:[00 Copper Sponsor $50 __
Thank you,
Brad Molnar
Public Service Commissioner