[En español a continuación]
With over 100 Latino-owned businesses and organizations in Harrisonburg, interest in ways to go green and save money has never been greater. This Saturday, October 17, we’re teaming up with the owners of Green Taxi Co. to host a bilingual workshop on Solar and Energy Efficiency Basics. Tailored for local Latino business owners, the event will feature regional renewable energy experts and local solar installers.
What: Workshop on Solar and Energy Efficiency Basics for Latino Business Owners
When: Saturday, October 17, 2020, 1-3 pm
Where: Iglesia Nueva Vida, 3051 Tasha Cir, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Cost: Free
Accessibility: English & Spanish interpretation will be available. The venue is handicap accessible.
Safety: In adherence to city and health guidelines, the event will be capped at 50 people, and masks and 6-foot social distancing are required. Pre-packaged snacks and info tables will be set up outside, and free masks, hand sanitizer, and temperature checks will be provided.
After brief presentations, energy specialists and 50 by 25 representatives will be available to answer questions. Speakers will include:
Aaron Sutch, Solar United Neighbors
Charles Hendricks, The Gaines Group
Nelly Moreno Shenk, Skyline Literacy
Andrew Jenner, Paradise Energy Solutions
Herick Cortes, Green Taxi Co. and 50 by 25 Harrisonburg
Tom Benevento, 50 by 25 Harrisonburg and Vine & Fig
In March, before COVID-19 hit, owner of Green Taxi Herick Cortes spent weeks canvassing Hispanic business owners in Harrisonburg to talk with them about the 50 by 25 Clean Energy for All campaign. Their interest was immediate. “Many local business owners are paying too much on their electric bills. So finding ways to make their buildings more energy-efficient and potentially generate their own electricity just made sense to them,” said Cortes.
According to the U.S. Department of energy, dollars saved through energy efficiency can directly impact a business’s bottom line. It can also enable them to be more competitive, particularly during the challenging time of COVID. With more resources, information, and financing options,
small business owners can potentially save significant amounts of money and energy, increase profits, and cut greenhouse gas emissions.
In addition to the economic incentives, Cortes said that many in the small business community see climate change connections. “We understand that climate change is a danger to our livelihoods and our families. We want a cleaner, healthier future for our children too,” said Cortes.
Unfortunately, Latino business owners have too few opportunities to learn how to go solar or increase energy efficiency, and even fewer in Spanish. Cortes suggested bringing the information to them. Hence, this workshop was born!
If interest continues, Cortes and the 50 by 25 team look forward to hosting more events like this one. Stay tuned!
If you’d like to host an event like this for your business association or community group, please be in touch! You can email us at 50by25harrisonburg@gmail.com.
El 17 de Octubre - Conferencia Sobre Paneles Solares y Energía Limpia
Te invitamos a la una de la tarde para darte información sobre cómo instalar los paneles solares y cómo ahorrar energía y dinero. Entrada gratis.
¿Qué es? Un taller sobre paneles solares, energía limpia y eficiencia energética para empresarios hispanos
Cuando: Sábado 17 de Octubre a la 1:00 de la tarde
Donde: Iglesia Nueva Vida, 3051 Tasha Cir, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Accesibilidad: Habrá interpretación disponible en inglés y español. El lugar es accesible para discapacitados.
Por su seguridad: No se permitirán más de 50 personas en el evento. Se requieren mascarillas y distanciamiento social. Proporcionaremos mascarillas y desinfectante de manos gratis.
Habrá especialistas, que te guiarán paso a paso en cada una de tus preguntas:
Aaron Sutch, Solar United Neighbors
Charles Hendricks, The Gaines Group
Nelly Moreno Shenk, Skyline Literacy
Andrew Jenner, Paradise Energy Solutions
Herick Cortes, Green Taxi Co. and 50 by 25 Harrisonburg
Tom Benevento, 50 by 25 Harrisonburg and Vine & Fig
Contacto Herick Cortes con preguntas sobre el taller: 540-246-5246.