The USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) will hold meetings for stakeholders focusing on Rural Development’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).  The energy programs implemented under the 2008 Farm Bill continue to be a priority of the Secretary of Agriculture, the Undersecretary of Rural Development, and the Administrator of Rural Business-Cooperative Service.  Benefits of these energy programs include decreasing the energy costs to rural communities, small businesses, and farms; converting renewable resources into clean energy; creating and saving jobs; and increasing energy security for the nation.

At this meeting, USDA-Rural Development staff will provide updates on the Rural Energy for America Program; discuss ways the Agency can leverage resources; and to reiterate USDA’s commitment to achieving energy independence goals.

Self-Help Credit Union will launch its new Business Energy Loans for energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades to existing buildings and renovation projects of small businesses, child-care facilities, charter schools, multi-family homes and other commercial real estate. The launch is part of the North Carolina Sustainable energy Association’s (NCSEA) innovative education series, Clean Energy Connections.

Self-Help’s new product offers a $15-million loan pool leveraged from $5.5 million in funding from Bank of America’s CDFI partnerships program and will be deployed in Charlotte, Washington D.C., and other target cities in Bank of America markets. Borrowers will be encouraged to do the most cost-effective investments in envelope, HVAC, lighting and water.  Renewable energy, geothermal, retro-commissioning, and costs of third-partycertification are eligible as well. Full program materials will be posted at self-help.org.

 When: 3-5 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 16

 Where: The Great Aunt Stella Center, 926 Elizabeth Avenue, Charlotte

Information: Registration is required. Please RSVP here.

Featured presentations include “Financing Energy Upgrades”  by Self-Help Credit Union loan officers and 5-minute energy efficiency success stories by Meghan McDermott of Southern Energy Management; Rich Deming of Calor Energy and Josh Hawn of Sustainable Industrial Solutions

About Clean Energy Connections

Clean Energy Connections, presented by NCSEA, is designed for NCSEA members and the public. The informative series aims to increase awareness of clean energy topics across North Carolina. Events will be held throughout the year and include discussions on financing, speed networking and much more.  In addition to encouraging networking within individual communities throughout the state, Clean Energy Connections will provide up-to-date information on the growth of North Carolina’s clean energy economy.  You can expect an event to be held in your region whether you live in Asheville, Charlotte, Eastern NC, or the Triangle and the Triad.

Contact Charles Adair at Charles@energync.org to become a presenter or a sponsor.

People are spending more time on the Internet and social media sites than ever. Utilize this time to engage your potential client and convert them into business. With a focus on the Clean Energy channel, we will break down the social media sector of advertising to help you determine how to create an effective social media strategy. Topics will include:  Clean Energy in NC, Creating an Effective Social Media Strategy, and Converting Business through Website Interaction. A networking reception will follow this event. It is free and open to the public. Please RSVP by Feb. 17.

                              [Space for this event is provided by Renewable Energy Special Projects Committee (RESPC) of Student Government.]

                       This event is part of, NCSEA's innovative educational series Clean Energy Connections which raises awareness for North Carolina's clean energy sector.

The 2012 Southeastern Coastal Wind Conference is a first‐of‐its‐kind event that highlights Southeastern assets for wind energy deployment within the region. The conference is a collaborative effort involving more than 40 regional stakeholders from Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Topics will include the region’s supply chain, resource, and market strengths to educate decision makers about costs, benefits, and policy options for wind energy. Offshore and coastal onshore wind energy will be discussed at this conference with a concentration on offshore wind energy.

Learn more at: secoastalwind.org