Hartford Business Journal

www.HartfordBusiness.com March 23, 2015 • Hartford Business Journal 13 hat's stopping us from realizing that potential? Why does our economy struggle to keep pace with the rest of the country? Connecticut has tremendous economic assets—world-class companies, a skilled, educated, productive workforce, and a proud legacy of innovation. Yet we're not seeing the investment and growth we need. Too many people, particularly young people, are finding good jobs elsewhere. Independent studies and reports constantly rank our economic competitiveness in the bottom tier of states. Those rankings reflect decades of policy decisions that increased business costs and jeopardized jobs and opportunities. Connecticut faces tough challenges. Fiscal problems, aging transportation systems, high energy costs, and burdensome regulations and mandates all hold us back. And we must to do more to develop the talent to meet workforce needs. CBIA is fighting for change. Not just for our thousands of member companies, but for everyone in the state. This is about changing mindsets and making good policy choices. For having lawmakers consider every legislative proposal for its impact—positive or negative— on our economy. And making them understand that real change creates an environment of opportunity, builds economic vitality and prosperity, and benefits everyone. We can do better. We have to do better. CAMP15HBJ Energize Connecticut helps you save money and use clean energy. It is an initiative of the Energy Efficiency Fund, the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority, the State, and your local electric and gas utilities with funding from a charge on customer energy bills. Find energy solutions for your business. Visit EnergizeCT.com Or Call 877-WISE-USE On the banks of the picturesque Housatonic, Riverview Bistro offers a unique dining experience in a charming New England setting. Skillfully prepared contemporary American cuisine and an inviting atmosphere, however, is only part of their recipe for success. Equally significant? The smart business decision to embrace energy efficiency. With support from Energize Connecticut's Small Business Energy Advantage Program, Riverview Bistro greatly reduced its operating costs while enhancing the dining experience for its customers. Program engineers helped the restaurant identify several energy-saving measures, including refrigeration and motor control upgrades. Technical guidance on a complete lighting overhaul convinced Riverview to adopt energy-efficient LED lighting throughout the restaurant's interior, convert exterior incandescent lamps to LEDs, and even use LEDs to enhance signage. The lighting upgrades alone translate to an estimated $13,749 annual savings. Riverview Bistro received a generous incentive from the Energy Efficiency Fund to make the upgrades possible. The restaurant also received zero percent on-bill financing requiring no up-front costs, with monthly energy savings frequently offsetting the loan payments. In fact, the complete investment will be paid off in 48 months while providing Riverview with continual energy savings. Project: Riverview Bistro Measures: Interior, exterior lighting & signage converted to LED; new HVAC programmable thermostats; new controls for refrigeration evaporator fans & new electronically commutative motors; new hot water spray valves & aerators in kitchen. Fund Incentive: $30,240 Energy Savings: 75,690 kWh electricity/year; 125 ccf natural gas/year Cost Savings: $13,749 annually "We need to stay competitive in the food services business, and Energize CT allows us to do that with ease." Dave Petrone, Owner/Manager, Riverview Bistro

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