Clarion SBDC Client Receives National Award

CLARION - A client of Clarion University's Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has been named the recipient of a national 2008 Energy Star Small Business Award presented by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy.

Priority Communication, WCED radio in DuBois, received the award from Energy Star, for launching an energy efficiency program that has saved the station nearly $12,000 a year in energy costs. Energy Star presented 10 awards in 2008 nationwide to small businesses, who are working to save energy and prevent pollution while representing excellence in energy efficiency and serving as an example of financial and environmental stewardship.

"Since we started the Pennsylvania SBDC Environmental Management Assistance Program (EMAP), the Clarion SBDC has provided specific talent to solve environmental problems," said Dr. Woodrow Yeaney, director of Clarion SBDC. "We have come a long way in providing this service and finding recognition for our community service."

WCED's EMAP plan started with Clarion SBDC staff members Corry Riley and Heather Fennessey appearing as guests on a morning talk show hosted by Gary Stormer. During a discussion of energy efficiency opportunities and the Energy Star program, Stormer challenged his guests to perform an energy assessment of the station's building.

That challenge led to Riley and Fennessey completing an evaluation and drawing up a plan to make the station more energy efficient. This included improvements to the outside building envelope, and internal lighting and HVAC system.

"We appreciate these projects, they are different from our business planning and strategic planning projects," said Yeaney. "There is unique problem solving involved that requires research and understanding of possible environmental options and solutions. It is a good idea to work with a business to solve an environmental situation before it becomes a problem."

Priority Communications, owner of WCED, was very receptive to the solutions too. "Keeping energy costs as low as possible help us remain competitive, said Joe Philippone, president of Priority Communication.

Jerry Lawson, the National Manager, said, "Energy Star's 2008 national award to Priority Communication, which recognizes the role of the Clarion Small Business Development Center's Environmental Management Assistance Program, continues a tradition of Pennsylvania's SBDCs leading the nation in excellent programs that help their clients save significant money while preventing pollution."

The Pennsylvania SBDC EMAP program offers small businesses no-cost, confidential, compliance assistance with environmental and health and safety regulations. Businesses that can benefit from this assistance consist of any industry, including the manufacturing, retail and service sectors. Services include on-site assessments to identify issues and savings opportunities in pollution prevention and energy efficiency.

"If any business in Northwestern Pennsylvania has not used the Clarion University SBDC for environmental management assistance, they should contact us," said Yeaney. "This national award demonstrates that we might be able to help them."

The Clarion University Small Business Development Center is partially funded under Cooperative Agreement No. 5-603001-20040-25 by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The support given by the U.S. Small Business Administration through such funding does not constitute an express or implied endorsement of any of the co-sponsor(s)' or participants' opinions, findings, conclusion, recommendations, products, or services.

All programs and services are provided on a non-discriminatory basis. Clarion University's SBDC provides free and confidential management assistance and counseling to both start-up and existing businesses. Counseling appointments at several convenient locations in northwestern Pennsylvania may be made by calling 814-393-2060 weekdays from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Clarion University is the high-achieving, nationally recognized, comprehensive university that delivers a personal and challenging academic experience.