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Reap Grant Recipient Goes Greener
Idaho’s First Solar Winery Adds More Sun Power for Residence 

Stu Scott Accepts REAP Plaque

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  (Moscow, Idaho)  Over the roof top of the Camas Prairie Winery is the state’s first solar winery installation to use rural development funds.  Winery owners Sue and Stu Scott made a choice to reduce their carbon footprint by investing in a future of clean renewable energy. “It’s the only planet we’ve got so keeping the water clean and not wasting fossil fuel is a good idea,” Said Stu Scott

Brian Buch, Idaho’s USDA Rural Energy Coordinator in Boise confirmed that, “The Camas Prairie Winery is the only Idaho winery to receive a USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant,” Buch said.   The $90,000 project was partly funded by the 2008 REAP grant award, a federal tax credit, incentives from AVISTA- the regional utility-and the Scott’s investments. USDA Coeur d’Alene office staff Margaret Hair helped prepare the REAP grant.  When the 5,000 watt REAP solar system went online in April of 2009, it powered 22% of the wineries electrical needs

But the trailblazing Scott’s didn’t stop there.  In December 2009 they added another 3,500 watt solar array to run their residence, located above the winery, in Downtown Moscow. “I wanted to see that the technology worked before investing in one for my household,” said Stu Scott.  The new residential system cost $30,000 and is eligible for a 40% state tax credit, a $2,000 federal tax credit and an Avista credit. “After rebates, the new system costs $16,000, paying for itself in 8 years, based on a $90 monthly savings,” he said. 
(More Reap Grant Recipient Goes Greener)

                  Green PR
                   Why Go Green?

"Some 85% of consumers around the world are willing to change the brands they buy or their consumption habits to make tomorrow’s world a better place, and over half (55%) would help a brand “promote” a product if a good cause were behind it, according to a nine-country survey of consumers."  1.

Does your company need help developing an environmental or green PR strategy?   Stacie draws upon her eclectic background to assist your company with communicating messages of corporate social responsibility, or environmentally friendly practices to targeted markets.  See how a commitment to sustainability can benefit the environment and your bottom line.

As a first step, Stacie can align your company's business mission and vision with a compatible environmental cause or non-profit organization through GREEN TEAMING. To learn more call Stacie at 208-429-6976 or email SDagres54@q.com.

1. source:   "Consumers Would Partner with Brands for Social Change, Environment", Goodpurpose Consumer Study

                Green Resources

Forbes.com 10 Ways to go Green and Stay Cost-Competitive  
  by Melanie Linder, off Forbes.com website.

"Can A Green Business Also be Profitable?"  Gary Hirshberg, CEO Stonyfield Farm.  "Environmentally sustainable business practices can lead to financial benefits in the long run." YouTube.