Webinar Explains How Extreme Weather is Hurting Small Businesses; How Clean Energy Policies Can Help

Detroit, Mich.—Lean and Green Michigan and Michigan Saves, in conjunction with small business organization Small Business Majority, will host an interactive online seminar today, July 7, 2015, on how extreme weather and climate change are impacting small businesses and how clean energy policies can help mitigate the effects. The webinar will also cover energy efficiency resources available to help small business owners save money on their energy bills.

"Small businesses are eager for pragmatic, innovative tools and resources that will reduce their ever-increasing energy costs and—at the same time—help protect the environment," said Cory Connolly, Energy Project Manager, Lean and Green Michigan. "These interactive dialogues are a great way for small businesses to get the most up-to-date information on new energy policies and find out how they will impact their businesses, their employees and their bottom lines."

The free webinar, which is open to all small business owners, will feature Small Business Majority's Outreach Manager, Trent Varva, who will discuss the topics most relevant to small employers, including extreme weather events and their impact on small businesses and the economy; the connection between climate change, extreme weather and stronger clean energy standards; small business support for clean energy policies; and resources available to small business owners to help them become more energy efficient and save money on utility bills.

"Small firms are much more vulnerable to loss from extreme weather events than larger businesses with backup resources at multiple facilities, which is why they're becoming increasingly concerned about this issue," said Varva. "This webinar will provide a ton of great information on new business-friendly policies that are taking aim at climate change and extreme weather, and at the same time, cover ways for small businesses to save money now by becoming more energy efficient."

Todd O'Grady, Commercial Contractor Coordinator with Michigan Saves, will discuss how participants can make energy efficiency work for them.

"As a nonprofit energy efficiency financing organization, our job is to be a resource for businesses as they try to take control of their energy costs," said O'Grady. "Whether it's help with financing, navigating complex industry incentives, or locating a quality contractor, we're here to provide tangible support in the most effective way possible."

A question and answer period will follow the presentation.

The webinar will take place today, July 7 from 2-3pm (EDT). Small business owners can register for the interactive call online at https://cc.readytalk.com/r/bfydq1n8ndz7&eom. For more information, please contact Trent Varva at (248) 860-2971 or email him at [email protected].