Economic Development: Green/Energy Sustainability

September 19, 2011 Columbus Honored for Energy Leadership Columbus has received WPPI Energy’s Leading by Example award for demonstrating best practices that help consumers reduce energy costs, save energy and protect the environment. The award is intended to highlight the city’s efforts and encourage local citizens to take advantage of opportunities to save energy and make use of green power in their own businesses and homes. "Our hometown utility is dedicated to making Columbus a better place to live and work," said John Andler, superintendent for Columbus Water & Light. "As part of that commitment, we have long offered a host of programs aimed at helping local citizens save energy and make use of renewables. We also know that we must lead by example in these areas, ‘walking the talk’ to encourage customers to do the same." The Leading by Example award was presented on September 15 in Middleton, Wis., at the annual meeting of WPPI Energy, the nonprofit power supplier for Columbus Water & Light and 50 other locally-owned electric utilities. To qualify for the award, WPPI Energy member communities must do the following in their utility and municipal facilities: Put in place a policy or resolution to pursue energy efficiency. Identify and carry out energy-saving projects. Install a community-based renewable energy project. Purchase green power to offset some or all of the energy used in one or more buildings. WPPI Energy supports the municipalities with technical assistance and funding. Columbus is one of five WPPI Energy member communities to receive the award in 2011. "Saving energy is the most important thing we can do to delay the need for expensive new power plants, help customers keep their bills down in tough economic times, and protect the environment," said Dale Lythjohan, chair of the WPPI Energy Board of Directors and general manager of Cedarburg (Wis.) Light & Water Utility, who presented the award. "Columbus is leading by example for a better energy future." Pictured are Mike Peters, CEO, WPPI Energy, Jack Sanderson, Columbus Water & Light Commissioner, Steve Sobiek, Director-Columbus Economic Development-Energy Sustainability Director, and Dale Lythjohan, chair of the WPPI Energy Board of Directors

June 30, 2011 Columbus Energy Leader and Energy Steward Program The Greater Columbus Energy Commission (GCEC) has begun a new program for Columbus residents and businesses that recognizes best practices in energy conservation and efficiency, including renewable power. Any residential, commercial or industrial customer of Columbus Water & Light may apply. GCEC will provide an ENERGY STAR rated floor lamp of its choosing for any Residential recipient of the Energy Steward recognition who achieves the GCEC’s standards for sustainable energy use. GCEC will promote Business recipients of the Energy leader recognition on signage, advertisements and the City and CWL websites as part of this effort to move Columbus businesses toward sustainable energy use. Best energy practices for residential customers under the Energy Steward program include high efficiency lighting, insulated electric water heater, storm windows or featured sealed double panes, renewable energy block purchases, solar energy system, high efficiency furnance and air conditioning, and other sustainable energy practices. Best energy conservation practices for commercial/industrial customers under the Energy Leader program recognizes are high performance lighting, Energy Star rated office equipment, building energy control, renewable energy block purchases, renewable energy generation, efficiency tracking, high efficiency air conditioning, and other sustainable energy practices. The deadline for submittal is September 1, 2011. Please click on these links to download Energy Steward (Residential) application or Energy Leader (Commercial/Industrial) application.

June 15, 2011 Columbus High School Installation Will Harness Power from the Sun Thanks to a recently installed demonstration project, Columbus citizens interested in the use of green power will now have a first-hand look at renewable energy technology used locally to harness energy from the sun. Columbus Water & Light (CWL) and the City of Columbus celebrated the completion of a community-based, solar electric demonstration project on Monday, June 6. Representatives for the city’s Greater Columbus Energy Commission, CWL, Wisconsin Focus on Energy, and the Columbus School District joined workers from Prairie Solar Power & Light and Sunsation to inaugurate the new system, which sends solar-generated electricity into Columbus High School, 1164 Farnham Ave., Columbus. "This project completes a journey that began in 2008, when CWL’s power supplier, WPPI Energy, provided a grant to the City to help create a Model Energy Community here," commented Steve Sobiek, Columbus’s Director of Economic Development/Energy Sustainability. The City created the Greater Columbus Energy Task Force (now Commission) to identify ways for Columbus to lead by example in finding ways to save energy and to use renewable energy. The solar project complements other recent sustainable energy efforts in the community, such as the LED streetlight conversion and model energy-efficient, solar homes construction. The project completes Columbus’s qualifications for "Model Energy Community" recognition from the city’s nonprofit power supplier, WPPI Energy. "We began searching for a community renewable project by investigating a wind turbine," commented Martin Day, chair of the GCEC. "But the wind energy consultant advised us that the turbine’s energy production would not be a good example of what wind turbines are capable of when a good location is available. In general, there were no good locations within the city limits," he added. The Commission then decided to pursue a solar electric installation. Although several sites were considered, the high school ultimately was chosen because of its easy visibility for the community, ready access for students and teachers and an internet connection for posting energy performance data on the web. Solar electric systems collect energy from sunlight and convert it into electricity, providing renewable, emissions-free energy. These highly visible projects demonstrate the technology, while educating the community on their benefits, operation and performance. "The solar electric system consists of two arrays mounted on single pedestals with a crank mechanism to adjust their tilts for maximum energy production," said Eric Anthon, CWL’s Assistant Superintendent. "We hope that the school location will enable students to explore this technology first-hand. We believe they will be likely purchasers of solar energy equipment when they become home-buyers," Anthon added. Russ Krause of Sunsation, Columbus, and Rich Bannen of Prairie Solar Power & Light, Steuben, directed the installation. The two arrays can generate up to 5,200 Watts of electrical power when the sun’s rays hit the panels perpendicularly. In Wisconsin, this type of system will produce about 8,000 kilowatt-hours of electrical energy over a typical year. The system cost $37,113. Grants from WPPI Energy, Wisconsin Focus on Energy, and CWL’s Commitment to Community fund paid for the project. The Columbus School District has accepted ownership of the system. Mid-State Rentals, a Division of Mid-State Equipment, Columbus, donated the use of a mini-excavator for trenching and digging foundation holes. Journeyman lineman, Joe Hammer of CWL, gave his time to operate the excavating equipment for site preparation and restoration. In the photo are representatives of all the key players in this project. Rich Bannen and Troy Huber - Prairie Solar Power & Light; Russ Krause and Shawn Krause - Sunsation; Steve Sobiek, Alderperson Roger Sneath, and Mayor Bob Link - City of Columbus; Eric Anthon, Jack Sanderson, CWL Commissioner, and Heidi Poser, President of CWL Commission, - Columbus Water & Light; Curt Hanson - Mid-State Equipment and GCEC; Bryan Davis, Superintendent, - Columbus School District; Jim Schieble - WPPI Energy, CWL ESR; Heather Feigum - Focus on Energy; Doug Spangler and Martin Day - GCEC. Photo from left to right: Bannen, Huber, Schieble, S. Krause, Sobiek, R. Krause, Davis, Poser, Hanson, Sanderson, Spangler, Link, Day, Sneath, Anthon, Feigum.

April 29, 2011 Columbus Celebrates Arbor and Earth Day! Over 40 Columbus residents, including students from the Columbus Middle School and the entire Discovery Charter School, joined Mayor Bob Link in planting a State Street Maple tree in front of the Community Center on April 29.

November 18, 2010 The November 18 Columbus Business Roundtable was held at Discount Office Items.Com. Pictured above from the left at the Roundtable are Kim Bates, West James Gallery; Tricia Noriega, Columbus Nursing and Rehabilitation Center; Lynn Ewert and Peter Horton, Discount Office Items.Com.

New! Interactive Mapping Available for Downtown Columbus November 16, 2010 Check out interactive mapping for downtown Columbus from Columbia County's Land Information Office. Click on the link below (and "Accept Terms" if necessary) and up comes a map of the County. Drag mouse to highlight Columbus and then further highlight the shaded downtown area. Up comes property parcel ID numbers downtown. Under the "ID Parcel" tab you can click on any parcel number and retrieve the owner, their taxes, description and more. Use the "Pan" tab to move around. http://lrs.co.columbia.wi.us/website/ColumbiaCo/ColumbiaCo.asp

Columbus-Moraine Park Technical College Business Survey Results Announced November 2, 2010 The City of Columbus and Moraine Park Technical College released the results of their joint 2010 Columbus Business Survey. All Columbus businesses, totaling 180, were surveyed with a 21 percent response rate. Among the results: 44.7 percent of respondents indicated they were somewhat likely or very likely to increase employment levels in the next year 55.3 percent expect employment levels to remain unchanged in the next year No respondents (0) expected to decrease employment in the coming year The cost of doing business (utilities, taxes, insurance, etc) was rated as the number one obstacle in businesses ability to grow by 44.7 percent of respondents Attracting skilled labor was rated as either a great or somewhat of a challenge by 78.9 percent 45.9 percent of respondents indicated they were somewhat or very likely to renovate existing facilities in Columbus Increases in the use of part time labor was listed as a very important or somewhat important issue by 63.1 percent of respondents 41.9 percent were interested in business assistance and internship programs "The City of Columbus was extremely pleased to partner with Moraine Park Technical College on this collaborative project benefiting our city’s economic development," stated Boyd Kraemer, Columbus city administrator. "Both the City of Columbus and Moraine Park Technical College are committed to addressing the obstacles and issues identified in the survey results," said Steven Sobiek, director of economic development for the City of Columbus. "Toward this end, the City of Columbus will be partnering with the Technical College system to offer a business internship program to Columbus businesses, utilizing Technical College students, beginning in early 2011," added Sobiek. Areas of internship assistance include Accounting, Business Plan Development, Culinary Arts, Grant Writing Assistance, Graphic Design, Human Resources, Internet Marketing, IT, Marketing, Market Research, Social Media and Web Development, among others. Sobiek said the survey results are being shared with the Columbus City Council and the Columbus Community Development Authority

Green News You Can Use for Columbus November 1, 2010 Grist — www.grist.org This green e-magazine delivers news and news you can use on pivotal topics, with a slight twist of humor. TreeHugger — www.treehugger.com TreeHugger is the go-to guide and news feed for sustainable living TreeHugger covers the entirety of the sustainable lifestyle, offering tips on how to "Green" your baby, wedding, funeral and everything in between. EcoGeek — www.ecogeek.com EcoGeek focuses on the minor miracles that promise to make the world cleaner by highlighting green science and technology ideas. Ecorazzi — www.ecorazzi.com Check out Ecorazzi for the latest news on rock stars, fashion designers, actors and other green celebrities and their contributions and efforts for a better earth. PlanetArk — www.planetark.com PlanetArk works to show people and businesses he may ways they can reduce their day-to-day impact on the environment – at home, at work and in the community. Green Options — www.greenoptions.com Green Options is a well written, well-run "big box" green site that tries to cover all the bases. Brought to you by the Office of Economic Development/Energy Sustainability

Ink Magazine Lists Columbus Business As amp;Fastest Growing& October 29, 2010 A web-based company headquartered in Columbus has made the INC. Magazine "fastest growing" list. "Discount Office Items" was listed as the 418th fastest growing small businesses in the United States. Director of Economic Development, Steve Sobiek, told downtown Columbus business leaders this week that the November "Business Roundtable" meeting would be held at Discount Office Items headquarters. The web-based company takes orders for and delivers a wide range of office supplies throughout the U.S. Discount Office Supplies was founded in 2003 by Tim and Jim Horton. The Columbus headquarters has been at the Industrial Drive location since 2008.

Columbus Energy Fair Prize Winners October 26, 2010 At the Columbus Energy Fair on October 9, visitors could pick a free gift and enter a drawing for an energy efficient floor lamp or the grand prize, an Energy Star clothes washer. The Columbus Middle School rocket club assisted children with the construction and launching of a water-propelled, plastic soda bottle rocket powered with compressed air from a bicycl pump. Judy Fiedler, Columbus, was the First Place Grand Prize Winner of the Energy Star GE Washer drawn at the October 9 Columbus Energy Fair. The GE Energy Star Washer, Model 5300, from Rahn Appliance, Columbus, saves energy and water usage by tracking water pressure and storing information from previous cycles through its Adaptive Logic System. The recorded information is then used by the washer to calculate optimal cycle times. 2nd-11th place winners of an Energy Star floor lamp were Columbus residents Joyce Hatzinger, Jerome Hebert, Ronelle Jordan, Wesley Karow, Raina McCauley, Ryan Miller, Scott Nowak, Sue Peeler, Verola Sennhenn, and Melody and Troy Tadych. The Energy Star floor lamps are estimated to save the average consumer $96 per year with a 10,000 hour flourescent energy saver bulb. Of all Columbus Energy Fair prize entrants living in Columbus, 85 percent indicated their household uses compact fluorescent light bulbs, and 78 percent indicated their household has at least one energy star appliance. The Columbus Energy Fair was sponsored by Columbus Water & Light and the Greater Columbus Energy Task Force. Energy Fair drawing winners pictured from left are, Ronelle Jordan, Troy Tadych and Sue Peelu with an Energy Star floor lamp. Judy Fiedler, First Place drawing winner, with Steve Sobiek, Director of Economic Development/Energy Sustainability

New Economic Development in Columbus October 26, 2010 Columbus is currently experiencing $24 million in capital investment, indicating a strong economic development climate. At Home Again, a new assisted living facility, recently broke ground at 110 Stuart Street. The new $3.5 million facility will open in the Spring of 2011. Pictured above from left are: Boyd Kraemer, City Administrator; Steve Sobiek, Economic Development Director; Melissa O’Conner, facility owner/administrator; Patty Connery, facility owner/RN administrator; and Laura Peterson, Vice President, Monona State Bank.

Announcement March 3, 2010 The City of Columbus has been awarded an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant for $159,200 to convert city street lights to LED fixtures. The grant is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and awarded through the State of Wisconsin. It is expected the grant will allow Columbus Water & Light (CWL) to convert between 283 or more of the city’s 643 street lights to LED from high pressure sodium. "The receipt of this grant is due to the hard work and leadership of City-Water & Light Department staff, and the leadership and vision of the Mayor, City Council, Columbus Water & Light Commission, and the Greater Columbus Energy Task Force", stated City Administrator Boyd Kraemer. It is also testament to the City of Columbus’ leadership as an energy sustainable and energy independent community. Because of the superior lighting, performance, and future capabilities of these new state-of-the art LED street lights, vehicle and pedestrian safety will be improved, crime can be deterred, and commercial interests will be enhanced and promoted. Under the leadership of CWL Superintendent John Andler, then CWL Assistant Superintendent Bill Daley, CWL Energy Services Representative Jim Schieble, and the Columbus Water & Light Commission, Columbus Water & Light installed several LED street light pilot projects in several areas of the city, beginning in 2008. Since then, the lights were changed, upgraded, and studied to determine their feasibility, durability, lighting, energy savings, and city residents’ satisfaction. In 2009, the same make of LED street lights to be installed throughout the City with the grant were installed in the Senior Center and Ludington Street parking lots, as well as in front of Columbus City Hall and the Columbus Community Center. The LED light fixtures to be installed, Beta Ledway, are manufactured in the United States by RUUD Lighting, headquartered in Racine, Wisconsin.

Announcement January 8, 2010 Construction of a 24 unit townhome development, Avalon Commons, will begin in Columbus in the Spring of 2010. All units will be completed in 12 months. Columbus construction trade and other related vendors are encouraged to partner with Brookstone Homes on this development to provide quality work and a dependable schedule that can be relied on. Interested vendors should contact: Jason Hammen Brookstone Homes 262.567.5700 www.BrookstoneHomes.com/vendors/index.asp#

Columbus converts second hybrid fleet car to a PHEV The City of Columbus recently transformed its municipal services fleet by converting its second standard Toyota Prius hybrid fleet car to a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) at no cost to taxpayers. The electric battery conversion system was installed by Smart Toyota, Madison. A PHEV is a hybrid that is fitted with an additional battery that gives the vehicle the ability to be recharged from a standard 120-volt electrical outlet. Both standard hybrids and PHEVs are powered by a combination of electricity and liquid fuels; however, PHEVs draw their charge from the engine and captured brake energy, as well as from the electrical grid when they are plugged into an electrical outlet. The battery takes approximately five hours to charge in a standard outlet, which would cost the average electric customer less than 50 cents. "We are excited to add a second PHEV to our fleet and maximize our fuel economy while significantly reducing emissions that are harmful to the environment," Steve Sobiek, Director of Economic Development/Energy Sustainability, said. Columbus is one of only ten energy independent model communities, as designated by the State of Wisconsin. Plug-ins operate like any other standard Prius. PHEVs have traditional fuel tanks and internal combustion engines, so they do not face the range limitation of electric-only cars. As a result, the vehicles can travel up to 30 miles on electricity before using the standard, gas-electric operating system and get up to 100 miles per gallon or more. "The City of Columbus and Columbus Water & Light are committed to promoting energy efficiency and conservation," said Sobiek. "We believe that the PHEV technology offers immense benefits for our environment and our economy, including increased fuel efficiency, better mileage and reduced emissions." The City of Columbus and Columbus Water & Light were able to convert both standard Toyota Prius vehicles with incentives from its regional power supply company, WPPI Energy. In November 2008, Columbus Water & Light converted its first Toyota Prius to a PHEV, later adding a colorful car wrap of Columbus images, including redbud trees and City Hall. For more information, please contact Steve Sobiek at (920) 623-5900.

Columbus Arbor Day 2009 Celebrating Columbus’ leadership and commitment to sustainability! Mark Jansen, Nancy Olson, Eric Anthon, Steve Sobiek join representatives of the Columbus School’s 4th grade class in planting a Serviceberry tree in front of the Columbus water & Light’s Prius electric plug-in.

City of Columbus' New Electric Truck The City of Columbus Public Works Department took delivery of the City's new electric truck (pictured above). Manufactured by Columbia ParCar in Reedsburg, Wisconsin, the truck will be used for park maintenance and public works functions. The vehicle has a hydraulic lift that can carry 1,000 pounds. Powered by electric batteries, the vehicle can attain a speed of 25-28 miles per hour, with a range of 150 miles when fully charged. The ParCar truck joins the City's two Prius hybrid plug-ins already in the City of Columbus fleet, including one owned by Columbus Water & Light (pictured below). Together, these vehicles demonstrate Columbus' commitment and leadership on energy sustainability, independence and conservation in an effort to reduce the City's reliance on fossil fuels and reduce its use of non-renewable power sources. The truck was purchased with a $5,000 grant from WPPI Energy and assistance from Columbus Water & Light.

Green/Energy Sustainability The City of Columbus is a Green/Energy Sustainable Leader! Columbus was one of the first municipalities in Wisconsin to become an Energy Independent Community by pledging to work toward generating 25 percent of its electricity and transportation fuels from renewable resources by 2025. As part of this, the City benchmarked its energy usage in all City facilities as we continue to implement energy conservation and sustainability. Toward this end, the City of Columbus is expected to purchase 15 percent of its electricity from green renewable resources in 2009, and purchased a Prius hybrid plug-in, and an electric truck for public works functions. Columbus was also among the first municipalities to adopt an NEV ordinance allowing electric cars on city streets in early 2008. The City is encouraging department heads to include alternative energy/hybrid vehicles in vehicle specs and bids. The most recent example of this is the recent purchase of a flex fuel Police vehicle that can run on both ethanol E-85 and gasoline. In 2008, the City began its energy sustainability and green efforts in earnest after receiving a two year grant, "Leading by Example" from Wisconsin Public Power Inc, the parent utility organization of Columbus Water & Light. In addition the City is receiving a grant from the Wisconsin Office of Energy Independence to benchmark both City and community energy usage. Thanks to these grants, the City has began the following green/sustainability initiatives: It is our goal to become the first city in Wisconsin to convert its street lights to LED lighting, for a 75 percent energy savings. We expect to approve the first 25 percent phase-in of this project to begin in 2009. To cultivate a culture of sustainability, the new Columbus City Hall parking lot has been equipped with electric plug-ins to facilitate and encourage electric car usage. Toward this end, the City brought electric cars and trucks to Columbus for 3 different public information campaigns to encourage electric car usage. As a City we are encouraging the siting of green related businesses in Columbus, current businesses to be designated as green tourism businesses, and the building of both commercial and residential buildings and homes with Green and Sustainable design. To help lead Columbus energy sustainability efforts, the Greater Columbus Energy Task Force has been established to market the City's programs in this regard. Members will serve as spokespersons and ambassadors for the programs. The City also is providing bicycles at the Amtrak station in Columbus for Amtrak commuters to use to explore the city - a green transportation option that is free of charge. Lastly, Columbus is looking at incorporating sustainability in its revised zoning code and in designing/developing the new Westside Business Park. The business park is expected to include some of the following components : green space, wetland conservation, community gardens, bike paths, and recreational ball fields. Economic Development/Energy Sustainability Director Steven Sobiek City of Columbus 105 N. Dickason Blvd Columbus, WI 53925 920.296.7081 920.623.5901 FAX E-Mail: ssobiek@columbuswi.us

Click on a link in the list below to view more details about economic development in our community!