Greenerpalooza to Celebrate Energy Efficiency Efforts

GILFORD – Despite what Kermit the Frog says, it is easy being green. And if you don’t believe that, just visit the Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion on Wednesday, July 23rd, a day Governor John Lynch has proclaimed “Greenerpalooza Day.”

At a press conference held this morning at Meadowbrook’s Center Stage Buffet, representatives of Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion, the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development’s Business Resource Center, Ocean Bank, local utilities and other energy efficiency concerns announced plans for Greenerpalooza, an event which celebrates energy efficiency efforts throughout the Granite State. With a backdrop of a Crosby, Stills and Nash concert taking place in the Pavilion that evening, a special “eco-village” will be developed in the Meadowbrook midway so that New Hampshire residents will learn how to “go greener.”

“Finding new ways to save money while preserving our environment is of interest to all New Hampshire citizens,” said New Hampshire Business Resource Center Director Roy Duddy. “For the first time, we’re joining together with local utilities and New Hampshire companies creating energy efficient products to present an evening dedicated to exploring the benefits of going green. Whether it’s biodiesel, solar or geothermal, it’ll all be on display at Greenerpalooza.”

Sponsored by Ocean Bank, Greenerpalooza will also feature a special VIP reception where a group of companies that have participated in energy audits conducted by the State of New Hampshire or utilized the Ocean Energy Efficiency Program will be commended for their commitment to becoming more energy efficient.

“Greenerpalooza is a great way for us to celebrate our Energy Efficiency Program and the terrific partnership we enjoy with the New Hampshire Business Resource Center, while also pushing the green initiative further,” said Ocean Bank Vice President and Director of Community Development Janet Brewer. “As part of the eco-village at Meadowbrook, we’ll be on hand so attendees can find out more about our program which offers low interest loans to New Hampshire companies adopting energy efficiency measures, as well as about the many different alternatives there are to help reduce energy consumption.”

The Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion is a fitting venue for this inaugural event as the performing arts center has embraced the challenge of “going green.” Meadowbrook offers artists the option of producing their stage shows completely green. Its new generator, fueled exclusively with biodiesels, is capable of outputting enough power for even the biggest national touring acts all while burning clean and more efficient than petroleum products. In addition, Meadowbrook purchases only recycled materials for as many office supplies as possible.

But the venue’s efforts don’t end there.

“Since over 80% of a concert’s carbon footprint is from the fans’ commute, we’re implementing a Fan Carbon Offset Program this season,” said Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion Marketing Director Chris Lockwood. “One of our green partners, Reverb—an organization that educates and engages musicians and fans to promote environmental sustainability—is working with us on this. During ticket purchasing, Meadowbrook fans will be asked to offset the carbon footprint of their commute to the show by donating additional money to organizations committed to renewable energies and other ways to reduce carbon output. ”

Companies that will be displaying at Greenerpalooza include: Public Service of New Hampshire, National Grid/Keyspan, Unitil, NH Electric Co-op, Northern Utilities/Bay State Gas, Lakes Region Community College’s Energy Services & Technology Program, New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, New Hampshire Department of Transportation, Ultra Geothermal, Snow Dragon Renewable Energy, The Red Blazer, The Common Man, Horizon Residential Energy Services, Simply Green Biofuels, Sustainability NH, Chris Pinkham – vendor of Viessman Solar Products, DNL Energy, Green Energy Options, Ocean Bank, USDA Rural Development and the New Hampshire Business Resource Center. New Hampshire Business Review and WGIR/Rock 101 have signed on as media partners for the event.

Tickets to Greenerpalooza, which include the Crosby, Stills and Nash concert as well as entry to the eco-village are available online at www.meadowbrook.net. For more information about energy efficiency programs for New Hampshire businesses, call the New Hampshire Business Resource Center at (603) 271-2341 or visit www.nheconomy.com.