GMP to lower commercial, residential rates; Start Your Business workshop to be held

COLCHESTER
Green Mountain Power has announced that state regulators have approved the company’s proposal to decrease electric rates by 2.46 percent for residential and commercial customers starting Oct. 1. The rate decrease will be the second offered by GMP in three years and is part of the company’s mission to deliver reliable, clean and cost-effective power to its customers.

Mary Powell, president and CEO of GMP, said, “Lowering electricity rates at a time when other costs continue to rise is an important part of helping Vermont families and businesses.”

GMP partnered with key stakeholders across Vermont in advance of its filed rate decrease, including the Department of Public Service, IBM and Associated Industries of Vermont. GMP and key stakeholders agreed to a 1.46 percent rate decrease, with an additional 1 percent decrease provided directly to customers through a revenue sharing agreement from the sale of Vermont Yankee in 2002. Customers will receive a credit on their bills over the next two years, to ensure rates remain low for customers for the coming years. Commercial customers, in particular, manufacturers and other energy intensive industries will greatly benefit from lower electricity costs.

Start Your Own Business workshop set for Sept. 18

SPRINGFIELD
The Vermont Small Business Development Center is offering a four-hour workshop on how to start your own business and write a business plan. The course will be offered on Thursday, Sept. 18 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Springfield Regional Development Corp., 14 Clinton Square, 1st floor conference room, Springfield.

Starting Your Own Business is conducted by experienced business advisors and designed as a step-by-step guide for starting a business in Vermont for the first-time business owner:

• Evaluate whether there is a viable business in your good idea;
• Identify your target customers and explore how to conduct market research;
• Learn how to register your company, apply for tax numbers and protect your brand;
• Prepare to write an effective business plan;
• Find out about financing options and learn what a credible loan package looks like

Receive access to the online workshops to increase your knowledge in money, marketing and management (at your convenience) valued at over $150.

By the end of this workshop, you will be well-informed about the resources available to you and the steps involved in launching a successful business.

Space is limited. To register for the workshop sign up online at www.vtsbdc.org (click on the training tab). For registration questions, email Heather Gonyaw at hgonyaw@vtsbdc.org. The registration fee is $99. Your payment includes a start-up workbook in hardcopy and pdf format.

The local SBDC office is part of Springfield Regional Development Corporation. For more information visit www.vtsbdc.org or contact Debra Boudrieau at  802-885-2071 or dboudrieau@vtsbdc.org.