‘Put More Green in Your Business’

A task force and four Chambers of Commerce are sponsoring an evening workshop next month to help businesses in the Bedford/Mount Kisco area increase the “green” in their bottom lines by taking a “greener” approach to their operations.

Smart businesses realize that conserving energy and reducing waste helps impact profitability and is good for the entire community, said Stuart Marwell, chair of the Business Task Force of and CEO and president of Curtis Instruments in Mount Kisco. Through a partnership known as the “Bedford 2020 Chamber Quartet” Bedford 2020 is working closely with the Chambers of Commerce of Bedford, Bedford Hills, Katonah and Mount Kisco to help local businesses be greener.

“The citizens and businesses of our communities are committed to addressing the environmental issues that are impacting all of us,” Marwell said. “The Chamber Quartet, which unites local Chambers of Commerce, is working hard to help businesses achieve very attainable goals that can help them be more profitable while being green.”

The “Put More Green in Your Business Workshop” will be Wednesday, March 7, from 6 to 8 p.m. at in Mount Kisco. The evening will include networking, cocktails and appetizers. The first 50 businesses to register for the event will receive a $20 gift certificate for Grand Prix New York racing or bowling.

To register or for more information please e-mail info@bedford2020.org or visit the Web site www.bedford2020.org

“This workshop is all about saving money, conserving energy and improving waste/recycling practices,” said Diana Tyler of and a member of the task force. Business owners will hear case studies from other small businesses that have implemented cost-saving green measures; learn about rebate programs, free offers and low-cost financing; and have the opportunity to talk directly with experts.

“The Bedford 2020 Chamber Quartet’s goal is for business owners to leave the workshop with easy, actionable steps that will positively impact their bottom line and benefit our community,” said Cynthia Brennan of Table Local Market, one of the event’s organizers.

Bedford 2020 Coalition is a nonprofit organization whose goal is to organize, lead and promote a communitywide effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 20 percent by 2020 and create a sustainable community that conserves its natural resources.

 “Bedford 2020 is a model for public/private partnerships,” Bedford Supervisor Lee Roberts said. “Every member of the community is invited to participate. Working together with the business, education, religious and municipal sectors of our town, this important community organization has proven the value of collaborative problem solving.”

The business task force is composed of business leaders in such areas as manufacturing, insurance, real estate, retail and food in the town of Bedford and neighboring communities, including Mount Kisco. The task force facilitates ways in which all businesses might work together to reduce energy usage, improve waste/recycling, improve transportation strategies, support local food initiatives and support the community’s water and land use goals. 

When:  Wednesday, March 7, 6-8 p.m.

Where: Grand Prix New York Racing and Spins Bowl, 333 N. Bedford Road, Mount Kisco.

What: Clear, actionable steps for your business to save money, reduce energy use, improve waste/recycling and cut costs right away. Hear case studies from business owners who have cut costs. Take advantage of one-stop-shopping for incentives, rebate programs and low-cost funding. Enjoy networking, appetizers donated by Café of Love and happy-hour pricing for drinks courtesy of Grand Prix New York.

Participating organizations

Westchester Green Business Challenge – Small Business Case Studies and Waste/Recycling Made Easy

Con Edison – How to Use our Rebates and Free Services

NYSEG – How to Use our Rebates and Free Services

NYSERDA – Free Energy Audits and Low Income Financing

DaylightSavings Co. – Get Started Today with Free Energy Audit

Please click on the accompanying PDF for more information.