The ERC has just received three special year-end gifts totaling $24,000 from the Bohrer Family Foundation, the Roy A Hunt Foundation and a private donor.  These generous gifts are all in support of a new groundbreaking local energy initiative that is sure to pay dividends for years to come.

 These donors would now like to challenge the community to match their gifts so that our community can carve out a cleaner energy future.  The ERC needs to raise $48,000 to undertake a special 2011 Energy Summit initiative.  With these generous donations, we're already halfway to our $48,000 goal!

But we still need your help to meet this challenge!

Won't you support ERC's local energy initiative?

 As you consider your year-end giving, won’t you please make a special gift toward our community’s clean energy future? Here’s what this could mean to our community’s future.

In 2011 the ERC will convene an “Energy Summit” with local government, industry and business representatives to craft a meaningful and actionable strategy for the community’s clean energy future.  By taking decisive action now, our community will be better positioned to:

• Maximize local job creation;
• Strengthen economic development;
• Insulate community members from swings in energy prices;
• Accelerate investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency;
• Reduce overall carbon emissions; and
• Save hundreds of thousands in energy-related costs.

The ERC is partnering with the New Energy Cities program to host an Energy Summit that will focus on five core areas:

• Buildings and Efficiency;
• Clean, Distributed Energy Production;
• Next-Generation Infrastructure, including Smart Grid;
• Financing Strategies and Tools; and
• Leadership and Capacity-Building.

Many other communities in the northwest are already reaping the benefits.  Communities such as Salem, OR; Spokane, WA; and Jackson Hole, WY are already well on their way.  Now our community could be the first community in Idaho to chart a new course toward a clean energy future.

Take the challenge and help match these generous gifts!  With your help, a cleaner energy future is within reach!

 Giving online is quick, easy and secure.  Simply click on the "donate now" button and you'll be on your way to helping chart a cleaner energy future.

 I'd like to personally thank all the ERC's supporters and wish everyone a happy and safe Holiday Season.