Event Explains How Extreme Weather Is Hurting Michigan Small Businesses; How Clean Energy Policies Can Help
Event open to all small businesses; chance for Michigan entrepreneurs to learn about the impact of climate change and extreme weather on small businesses and how strong energy policies can lessen their effects
DETROIT—The Michigan League for Public Policy and U.S. Green Building Council, Detroit Regional Chapter, in conjunction with small business advocacy group Small Business Majority, will host an event on Tuesday, March 24, 2015, on how extreme weather and climate change are impacting small businesses, and how clean energy policies can help mitigate the effects. The event also will cover energy efficiency resources available to help small business owners save money on their energy bills.
"Small businesses are eager for pragmatic, innovative energy policies that will help reduce their ever-increasing energy costs and create the healthy and vibrant communities that will attract employees and sustain their business," the League's Community Engagement Specialist Shannon Nobles said. "These discussions are a great way for small businesses to get the most current information on how new energy policies affect their communities, businesses, employees and bottom lines."
The free event is open to all small business owners and will feature Small Business Majority Outreach Manager Trent Varva, who will discuss the topics most relevant to small employers, including extreme weather events and their impact on small businesses and the economy; the connection between climate change, extreme weather and stronger clean energy standards; small business support for clean energy policies; and resources available to help small business owners become more energy efficient and save money on utility bills.
"Opinion polling from Small Business Majority shows small business owners are being significantly impacted by extreme weather, so much so that 1 in 5 said they had to lay off workers due to an extreme weather event," said Varva. "Small business owners are asking for help. Policymakers need to take note and start embracing smart clean energy policies that would help mitigate climate change and prompt innovation—which would create opportunities for small businesses, boost the economy and help address some of the economic uncertainty we're experiencing today."
A question and answer period will follow the presentation. "Small firms are much more vulnerable to loss from extreme weather events than larger businesses with backup resources at multiple facilities, which is why they're becoming increasingly concerned about this issue," said USGBC National Students Chair Anthony Offak. "This event will provide a ton of great information on new business-friendly policies that are taking aim at climate change and extreme weather, and at the same time, cover ways for small businesses to save money now by becoming more energy efficient."
The event will take place on Tuesday, March 24 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. (EST). Small business owners can register for the event online at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/energy-efficiency-and-your-michigan-small-business-tickets-15849570492
For more information, please contact Trent Varva at [email protected].
About Small Business Majority
Small Business Majority is a national small business advocacy organization, founded and run by small business owners to focus on solving the biggest problems facing America's 28 million small businesses today. Since 2005, we have actively engaged small business owners and policymakers in support of public policy solutions, and have delivered information and resources to entrepreneurs that promote small business growth and drive a strong, sustainable economy. We are a team of more than 30 working from our 11 offices in Washington, D.C. and 9 states, with a network of more than 45,000 small business owners and more than 2,000 business organizations, along with a formal strategic partnership program of more than 125 business organizations, enabling us to reach more than 500,000 entrepreneurs. Our extensive scientific polling, focus groups and economic research help us educate and inform policymakers, the media and other stakeholders about issues including taxes, healthcare, access to capital, entrepreneurship, workforce development, clean energy and immigration. Learn more about us on our website and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.