JANUARY 24, 2007 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 17
Incentive program awards rebate credits for energy conservation CENTURIA – Polk-Burnett members can now apply for rebates, in the form of energy bill credits, when they purchase qualifying Energy Star® appliances, Energy Star® lightbulbs, and even entire Energy Star® homes. The rebate program was approved by the coop’s board of directors as an incentive to help members lower their energy use. Qualifying Energy Star® rebates include: $2 Compact fluorescents (limit 10) Motion & heat sensitive light controls (limit 5) $5 $15 Programmable thermostat (limit 1) Dehumidifier (limit 1)$25 Room air conditioner (limit 1) $25 Dishwasher (limit 1) $30 Refrigerator (limit 1) $50 $50 Freezer (limit 1) $50 Clothes washer (limit 1) Energy Star® home (limit 1) $250 “Co-ops have an obligation to be proactive and encourage energy conservation,” said Todd Schulte, member services manager. “We’re pleased to offer an incentive program that helps members save energy and money over time.” Rebates are available through Dec. 31, and proof of purchase is required. For forms and information, visit your local appliance dealer or call Polk-Burnett at 800421-0283. – from Polk-Burnett
Regular incandescent lightbulbs were invented by Thomas Edison, and the basic design has not changed much since 1879! These bulbs are very inefficient, converting only 10 percent of electricity into The light. 90 remaining percent of electricity is wasted as heat. Compact fluorescent bulbs use 2/3 less energy, generate 70 percent less heat last 10 and times longer than regular bulbs. Source: U.S. Department of Energy
Craftspersons and artists boost creative industry in Northwest Wisconsin MADISON – Craftspersons and artists are at the heart of a vital creative economy in Northwest Wisconsin. Although this specific creative industry is comparatively small, the potential for broader regional growth may not be. A recent University of WisconsinExtension study finds that craftspersons and artists are an undervalued element of the rural creative economy. “We are exploring a creative economy niche that some rural areas could build upon,” says Jerry Hembd, director of the Northern Center for Community and Economic Development. “The study will help us focus on ways to support the work of existing craftspersons and artists, which may be a strategy that plays to rural strengths and advantages.” Northwest Wisconsin has an abundance of natural, cultural, and other amenities said to attract and retain members of the creative class. The total economic contribution of craftspersons and artists is estimated to be over $30 million per year to the regional economy in Northwest Wisconsin, according to the study. Craftspersons and artists directly contribute over $20 million annually to the regional economy in direct revenue. Craftspersons and artists contribute an additional $4.7 million indirectly when they purchase goods and services necessary to run their businesses. Finally, over $6 million is contributed to the regional economy as a result of the household spending induced by these direct and indirect economic contributions. The total economic contribution of craftspersons and artists is therefore estimated to be over $31 million per year. Total earnings are estimated to be over $12 million annually. “Craftspersons and artists often go largely unnoticed in rural regions. They can slip through the cracks in economic analyses,” says Andrew Dane, UW-Extension community resource development educator for Barron and Chippewa counties. “They do not figure prominently in economic development strategies, nor are they seen as key economic players or contributors.” The creative economy model of economic development offers the view that the more successful a region is in attracting and retaining creative workers, the better that region’s economy will perform. However, a majority of the research on the creative economy has
focused on urban—not rural—areas. This new study sheds light on the characteristics, economic contributions, and educational needs of craftspersons and artists as core members of the rural creative economy of Northwest Wisconsin. The project was launched in 1999 when a group of artisans and producers organized Wisconsin’s Northwest Heritage Passage “to celebrate our heritage and showcase regional products that are handmade and homegrown.” They sought support from local governments and other organizations to document their contributions to regional community and economic development efforts. UW-Extension and UW-Superior funded the study, and the Northern Center for Community and Economic Development provided leadership. The center, which is jointly supported by the UW-Extension and the UW-Superior, focuses on applied research and education in northern Wisconsin. Arts Wisconsin, then known as the Wisconsin Assembly for Local Arts, was invited to join the study team of UW-Extension faculty and student assistants that guided the project. The target population of the research project was expanded to 11 counties: Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Sawyer, St. Croix and Washburn. This research demonstrates that Northwest Wisconsin has a vibrant creative industry in its craftspersons and artists. They are engaged in a broad range of creative activities. They are well-educated, experienced, and grounded in their communities. Among other findings, the study revealed that craftspersons and artists enhance the region’s attractiveness as a tourist destination. “They help ‘brand’ the region as creative and innovative,” says Hembd. “Yet the findings show that they are not fully involved with local development organizations, especially chambers of commerce. They are often overlooked when it comes to business assistance, yet they may constitute a prime investment area for community economic development. The study highlights priority areas where such assistance is needed.” To learn more about the study, visit the Northern Center for Community and Economic Development Web site at www.uwsuper.edu/ncced/recent_publications/. - from UW-Extension
Burnett Community Library Story time The preschool program continues each Wednesday from 10 to 11 a.m. Stories and activities are so much fun for the children. Bring them in when you are able; your child will be glad you did. Books on order “Wild Fire” by Nelson DeMille, “Plum Lovin” by Janet Evanovich, “Memory Keepers Daughter” by Kim Edwards, “Red Leaves” by Belva Plain, “Step on a Crack” by James Patterson, “The Case for Faith” by Lee Strobel, “Everybody’s Normal Till You Get to Know Them” by John Ortberg, “Pursuit of Happiness” by Chris Gardner and “The Cat Who Had 60 Whiskers” by Lilian Jackson Braun. CDs on order “Wild Fire” by Nelson DeMille, “Memory Keepers Daughter” by Kim Edwards, “Red Leaves” by Belva Plain, “Step on a Crack” by James Patterson. DVDs on order “The Da Vinci Code,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Dead Man’s Chest,” “Talladega Nights – The Ballad of Ricky Bobby,” “An Inconvenient Truth,” “Superman Returns,” “Cars,” “Ice Age – The Meltdown,” “Gilmore Girls,” “World Trade Center” and “The Devil Wears Prada.” While going through the video collection to see what hasn’t been going out for quite awhile, I ran across a complete home system for you and your baby sitter titled, “Super Sitters” by Dr. Lee Salk. Within the kit are a video, emergency care and first aid manual, sitter’s resource guide and parent’s resource guide. This is for anyone to view but especially for the professional who may be teaching these skills to someone or to a class. Another video not going out much but perhaps is worth mentioning is the following title, “Childproof: Home Safety Checklist.” Covered in the video are such things as, how to prevent accidents around your home, garage or shed, swimming pool, automobile, plus many other tips and resources.