 | | Jim Patton and John Hastings (Whidbey Examiner photo) |
Solar Power at Greenbank Farm |
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Thanks to a seed grant from Puget Sound Energy, the leadership at the Port of Coupeville, and the vision of some local investors, there is a working solar installation at the Greenbank Farm. The gala ribbon cutting event is at 10:30 am, Wednesday, July 13. Be sure to stop by and learn more about this innovative p-patch concept for producing local green power. The informational kiosk will provide for ongoing public awareness about alternative energy. I hope you will check it out! This project is so exciting because it so clearly reflects our Island community:
- It says that we value partnerships,
- That we support collaboration and education,
- That we appreciate the importance of sustainable energy, and
- That a significant number of our citizens walk their talk on these issues!
This is just one of many sustainability efforts in our community. To learn more please visit Sustainable Whidbey Coalition's website |
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Commercial Kitchen for Fairgrounds |
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Our island farmers markets are thriving - they are loyally patronized by our local community as well as providing a popular attraction for visitors. Last year these vendors added over a million dollars to our local economy. There are now five farmers' markets on Whidbey Island: Langley, Bayview, Tilth, Coupeville and Oak Harbor. This growing economic engine needs support to encourage new and innovative businesses to survive and thrive. I am proud to announce that Island County has been selected to receive a USDA Rural Enterprise Grant for the purpose of renovating the commercial kitchen in the Pole Building at the Island County Fairgrounds in Langley. Once completed, this public facility will be available for rental to small food producers and caterers. Many local businesses lack the financial or operational capacity to develop and license their own certified commercial kitchen facilities. This will create a space where they can incubate their business until it is sustainable, thus strengthening our economy and supporting local growers!
If you haven't already, stop by at one of the farmers' markets this week and see what you've been missing! |
