Toll Free:
Sales:
After-Hours: Werner and Xcel Energy Team Up For Sustainability At Farm Technology Days
Written by: Emily Genco
Even in the heat of the summer, Werner Electric continued to fuel customers’ business at Wisconsin Farm Technology Days, the agricultural event of the year for Wisconsin and surrounding states. At Farm Tech Days, Werner Electric wowed the 15,000 attendees per day with options to harness renewable energy and take advantage of extensive product line offerings.
Chuck Boley, Director of Construction Services at Werner Electric who attended Farm Tech Days described the event as, “Upbeat, you could really tell that for that industry it’s the main event of the year for probably a three or four state area.”
With businesses representing over 6 states, Werner Electric staffed their booth with employees equipped with the expertise to answer the full scope of customer inquiries. At the event, Randy Moberg, Chuck Boley, Tom Mastin, and Kelli Lewis discussed topics ranging from energy efficient motors to the different types of grounding equipment available to solve the stray voltage problem.
Attendees sought solutions unique to the agricultural industry. “They were looking for ideas to improve their energy efficiency, products that won’t rust or corrode in dairy barns, and there was some interest in generators as well,” Boley said.
Keeping a close tap on the pulse of the industry, Werner Electric anticipated renewable energy would be a vital theme at the 2010 Farm Tech Days. “We had an idea going in that energy-efficient lighting and motors would be key topics, and it proved to be true,” said Boley. In addition to displaying a variety of Philips lamps, Werner Electric brought Philips Lighting Specialist Kelli Lewis to address questions about sustainable lighting solutions.
Highlight this section - Werner Electric returns from the event with information that promises to open economic doors for customers looking to invest in energy efficient solutions. By utilizing Xcel Energy or WE Energies’ co-funding program, customers can install sustainable solutions at a significantly reduced cost. As a customer incentive, WE Energies pledges to pay for the first thousand dollars to cover project inspection in addition to fifty percent of the remaining balance up to a grant of 6,000 dollars if the installation meets their energy efficient requirements.
“The program offers huge savings for the farmer, the end user. On top of that they can also qualify for rebates from Focus on Energy in Wisconsin,” Boley explained. “It’s going to give them the opportunity and the funding to upgrade their equipment and become more energy efficient without such a steep out-of-pocket cost.”
A presence at Farm Tech Days allowed Werner Electric representatives a chance to discuss products and savings solutions with members of a large and diverse industry. “It was a very good venue to get our message and our capability statement out there,” said Boley. “Customers didn’t realize that we could provide generators. Certainly they didn’t think of Werner or other electrical distributors as a source for motors.”
Farm Tech Days also provided Werner Electric the opportunity to partner with Xcel Energy to create a series of classes designed to further customer learning. Looking ahead, Werner Electric and Xcel Energy will present a joint, cooperative training class showcasing energy efficient lighting as well as a follow-up class on variable frequency drives.
Farm Tech Days gave Werner Electric, the only full line electrical distributor present, a new platform to help customers expand and better business. “We heard time and time again, ‘We didn’t know you guys had motors or that you guys had locations in Eau Claire and Cottage Grove,’” Boley said. “I think it was very successful.”
Even in the midst of the dog days of summer, Werner Electric presented attendees of the 2010 Farm Technology Days refreshing opportunities to save money and increase business efficiency.
-7450 95th Street South, Cottage Grove, MN 55016-Toll Free: 1.800.769.3701