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This section will contain news and information pertinent to alternative energy. 

It might be about new technology, grants or lending methods – stop in often to see what’s new!

Examining the Feasibility of an Alternative Energy CUSO

As the CFO of NorthStar Credit Union I am very aware of the effects of this troubling economy on credit unions and our members.  I believe that the need for an alternative energy plan has never been more important for our country.  Credit Unions are well positioned to help our members become informed in this strategic drive.  As a not-for-profit financial cooperative, we are uniquely positioned to offer real value to our members by:

Informing our members about solar, wind and geothermal energy
Providing training to credit union staff in alternative energy needs
Solicit government and private sector funding to provide subsidized solar solutions to our members
Facilitating the supply of vendor information to our members
Providing assistance in completing and collecting government sponsored rebates

As the founder of CU Solar, I am asking for your credit union support in developing our plan.  Please write me at the email address below for more information.  I look forward to creating economies of scale in offering solar education and support to all credit union members, and new exciting lending opportunities for your credit union.

Thank you
Greg Truex, CPA

 GTruex@CUSolar.org

Goals for 2009

During 2008, our founding year, we developed a website and focus group. Using valuable credit union feedback we crafted plans for this year.   In 2009 we expand our focus to include credit union resources.  We assist client credit unions with:

  • Sustainable energy program suggestions and best practices

  • Staff training using entertaining and informative multimedia

  • Member education in the form of handouts, newsletter templates, videos, interactive website services and onsite seminars

  • State and Federal rebate and grant education. 

  • Payback period calculators and online support

  • Loan and rebate application support

 Our objectives for 2009 are:

  • Creation of focus group(s) to determine the value of an alternative energy CUSO

  • Initial assessments indicate that there is public and foundation money to support the credit union mission of education.  We will explore the amount of money available for alternative energy education and training.

  • Subject to continuing Focus Group response, we are preparing plans to do the following tasks:

  • Develop an entertaining, informative multimedia training platform for credit union staff.

  • Provide an alternative energy loan program and marketing materials

  • Provide a multimedia education path for credit union members

  • Identify public and private grants (generally by state) to offset education costs

  • Create a database of vendors, grants and rebates, and resources for your members, available to them from the credit union website, all private labeled if requested.

We want to get more information to you immediately.  Please contact me now at gtruex@cusolar.org to join our focus group or just to reach out with your thoughts.  Thank you for your support.