"We’re constantly looking for ways to improve. Efficient technology means less waste and more money to spend on other areas of our business."
Joe Kamuda, Owner Kamuda’s Country Store
Joe and Laurie Kamuda purchased Kamuda’s Country Store from Joe’s father in 1985. Since then, they’ve added catering, lunch specials, and a first class meat department and deli. "In order to keep pace with today’s marketplace, you always have to be looking at new ways to operate," says Joe Kamuda. "Business as usual doesn’t cut it if you want to stay competitive."
In 2009, the Kamudas took a good look at their energy usage as a possible area for savings.With technical guidance and rebates from Efficiency Vermont, they completed a few key projects over the next three years:
- Upgrading 25 overhead lighting fixtures, from older, less efficient fluorescent lighting to high-performance T8s, for a savings of $300 per year;
- Replacing refrigerated case lights with LEDs, for a savings of $200 per year; and
- Adding efficient fan motors—which emit less heat—in walk-in coolers, for a savings of $950 per year.
Not only are the Kamudas now saving over $1,400 per year, they report that products in their coolers are staying fresher longer (thanks to lower heat output from LEDs), and the overall appearance of the store has improved dramatically. Even the customers have noticed.
Says Joe, "This place isn’t just a store; it’s a part of the community. So to hear our customers comment on how much they love the upgrades—that means a lot."