In a move to help local business owners save money on their utility bills, the City Council in March approved a Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing program administered by Figtree Energy Resource Company (Figtree). The PACE program will provide commercial property owners upfront financing for energy and water efficiency building upgrades and renewable energy systems.
 
Figtree’s unique PACE program unlocks the multi-billion dollar market for energy-efficiency with flexible financing terms that empower property owners to work with local contractors to improve commercial buildings. Energy improvements can transform existing energy expenses into thousands of dollars of positive cash flow each year, as the cost of financing is often lower than the amount of money saved on energy. As a result, PACE financing stimulates local economies and creates local jobs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions for the benefit of all Californians.
 
Redlands is participating in this effort with other California cities and counties to remove cost and technical barriers to going green. Property owners qualify for long-term financing based on the value of their property and the land-secured PACE structure eliminates the need for personal guarantees. The fixed-rate financing requires no money down and no minimum credit score. Plus, the balance is transferable if the property is sold before the PACE financing is paid off – so the current owner pays only for the benefits s/he receives.
 
Participating property owners will pay back their financing through a voluntary assessment on their property tax bill for up to 20 years. Although the billing mechanism is the property tax bill, the program does not rely on public funds or increased taxes.
 
PACE funds can be used only for materials and labor costs of permanently installed improvements, such as high-efficiency lighting, heating and air conditioning, windows, reflective roofing, plumbing fixtures, water treatment equipment, solar panels, and many more, that will reduce the building’s use of grid-supplied energy or water.
 
“It’s good to offer this ability for residents and local businesses to become more energy efficient,” said Redlands Mayor Pete Aguilar. “It’s good for our local economy and it’s good for our sustainability practices.”
 
About Figtree
Figtree Energy Resource Company is committed to making financial sense of the clean energy movement.  An extensive background in finance and built environments enabled Figtree to develop Figtree PACE, a privately-financed municipal program that addresses a gap in traditional financing to bring energy and water efficiency improvements within reach for virtually any commercial property owner. This popular financing program has been successfully launched and is now expanding to a growing list of participating cities and counties throughout California.
 
Additional information is available at www.figtreecompany.com or by calling 877-577-7373.

           Citrus Valley Plumbing offers more than eighteen years of experience in the Inland Empire providing customers with professional home repair and general construction of the highest quality at truly competitive prices. Owners Matt and Jill Riley guarantee not only their service but offer special rates and discounts to the military, police and firefighters as well as seniors. They also offer special rates for local business owners and monthly specials and provide 24 hour emergency service.

            The friendly plumbing team at Citrus Valley Plumbing can provide a wide rage of services that include but are not limited to:

            If you are thinking of “going green” Citrus Valley Plumbing can help with changes that not only help the environment by saving water but will save you money in return. Need help with…….

           Call CitrusValley Plumbing, 792-5461, for fast, courteous service and competitive prices. 

        The Redlands Chamber of Commerce and First California Bank will present the Annual State of  the Community Luncheon, Wednesday, July 11th; 12:00 PM at the Orton Center, University of Redlands, check-in begins at 11:30 AM

            Mayor Pete Aguilar will address the community, explain the budget and share plans for the future as well as take questions from the floor.

            “This event is an excellent opportunity for our Mayor to meet with the citizens and business leaders of Redlands. It will give him and an opportunity to share both the immediate and long term vision for the city.” said Paul Barich, Chamber President. “Following the adoption of the City’s 2012/2013 budget it is of particular interest to learn how our city leaders will meet the fiscal challenges that lie ahead. We are delighted to once again present the annual event that provides a venue allowing our elected officials an opportunity to meet the business community out side the confines of City Hall. We are especially grateful to First California Bank for the generous sponsorship of this extremely important community event.”   

            “First California Bank is delighted to join the Redlands Chamber of Commerce in presenting this very significant community event. We believe it is important to maintain communication between elected officials, residents and the businesses of Redlands.” Said Wayne Stair, First California Bank, Senior Vice President, “Ongoing dialogue about current issues that affect the city is critical to understanding the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.”

            The cost of the luncheon is $30 per person, reservations are required.

            For more information about the State of the Community Luncheon or to make reservations, call 793-2546.

          TBM Fire and Security is a family owned business located in the Inland Empire. The concern, service, and care you will receive from their monitoring station operators, alarm installation technicians and office management team, will continue throughout the lifetime of your system. If you have a problem at 2:00am someone from the staff is on duty 24-hours a day.

            From detection devices and sensors to control panels and remote access technology, TBM Fire and Security have decades of experience in providing security and monitoring that come together to deliver you a better experience.

            Their technicians stay up to date with industry changes through manufacture trainings and industry seminars, providing the very best in customer service along with the most current information about equipment. They support DSC, Radionics, Bosch, Napco and Ademco Security Systems. Additionally, and are qualified to work on Fire Lite, Silent Night, Radionics Fire Systems, along with other non-priority systems. They are an RSI Wireless camera supplier/installer and Everfocus Dealer Trained Company. Their technicians complete additional trainings thought the year.

            For complete fire safety TMB Fire and Security design, install, maintain, and inspect fire systems as required per NFPA-72 standards for office buildings, factory, warehouse and more. They do quarterly and annual inspections Per NFPA-72 requirements for fire systems, Halon and more

            For additional protection to your service they can add the following to your current system:

• Smoke and Heat Detection that is monitored 24-7 even when your system is not armed.
• Carbon Monoxide Detection that is monitored 24-7 even when your system is not armed.
• Glass Break Detection to all the exposed areas.
• GSM Cellular Backup that monitors your system in the event your phone line is cut, damaged or intentionally disconnected for attempted break in.
• Flood/Water Detection in basements, under sinks, laundry rooms or any vulnerable areas. These sensors can be monitoring 24-7 even when your system is not armed.
• Freezer/Refrigerator Detection for Hi-Low temperatures that is monitored 24-7 even when your system is not armed.
• Specific User Codes that are programmed for each family member, cleaning personal and office staff
• Our Central Station is operated by CSSA Certified emergency operators devoted to your protection 24/7. You can call our Central Station 24/7 and speak to one of our operators about your system troubles.

            For information about how you may be able to save 5-20% on your insurance or to learn more about how to protect you residence or business contact TBM Fire and Security at 909 793-2194 or log on to www.tbmsecurity.com