KCP&L offers customers Winter preparation tips
Before extreme winter weather hits the Kansas City region, KCP&L is reminding its customers to be prepared and offering tips keep in mind throughout the season.
There are simple, low-cost steps that all customers can take to make their homes more energy efficient. From stopping air leaks in your walls, to ensuring your furnace is working efficiently, to making saving a daily routine. To learn energy savings tips specific to your home, use KCP&L’s Home Energy Analyzer at www.kcpl.com/tools. The Home Energy Analyzer will evaluate your electricity usage and give suggestions to help you use less energy and save money. In addition to the personalized tips the program will provide, the following are easy energy efficiency measures to take in any home:
Install a programmable thermostat. They maintain the comfort of your home when you're there and reduce energy costs when you're not. They can save from 12-25 percent on energy costs. To balance comfort and efficiency, set your thermostat between 68-70° F when heating your home.
Caulk and install weatherstripping around windows and doors to close air gaps.
Open shades and drapes on the south and west sides of your home during the day and close them at night.
Close fireplace dampers when not in use. A significant amount of heat can escape when they are not closed. Closing them will help you heat your home more efficiently.
“It’s important for our customers to know that becoming more energy efficient can be as easy as replacing an incandescent light bulb with a compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL),” said Allen Dennis, KCP&L director of Energy Solutions. “In addition to preparing their homes for winter, customers should keep in mind some basic safety tips to better prepare for potential outages from winter storms.”
Make sure to keep the following tips in mind to stay safe and prepared throughout the winter season:
Prepare a storm kit by gathering extra supplies for your home and your car. View the Be Storm Ready: Make a Storm Kit video on KCP&L’s YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/user/KCPandL) that explains everything you need for a storm kit. Some supplies include:
- First-aid kit and essential medications
- Battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries
- Canned food and can opener
- Bottled water
- Warm clothing, blanket, coat, gloves, hat and water-resistant boots for each family member
Walk carefully on snowy and icy surfaces. Avoid traveling by car and risk being stranded, but if you must travel:
- Carry a "disaster kit" in the trunk.
- Keep the car's gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
- Always let someone know your destination, route of travel and expected time of arrival.
- Carry a cell phone if you have one.
For family members on a life support system, plan for arrangements to get them to a location where their needs can be met in the case of a power outage. In addition, contact KCP&L at 888-471-5275 to make sure we've noted that a electrically-powered life support system exists at that service location.
In the event of a power outage, call 1-888-LIGHTKC (1-888-544-4852), our automated outage reporting line. And, keep the following in mind:
Never touch or attempt to pick up a fallen power line. Assume any downed power line is energized. If you see a downed power line, call KCP&L immediately at 1-888-LIGHTKC (1-888-544-4852).
If you have access to the Internet, visit the KCP&L Storm Center at www.kcpl.com/stormcenter for storm information and additional safety tips.
About KCP&L:
Headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., Great Plains Energy Incorporated (NYSE: GXP) is the holding company of Kansas City Power & Light Company and KCP&L Greater Missouri Operations Company, two of the leading regulated providers of electricity in the Midwest. Kansas City Power & Light and KCP&L Greater Missouri Operations use KCP&L as a brand name. More information about the companies is available on the Internet at www.greatplainsenergy.com or www.kcpl.com.
Shawnee Receives a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
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The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has given a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the City of Shawnee for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.
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The CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program including demonstrating a constructive "spirit of full disclosure" to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR.
The GFOA is a nonprofit professional association serving approximately 17,500 government finance professionals with offices in Chicago, Illinois and Washington, D.C.
SASSY Approves Merger with Heartland SPCA
SASSY (Saving Animals by Supportive Seniors and other Young at heart) approved a merger with Heartland SPCA at its Board of Directors meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 14th, 2011. The merger allows SASSY and Heartland SPCA to expand programs serving senior adults and senior pets.
"SASSY will enhance Heartland SPCA's ability to serve senior pets and their human companions," Heartland SPCA CEO/Executive Director Courtney Thomas said. "We're very excited at the opportunity to better serve a segment of the senior homeless pet population and the important active older adult community who is already very involved with our organization." |
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SASSY offers a unique approach to solving two community problems while creating a win-win result for shelter pets and lonely seniors. By promoting "senior-appropriate" shelter pets and removing some of the barriers to pet adoption, seniors can lead a more fulfilling and product life, and homeless pets can find a forever and loving home.
Members of SASSY support program initiatives including SASSYmeals, SASSYfunds, and senior-appropriate volunteer activities.
- SASSYmeals partners with area Meals-on-Wheels programs to distribute pet meals to those receiving meal assistance. This service is available in select areas.
- SASSYfunds provides financial assistance to seniors on a fixed income who have pets in need of veterinary services.
- Senior-appropriate volunteer activities include various administrative tasks, meal preparation, donation collections and fundraising event planning, including the annual Project Poochie fashion show featuring alumni shelter pets and their human companions.
"The incorporation of the SASSY organization into Heartland SPCA strengthens our organizational position to truly be partners for life to the pets and people we serve," Thomas said.
For more information about SASSY's merger with Heartland SPCA, contact CEO/Executive Director Courtney Thomas at (913) 742-7307 or cthomas@heartlandspca.org.
To learn more about the SASSY Program, contact SASSY Program Director Barbara Ross at (913) 742-7318 bross@heartlandspca.org.
ABOUT Heartland SPCA:
Animal Haven, the second largest humane society and animal welfare organization in Kansas City, and No More Homeless Pets KC, the metro's leader in high quality, affordable veterinary care and spay/neuter services, have merged. The new organization, Heartland SPCA, is the first full-service solution for residents of the Greater Kansas City area. The combined resources will allow Heartland SPCA to serve nearly 18,000 pets in the Greater Kansas City area every year.
Chamber members design new website for The Arts Council of Johnson County: www.artsjoco.org.
Designed by Braley Consulting in partnership with JM Marketing Solutions and Reactor Design Studio, the new website serves as a central resource hub for suburban artists, arts organizations and arts educators as well as the community at large; linking them to Johnson County and region serving organizations, events, and programs.
Specific pages on the site that you and your membership may be interested in include:
• Arts & Culture in Johnson County: http://www.artsjoco.org/our-creative-community/experience-the-arts/
• Arts & Culture in the Region: http://www.artsjoco.org/our-creative-community/arts-culture-in-the-region/
• Resources for the Arts & Cultural sector: http://www.artsjoco.org/news-resources/smart-resources/
And stay tuned for more updates…the Arts Council of Johnson County will begin publishing a regular blog on arts & cultural related issues, events and organizations in 2012.
The Arts Council of Johnson County enhances the quality of life in the community by strengthening the arts. For more information about the website or the Arts Council please contact: 913.894.2720 or email: directorartsjoco@sbcglobal.net
John Thomas, Terracon Consultants Inc., promoted to Office Manager
Congratulations to Shawnee Chamber member John Thomas, P.E., Terracon Consultants Inc. Thomas was promoted to office manager of the Lenexa and Lee's Summit offices of Terracon. Previously he was geotechnical department manger, which he will continue to lead. Thomas has 15 years experience and has been with Terracon since 2003.
Heartland SPCA Animal Medical Center to celebrate Grand Opening, Ribbon Cutting
Heartland SPCA will celebrate its expanded Medical Center from 4 – 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012 at 5428 Antioch Dr. Merriam, KS 66202 with a public grand opening and ribbon cutting. Tours will be available, refreshments will be provided, and the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce will cut the ribbon. The expanded facility will allow Heartland SPCA to enhance and increase the quality of life for thousands of pets.
“Pet owners want to provide their pets with the medical attention they deserve,” CEO/Executive Director Courtney Thomas said. “However, they are also on a limited budget to do so.”
Heartland SPCA believes all pets in the Greater Kansas City area should have equal access to high/quality medical care at an affordable price. In support of this vision, Heartland SPCA has expanded its Animal Medical Center to serve the growing demand for high/quality affordable spay/neuter surgery and veterinary wellness care.
Specifically through the expansion, the state-of-the-art medical facility has more than doubled its capacity to serve pets and people in need. Two additional exam rooms have been added, along with digital radiography, expanded dental equipment, and canine and feline hospitalization.
“Those who prior were financially unable to provide necessary medical care to their beloved companions, are now able to give their pets the care they need,” Thomas said, “and the quality of life for thousands of pets in our community has improved as a result.”
To learn more about the Heartland SPCA Animal Medical Center Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting, contact Director of Marketing & Communications Emily Amos at 913.742.7319 or eamos@heartlandspca.org.
ABOUT Heartland SPCA:
Heartland SPCA is a recent merger of Animal Haven and No More Homeless Pets KC. As the Greater Kansas City area’s most comprehensive resource for pets and their human companions, Heartland SPCA serves more than 18,000 pets each year. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization Heartland SPCA works to save, protect and improve the lives of animals, while strengthening the relationship between pets and their human companions providing humane sheltering, adoptions, and affordable spay/neuter and veterinary wellness services.
Kansas Small Business Development Center Seminar Schedule
Check out this month's schedule of seminars offered by the Kansas Small Business Development Center (KSBDC).
QuickBooks Pro/Premier: Intermediate
January 10 | 12:30 - 4:30 p.m., CRN 20221 - Regnier Center Room 234
Fee: $189
Kansas Retail Sales and Conpensating Use Tax
January 10 | 1 - 5 p.m., CRN 20213 - Regnier Center Room 145
Fee: $20
Starting a Business: Success Right from the Start
January 11 | 6 - 9:30 p.m., CRN 20411 - Regnier Center Room 145
Fee: $30
Strategic Business Planning
January 12 | 8 am. - 4 p.m., CRN 20409 - Regnier Center Room 145
Fee: $155
The Road to Success...Creating a Marketing Plan
January 19 | 3:30 - 5:30 p.m., CRN 20235 - Regnier Center Room 145
Fee: $25
CEO Roundtable - Work on Your Business - Not in Your Business
January 19 |8 - 10 a.m., CRN 20389 - Regnier Center Room 170
Fee: $300 - application process required - call 913.469.3878 to obtain application.
QuickBooks: Intermediate
January 24 | 9 am. - noon, CRN 20222 - Regnier Center Room 234
Fee: $79
QuickBooks: How to Track Jobs, Time and Mileage
January 24 | 1 - 3 p.m., CRN 20223 - Regnier Center Room 234
Fee: $59
Understanding Your Credit Report
January 25 | 6 - 8 p.m., CRN 20390 - Regnier Center Room 145
Fee: $10
IRS Small Business Tax Workshop
January 26 | 1 - 5 p.m., CRN 20858 - Regnier Center Room 145
Fee: $35
To register, contact the Continuing Education Registration office at 913.469.2323 or visit http://www.jccc.edu/ksbdc/training.html and select the current Workshop Schedule.
The JCCC KSDBC is now offering a number of online courses. For details, visit http://www.jcc.edu/enroll/ce/ways-to-register/ed2go.html
In addition to the seminars, the JCCC KSBDC provides free, confidential, one-on-one consulting to existing and prospective small business owners in Johnson, Wyandotte and Miami counties in Kansas. The team of consultants includes experienced professionals with expertise in the areas of finance accounting, marketing, strategic planning and general small business management. Consultants meet with small business owners by appointment, and there is no charge for the KSBDC's consulting services.
For additional information, contact Malinda Bryan Smith, Regional Director, or Kay Lampe, Training and Event Coordinator at 913.649.3878 or visit the KSBDC website.
