Sustainable Power Systems finds its first partner
Sustainable Waste Power Systems has found a drinking partner.
The energy-processing company reached an agreement with Tuthilltown Spirits LLC of Gardiner, N.Y., last week to install a ModuCore system to process their stillage into energy, making their distillation process carbon neutral.
Tuthilltown Spirits, which distills vodka and whiskey using local ingredients, will be Sustainable’s first customer.
“The first commercial sale of our technology is a crucial step in our company’s development,” said Chris Gillespie, president and CEO of Sustainable. “We are looking forward to our partnership with them.”
The two businesses reached an agreement on July 14 after three months of communication.
The ModuCore System, which is a 40- by 10-foot container, will be installed in January and will replace the company’s traditional boiler operating system.
The waste to energy process, better known as GIPO — garbage in power out, uses raw sewage, garbage and medical waste to produce electricity.
With Tuthilltown Spirits, the GIPO process will use wet stillage or “wet waste” that is leftover mash from distillation and will convert it into renewable energy cleanly and efficiently.
Mr. Gillespie said, “Tuthilltown Spirits processes three tons of grain a day into whiskey, which is what the ModuCore system can process at the same time.”
Tuthilltown Spirits was founded in 2003. The business sits on the Tuthilltown Gristmill, a landmark that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
For 220 years, the mill used waterpower to render local grains to flour.
Sustainable Waste Power Systems was founded in 2008. The company has developed the world’s only wet waste to energy gasification technology.
Animal Fair is finalist in Lands’ End competition
Animal Fair at 90 Danbury Road is one of three finalists in a contest sponsored by Lands’ End Business Outfitters, Inc. magazine, and American Express OPEN.
“We are on Cloud Nineteen and absolutely thrilled and honored to be named a finalist in this contest,” said owner Connie Packard Kamedulski.
The grand prize includes a new staff wardrobe, and the staff in their new attire will be featured in the November issue of Lands’ End Business Outfitters, which will focus on Small Business and Small Business Saturday.
Animal Fair’s winning entry included:
How and/or why was your company or organization founded?
I bought an existing pet store (Hubbard’s Cubbard) because of my passion for top-notch responsible animal care. I believed that I could supply top quality pet products to our town in a cost-effective manner. Not a boutique for foo foo dogs — but a real pet store staffed by real people with real solutions, people who care about the animals in our store and in our town.
What are your company’s business values?
• The pet industry is about relationships, especially the human-animal bond. Everything we do at Animal Fair impacts the relationship of the pet and its human companion. Those humans want a relationship with the experts on pet care (that’s us!). We use our relationships with customers and suppliers to have the right products in the store at the right time.
• Do the right thing for every animal — whether one of our animals or our customers’ animals. Talk to the pet owner and understand their issue from the root cause. If the dog is barking too much — don’t just sell a bark collar. Figure out why the dog is barking and offer a solution that addresses the real problem the dog is facing.
• Knowledge is power. Learn everything you can about the products we sell for the various species of pets. To this end, we utilize an online training program that each associate is required to complete in the first 60 days of work. Knowing our products, especially the various feeds, and being willing to share this knowledge with our customers is key to building relationships, doing the right thing for the animals, and building our business.
• Treat the customer as we’d like to be treated. Offer solutions that save the customer money or time. Open the door a little early, close a little late, help the customer fit the collar or coat, offer special order service for items we cannot stock.
Retirement planning at Morgan Stanley
The Ridgefield Group at Morgan Stanley will hold its monthly enrichment meeting, “Planning for Income in Retirement,” Thursday, Aug. 15, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at 90 Grove Street, suite 204.
Contact Ali Chaudry for details at 203-894-3033.
Real estate rules will be taught
Real Estate Principles and Practices starts Monday, Sept. 23, through Ridgefield Continuing Education.
The course meets the minimum requirements of the Connecticut Real Estate Commission and Department of Consumer Protection for application to take the sales associate exam. Students must attend 60 hours of class (20 sessions) per the State of Connecticut regulations. This course offers 66 hours.
Instruction is led by Terry Hastings, with guest instructors Ray Hastings, Rob Gutman and Jack Baldaserini, who are experienced, licensed brokers and have taught this class previously.
Class meets at the Venus Municipal Building on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, Sept. 23 through Nov. 14 (no class Oct. 14, 31, Nov. 11) from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Venus Building. Cost, including texts is $437. Visit www.ridgefieldschools.org or phone Peggy Bruno at 203-431-2812 for information.