Small Biz Blog: Sutton Galleries

Byamericorpsncccteammember

What’s up Green Light Nation! It’s been a long and winding road for the Small Business Program in every positive sense of the expression. From the season opener in March to the end of December we’ve helped 25 businesses across the city make the effort to increase their energy efficiency and reduce their environmental impact. For the sake of brevity we can’t list all the individuals we’d like to thank for helping us in our mission in one sitting, but this week a very special thanks to:

The New Orleans City Council and Entergy for having the foresight and moral courage to approve and contribute towards EnergySmart, the city-wide energy efficiency initiative that makes our free Small Business Program possible. Their leadership on this issue is helping our historic city transition into the 21st century and promoting efficient use of our natural resources.

Sutton Galleries, 519 Royal St.

This week’s spotlight EnergySmart participant is Sutton Galleries at 519 Royal in the French Quarter. Thanks to Jean-Paul Pinel and Rick Sutton for their patience and trust. As is often necessary, I approached them as a stranger off the street armed with little more than a brochure and a smile. Their willingness to listen and good faith in our mission sets Sutton Galleries apart as participants, not to mention the fact that they had 187 high wattage light bulbs! It took some time but we were able to install the latest-generation LED floodlights for them and the results were truly breathtaking. When we flipped the new lights on we were hit with a symphony of colors made true by the 3000K bulbs, and I encourage anyone perusing the galleries of Royal Street to take a look for themselves. Few businesses have such quality and uniform lighting as they do now and it makes their beautiful art even more so. EnergySmart estimates Sutton Galleries will save $7,139.22 annually using these free energy efficient bulbs, the retail cost of which would be almost as much as their annual savings!

Thanks again to Sutton Galleries for their participation in the program. Not only does their action reduce their environmental impact but also sets an example for other business owners and community leaders that helping saving the environment can also help save money! Stay tuned to the Small Biz Blog and stay up to date on what’s happening in YOUR community. With your support the Green Light New Orleans Small Business Program will continue to change how our great city does business with regards to our environment and natural resources. Yea you right!

Best,

Jameson Hand
Small Business Coordinator
Green Light New Orleans