December 07, 2010

New Western New York Coordinators to Help Spread Word About Energy Programs from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

BUFFALO, NY (December 7, 2010) — The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has hired two new educators to teach the public about energy-related programs available to Western New York residents.

Gary Carrel of Buffalo and Wendy Sanfilippo of Jamestown will represent NYSERDA's New York Energy $martSM Communities Program, an initiative to help local consumers and business owners learn how NYSERDA programs can save them money and cut their energy costs. Carrel works out of the East Aurora Cornell Cooperative Extension office, while Sanfilippo is based in Cornell's Chautauqua County office.

Carrel, who grew up in the Buffalo area, will be working with consumers in Erie and Niagara counties, while Sanfilippo will work with those in Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegheny.

Carrel has a long history of community outreach and marketing, having worked for a variety of not-for-profit organizations. More recently, he worked in environmental programming for local governments.

Sanfilippo, who is actively involved in the Jamestown community with her family, is a lifelong resident and has spent five years in environmental education at Cornell Cooperative Extension.

To contact the Energy $mart Community Coordinators in Western New York, call 716-652-5400 ext 136 for Carrel and 716-664-9502 ext. 201 for Sanfilippo. You can also reach them via email: gcc55@cornell.edu or wes33@cornell.edu.

About NYSERDA

NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation, offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise and funding to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. NYSERDA professionals work to protect our environment and create clean-energy jobs. NYSERDA has been developing partnerships to advance innovative energy solutions in New York since 1975.

CONTACT:

Alan Wechsler
(518) 862-1090, ext. 3561