The Ramsey Hotel & Convention Center received a loan for $250,000 from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) as a part of the Rural Energy for American Program (REAP) Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Loans and Grants Program. The hotel met all the requirements of the energy-efficient improvements with the purchase and installation of HVAC Systems and LED Lighting throughout the hotel. Along with their energy-saving efforts, the Ramsey qualified for a 25% energy rebate totaling $62,500.00

The Rural Development investment is based on increasing a company’s energy efficiency and helps businesses save money and protect their natural resources. When qualifying businesses invest in energy savings, they receive an incentive payment to help offset other costs. The purpose of this funding program is to assist farmers, ranchers, and rural small development renewable energy systems in making energy-efficiency improvements to their operations.

“We are so grateful for this loan and rebate. The Ramsey is committed to doing our part to protect the environment by completing this plan of energy initiatives put together by the USDA. Not only did we improve the guest experience, but we are saving substantial energy cost and helping a little bit to save our planet,” said Karl Thomas, Managing Partner of the Ramsey Hotel & Convention Center.

Some of the energy efficiency improvements completed by the Ramsey Hotel & Convention Center include:

• Upgraded the old incandescent lighting by replacing all lighting both inside and out of the hotel with new LED energy-saving lighting.
• Replaced all 208-guest room heating and air conditioning units with new energy-saving heating and air conditioning units and installed energy-saving thermostats in all guest rooms and public areas.
• Replaced rooftop units with energy-saving heating and air conditioning units.

This project will save $48,759 per year in energy cost and will save 471,752 kilowatts per year which are enough energy to power 39 homes.

“Only in America through the USDA can you get rewarded for improving your business, saving energy cost, and qualify for a rebate. I am so thankful to Jim Tracey of the Tennessee Rural Development State Director and Marisol Torres with the United States Department of Agriculture, and Chuck Morris, the Area Specialist for Knoxville area Office of Rural Development for all their hard work in helping us meet all the requirements to receive these funds,” added Thomas.

The Ramsey Hotel & Convention Center at 3230 Parkway in Pigeon Forge, TN. For more information call (865) 428-2700 or see us on the web at www.myramseyhotel.com