Mr. David J. Leishman
President
Applied Proactive Technologies, Inc.
1242 Main Street
Springfield, MA 01103-1954
Date: January 24, 2003
Dear David,
After returning from a most successful National Energy Star Lighting Partner Meeting in Tempe, AZ, I was troubled to learn there is a possibility that State funds earmarked for energy conservation in Connecticut, may be redirected into the General Fund.
This news is both disappointing and raises concerns.
Our company, Westinghouse Lighting Corporation, working in cooperation with Connecticut Utilities, Applied Proactive Technologies, NEEP-Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnership, Hardware Stores, Retailers, Electrical Distributors, Lighting Showrooms EPA, D.O.E. and Energy Star has made significant investments in educating consumers and creating awareness in support of energy conservation.
David, as you know, this has been a challenging process. It has taken years to get us to this point. The momentum is building as we all witnessed in Tempe. Our focus on new home construction and the introduction of new Energy Star Lighting Fixtures and Ceiling Fans is finally reaching the new homebuilder and consumer. Retailers and wholesalers are supporting these programs with improved inventory levels and promotional programs. We have increased our investments in new product, as have other manufacturers, in support of Energy Star.
And we now know that 2002 exceeded our expectations in market transformation. We can’t stop now. If we do, I’m concerned that we could lose our momentum and that would be too costly and time consuming.
David, we owe it to Energy Star, the environment and our partners to challenge this decision. Please feel free to convey my position on this issue, and let me know if I may be of further assistance
Sincerely,
David H. Shapiro
Director of Sales & Marketing