From the Desk Prosperity’s Summer Intern, Rachel Bayless:

Well, this week has been fun-filled. A new component was added to the REAP Grant application, a CCR registration. All of our clients who thought they were done received brand new phone calls asking for more information. The USDA is keeping us on our toes! While it isn’t a fun process, it is necessary. And it is giving me a lot of time on the phone. Once you’ve talked through the registration a few times it doesn’t seem so bad. Although I spend my weekdays on a computer all day long, and the applicants have other things on their plate, like a farm! But I’m happy that clients are finally calling with questions that I am able to answer! It makes me feel useful.

This week the application for certification to become a Women’s Business Enterprise was mailed. I have been working on that since I got here (over a month ago!). The application requires quite a bit of documentation, and it has been so busy in this office that the process was put on hold a little for us. But hopefully I didn’t forget any documents and Prosperity can officially become a “Women’s Business Enterprise”.  Sarah is also looking to become a member of the National Speakers Association. We must provide documentation for 20 speaking events in the past 12 months. Those will also take some time to get together. But becoming a member of NSA, Sarah will have the opportunity to do a lot of networking and broaden her speaking horizons.

I have also begun working on a marketing plan for Sarah Aubrey’s books. Even though marketing is part of my major at Purdue, this is my first time delving into a marketing experience. Since I have never made a marketing plan before, I’m going to be using Erin’s (our marketing and communications coordinator) expertise to clean it up. I will keep you updated on the progress of book sales. I will be working towards having the book sold at Indiana wineries, farm supply stores, local bookstores, and any other venues where people would express an interest in her books.

Next week, as an office, we will be attending Alternative Fuel and Related Technology “Day at the Track”. At this time I do not know too much about the event. But we may have the opportunity to drive an electric car at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and meet lots of people. Next week be waiting to read more about our experience there, and I will include some pictures!

Photo by Jared Coppess

PROSPERITY REACHES FINISH LINE FOR 2011 REAP PROGRAM

MONROVIA, Ind. – June 15, 2011 – USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) FY 2011 construction application submission period is now closed and Prosperity Ag and Energy Resources (Prosperity) has submitted all applications to USDA. This year Prosperity submitted 66 70 grants in ten states for 2011 funding consideration through this popular program. The energy savings across all projects will yield 41.6% in 2011. In less than four years, Prosperity has secured grants for clients in more than 30 states totaling $50 million; REAP grant applications this year request greater than $2,486,493.22 funding for clients.

Notifications of awards are expected to be announced by late September. Prosperity writes and submits grants annually for energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy projects. The REAP Program funding is authorized through the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Farm Bill). REAP funding can be used for renewable energy projects, energy efficient improvements, energy audits, feasibility studies and renewable energy development assistance. Information on the REAP program can be found at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_ReapResEei.html

Prosperity Ag and Energy Resources began in 2007 and is a full-service, funding-opportunities development firm. Prosperity focuses on grant writing, guaranteed loans and general grant administration, working closely with state and federal contacts to strengthen communities, empower entrepreneurs, and foster growth of farms and businesses. 

From the Desk of Prosperity’s Summer Intern, Rachel Bayless:

With the REAP grant application deadline coming up on June 15, it has been quite busy around here. On top of the current grants Sarah is working on, new prospects are calling every day. We love having the business, but my goodness there are a lot of phone calls coming in! I am becoming a master at “Prosperity Ag and Energy, this is Rachel”.  I’m grateful for the telephone experience. As a Sales and Marketing major, at some point in my career, chances are high that I will need to talk on the phone quite a bit. And unfortunately, I’m a little phone-shy. But I am working on that. Phone-shy is a quality that no sales person should have.

I live in Indianapolis, and Prosperity is a bit of a drive for me. Plus, I have only been driving for a couple weeks. Every day Erin gets to hear my stories of what went wrong. Somebody honked at me, I got lost, it started storming when I left the office and didn’t stop until I got home… my daily horror stories of driving. Last week a woodpecker almost flew into my truck! Don’t worry, he’s okay. But in all honesty, I love the drive. I love passing the farms, and seeing the calves and the donkey farm and the miniature ponies. Yesterday there was a turtle in the middle of the road! I wanted to keep it. I was sure that when I was driving home I would see it crushed on the pavement, and I would be so upset that I didn’t save it. Luckily, I didn’t see it again. So I think he made it! But if I ever see a turtle in the road again, I am going to take it home with me. Last week, I announced that before my internship is over, I want my picture with a cow. The Aubrey’s have about 20 very nice cows. I carry my camera every day, just in case the opportunity arises.

Prosperity is working on becoming a certified Women’s Business Enterprise. Getting the application materials together gives me a great chance to learn all about the company. (There are a lot of application materials.) The amount of work that goes into owning a small company is immense. There’s a lot to do, handled by just a few people. Sarah is also is in the midst of seeking membership with the National Speakers Association. Speaking is obviously something she enjoys, as the membership requires 20 speeches within the last 12 months. I gave four speeches in a semester for my communication class, and that gave me quite enough stress. But the key to being a good speaker is a knowledge and passion for what you are speaking about. I’m not sure that my speeches about pet fish and chocolate milk demonstrated a passion, but Sarah has a knack for giving speeches about grants. The knowledge about both Prosperity Ag and Sarah’s speaking jobs is going to help me as I move towards beginning to help market and sell Sarah’s books. I have them on my desk right now, and I’m looking forward to talking to feed stores and wineries and other assorted locations about selling her books. 

I got my picture with Shimmer! Oh, and Sarah.

The cutest little barn kittens