BUSINESS BRIEFS

Jackson recognized as a CFP

Brad T Jackson, financial adviser at Kafoury Financial Services in Fallon has been authorized by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards (CFP Board) to use the “certified financial planner” and CFP certification marks in accordance with CFP Board certification and renewal requirements.

Jackson has worked at Kafoury Financial Services since 2007 and is responsible for the Client Wealth Management Practice.

The CFP marks identify those individuals who have met the rigorous experience and ethical requirements of the CFP Board, have successfully completed financial planning coursework and have passed the CFP Certification Examination that covers the financial planning process, risk management, investments, tax planning and management, retirement and employee benefits and estate planning. CFPs also agree to meet ongoing continuing education requirements and to uphold CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility, Rules of Conduct and Financial Planning Practice Standards.

DRI hosts energy forum in Fernley

Renewable energy experts from Reno’s Desert Research Institute will host a community presentation on Thursday from 7-9 p.m. at Fernley High School, promoting a new USDA Rural Energy for America Program that could save rural Nevada businesses thousands of dollars in electricity costs each year.

Each small business that participates in the project will receive an in-depth report of the upgrades they can take to make their business more energy efficient. The assessment includes an analysis of utility bills, a site visit and a final report that includes energy conservation measures with an associated finnacial payback period. DRI experts will focus the audit on several areas, including refrigeration, HVAC, building envelope (an analysis of the building itself), insulation, heating, and lighting. Upgrades in these areas have proven to lead to the most significant savings for small businesses.

All recommended upgrades are cost-effective, and DRI is not promoting the use of a specific product or brand. DRI using state-of-the-art equipment to conduct the audits, at no additional charge to the business owner.

The USDA grant covers 75 percent of the energy audit cost for business owners, leaving only a minimal, one-time fee ranging from $80 to $240 depending on business and facility size.

For information on DRI’s Renewable Energy Center or the USDA Rural Energy Audit Program please visit http://www.dri.edu/energy-assessments or contact Curt Robbins at 775-674-7060.