David Hazel, Multiband Renewables project manager and meteorologist, spoke at the Eastern Plains Chamber of Commerce September meeting about the business impacts of the wind farm project in Calhan.The Golden West wind farm project, formerly known as Clipper Windpower, agreed to sell the energy created by the turbines to Xcel Energy. Xcel is a power supplier for Colorado Springs Utilities. Hazel said construction for the first year and a half of the project will bring 300 jobs to eastern El Paso County. Ongoing operations once construction is complete will garner 15 to 25 full time jobs. Property taxes paid for the footprints of the turbines will help increase revenue for Calhan and Peyton schools, Hazel said.Lease payments to landowners in Calhan will also be a positive impact on the community. With oil and gas exploration in eastern El Paso County slowing, the payments will replace some of the expected windfall.(See Lara Freemanís complete article on the new wind power farm in Calhan ñ front page.)Chamber business for monthGrace Community Church pastor Pat Jeffrey was named chairman of the board to replace Tom Cline, who retired from the board after serving the chamber since its inception. Cline left to care for his wife, who is ill, said Connie Johnson, chamber president.Jeffrey’ announced that any chamber member who brings a guest business person to the next meeting will receive a gift certificate sponsored by Jeffrey. ìIf you want to help your business, bring other businesses to double the size of the chamber next month,î he said.Dan Lanotte, owner of Falcon Personal Security, spoke to the members about changes to concealed-carry laws and political issues. ìI like to come to businesses and talk to them about how safe they are in their business,î Lanotte said. ìHow safe is your business from someone walking in and taking your property and your money? For home-based businesses, you need to learn to protect your home and your business.îThe next chamber meeting is Oct. 2 at 7:30 a.m. at Grace Community Church in Falcon.
