McCormick Motors Offering “Green for Greening” to Staff

The July/August 2009 edition of BizVoice magazine will feature a piece on McCormick Motors — a trailblazing Chevy dealer up in Nappanee that recently initiated a solar panel into its total energy conservation plan. That plan has featured recycling and waste reduction, lighting and furnace changes, and some serious energy efficiency moves. Gordon Moore, McCormick Motors’ VP, told me they’ve also integrated an employee incentive plan. The company’s web site explains:

In March 2009, McCormick Motors established an energy conservation and efficiency fund for every full time employee that is a home owner. At the beginning of each calendar year, up to $500 of matching funds will be available to participating employees. This money is available to offset expenditures made by an employee based on $.25 for every $1.00 spent on a home improvement that is directly related to energy conservation or efficiency. Funds may be drawn at any time provided the following criteria are met.

  • Participating employees must complete a home energy audit before funds will be distributed. The audit is the annual enrollment form for the program.
  • Projects must demonstrate that they will directly contribute to energy conservation or efficiency.
  • Paid receipts for completion of the project must be presented when reimbursement is requested. Paid receipts more than six months old are not eligible for reimbursement.
  • Projects related to new construction or home expansions are not eligible for reimbursement.
  • Reimbursement is only for materials and/or contracted labor. There is no reimbursement for individual employee labor on the project.

The policy reinforces McCormick Motors’ commitment to reduce energy consumption and minimize the environmental impact by encouraging our employees to follow our lead in reducing our energy consumption. Additionally, the program has the potential to inject $60,000 into the local economy.

Food for thought as a way to build staff rapport and protect the environment as well.