Jansen to lead clean energy efforts in Clayton County

CLAYTON COUNTY, Iowa--The Clayton County Foundation for the Future, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, in partnership with the Watson-Rugland Family Endowment, has made a grant to the Clayton County Energy District (CCED) to support the hiring of coordinator Joleen Jansen.

Jansen is a resident of Clayton County and a clean energy enthusiast. A graduate of Coe College, she owns and operates Jansen Products, a local web development, marketing and media transfer business.

“I am thrilled to do the meaningful work of the Energy District here in Clayton County,” said Jansen. “I am hoping to use personal connections to create awareness for local, clean energy options. These options are reducing energy costs and are better for the planet.”

In late February, CCED under the guidance of the Winneshiek Energy District and in partnership with Green Iowa Americorps will stage free home energy assessments for Clayton County residents which will help residents improve appliance combustion safety, home comfort and shrink their energy bills.

“By spending less money on energy, people will have a little more cash in their pocketbooks to spend in the local economy,” adds Jansen.

CCED is also hosting a LED lighting workshop on March 18. Homeowners, farmers and business operators will have an opportunity to learn from local experts and vendors how LED lighting can lead to energy savings.

The CCED is a nonprofit organization interested in developing local clean energy options. Board members include Harry Blobaum, Chair, Dr. Jim Osterhaus, Elaine Funke, Dr. Ken Zichal, Ron Kaiser and Roger Thomas.

To learn more about membership or to request a home or farm energy audit, contact Joleen Jansen at joleenj@energydistrict.org or visit www.claytoncounty.energydistrict.org.

An affiliate of the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, the Clayton County Foundation for the Future (CCFF) was created with the intention of setting up a perpetual endowment fund that would serve the needs of all of Clayton County and the 19 communities within the county. To learn more, visit www.dbqfoundation.org/ccff.