Nationally small businesses spend more than $60 billion on energy each year. Small businesses that invest strategically can cut utility costs 10 to 30 percent without sacrificing service, quality, style or comfort- while making significant contributions to a cleaner environment. We at Reuter Brothers Custom Cabinetry are trying to do just that. Reuter Brothers Custom Cabinetry was founded in 2008 by brothers Kevin and Cory Reuter. The original plans for our shop included specific ways to be eco-friendly and energy efficient. The shop is wired with energy efficient lighting, the office uses compact fluorescent light bulbs, the building has high R value insulation and we use a programmable thermostat. Other ways the business saves energy include using fans in the main shop for lower cost comfort, regularly cleaning or changing HVAC filters and one of the easiest ways they conserve energy is to turn off lights and equipment when they are not in use. All of these money saving measures help cut down on energy use as well as utility bills. The monthly utility bill at the Reuter brother's shop is less than some single family homes. All of these same practices can be utilized by businesses and individual families to help cut down on energy, costs, and help be ecologically friendly. Reuter Brothers Custom Cabinetry is also a member of Columbia Forest Products PureBond Network. The shop uses only hardwood plywoods for cabinet construction, made from Columbia Forest Products using their patented PureBond system. Replacing traditional Urea Formaldehyde (UF) plywood construction with non-toxic, soy-based PureBond enables Columbia to eliminate any added formaldehyde from standard veneer-core and non-UF composite hardwood plywood core panels. This is good news for those who value good indoor air quality! Columbia has been nationally recognized and awarded for their commitment to improving indoor air quality and responsible harvesting of forestry products. Find out more out PureBond plywood at www.columbiaforestproducts.com/PureBond.aspx. Another way we try to be more earth friendly is to offer Gemini Eco-Friendly water based and Low VOC stains and varnish. This Gemini product line includes a wide selection of waterbornes and low VOC finishes that meet LEED requirements for credits 4.2., while still offering the finest finish, and application quality available in wood finishing today. Find out more about the Gemini product line we offer at www.gemini-coatings.com.