Handy Toyota makes $1,860 donation to promote renewable energy (April 15, 2010)

St. Albans, Vt. - Handy Toyota, the first cow-powered auto dealership in the country, recently donated $1,860 to the CVPS Renewable Development Fund. The contribution, along with a previous donation, makes $3,540 that Handy Toyota has donated to the fund since becoming a CVPS Cow PowerTM customer in April 2009.

"The CVPS Renewable Development Fund not only stimulates projects that have a positive environmental impact, it also supports the local economy," said Adam Luneau, Handy Toyota's business development manager. "We're extremely proud to team up with CVPS on these projects."

The fund, which works to provide grants and project support to future cow-power farms, has been supported by insurance rebates CVPS has received since it sold its interest in Vermont Yankee, and voluntary, tax deductible donations from Vermont businesses and residents. It was established with the creation of CVPS Cow PowerTM in 2004.

The fund has provided grants to nine farms totaling $815,000, and has made offers of over $455,000 to four farms in the planning stages of renewable development.

"Continued support from groups like Handy Toyota is vital to the growth of the Renewable Development Fund and our ability to provide incentives to new farms," said CVPS Cow PowerTM program manager David Dunn.

Handy Toyota has been serving Franklin County since 1952 and has made it a responsibility to give back to the surrounding community and landscape of Vermont.  It makes a contribution of $60 for every hybrid vehicle (Camry, Prius, Highlander) it sells.

"Without a sound environment and a strong history of dairy farming, Vermont would not be the place we call home today," said Luneau. "Participating in the program has allowed us to improve the environment, support our friends and neighbors and ultimately contribute to the well-being of our great state as we move forward."

Contacts: Steve Costello, CVPS (802) 747-5427
Adam Luneau, Handy Toyota (802) 527-7512 x35, aluneau@dt.handycars.com
For Immediate Release: April 15, 2010