There's a myriad of reasons to join an industry association: someone to stand up for businessiness like yours, insurance discounts, free or discounted server training, opportunities to network with your peers, and minor discounts on a host of other products and services.

Now, the Illinois Licensed Beverage Association has added something even sweeter.  They've partnered with a firm called Glacial Energy.  Glacial Energy buys power in bulk at a discounted rate, then, through partnerships like they've entered into with the ILBA, sells it back to businesses. 

As members of the ILBA, we checked in to see what they could do for us.  Our office's power consumption is pretty modest compared to even small bars and restaurants.  We have an annual usage of about 50,000 kilo watt hours (KWH).  Going directly to AmerenIP for our power, our rate was approximately $0.07764 per KWH, for annual utility costs of about $3882.  However, buying our energy through Glacial Energy at their discounted rate of $0.05744 per KWH our annual utility costs will be $2872.  That is a 26% savings that will let us cut over $1000 out of our budget.

A small bar near our office also made the switch.  They had an annual usage of nearly 100,000 KWH and were paying about $7000 a year in utility costs.  By taking advantage of this opportunity they'll be saving about 21%, nearly $1500.

These savings are a lot more than just a drop in the bucket, we're talking some serious savings here.  Better yet, based on what we've heard, these two examples aren't exceptions to the rule; they seem to be in-line with what other ILBA members are getting in savings.   We've talked to other members who have kicked the tires on this deal.  Across the board, the average annual savings seems to be around 20%.  One business we heard from is saving almost $5000 a year by switching.  This entrepreneur's business obviously consumes a lot of power, but still, that's a hefty savings to his bottom line.

The best part of this:  Glacial Energy doesn't require a contract or any sort of commitment.  They figure that with the savings you get, you'll probably stay committed long-term.  There are no fees to switch and no interruptions in service. 

Glacial Energy is currently working on similar deals with natural gas companies as well.  We'll pass along more info when they're able to offer discounts on that service as well.

• Cluttered and slippery floors from oil, water or food in the cooking and dishwashing areas can cause falls.
• Physical obstructions like improperly placed drain covers are especially hazardous to kitchen workers.
• Employees that put away new inventory are subject to fall hazards because they cannot always see obstructions in their path.  Weather conditions can also play a role for employees taking items off the delivery truck.
• Servers and bussers also face fall hazards when carrying trays or stacks of plates around blind corners or through single entry doors to the kitchen.

• Wear non-slip, waterproof shoes to decrease the chances of slipping
• Clean up any spill immediately
• Do not run in the restaurant
• Properly store all products and supplies to eliminate clutter
• Be aware of outside weather conditions and dress appropriately when unloading supplies
• Apply de-icing products to exterior walkways and entryways to protect both employees and customers
• When carrying stacked items, employees should be able to see over the stack to clearly navigate to their destination
• Be sure that rugs and mats are in their proper places and that all corners or edges lay flat
• Do not overfill bus tubs, since items may fall out and cause a trip hazard

• Provide two double swing doors with window on the kitchen entrances to assure those exiting and entering the kitchen can see what is on the other side
• Provide floor or ceiling outlets to plug in equipment so power cords do not run along walkways.  But make sure floor plugs are not in areas where water on the floor is common, since this could cause electrocution
• Stretch or re-lay any carpet that is bulging or bunched-up to eliminate a tripping hazard
• Use non-slip floor mats or non-skid floor waxes on surfaces where water or oil may be spilled
• Provide adequate floor drainage in wet areas
• Place convex mirrors at blind corners
• Provide adequate lighting in all kitchen and cooking areas so employees can see where they are going
• Replace any drain covers that are loose or broken
• Require employees to purchase non-slip restaurant shoes to assure adequate footing on wet surfaces