PARIS — The Western Maine Economic Development Council at Community Concepts Inc., Oxford County’s economic development organization, alerts Oxford County businesses to two programs that could positively impact their bottom line. One would help reduce heating and lighting expenses and the other would help cover costs of training a new employee, or a worker who is currently employed.

Efficiency Maine can help business owners explore ways to conserve energy and save money. The program is available for businesses that spend $1,200 per month or less on electric bills; 25 kW per month or less or 8,000 kWh per month or less; and 1,000 square feet or larger. Efficiency Maine can conduct an energy audit and identify the most cost-effective energy-efficiency upgrades. It also can provide businesses with lists of reliable contractors to provide the equipment or make other changes identified as cost-effective.

Also, Efficiency Maine has low-interest loans up to $35,000 that currently have a 1 percent interest rate to help pay for energy-efficient equipment and installation that are recommended by an energy audit.

There are three audit types with varying amounts of time for completion and costs. Efficiency Maine will provide an incentive to offset 100 percent of the audit fee if a business completes recommended energy conservation measures within the specified time frame.

For more information about Efficiency Maine and its services, email Efficiency Maine at [email protected] or call 1-866-376-2463.

Western Maine Community Action-run career centers in Oxford County also alerts area businesses about the On-the-Job-Training Program for new employees and incumbent workers. This program is funded through the Workforce Investment Act and is designed to allow employers to hire and train new employees and retain employees in full-time permanent jobs by paying employers up to 50 percent of the employee’s hourly wage while he or she is being trained.

For new employees, the local career center will help businesses advertise, pre-screen and interview applicants. Once a hiring selection has been made, an OJT contract will be negotiated. OJT is funded by federal tax dollars. Employers must provide instruction, equipment and materials necessary to train employees. Work-related training includes studying training manuals, attending job related seminars, workshops or one-on-one training.

To learn more about OJT, contact the local career center: Wilton, 865 U.S. Route 2E, 645-5800 or 1-800-982-4311, 645-2093 (fax); South Paris, 232 Main St., 743-7763 or 1-877-237-6171, 743-8439 (fax); Rumford, 60 Lowell St., 364-3738 or 1-877-421-7915, 369-9315 (fax).