Joshua Moore Contributed photo

The Camden Public Library and the town’s Energy Committee will hold the second event in an online series aimed at helping Mainers explore their energy options, lower their energy costs, and combat climate change at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 1.

The event will feature a panel presentation with representatives from several Mid-Coast businesses who will discuss what is happening within their own companies and what the future holds for energy use in Maine’s commercial establishments.

Sondra Hamilton Contributed photo

The audience will hear from Joshua Moore of Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding; Sondra Hamilton of Zoot Coffee and new owner of 3 Elm Street (the old J.C. Curtis Hardware building); David Dickey, owner of Camden Riverhouse Hotel and Inn; and Steve Matteo, commercial regional manager for Camden National Bank.

To register and obtain a Zoom link to attend, email jpierce@librarycamden.org.

“Camden’s economy has always depended on small businesses and small-scale manufacturing,” said Energy Committee member Nancy Harmon Jenkins, according to a library news release. “Increasingly, tourism also plays a major role as more and more visitors come here to stay, eat, shop, hike, take a boat ride, or just enjoy the views. Businesses in every sector are looking to economic development that’s environmentally responsible — cutting costs while easing climate change.”

David Dickey Contributed photo

The creation of the series, Jenkins explains, was prompted by the Maine Climate Council’s goal of 100% renewable energy by 2050. That means new ways of doing business, from high-efficiency heating, cooling, and ventilation, to electric-powered heavy machinery, to retrofitting historic buildings to suit 21st century demands. The panel will also discuss how local banks and financial institutions can help promote a more positive future for Camden.

Steve Matteo Photo by Benjamin Magro

The presentation will focus on energy use in Camden’s businesses, shops, restaurants, and hotels. However, business owners and interested Mainers everywhere are welcome to attend and gain from the broadly pertinent information. Upcoming talks in this series will explore energy use by municipalities, and state programs that promote a greener future. Programs run through early June.

For more information about this and other library programs, visit librarycamden.org.