The first meeting of the Bessemer Aquaponics Community Advisory Board will be on September 23, 2015 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Guilford County Agricultural Center on Burlington Road.
Board members from the Piedmont Center for Sustainability and representatives from the Agricultural Center will be on hand as well.
In the interest of open meetings and transparency the public is invited to attend.
Those wishing to Donate... Well that was the link, click it.
Showing posts with label Announcements. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Announcements. Show all posts
Friday, September 18, 2015
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Donate
If you'd like to support Bessemer Aquaponics you can mail a check in any amount to the:
Piedmont Center for Sustainability
619 Candlewood Drive
Greensboro, NC 27403
Make your checks payable to the Piedmont Center for Sustainability but in the for line be sure to write Bessemer Aquaponics so they will know which account to put the money in. Otherwise your donation will go towards the PCS general fund.
We'll start building the nation's first accredited Aquaponics school in association with NC State University, NC A&T University and the Guilford County Agricultural Service as soon as the money starts rolling in.
Thank you.
If your company would like to sponsor Bessemer Aquaponics simply send an e-mail to RecycleBill@gmail.com and I will be more than happy to do whatever is needed.
Thanks -Billy Jones
Friday, September 4, 2015
Bessemer Aquaponics Has 501 (c) 3 Non Profit Status
Well it's official now, the Piedmont Center for Sustainability is the 501 (c) 3 that will be managing Bessemer Aquaponics.
As soon as I find out I'll tell you how you can join and donate to the
cause of building a sustainable community through Aquaponics.
After looking at several area non profits I settled on PCS because they are young, educated and excited about the cause. It also helped that they already understood what Aquaponics is, how it works and were already looking to get involved in Aquaponics.
After looking at several area non profits I settled on PCS because they are young, educated and excited about the cause. It also helped that they already understood what Aquaponics is, how it works and were already looking to get involved in Aquaponics.
Another reason that sold me on PCS is that they are not and never have
been funded by the City of Greensboro or Guilford County. As this is a
grassroots project we don't need outside influences taking control for
motives that might not align themselves with those of the East
Greensboro community.
The PCS board tells me they look forward to working closely with our community advisory board, the Guilford County Agricultural Extension Service, A&T State and NC State University as we work to bring the first fully accredited Aquaponics school in the United States to Northeast Greensboro.
The PCS board tells me they look forward to working closely with our community advisory board, the Guilford County Agricultural Extension Service, A&T State and NC State University as we work to bring the first fully accredited Aquaponics school in the United States to Northeast Greensboro.
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Community Forum: How Can Aquaponics Change Our Community
From a flyer produced by the Guilford County Agricultural Center:
Remember friends and supporters, this is the big one. We need a big turn out, lots of community support and all of you telling everyone you know to be there to learn about and support this effort. Assume nothing except that you have to tell everyone.
And if you'd like to distribute fliers I still have a few. Send me an e-mail at RecycleBill@gmail.com
"Who: Open to the Public
When: August 12, 2015 6:00 to 8:00 PM
Where: The Guilford County Agricultural Center3309 Burlington Road, Greensboro, NC. 27405 (See map below.)
"North Carolina Cooperative Extension, along with some county and community partners would like to hear what the community thinks about opening up a teaching/research Aquaponics Facility in the vacant adjacent lot to the Guilford County Agricultural Building. The goal of this forum is to introduce this idea to the community and receive feedback from the presentations.
We will be discussing the concept of aquaculture; how can this system become an economically viable option for producing food, jobs and income. Dr. Harry Daniels, North Carolina State University's Aquaculture Specialist, and Paul Begue, Aquaponics Research Specialists, will be giving short informative educational presentations to discuss the benefits of aquaculture.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact the Cooperative Extension Office at (336) 641-2400. We hope to see you there!"
Remember friends and supporters, this is the big one. We need a big turn out, lots of community support and all of you telling everyone you know to be there to learn about and support this effort. Assume nothing except that you have to tell everyone.
And if you'd like to distribute fliers I still have a few. Send me an e-mail at RecycleBill@gmail.com
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
When Is Our Next Meeting?
People are always asking when is our next meeting. To make things easier and so you'll always know I've added a Meetings link to the navigation bar at the top of the page. Anytime you want to know when the next meeting is scheduled just click on the link above.
Don't see it? Try refreshing your page.
Our next scheduled meeting is July 16. Click the Meetings link for more details.
Also, on August 12 an Aquaponics expert from North Carolina State University will be here to tell Greensboro more about what we're doing. I'll tell you more about that at the July meeting.
Don't see it? Try refreshing your page.
Our next scheduled meeting is July 16. Click the Meetings link for more details.
Also, on August 12 an Aquaponics expert from North Carolina State University will be here to tell Greensboro more about what we're doing. I'll tell you more about that at the July meeting.
Saturday, June 13, 2015
Where Will The Money Come From?
I must admit when I wrote Imagine a week or so ago the post reads like pie in the sky dreams too big to come true. Our vision isn't small either. After all, a project like I'm talking about won't be cheap.
I've since learned that loans up to $300,000 are available under the USDA Farm Services Agency. We don't even have to own the land as many farms are on leased property. I'm hoping we can get a dirt cheap lease from Guilford County.
But $300,000 won't build classrooms and offices.
So I've made arrangements with Bessemer United Methodist Church on Bessemer Avenue to rent temporary classrooms and office space at prices we can afford. The church is 4 minutes away from our chosen site on foot, 40 seconds by car.
And $300,000 will build 1 big greenhouse with an aquaponics system inside. Temporary offices and classrooms plus one permanent greenhouse will be enough facilities to get us started. As a matter of fact: NC A&T University plans to build several greenhouses about a half mile away on Lombardy Street for a project they're calling an urban farm and they're only spending $300,000.
To our advantage, the A&T project will require that a new parking lot be built. We already have a parking lot-- it simply needs some work.
Of course there are going to be other expences-- a lot of them.
Qualified professors don't work for free. Neither will the rest of the employees. Volunteers will help but there will still be payroll to meet.
Thankfully USDA grants are available. There might also be grants from NC State University and NC A&T University as we hope to have both schools involved. That said, no one has signed on any dotted lines just yet so everything remains speculation.
We'll have to buy seeds, furniture and office equipment. Believe you me, I'm not above taking hand me downs from wherever we can get them.
Corporate sponsors are a possibility. As a matter of fact, Salvage America has already agreed to be a corporate sponsor. As a 501 (3) c we will be able to solicit tax deductible funding from anyone. In case you're wondering, the owner of Salvage America is a former employer of mine. When he found out I was doing this he picked up his phone and called me to ask how he can help.
There's several local suppliers and manufacturers who would stand to make a lot of money if an aquaponics school were built here and an industry was created around it. If they don't find us first I plan to track them down.
As far as getting our non profit status goes, I'm in discussions with existing non profits about doing the project under their supervision. No decision has been made but working with an existing 501 (3) c would speed up the project by about a year allowing us to take donations right away.
Of course, donations from the public will also be acceptable.
Perhaps the best thing about the model we are using is the fact that while we need money to start, we won't always need money. By running an actual aquaponics production facility at the school (the only practical way to teach aquaponics) we'll be able to derive income from sales of produce and fish while taking in tuition from the students we teach.
And in the future when we finally build that visitor center I'm dreaming about we can also take in more profits so that in a few years Bessemer Aquaponics will be funding economic development, small businesses and other non profits all over Greensboro, all over North Carolina, and beyond.
Our next meeting is July 16. Why not come out and talk about how we can get this done?
I've since learned that loans up to $300,000 are available under the USDA Farm Services Agency. We don't even have to own the land as many farms are on leased property. I'm hoping we can get a dirt cheap lease from Guilford County.
But $300,000 won't build classrooms and offices.
So I've made arrangements with Bessemer United Methodist Church on Bessemer Avenue to rent temporary classrooms and office space at prices we can afford. The church is 4 minutes away from our chosen site on foot, 40 seconds by car.
And $300,000 will build 1 big greenhouse with an aquaponics system inside. Temporary offices and classrooms plus one permanent greenhouse will be enough facilities to get us started. As a matter of fact: NC A&T University plans to build several greenhouses about a half mile away on Lombardy Street for a project they're calling an urban farm and they're only spending $300,000.
To our advantage, the A&T project will require that a new parking lot be built. We already have a parking lot-- it simply needs some work.
Of course there are going to be other expences-- a lot of them.
Qualified professors don't work for free. Neither will the rest of the employees. Volunteers will help but there will still be payroll to meet.
Thankfully USDA grants are available. There might also be grants from NC State University and NC A&T University as we hope to have both schools involved. That said, no one has signed on any dotted lines just yet so everything remains speculation.
We'll have to buy seeds, furniture and office equipment. Believe you me, I'm not above taking hand me downs from wherever we can get them.
Corporate sponsors are a possibility. As a matter of fact, Salvage America has already agreed to be a corporate sponsor. As a 501 (3) c we will be able to solicit tax deductible funding from anyone. In case you're wondering, the owner of Salvage America is a former employer of mine. When he found out I was doing this he picked up his phone and called me to ask how he can help.
There's several local suppliers and manufacturers who would stand to make a lot of money if an aquaponics school were built here and an industry was created around it. If they don't find us first I plan to track them down.
As far as getting our non profit status goes, I'm in discussions with existing non profits about doing the project under their supervision. No decision has been made but working with an existing 501 (3) c would speed up the project by about a year allowing us to take donations right away.
Of course, donations from the public will also be acceptable.
Perhaps the best thing about the model we are using is the fact that while we need money to start, we won't always need money. By running an actual aquaponics production facility at the school (the only practical way to teach aquaponics) we'll be able to derive income from sales of produce and fish while taking in tuition from the students we teach.
And in the future when we finally build that visitor center I'm dreaming about we can also take in more profits so that in a few years Bessemer Aquaponics will be funding economic development, small businesses and other non profits all over Greensboro, all over North Carolina, and beyond.
Our next meeting is July 16. Why not come out and talk about how we can get this done?
Monday, June 1, 2015
Our 4th Meeting: July 16, 7:00 PM
Time for another gathering, this time on Thursday, July 16 at 7:00 PM.
Where: under the shade trees in front of the empty field due west of the Guilford County Agricultural Extension Office 3309 Burlington Rd (Link to Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/P9cFn ) Thursday May 21, 7:00 PM.
Bring a chair, something cold to drink (Sorry, no alcohol as this is County property) and interested friends-- lots of interested friends.
I promise there's lots of good news to share with those who are interested.
Where: under the shade trees in front of the empty field due west of the Guilford County Agricultural Extension Office 3309 Burlington Rd (Link to Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/P9cFn ) Thursday May 21, 7:00 PM.
Bring a chair, something cold to drink (Sorry, no alcohol as this is County property) and interested friends-- lots of interested friends.
I promise there's lots of good news to share with those who are interested.
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Next Step: A Board Of Directors
We've found 20 acres in east Greensboro.
We've found a potential design engineer with experience in Aquaponics.
The Guilford County Agricultural Extension Office is working with us and is willing to bring Aquaponics experts from NC State University.
I've located a nearby church that will rent us temporary office and classroom space until our own building is built. And it's only a 5 minute walk.
Our first corporate sponsor has pledged to help.
I've shown how Bessemer Aquaponics can become the biggest economic generator to come to Greensboro since Cone Mills.
We have a vision.
We have volunteers ready to work.
Grant money is available from the United States Department of Agriculture and possibly the North Carolina Department of Agriculture.
But without an active Board of Directors we are stuck on hold. We cannot form a 501 (3)c without a board. We cannot apply for grants without a board. And we cannot accept donations without an active board of directors.
Are you someone who can step-up, fill this void and actively work to build Bessemer Aquaponics thus bringing the Nation's first accredited Aquaponics school to Greensboro and make Greensboro a world leader in this emerging technology?
If yes then e-mail me at RecycleBill@gmail.com
And please, share this post with everyone you know.
We've found a potential design engineer with experience in Aquaponics.
The Guilford County Agricultural Extension Office is working with us and is willing to bring Aquaponics experts from NC State University.
I've located a nearby church that will rent us temporary office and classroom space until our own building is built. And it's only a 5 minute walk.
Our first corporate sponsor has pledged to help.
I've shown how Bessemer Aquaponics can become the biggest economic generator to come to Greensboro since Cone Mills.
We have a vision.
We have volunteers ready to work.
Grant money is available from the United States Department of Agriculture and possibly the North Carolina Department of Agriculture.
But without an active Board of Directors we are stuck on hold. We cannot form a 501 (3)c without a board. We cannot apply for grants without a board. And we cannot accept donations without an active board of directors.
Are you someone who can step-up, fill this void and actively work to build Bessemer Aquaponics thus bringing the Nation's first accredited Aquaponics school to Greensboro and make Greensboro a world leader in this emerging technology?
If yes then e-mail me at RecycleBill@gmail.com
And please, share this post with everyone you know.
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Our First Corporate Sponsor
I'm happy to announce tonight that I've been able to secure sponsorship for Bessemer Aquaponics from Salvage America Inc., a locally owned and operated recycling company located at 3001 Holts Chapel Road in the Bessemer Community of east Greensboro.
Salvage America buys scrap metals and other recyclable materials from individuals and companies, has been in the community for 10 years, employs numerous local residents and is dedicated to our community's success.
Oh, and the dinosaur on the sign out front at Salvage America? The owner of the company has 3 young children who thought a dinosaur would be cool.
Salvage America buys scrap metals and other recyclable materials from individuals and companies, has been in the community for 10 years, employs numerous local residents and is dedicated to our community's success.
Oh, and the dinosaur on the sign out front at Salvage America? The owner of the company has 3 young children who thought a dinosaur would be cool.
Good News!
As we get ready for our 3rd meeting tonight I'd like to bring you up to date on the latest happenings at Bessemer Aquaponics.
Bevan Suits, an industrial engineer and Aquaponics designer with AquaPlanet LLC has sent us an extensive proposal outlining in great detail how he can help design and build our system based on proven designs researched at NC State University.
I have secured temporary office and classroom space at Bessemer United Methodist Church within walking distance of our Bessemer Aquaponics site.
On Saturday I presented my ideas and vision before members of the Greensboro Partnership at The Forge. They seemed impressed and have already started advising me.
Bevan Suits, an industrial engineer and Aquaponics designer with AquaPlanet LLC has sent us an extensive proposal outlining in great detail how he can help design and build our system based on proven designs researched at NC State University.
I have secured temporary office and classroom space at Bessemer United Methodist Church within walking distance of our Bessemer Aquaponics site.
On Saturday I presented my ideas and vision before members of the Greensboro Partnership at The Forge. They seemed impressed and have already started advising me.
Monday, April 27, 2015
Our 2nd Meeting: Wednesday, May 6, 2015, 7:00 PM
Our second meeting of Bessemer Aquaponics will be on Wednesday, May 6, 2015, 7:00 PM in the empty field due west of the Guilford County Agricultural Extension Office 3309 Burlington Rd (Link to Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/P9cFn
) Long time residents will recognize it as the former location of the
Polio Hospital and a nursing home both torn down about 40 years ago and
left vacant ever sense.
What To Bring: a folding chair unless you prefer to stand. Friends.
Who is invited? Everyone who is interested in creating jobs and bringing quality food to Greensboro.
Now on to today's news:
This morning I met with Guilford County Agricultural Extension Agency Interum Director Karen Neill, Extension Agent John Ivey and Earline W Parmon, Director of Outreach for Congresswoman Alma S Adams. I'm happy to announce that all are in support of Bessemer Aquaponics and will be working to help us connect with the proper people, places and offices to get started growing.
The extension service reiterated that they are willing to bring in Aquaponics experts to guide us but that Bessemer Aquaponics and our community will be responsible for the management of the school and production facilities. Ms Parmon indicated there are USDA grants available.
Come on out and let's make Greensboro the first place in the nation where you can go to school to learn Aquaponics.
What To Bring: a folding chair unless you prefer to stand. Friends.
Who is invited? Everyone who is interested in creating jobs and bringing quality food to Greensboro.
Now on to today's news:
This morning I met with Guilford County Agricultural Extension Agency Interum Director Karen Neill, Extension Agent John Ivey and Earline W Parmon, Director of Outreach for Congresswoman Alma S Adams. I'm happy to announce that all are in support of Bessemer Aquaponics and will be working to help us connect with the proper people, places and offices to get started growing.
The extension service reiterated that they are willing to bring in Aquaponics experts to guide us but that Bessemer Aquaponics and our community will be responsible for the management of the school and production facilities. Ms Parmon indicated there are USDA grants available.
Come on out and let's make Greensboro the first place in the nation where you can go to school to learn Aquaponics.
Friday, April 17, 2015
Congresswoman Alma Adams Is Interested
I got the following e-mail today:
It's nice to know someone in politics sees there is potential in this idea. I am currently working on scheduling a meeting with Congresswoman Alma Adams and/or her staff members. I'll let you know how it goes.
"Hi Bill,I hope this email finds you well. I handle agriculture and food insecurity issues for Congresswoman Alma Adams. I saw your post about Bessemer Aquaponics. I know our staff missed the first public meeting last week on April 8th, but we would like to get in touch with you about the Congresswoman or our staff meeting with you to discuss the business, your collaboration with the Guilford County Extension office, and how we can help.Sincerely,James HauserLegislative AssistantRep. Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12)222 Cannon House Office Building"
It's nice to know someone in politics sees there is potential in this idea. I am currently working on scheduling a meeting with Congresswoman Alma Adams and/or her staff members. I'll let you know how it goes.
Sunday, April 5, 2015
Come Join Us Wednesday Night
When Wednesday: Wednesday April 8, 2014 6:00 PM
Where: Outside in the vacant lot due west of the Guilford County Agricultural Extension Office 3309 Burlington Rd (Link to Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/P9cFn ) Long time residents will recognize it as the former location of the Polio Hospital and a nursing home both torn down about 40 years ago and left vacant ever sense. Parking is available at the Agricultural Extension Center.
What To Bring: a folding chair unless you prefer to stand.
John Ivey of the Agricultural Extension Service and I will be there along with anyone else we can wrangle in support of the project. The 33 acre site we'll be meeting on is where we HOPE to place the first location of Bessemer Aquaponics before expanding to other locations in other food deserts and low income neighborhoods all over Greensboro, the Piedmont Triad and the State of North Carolina.
Our first goal is to create a learning institution where residents from Greensboro and beyond can quickly learn how to build low cost Aquaponics systems of their own while supporting our project with the products grown on site.
Our intermediate goal is to address food deserts and the lack of employment locally.
Our long term goal is to make Greensboro, the Piedmont Triad and North Carolina the world's leader in Aquaponics and a major exporter of healthy foods.
Come join us and let's talk about how we can make that possible.
And please tell all your friends to come too.
What's that, you say you don't like fish? What if I told you this project has the potential to make chicken, beef, pork and vegetables more affordable? Would that get your attention? Come on out and I'll explain how.
Where: Outside in the vacant lot due west of the Guilford County Agricultural Extension Office 3309 Burlington Rd (Link to Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/P9cFn ) Long time residents will recognize it as the former location of the Polio Hospital and a nursing home both torn down about 40 years ago and left vacant ever sense. Parking is available at the Agricultural Extension Center.
What To Bring: a folding chair unless you prefer to stand.
John Ivey of the Agricultural Extension Service and I will be there along with anyone else we can wrangle in support of the project. The 33 acre site we'll be meeting on is where we HOPE to place the first location of Bessemer Aquaponics before expanding to other locations in other food deserts and low income neighborhoods all over Greensboro, the Piedmont Triad and the State of North Carolina.
Our first goal is to create a learning institution where residents from Greensboro and beyond can quickly learn how to build low cost Aquaponics systems of their own while supporting our project with the products grown on site.
Our intermediate goal is to address food deserts and the lack of employment locally.
Our long term goal is to make Greensboro, the Piedmont Triad and North Carolina the world's leader in Aquaponics and a major exporter of healthy foods.
Come join us and let's talk about how we can make that possible.
And please tell all your friends to come too.
What's that, you say you don't like fish? What if I told you this project has the potential to make chicken, beef, pork and vegetables more affordable? Would that get your attention? Come on out and I'll explain how.
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Our First Meeting
When Wednesday: Wednesday April 8, 2014 6:00 PM
Where: In the vacant lot due east of the Guilford County Agricultural Extension Office 3309 Burlington Rd (Link to Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/P9cFn ) Long time residents will recognize it as the former location of the Polio Hospital and a nursing home both torn down about 40 years ago and left vacant ever sense.
Where: In the vacant lot due east of the Guilford County Agricultural Extension Office 3309 Burlington Rd (Link to Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/P9cFn ) Long time residents will recognize it as the former location of the Polio Hospital and a nursing home both torn down about 40 years ago and left vacant ever sense.
What To Bring: a folding chair unless you prefer to stand.
John Ivey of the Agricultural Extension Service and I will be there along with anyone else we can wrangle in support of the project. The 33 acre site we'll be meeting on is where we HOPE to place the first location of Bessemer Aquaponics before expanding to other locations in other food deserts and low income neighborhoods all over Greensboro, the Piedmont Triad and the State of North Carolina.
Please come and show your support, find out what aquaponics is all about, share in our vision and consider investing and or volunteering someday.
And please share this post with everyone you know. Let's put Greensboro to work and healthy food in our children in a for profit venture anyone can be a part of.
Thanks
-Billy
John Ivey of the Agricultural Extension Service and I will be there along with anyone else we can wrangle in support of the project. The 33 acre site we'll be meeting on is where we HOPE to place the first location of Bessemer Aquaponics before expanding to other locations in other food deserts and low income neighborhoods all over Greensboro, the Piedmont Triad and the State of North Carolina.
Please come and show your support, find out what aquaponics is all about, share in our vision and consider investing and or volunteering someday.
And please share this post with everyone you know. Let's put Greensboro to work and healthy food in our children in a for profit venture anyone can be a part of.
Thanks
-Billy
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