|
 Guerra
is a sales representative for Midwest Solutions out of Antioch
Illinois. He and his wife Patty have relocated to Logan County for
his business, making New Holland their home.
Midwest Solutions specializes in solar energy, primarily on a
residential basis, with a variety of solar solutions custom fitted
to meet the needs of the homeowner.
Guerra recently met with Lincoln Daily News and spoke about his
involvement with Midwest Solutions. He said that he had begun work
with the Antioch based home office and was being sent to the central
part of the state as a sales representative. He and wife Patty
decided that if he was going to be spending time in the central part
of the state it would be smart to live in the area.
He said they chose Lincoln and Logan County because they liked the
feel of the community. He said that he admires the way the community
is close knit and civic minded. The couple had begun looking for
homes in Lincoln, but found that there was a shortage of housing, so
they started reaching outside of Lincoln and found what they wanted
and needed in New Holland.
For a while, Guerra ran his branch of Midwest Solutions out of his
home but thought that he could benefit from having an office in
Lincoln. He noted that he had become acquainted with Annie Coers
from the Tremont Bank in New Holland and Lincoln, and she had been
instrumental in connecting him to rentable office space in Lincoln.
Guerra said that he and Patty have adjusted nicely to living in
Logan County. They enjoy the fact that the county and Lincoln are
such active communities. He said that he is impressed with the
number of community events that are held and the benevolence of the
community in helping each other when there is a problem. He feels
Logan County is unique in this area, noting that where he comes
from, he never saw this kind of community and civic spirit.
Guerra said that in this area he is working on a
variety of offerings for the consumer. He can get customers started
on solar panels for their residential roof or a free-standing solar
panel. He said that Midwest Solutions does not do the physical
install, but they do all the leg work, all the paperwork and help
the consumer get the best possible deals on solar energy.
He said there is also an option for farmers who are interested in
putting in a solar farm on a small scale. He said for example, a
farm may have a few acres that are not tillable for one reason or
another but could be a good candidate for a small farm. Guerra can
assist in getting that project going, and again making sure the
customer gets the best possible gains from such an endeavor.
Then there are those who don’t have the location for panels or just
don’t want them but do want to get the reduced energy costs of
solar. Midwest Solutions, Guerra says is a part of the state funded
Illinois Shines program and can work with consumers to get them in
on a community solar project. Solar energy
is new to the Logan County area, and Guerra says indeed it is a new
concept statewide. He said not so long ago there were no offerings
of solar or “green energy” in the state. Now the state is working to
grow that program through Illinois Shines and other block grant
funded programs. For everyone involved, it is still a learning
process, and it is a growing opportunity with more to come in the
future.
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On Thursday, Guerra was joined by counterparts with
Midwest Solutions, Matthew Davis and Chad Lohrenz behind the ribbon
for the cut. Others joining him included Lincoln Alderwoman Robin
McClallen and City Clerk Peggy Bateman. Mayor Tracy Welch was unable
to attend due to a prior commitment. He sent his congratulations to
Guerra and thanked him for investing in Lincoln via a message
relayed by Nila Smith with Lincoln Daily News.
Speaking on behalf of the city Alderwoman McClallen
thanked Guerra as well, and noted that solar energy is becoming more
and more popular locally and the need for reliable green energy
sources in growing. She said she was happy to see Guerra and Midwest
Solutions offering the service to local residents.
Guerra thanked those who were at the ribbon with him
and those who had come to witness the event. He said that he had
been well received by the community and that he was feeling right at
home in Lincoln. He said he looks forward to getting to know more
and more about the community and the people and being a part of the
community wherever possible.
A special shout out was given to Annie Coers who was present, but
busy doing a video of the event for Patty Guerra who was unable to
attend due to work obligations.
With speeches concluded, the posed picture was taken
then the countdown began. On cue, Guerra snipped the ribbon on his
new office.
After the cut, guests were invited into the office reception area
for refreshments and a chance to become better acquainted with
Guerra.
Midwest Solutions is located at 110 North Kickapoo Street, suite 1E
on the ground floor. The phone number is 217-870-1548.
[Nila Smith] |
