Agenda - Council Work Session - 12/08/2009

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~...j " Vision Ease Lens Background and Qualifications Describe Company Business: Founded in 1930, Vision-Ease Lens (VEL) has become a recognized leading manufacturer of quality ophthalmic lenses through its superior technological ingenuity. In 1997, Vision Ease Lens moved to 7000 Sunwood Drive NW and built a 155,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Ramsey. Vision Ease Lens employs close to 300 people and is one of the largest employers in the city. It is companies like this that help make Ramsey a strong manufacturing center in the Twin Cities Metro Area. With its strong employment history it also provides numerous job opportunities for Ramsey residents. The sole objective of Vision-Ease Lens is to develop and manufacture products that are both innovative and unmatched in quality. Vision-Ease Lens offers a broad range of quality premium Polycarbonate Lenses including Coppertone™ polarized, LifeRx@ photochromic, SunRx@ polarized, Illumina@ progressive, and Outlook@ progressive lenses. In addition to the premium lens offerings, they also provide many different styles of lenses in polycarbonate, plastic and glass materials. Because Vision-Ease Lens incorporates a variety of materials with styles, they are able to consistently satisfy a multitude of patients and customers. With extensive product offerings and commitment to quality, Vision-Ease Lens products are among the best in the industry . As of March 1,2008, all VEL products manufactured in its Ramsey, Minn.-facility are being made with 100 percent renewable energy. Beyond setting a new standard in the lens industry, VEL commitment to sustainability marks one of the largest industrial companies with 100 percent renewable energy in Minnesota. Reason (s) for Recognition: On April 23, 2008, Vision-Ease Lens (VEL), a manufacturer of ophthalmic lenses, announced that it is reducing its carbon footprint and setting new sustainability standards for manufacturers in Minnesota. As of March 1, all VEL products manufactured in the Ramsey facility are being made with 100% renewable energy. There have been a number of other carbon reducing actions that have been implemented in the Ramsey facility. They include reducing carbon emissions by 113 metric tons, replacing all the facility lighting with energy efficient florescent bulbs, and replacing coffee warming pads with thermal dispensers. Thinking both macro and micro in terms of energy conservation adds up over the long term. Ramsey is proud to have businesses that choose to set the industry standard located in this community. Attached is additional information from the company website describing in greater detail how their carbon footprint is being reduced.