JOHNSTOWN, May 17, 2010 -- Hundreds of area residents and business owners attended the Energy Fair hosted by state Sen. John N. Wozniak in Johnstown yesterday.
VIEW PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT
Wozniak, along with state Reps. Gary Haluska, Frank Burns and Bryan Barbin organized the event as home energy prices are rising and Pennsylvania’s alternative energy industry is emerging. 

“Energy conservation is critical to our economic health in the coming decades,” Wozniak said. “Dependence on fossil fuels threatens our national security and every homeowner’s budget.  At the same time, finding new ways to produce and conserve energy could make Pennsylvania a leader in an emerging economy.”

More than 40 exhibitors provided information, doubling the size of last year’s event.  The main hall of the Pasquerilla Conference Center was dominated by a 30-foot Earth Ballon provided by The Learning Lamp, while exhibitors ranging from energy companies to start-up companies and local middle school students provided information on conservation and clean energy sources.

“We wanted to see what is new in energy conservation,” said Maryann Ackerman of Davidsville, who attended the fair with her husband, Bill.  The Ackermans have an all-electric house and said the fair was helpful in finding ways to save money.

Paul Leonard’s company, P&R Sales, used the fair as a “coming out” for his start-up company that markets glow-in-the-dark safety signage.  “This is the first time we’ve been out in public,” Leonard said.  “It’s new and nobody has anything like it.”

Dennis Clark, of Johnstown, is in charge of buying energy for the Church of the Brethren Home, and attended the fair to find ways to cut costs.

“It’s always good to see if there’s anything new out there,” he said.

Students from Forest Hills Middle School displayed 5 model homes that are designed to be eco-friendly, utilize renewable resources, and be as grid independent as possible.

WKYE-FM (96 Key), broadcast live from the event from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m.