Uptown Consortium, a local non-profit development corporation dedicated to economic development in Uptown Cincinnati, and the Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance, a non-profit committed to energy efficiency investment through project support and financing solutions, today announced the winner of the Green Your Home contest – Vesta Cox of Corryville.

Ms. Cox’s house, which was built in 1930, will receive free full home energy efficiency improvement that includes attic, basement and roof insulation; air and duct sealing; equipment upgrades; and up to $1,000 in energy efficient windows – totaling up to $7,500 in home energy improvements. The work will be completed on the 1,737-square-foot home in the coming weeks through contractors including Bill Groh Construction.

Cox was selected among 54 applicants for the Green Your Home contest residing in the Uptown neighborhoods of Avondale, Clifton, Corryville, Clifton Heights, Fairview, University Heights, and Mt. Auburn.

Uptown Consortium and the Energy Alliance announced Cox as a semifinalist along with four other homeowners in July. The five semifinalists received a free energy assessment of their homes, and Cox was selected as the contest winner based on household need, submitted essay questions and potential project impact.

“The Green Your Home contest allowed us to further inform the Uptown community of the importance of energy efficiency,” said Janelle Lee, director of business and community affairs with the Uptown Consortium. “Our neighborhoods have taken a strong interest in new Uptown Green Initiative, and we know this region can be a leader in sustainability.”

Brandon Wilkes, executive pastor of First Christian Assembly of God, encouraged Cox to apply in the Green Your Home contest. While Cox is a member of the church, she also works as an employee. Cox has served as an administrator for the worship and creative pastor for the past 10 years and said she was thankful that Pastor Wilkes encouraged her to apply.

Cox said she was in disbelief when the Uptown Consortium and Energy Alliance contacted her with the good news. “I just couldn’t believe it,” said Cox. “It took my breath away.”

This marks the second time that Cox has lived in the Corryville home. She grew up in the house along with seven of her siblings during the 1960s and early 70s. Although she moved away for college, family drew her back to Cincinnati and back to the familiar Corryville house in 1996. Today, she lives with her 20 year-old son Christian, both of whom are looking forward to a more environmentally-sound and comfortable home.

The Energy Alliance expects the family to see more than $1,000 in savings within the first year following the home energy improvements. According to Lilah Glick, Energy Alliance marketing and community outreach director, Ms. Cox will see immediate benefits on utility bills and home comfort.

“The improvements from the Green Your Home contest will make a difference in her home comfort, utility bills and home value,” said Glick. “This is a great story for Vesta Cox, and it’s one we hope she shares with her neighbors and the larger community.”

Uptown Consortium and the Energy Alliance officially announced Vesta Cox as the Green Your Home contest winner during a press conference Monday morning. Cox was joined by supporters from her church, members of Uptown Consortium and the Energy Alliance, members of Corryville Community Council and the Green Your Home judging panel. Energy improvements began on her house this morning following the conference.

About Uptown Consortium

The Uptown Consortium (www.uptowncincinnati.com) is a non-profit community development corporation dedicated to the economic development of Uptown Cincinnati.  The organization was formed by the chief executive officers of Uptown’s largest employers and the area’s leading tourist attraction: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, The Health Alliance of Greater Cincinnati (The Christ Hospital and University Hospital), TriHealth, Inc. (Good Samaritan Hospital) and University of Cincinnati.  Combined, the consortium members employ nearly 50,000 people, have a payroll of $1.4 billion, and produce an annual economic impact of over $3 billion.

About Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance

The Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance (www.greatercea.org) is a regional nonprofit that provides reduced-cost energy assessments, low-interest loan programs, and energy improvement incentives to residents of 1-2 family owner-occupied homes and building owners of Hamilton County in Ohio and Boone, Kenton, and Campbell counties in Kentucky. The Energy Alliance’s mission is to facilitate investment in energy efficiency for homeowners, non-profits, and commercial building owners through outreach and education, project management, and financing solutions. These investments result in savings on utility bills, increased comfort, and the creation of jobs for local contractors.