Payroll Masters Newsroom

Payroll Masters in the News

For Immediate Release

Contact: Julie Smith
Marketing Manager
Payroll Masters Inc.
707-307-6125
Julies@payrollmasters.com

PAYROLL MASTERS ANNOUNCES GREEN CERTIFICATION

June 11, 2008

Napa, CA - Payroll Masters has received green certification from Bay Area Green Business Program administered through the Association of Bay Area Government (ABAG) and Napa County. Payroll Masters is one of just 22 businesses in Napa County thus far that have been Green Certified by the ABAG. Certified businesses must demonstrate a commitment to conserving water and energy, reducing waste and preventing pollution. All of these practices lead to CO₂ emissions reductions.

“Payroll Masters is an excellent example of a business that understands that going green can be a conscious decision resulting in a more cost-effective and efficient way of doing business. The Napa Chamber is proud to have Payroll Masters join our other green certified members in their efforts to support a sustainable future.” Kate King, President/CEO of Napa Chamber of Commerce

In 2003 Payroll Masters constructed a new office keeping in mind how energy saving features could be incorporated into the building. Systems were created for use of recycled water, drought resistant shrubs and trees were planted, double paned windows installed, the exterior was painted in a light reflecting color and the toilets use 1.6 gallons of water to flush.

Aware of the advantages of green business practices Payroll Masters already had a recycling/reuse program, including recycling paper and purchasing 30% post-consumer recycled paper. Payroll Masters re-uses packaging supplies, refills toner cartridges and purchases refurbished printers and copiers. All computers are set on an energy saving mode and hibernate after 15 minutes. The office thermostats are set to 78 degrees, and lighting is all switchable fluorescents. The office supply ordering is centralized to minimize deliveries. Payroll Masters also offers direct deposit as a paperless electronic payment system.

To further save energy and reduce operating costs Payroll Masters had installed a 69 kW roof-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) energy system in December 2007. The energy gathered by the solar panels offsets 127,800 lbs. of carbon dioxide per year that would have been emitted into the atmosphere by a fossil fuel power plant. This is equivalent to removing 13 passenger cars from the road, or preventing 135 barrels of oil from being burned each year. It would require 158 acres of rainforest to absorb this much carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The solar electricity generated is enough to power 24 average sized homes.

“Payroll Masters has always had the environment in mind, which made certification easier.”
Paul Hicks – Vice President of Development.

To become certified Payroll Masters had to purchase a new Energy Star refrigerator, and replace plastic utensils and paper plates with washable dishware, increase recycling of plastics and aluminum, and educate staff and cleaning crew about adhering to Green Guidelines. Payroll Masters encourages employees to carpool whenever possible and be conscious of energy consumption by turning off unnecessary equipment and lighting when not in use.

As part of Payroll Masters commitment to the environment beginning August 1^st paper invoices will no longer be mailed. Instead clients will receive an electronic invoice via email. Bill processing and payment functions will all be automatic and electronic. The E-Billing process will reduce waste and save time by eliminating the need to file and store paper invoices, therefore simplifying how files are archived making it easier to access and retain data.

“Becoming Green Certified is an important step in conserving and recycling our natural resources. We believe that successful business is dependent on a healthy environment.”
Dave Wildhagen, President of Payroll Masters.

As a Green Certified Business Payroll Master’s Pledges to:

Comply with all applicable environmental regulations and strive to exceed compliance
Conserve energy, water and other natural resources
Develop and implement practices that prevent pollution and waste
Be an environmentally responsible business within our community

About Payroll Masters
Payroll Masters is a leading payroll provider in the Napa Valley. Founded in 1988 by David Wildhagen and Laurie Ames, Payroll Masters provides comprehensive payroll, check printing, direct deposit, on site payroll options, on-demand reporting, electronic tax service, time and attendance solutions, HR support, and much more. Clients range from restaurateurs to construction professionals and accountants to wineries with one, 100, or 1000 employees. Payroll Masters values the diversity of its clients and understands their specific needs delivering unsurpassed personal and tailored services that consistently exceed client expectations. For more information, visit www.payrollmasters.com.

About the Bay Area Green Business Program (ABAG)

The Bay Area Green Business Program verifies that businesses meet higher standards of environmental performance. Their partnership with government agencies and utilities help local businesses comply with all environmental regulations and take actions to conserve resources, prevent pollution, and minimize waste. The green certification program was developed by local governments in collaboration with U.S. EPA, Cal EPA Department of Toxic Substances Control and the business community. The ABAG coordinates the program, which is implemented by Green Business Coordinators in 9 participating counties. For more information, visit http://www.greenbiz.ca.gov/

Payroll Masters

855 Bordeaux Way, Suite 170

Napa, California 94559

707-226-1428 or 800-963-1428