WEB EXCLUSIVE

Nestled high in Colorado's Rocky Mountains, Winter Park isn't short on classic ski village charm. However, despite its natural charisma, the small town knew it needed to amp up its ambiance to draw more visitors to its quaint village base.

To create a more engaging atmosphere, Winter Park Village Co. contracted American Lighting of Denver to give the village a complete lighting makeover in October 2009. American Lighting installed 4,150 strings of commercial-grade, warm-white LED lights that are not only visually appealing, but also use 93 percent less energy than traditional incandescent lights. Better yet, the LED lights have provided Winter Park with more than $12,000 in estimated annual operating cost savings.

Situated 90 minutes northwest of Denver at nearly 9,000 feet, Winter Park is a favorite getaway for many vacationers, from Coloradans to international visitors. The village, a mixed-use development of restaurants, retail shops, offices and luxury condos, sees its heaviest traffic in the winter, during ski season, and again during the summer. Since tourism is the area's main industry, Winter Park decided to enhance the village's atmosphere with better lighting.

According to Village Manager Nancy Bjerken, Winter Park chose American Lighting based on past positive experiences, the company's expertise in LED lights and the fact that the village wouldn't have to deal with a third-party provider - American Lighting would do it all.

In lieu of incandescent mini lights, the LEDs were chosen for long-term energy and maintenance cost savings. It's estimated that the LEDs will save $9,520 annually in energy costs. Maintenance costs will save another $2,700, bringing total expected annual operating costs savings to $12,220. The energy-efficient lights also have less impact on the environment - a priority for Winter Park, where pristine mountains are a key asset.

"The lights have exceeded our expectations already," Bjerken said. "And we've experienced increased traffic and have received positive feedback from guests."

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About the Author: Lyford is director of sales, specialty lighting at American Lighting. Contact him at 303.695.3019.