TEP’s Manny Romero knows it can be challenging to run a business. That’s why he takes the time to develop relationships with local businesses – he wants to understand how to best assist them with their unique energy needs.
This sometimes involves highly specific and unconventional requests for a specific business. This summer, TEP’s persistence paid off with Barrio Brewing securing a tax refund from the state.
“TEP was instrumental in helping us see this process through to the end,” said Jaime Dickman, Chief Operating Officer for Barrio Brewing. “The refund will help go towards improvements to our facility as we continue to brew amazing beer for the Arizona community.”
Arizona Department of Revenue issued a tax refund of $28,000 to Barrio Brewing after TEP helped prove that the brewery meets the utility tax exemption for manufacturers. Romero, a Commercial Account Manager in TEP’s Business Development team, collaborated with Dianna Strader-Wahl, a Tax Analyst in TEP’s Tax Services department, to request the refund on behalf of Barrio.
The situation was atypical. Romero’s job doesn’t usually involve tax refunds.
But the efforts of Romero and Strader-Wahl illustrate extraordinary steps that TEP employees take to care for and support customers. Romero is among seven Business Development team members who are specifically assigned as liaisons to businesses, in particular larger ones.
“We pride ourselves on finding ways to support our community. We know that no business customer is exactly the same, so we take the time to understand their needs and do what we can to help them meet their goals” said Ryan Anderson, Manager of Business Development.
Dickman said the process was “not easy” and the Department of Revenue required TEP’s cooperation and documentation.
“At times, it felt it might be a lost cause, but Manny and Dianna continued to work with us and make sure we got all the paperwork needed to get the final approval,” Jaime said.
Romero said he was especially happy that he could assist a local business that is trying to grow.
“Barrio Brewing was thrilled that TEP was so willing to help with the process. We typically help with more energy-specific issues, like efficiency upgrades or billing assistance. But we’re always looking for ways to support our business community, in whatever way that needs to happen,” Romero said.
