Lancaster Chamber Praises New PA Legislation That Keeps Solar Jobs in State, Offers $30 Million in Grants for Businesses

In an effort to help develop and maintain solar jobs and manufacturing in Pennsylvania, new bipartisan legislation was recently passed and signed into law to do just that. Act 40 is designed to keep solar energy jobs within the Keystone State instead of sourcing them to neighboring states, as has been practice in recent years.

Additionally, $30 million in grants and loans is now available through the Solar Energy Program (SEP) to businesses that manufacture solar equipment, or generate or distribute solar power. The goal is to support Pennsylvania’s efforts to strengthen its position in the clean energy space.

“The Solar Energy Program is vital in our efforts to make Pennsylvania a leader in clean energy,” Governor Wolf said. “Developing new renewable energy sources including solar is critical to ensuring Pennsylvania has a balanced and diverse energy mix that maintains our position as a major energy producing state.”

Many local Pennsylvania chamber member businesses can benefit from the SEP as it provides financial assistance in the form of grant and loan funds to promote the use of solar energy in Pennsylvania.

Tom Baldrige, President & CEO, Lancaster Chamber

Home to over 1,400 solar installations, Lancaster County is sure to benefit from the SEP funds. The Lancaster Chamber, representing nearly 2,000 businesses, has applauded the new program.

“The Lancaster Chamber applauds the bi-partisan efforts to support Pennsylvania’s manufacturing and solar deployment,” said Tom Baldrige, the Chamber’s President & CEO. “Several of our member companies will benefit from the new law and the $30 million for the Solar Energy Program. We hope to attract more solar manufacturing and development in the state and in our county,” he added.

A recently-released clean energy jobs report revealed that there are nearly 70,000 jobs in solar, wind and energy efficiency across Pennsylvania, with Lancaster snagging a spot in the top 10 counties boasting 3,100 jobs.

If your member companies are interested in applying for a SEP loan or grant they can visit the PA Dept. of Community and Economic Development page.

Read more in PV Magazine.

NC Chambers Say Wind, Solar Energy Are Critical to Rural Region

Four local chambers of commerce called on North Carolina’s General Assembly leadership last month to support the booming clean energy industry that represents some of the best economic news to reach the Northeastern part of the state in a long time. 

“This renewable energy economy is thriving and is critical to our region, and we respectfully ask for your assistance in keeping these projects alive and thriving,” the Presidents and Executives of the Edenton-Chowan, Elizabeth City Area, Currituck, and Windsor-Bertie Chamber of Commerce wrote.

The state’s first utility-scale wind farm, the $400 million Amazon Wind Farm US East, is already the largest taxpayer in Perquimans and Pasquotank Counties. And Summit Farm Solar, one of nation’s largest solar projects, created more than 1,000 jobs during construction, supporting local economies across the region.

These mostly rural counties that include some of the state’s most economically challenged areas have struggled for decades to attract new jobs, business opportunities, and business investments.

Now, wind and solar energy are booming in their region, the chamber leaders wrote in a letter to Sen. Phil Berger, President Pro Tempore of the N.C. Senate and Rep. Tim Moore, Speaker of the N.C. House of Representatives.

“We hope you will stand with us in support of the clean energy industry and foster its ongoing growth and expansion, allowing our region and state to reap the economic benefits,” they wrote.  

To date, North Carolina’s clean energy industry has generated nearly $9 billion in investment, saved money for businesses and families, driven down costs of renewable energy and energy efficiency technology, and helped maintain clean air and water.

Read the letter from four chambers here.

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Save the Date: February 8, 2018

Join the Currituck Chamber and local businesses for a panel discussion with leading energy experts to learn more about the renewable energy industry and how solar and wind energies are spurring economic growth North Carolina.

When: Thursday, Feb. 8, 2018

Where: The Currituck Chamber of Commerce

More information to come.

Greater Memphis Chamber Seizes “Clean” as an Opportunity for Business Growth, Cost Savings

The Greater Memphis Chamber is no stranger to creating a brighter, cleaner future.

Since 2014, the 2,200-member organization has taken the lead in an initiative known as “Memphis Clean by 2019” in partnership with the non-profit, Clean Memphis, which has a goal of making Memphis the cleanest city in the nation. 

More recently, after Amazon—one of the world’s top renewable energy purchasers—announced that they were accepting proposals for a new $5 billion headquarters, Memphis jumped at the opportunity to apply.

And, increasingly, the Chamber is working to help member businesses save money through energy innovation.

Phil Trenary, President & CEO, Greater Memphis Chamber

“At the Greater Memphis Chamber, we have a commitment to economic growth for all,” said Phil Trenary, President and CEO. “And we recognize that the growing opportunities in clean energy are an important part of that mix for our members.”

One way they have done this, for example, is by working closely with the local utility, Memphis Light, Gas and Water, to promote energy workshops for member companies to learn how they can make their workspaces more energy efficient.

One well-known member company, IKEA, also recently installed the largest solar panel array in state of Tennessee. Companywide, IKEA plans to invest $2.5 billion in renewable energy by 2020, reflecting growing corporate demand for clean energy across the nation.

With the work being done to seize the economic development opportunities in renewables by the Memphis, Bartlett and Chattanooga Chambers, Tennessee could soon be a hub for clean energy development in the South.

Bridgeport Chamber Cheers Project Expected to Deliver $3 Million in Tax Revenue

The Bridgeport Regional Business Council (BRBC), like the largest city in Connecticut it represents, is no stranger to the connection between a chamber’s mission of advancing economic development and today’s growing opportunities in clean energy.

The BRBC has long been out front on the creation of a national urban model for renewable energy generation and green business development known as Bridgeport Eco-Technology Park.

It has been a leader in helping member businesses save on energy costs through an innovative financing program known as CT Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) that allows property owners to access affordable, long-term financing for clean energy and energy efficiency upgrades that can lower energy costs.

And now it is supporting a new plan to make Bridgeport the first city in the nation to install an innovative, reliable, and cost-effective energy technology known as a thermal loop that will convert waste heat into heating and hot water and distribute it through a network of underground pipes.

"We are very excited for Bridgeport to continue to lead by example in supporting clean energy projects like the thermal loop,” said Jeff Bishop, Executive Director of the Trumbull Chamber of Commerce, an Affiliate Chamber of the BRBC and Business Growth and Retention Director at the BRBC.

“The Bridgeport Regional Business Council recognizes the importance clean energy has on local economic development and job creation,” he added. “We will continue to support the City in their quest to revitalize our business community." 

The project received the 2016 Mayors Climate Protection Award from the U.S. Conference of Mayors and is projected to begin construction by the end of 2018.

Once the entire thermal loop network is completed, the project will bring in about $130 million in privately funded economic development and generate roughly $3 million in property tax revenue to the city on an annual basis, according to State Rep. Steve Stafstrom.

Bridgeport Mayor Joseph Ganim said: “The city prides itself on being a leader in sustainable efforts. The beauty of [the thermal loop] is the simplicity. It makes good environmental sense while saving money.”

Learn more: “Bridgeport Takes Green Energy Lead with Thermal Loop”

Chambers Learn About Numerous Rebates for Electric Vehicles

Have you ever driven an electric vehicle (EV) or learned how affordable they can be? A growing number of our chamber peers have been doing just that.

Kathy Brady, Executive Director, South Windsor Chamber

At the recent annual meeting of the New England Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (NEACCE), more than 40 local chamber leaders had the opportunity to put their foot to the pedal of Chevy Bolts and Volts—marking the conference’s second annual EV Ride-and-Drive.

“I never knew how many rebates existed for electric vehicles at the state and federal level and now want to have a ride-and-drive at one of our upcoming chamber events,” said Kathy Brady, Executive Director of the South Windsor Chamber of Commerce.

Local chamber leaders attending the conference also had the opportunity to learn about other clean energy opportunities and policies that help chambers and their member businesses save money, attract investments, and grow jobs.

Among them:

• Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE): An innovative financing mechanism to help businesses finance renewable energy and energy efficiency upgrades at no up-front cost. (Learn more from PACENation.)

• The Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS): A policy designed to drive clean energy development, attract investments, and grow jobs.

• Energy Storage: a key component of 21st century energy systems that increases reliability and reduces energy costs by capturing energy produced through solar or wind power and making it available when it is later needed, such as during peak demand times.

In June 2018, Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy and NEACCE will partner on a boat tour to visit the offshore wind farm off Block Island, Rhode Island. Stay tuned for more information

Pictured at top: Tom O'Rourke, President & CEO, Neponset Valley Chamber of Commerce; Chris Cooney, President & CEO, MetroSouth Chamber of Commerce; Roy Nascimento, President & CEO, North Central MA Chamber of Commerce.

More Than 60 Local Chamber Leaders Learn How Clean Energy Policies Benefit Their Member Companies

At the recent Pennsylvania Association of Chamber Professionals (PACP) conference, more than 60 local chamber leaders discovered how energy efficiency, home-grown solar energy, and innovative finance mechanisms can help save member companies money, and attract more investment and jobs to the Keystone state. 

Highlights include:

• Energy efficiency: A practice that helps member companies save money every year.

  • Read how Geisinger Health System is saving millions of dollars per year.

  • Watch Geisinger's video on how they are saving with Act 129.

• The Solar Border Bill: A bill recently passed the PA legislature that prioritizes the purchase of PA solar energy over the solar energy in neighboring states. This legislation will create more solar jobs and investment by closing a loophole that had PA ratepayers subsidizing solar energy and job creation in nearby states. This is important to the many chambers with member companies that sell, manufacture parts, or produce solar infrastructure.

• Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE): An innovative new financing mechanism that has been proposed to allow PA businesses to finance renewable energy and energy efficiency upgrades at no up-front cost. Nineteen states and Washington, D.C., currently have PACE programs; and there is PACE legislation in 33 states.  

  • The Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) bill, also known as SB 234, is co-sponsored by Sens. Blake (D-22) and Reschenthaler (R-37). 

  • Read about the $340 million in financing over the last seven years.

Local chambers also learned more about what chambers across Pennsylvania are doing to help their members thrive in the clean energy space. See:

• PA Local Chambers Co-host Geisinger Tour with Legislators, Learn How Energy Efficiency Saves $15 Million Annually

• Central PA Chamber Grows Popular Energy Savings Program

• PA Local Chamber CEO Meets Legislators, Shares Support for Clean Energy

Interested in learning more about how your chamber can benefit from the economic development opportunities of clean energy? Contact Kelly Henderson at khenderson@sfchamber.com.

Local Chambers Honor Amazon, Google, NC Rep. Steinburg and More

Local chambers of commerce in North Carolina have first-hand experience with the benefits that come from the rising demand for, and investments in, clean energy.

So when Amazon was named as a 2017 Clean Energy Champion at this year’s annual Clean Energy Awards event hosted by Conservatives for Clean Energy and Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy, it was welcome news for one of the chambers that has already benefited from North Carolina’s first wind farm: Amazon Wind Farm US East.

“This hugely successful project has brought major economic benefits to northeastern North Carolina,” said Win Dale, Executive Director of the Edenton-Chowan Chamber of Commerce. “And we hope that we’ll see other wind projects in various stages of development in the area come to fruition to benefit a region that so greatly needs these types of investments.”

The Amazon Wind Farm, which became operational in February, is a $440 million project that employed 500 people during peak construction and has a permanent crew of 17 on-site technicians. Landowner payments and taxes will inject $1.1 million into the local economy each year.

Other business award winners included:

• Google, which owns and operates a $1.2 billion data center in Caldwell County and purchases power from a solar project in Rutherford County;

• Sierra Nevada, whose Mills River brewery uses 100 percent renewable energy;

• Weyerhaeuser, the state’s largest private property owner, which leases land to the Amazon Wind Farm and plans to lease additional property for wind projects under development in Chowan and Tyrell Counties; and

• New Sarum Brewing in Salisbury for its focus on energy efficiency.

“The nation’s leading companies have made access to renewable energy a key factor when deciding on site-selection and where to invest,” said Jennifer Behr, Senior Organizer for Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy.

“To stay competitive with the rest of the country for these businesses and jobs, we must meet this growing corporate demand for renewable energy by having strong pro-business and pro-renewable policies,” she said.

Rep. Bob Steinburg

Rep. Bob Steinburg Award

Rep. Bob Steinburg (R-1) also received the 2017 Clean Energy Legislative Champion award.

“Rep. Steinburg is one of the most outspoken advocates for renewable energy and the economic benefits that accompany it,” said Behr.

In a briefing call with local chambers across the state last month, Rep. Steinburg talked about the importance of keeping up with the growing clean energy market.

“We need to take the long-range view,” he said. “Where is [renewable energy] going to place us for economic development over next 10 to 20 years? I hope we continue to move forward and embrace renewable energy in our state.”

For more information about how your chamber can engage in the economic development opportunities in clean energy, contact Jennifer Behr at Jennifer@ChambersforInnovation.com.

Pictured at top: Jennifer Behr, CICE, and Cheri Chastain, Sierra Nevada.

Ann Silver, on the Governor’s Energy Choice Committee, Focuses on the Role of Clean Energy, Other Issues Important to Millennials

Ann Silver, Reno and Sparks Chamber of Commerce

When Ann Silver took over the Reno and Sparks Chamber of Commerce a year ago, she quickly identified a challenge that many local chamber leaders face: She calls it the “cannibalizing of the chamber brand.”

There was a rise in new professional groups that presented competition for members, and, in her view, a need to take a fresh look at the question: What value proposition does a local chamber of commerce offer its members?

With a diverse and accomplished professional background—as General Manager of Radio City Music Hall, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Nevada, and a lawyer—Silver does not shy away from being bold.

And she soon decided on a few things: With Reno having attracted the electric vehicle giant Tesla, the data storage company Switch, and an Amazon fulfillment center, the chamber had to pay more attention to the diversity of its members and issues that matter to millennials.

“The younger generation is very cause-oriented vs. product-oriented,” says Silver. “We have to wrap our arms around that as a chamber.”

She asked: “What is the one thing that we can do that no one else is doing?” The answer that emerged: Keep members informed about every side of an issue. “We need to get back to a nonpartisan, middle-of-the ground, educational approach.”

The Importance of Clean Energy

Among the issues Silver thinks the chamber needs to focus on is clean energy, which, as several reports have shown, is very important to the millennial generation.

In 2016, Nevada voters were presented with a ballot question in which they were asked if they wanted to change the state constitution to allow for greater choice in where they buy their energy. Seventy percent of voters said yes.

Silver now sits on Governor Brian Sandoval’s Energy Choice Committee, which is charged with tackling next steps in providing residents with more clean energy choices.

“From the standpoint of the chamber, my job is to translate what we’re learning about energy choice to the positive impact it is expected to have on consumers and local businesses—on the people who live here,” said Silver. “I have no doubt: If it’s good for people, it’s good for business.”

Chamber-Lead Initiative with Consumers Energy Opens Door for $250 Million Opportunity for Local MI Businesses

Any local chamber of commerce understands how important it is to support their smaller member companies in new revenue opportunities. That's why the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce in northern Michigan is partnering with Consumers Energy for a "Meet the Buyer" summit early next month to promote connections between the large utility and smaller businesses.

Carlin Smith, president, Petoskey Regional Chamber

"This event will enable local businesses to meet one-on-one with purchasing agentsfrom Consumers Energy, DTE Energy and Michigan State University and discuss their capabilities to fill their business needs," said Carlin Smith, president of the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce. "Fellow Northern Michigan Regional Chamber Alliance members, and the Northern Lakes and Otsego County economic alliances are also inviting their members so we are hoping for an excellent representation of Northern Michigan businesses.

Consumers Energy has announced that it will spend $250 million with small businesses in Michigan over the next two and half years.

Read the Petoskey News-Review story.

Local Chambers Seizing the Economic Opportunities in Clean Energy Featured at World Chambers Congress

Wendy Northcross, President and CEO of the Cape Cod Chamber, spoke about Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy before more than 1,000 CEOs and chamber leaders from more than 100 countries in Sydney, Australia, this September.

“More and more,” she said, “local chambers are at the table on important clean energy discussions all over the country. We know that big companies like Google, Facebook and Amazon want to power their data centers with 100% renewable energy; and Apple, GM and Walmart want to power their operations with renewable energy.”

Renewable energy, she added, is going mainstream in the U.S. “So it only makes sense for chambers to work with businesses and policymakers to help attract these investments and jobs to our communities.” 

She also noted that there is growing competition from wind, solar, technology and other trade associations that seek to recruit member businesses. “To stay relevant, to keep these members, we must be entrepreneurial. We must lead on innovation and cutting-edge economic development issues such as this one,” she said.

Read more in The Cape Cod Times.

NC Rep. Steinburg: “Let’s Keep NC Open for Business”

As many states vie to be selected as Amazon's second headquarters, local chambers from across North Carolina - where Amazon has already invested in a wind farm - gathered last month to discuss how local chambers and state legislators could work together to attract investments from corporations that are increasingly demanding renewable energy.

Here are a few highlights. 

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The call was co-hosted by the Elizabeth City Area Chamber of Commerce and Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy. For more information, please contact Jennifer Behr at jennifer@chambersforinnovation.com.

PA Local Chambers Co-host Geisinger Tour with Legislators, Learn How Energy Efficiency Saves $15 Million Annually

Three local chambers—the Greater Susquehanna Valley, Central Pennsylvania and Columbia-Montour Chambers of Commerce—attended a tour last week of the Geisinger Advanced Energy Plant.

Using state incentives, Geisinger was able to purchase energy-saving technologies that enable them to heat and cool the Danville campus at essentially no cost. "We are seeing annual savings of $15 million across all facilities" Geisinger Vice President Al Neuner said. 

"While we usually approach energy conservation discussions with arguments related to reducing costs and improving our environment, to be able to point to Geisinger as a best practice gives our advocacy a strong local example along with renewed credibility," said Bob Garrett, President & CEO of the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce. "Efficiency lowers overhead, cleans our land, water and air and even saves lives.  It's simply the right thing to do."

State Reps. Lynda Schlegel-Culver (R-108) of Sunbury, Fred Keller (R-85) of Kreamer, Kurt Masser (R-107) of Elysburg, and David Millard (R-109) of Bloomsburg, also attended the event.

Watch the ABC news report.

Read The Daily Item.

Learn more through the Geisinger fact sheet.

Interested in co-hosting similar tours with your member businesses? Please contact Kelly Henderson at khenderson@sfchamber.com

Pictured above from left to right: TeaJay Aikey, Finance & Membership Director, Central PA Chamber; Dale Moyer, Interim President & CEO, Central PA Chamber; Fred Gaffney, President, Columbia-Montour Chamber; Bob Garrett, President/CEO, Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber.

Senator, Chamber CEOs Agree: Wind Development Benefits Rural Communities

Ohio State Senator Cliff Hite (R-Findlay) recently introduced critical legislation to fix Ohio's wind turbine setback laws that are preventing renewable energy jobs and economic development. 

“The current policy is contrary to Ohio’s reputation as a business-friendly environment and an energy-producing state,” Sen. Hite said at the Hog Creek Wind Farm construction project in Ada, Ohio. “It prevents businesses with an interest in gaining access to and investing in wind energy in Ohio from doing so.”

Ohio currently has the most restrictive wind setback provisions in the Midwest—despite enormous wind energy potential in the northwest and statewide opportunities in manufacturing wind turbine components. This is the result of legislation passed in 2014 that tripled the distance wind turbines must be from neighboring property lines and effectively brought development to a halt.

“This bill,” said Sen. Hite, “strikes the proper balance, protecting the rights of both participating and non-participating landowners and will allow responsible wind development to move forward.”

The new legislation would return the property line setback to a distance of 1.2 times the height of the turbine, which is still longer than the previous setback. It also increases the minimum setback from a home to approximately 1400 feet.

Rural chamber leaders cite benefits. Hardin County, home to the Hog Creek Wind Farm, is one of the of rural Ohio communities in a position to benefit from wind development.

“With almost $600,000 in annual payments to the county, schools and other public services, [this] wind farm is a massive infusion of new dollars into our community,” Jon Cross, President and CEO of the Hardin County Chamber and Business Alliance, said at today’s news conference.

But Hardin County is not the only one to have benefited from wind development that began before the more restrictive setbacks took effect. Cross also noted how his community has watched neighboring counties such as Paulding and Van Wert reap the benefits of wind farms for years and seen major improvements they’ve made to their schools and county infrastructure.

“Those of us with wind farms in our communities have seen firsthand what a positive difference these investments make for our businesses, schools, landowners and entire tax base,” said Susan Munroe, CEO and President of the Van Wert Area Chamber. “Just in Van Wert County alone, our wind farm is the largest single tax payer.

“That’s why I, along with other Northwest Ohio chamber and economic development directors, urge the House of Representatives to support this commonsense legislation,” Munroe added. “And I invite any Ohio House member to visit our wind farm in Van Wert, the largest in the state of Ohio.”  

According to a recent report from the American Wind Energy Association, restoring reasonable wind setback provisions will enable local communities, and the state, to attract jobs and investments that could reach an estimated $4.2 billion.

See video of Hog Creek Wind Farm Press Conference.

Pictured above left to right: Jon Cross, President & CEO, Hardin County Chamber and Business Alliance; Kenny Williams, Kent Williams Drainage; Senator Cliff Hite; Amy Kurt, Project Manager, EDP Renewables.

Fayetteville Chamber, Economic Development Leaders Recognize Rep. Szoka and Rep. Saine for Leadership on Clean Energy

With more local NC chamber and economic development leaders recognizing that clean energy means growing jobs and investments, it might come as no surprise that several recently stepped forward with “Clean Energy Champion” awards for legislators leading the charge in this area.

Christine Michaels, President and CEO of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, presented a Clean Energy Champion award to Rep. John Szoka (R-45, Cumberland County), a passionate advocate of the $7 billion clean energy industry in NC.

As Conference Chair and Senior Chairman of the Energy and Public Utilities Committee, Rep. Szoka was central this year to the introduction of House Bill 589, “Competitive Energy Solutions for NC,” the state’s first comprehensive energy legislation in more than 10 years. The bill was recently signed into law by Gov. Cooper.

“The Fayetteville Chamber is proud to present this award to Rep. Szoka, who is helping grow the economic development opportunities in clean energy for the people of Fayetteville and across the state,” said Michaels.

Lincoln Economic Development Association Executive Director, Cliff Brumfield, presented a Clean Energy Champion award to Rep. Jason Saine (R-97, Lincoln County.)

“I’m grateful to receive this award from local chamber and economic development leaders,” said Rep. Saine. “Your voices truly matter on these issues, and it’s great to work together to advance clean energy jobs and investments in our state.”

Rep. Saine, Senior Chairman of the House Finance Committee, has been a consistent supporter of clean energy in the State House, and several times has provided the leadership to move the ball forward on energy policy in his pursuit to bring cutting edge technologies to NC. 

Local Chambers Discover Something New about Their Members

“A lot of these businesses are members of my chamber, and I never knew they were big clean energy users. Can I have that list?” 

That was one of the most frequent comments heard during this year’s annual American Chambers of Commerce Executives meeting in Nashville, TN., at the Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE) booth.  

“A Who’s Who of Chamber Members: Who Are Top Clean Energy Users” was a surprise hit for many chamber leaders who discovered a wide range of mainstream businesses that have joined the ranks of the nation’s top clean energy users.  

Gone are the days when clean energy was of interest primarily to wind and solar energy companies. Now businesses across almost all sectors are purchasing clean energy, as price declines make clean energy the smart economic choice. 

Among them: Amazon, Avon Products, Best Buy, Campbell’s Soup, Dow Chemical, Ford Motors, General Mills, Home Depot, Smuckers, McDonalds, UPS, and Verizon, to name just a few. See the list here to learn if any of your chamber’s member businesses are among the top clean energy users.  

Reflecting a growing recognition that clean energy is also delivering jobs and investment income to communities large and small, 100 percent of local chambers surveyed also agreed that renewable energy and energy efficiency “make good economic sense and should be supported by good clean energy policies.”  

And check out this video of CICE’s Tom Bullock to learn more about the CICE network.  

NC Capitol Event Connects 12 Legislators, 14 Chamber and Economic Development Leaders

When more than a dozen local chamber and economic development leaders met with legislators at the North Carolina State Capitol last month, one chamber CEO explained why chambers are increasingly interested in new energy sources:

"We have a lot of wind and a lot of sun but not a lot of jobs," said Sharon Gibbs, President of the Hyde County Chamber of Commerce, a rural community three hours east of Raleigh.

That sentiment is echoed by other communities in North Carolina, where there is a desire to attract some of the growing clean energy jobs and investments that are going to other parts of North Carolina, and to other states. For example:

• The Elizabeth City Area has reaped the benefits of more than $18 million in investments and $1.1 million annually in landowner payments and taxes from wind energy projects.

• Currituck County has seen $500,000 in annual tax revenue that a new solar farm is bringing to the community.

• In total, $6.4 billion in revenue and more than 34,000 jobs were brought to the state by clean energy in 2016, according to a NC Sustainable Energy Association report.

But when these 14 chamber and economic development leaders traveled to the capitol to meet with a dozen legislators for a briefing and luncheon conversation on the opportunities in clean energy, they also learned about some of the obstacles preventing further economic growth in this field.

Some North Carolina counties, for example, have imposed bans on solar development in 2017. And the legislature recently included a moratorium on wind development in the new energy reform bill, Competitive Energy Solutions for North Carolina (HB 589)—a move that would put an end to two planned wind projects worth $500 million in Tyrrell, Chowan, and Perquimans counties, said Katharine Kollins, President of the Southeastern Wind Coalition. In addition, Kollins estimates that the state lost the potential for another $2.5 billion from projects not yet proposed.

“All progression is met with resistance,” said Rep. Bob Steinburg (R-1, Chowan) whose district includes the counties that would benefit from the $500 million wind projects. “We are going to use this [clean energy] opportunity to better the lives of those in Northeastern North Carolina, or we are going to walk away from this opportunity and lose it forever.”

Local Chamber Solar Champions Announced at the MA Statehouse

They were given a challenge, which, of course was also an opportunity: See how many of your member businesses you can interest in learning about the money they can save from transitioning to solar energy.

And, wow, did they respond-- educating more than 9,000 member businesses (with 60 companies already registered to install solar through the EnergySage Solar Marketplace.)

Congratulations to the following nine chambers that led the pack in the 2016-2017 Massachusetts Chamber Solar Challenge-- and last month were recognized at the Statehouse for their efforts. Special congratulations also to the Metro South Chamber of Commerce, which chaired the Challenge.

The winning chambers are: Blackstone Valley, Cape Cod, Nashoba Valley, Neponset Valley, Metro South, North Central, Quincy Area, SouthCoast (formerly New Bedford), and Taunton Area.

For more information on the 2017 Solar Champions or Massachusetts' solar policy, contact Daren Cheatham at daren@chambersforinnovation.com.

Largest Clean Energy Convening of Local Chambers at MA Statehouse

Highlights of MA Local Chambers Legislative Briefing

More than three-dozen local chambers of commerce and member businesses met with legislators last month for the largest convening of local chambers at the Massachusetts Statehouse to discuss clean energy.

Rep. Thomas Golden, Jr. (D-Lowell) and Sen. Marc Pacheco (D-Taunton), two of the leading legislators on clean energy, briefed them on what to expect from the remainder of the 2017-2018 session, saying the goal is to build on last year’s work to ensure that Massachusetts remains a clean energy leader.

Among the measures they said the legislature plans to consider supporting:

• An increase in the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to ensure more renewable energy and more clean energy investment and jobs in Massachusetts.

• Increase the caps on solar net metering to allow more businesses and residents who own solar panels to be compensated for providing their excess energy back to the electrical grid. The legislators stated that an increase in the caps will help generate more solar power in the Bay State. See Net Metering explained.

• Energy storage technology, which allows for wind and solar energy to be captured when available and saved for use when needed.

• Increases in energy efficiency statewide.

Offshore wind, they also noted, has strong support since turbines are now placed at off shore distances largely invisible to the naked eye. Several chambers and businesses are eyeing the economic benefits from expected boosts in production and distribution of offshore wind technology in the state.

We also heard that states all along the eastern seaboard and beyond are competing to be the home of the new offshore wind industry. Many legislators want Massachusetts to be the nation’s center for this new industry.

The legislature wants to hear from chambers. Rep. Golden and Sen. Pacheco also said that the Massachusetts legislature wants to hear from local chamber leaders to better understand their members’ experience with clean energy policies and programs—adding that they depend on this to ensure clean energy growth continues.

Co-hosts of the event included the Massachusetts Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, the SouthCoast Chamber of Commerce (formerly the New Bedford Chamber), the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, the Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber of and Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE).

Stay tuned for details!  CICE will continue to update you on important clean energy discussions with briefing calls, in-person sessions, and more throughout the year. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if your chamber or member businesses would like more information or would like to get more involved in clean energy discussions.

Check out photos from the event here. Credit: “Photography by Sergio Dabdoub: badmonkeypics@outlook.com”.  

Newton-Needham Chamber Program Helps Businesses Receive More than $2.7 Million in Energy Incentives

Newton-Needham Regional Chamber Celebrates at Breakfast with Gov. Baker

The Newton-Needham Regional Chamber recently announced that almost 200 area businesses received more than $2.7 million in incentives to fund energy-saving upgrades in the first year of the chamber’s Business Energy $avers Program.

“Massachusetts leads the nation in delivering cost-effective energy efficiency to our residents and businesses,” said Governor Charlie Baker at a recent Chamber breakfast gathering. “I applaud members of the Newton- Needham Chamber of Commerce for their participation in the Mass Save program, their collaboration with various stakeholders, and their commitment to producing important savings for local ratepayers.”

After recognizing the burden high-energy costs were having on its member companies, the Newton-Needham Regional Chamber partnered with their local vendor World Energy Efficiency Services, the City of Newton, and Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy to launch the Business Energy $avers program. Together, the team has connected 40% of member companies to the Mass Save program to help cut down on operating costs.

Through the Newton Needham Business Energy $aver program, eligible businesses receive free energy audits, financing for upgrades, and rebates on lighting, heating, cooling and other upgrades through the Mass Save program, which is run by the local utilities.

“Energy efficiency isn’t just good for our planet, it’s good for the bottom line”, said Chamber President Greg Reibman. “We’re committed to helping local businesses and non-profits find ways to reduce unnecessary energy use while saving money at the same time.”

If your chamber is interested in helping member companies participate in this money saving energy efficiency program, please contact Diane Doucette at ddoucette@sfchamber.com.

Currituck Chamber CEO Says Solar Project Will Foster a Thriving Local Economy

More than 150 people came out last month for a Currituck Chamber of Commerce open house at a new 2,000-acre farm solar farm. The event was co-hosted by the nearby Elizabeth City Chamber, home to the state’s first wind farm.

Currituck County, the northeastern most county in North Carolina, will receive $500,000 in annual tax revenue from this project.

The chambers partnered with the project’s developer, SunEnergy1, on the event that also attracted representatives from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which will purchase solar from the North Carolina farm.

“As a chamber, we are committed to fostering a thriving and sustainable local economy—and this new solar project will absolutely help us do that in ways that will enhance our community’s quality of life,” said Josh Bass, President of the Currituck Chamber of Commerce.

In addition to the added tax revenue, the local economy will benefit from locally sourced building materials and added construction and maintenance jobs.

According to a Duke University report, released in 2015, solar-friendly policies have helped North Carolina be a leader in solar investment—providing jobs and economic development opportunities to all parts of the state, including rural ones that have struggled historically to create jobs and businesses.

Moreover, the report found, the benefits of solar energy go beyond the particular communities that host them. “All parts of the solar value chain – investors, solar developers, construction contractors, solar panel and component manufacturers – are creating jobs and providing landowners, workers and towns across North Carolina with income and tax revenue,” the report found.

In February, the Currituck County Commissioners banned future solar development in the country, while grandfathering in the SunEnergy1 project.

Recognizing renewable energy as a driver of the local economy, the Currituck Chamber said it is in the best interest of the region to educate the community about the financial benefits from solar energy.

When fully developed, the project is expected to be the largest solar farm east of the Mississippi.