4th Annual Champions of Clean Energy Awards Brings Together Chambers of Commerce From Across North Carolina

On Tuesday, Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy and Conservatives for Clean Energy co-hosted the 4th Annual Champions of Clean Energy Awards Luncheon where the Currituck Chamber of Commerce was recognized with a Clean Energy Champion award for their continued commitment to expanding solar and wind energy projects across Northeastern North Carolina.

Along with the Currituck Chamber, Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE) and Conservatives for Clean Energy (CCE) were joined by Local Chambers from across the state to recognize businesses and organizations that are playing a leading role in expanding clean energy investment and economic development in the state. Chambers from Charlotte, Boone, Durham, Lake Norman, and Edenton-Chowan all participated or presented awards at the luncheon.

In addition to honoring the Currituck Chamber, CICE and CCE presented awards to the 100% clean energy powered Appalachian Mountain Brewery located in Boone, NC; SAERTEX, whose Huntersville manufacturing plant employees nearly 200 people making materials for wind turbine blades; the SAS Institute, leading by example with their investments in ‘smart campus’ and renewable energy technology; Cree, an industry leader in energy and efficiency equipment; and the NC Retail Merchants Association, which has led efforts to expand clean energy opportunities for large retailers across the state.

“We were thrilled to once again join with Conservatives for Clean Energy to honor those organizations that are driving economic development in North Carolina,” said Jennifer Behr, Senior North Carolina Organizer for Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy. “Thanks to their leadership, all North Carolinians are benefiting from new investment in the state, expanded job opportunities, and increased economic development.”

You can read more about this year’s event from local media coverage:

• Green conservative group sees hopeful signs for NC legislative session (Charlotte Business Journal - Pay Wall)

• Did North Carolina turn a corner with Amazon project? (Greensboro News & Record)

Lawsuit Aims To Attract More Wind Investment and Development To Ohio

This week, a group of farmers in Paulding County (OH) and a wind industry association filed a lawsuit against the state of Ohio alleging that the General Assembly violated the state's constitution when it mandated a dramatic increase in the distance wind turbines must be located from property lines. The suit alleges that the mandate is unconstitutional because it was included in an "unrelated budget bill, which is against the ‘single subject’ rule.” Read News Article Here

The plaintiffs and other economic development leaders in Ohio claim that the impact of the "setbacks" has in effect put a moratorium on wind development and new investments in Ohio, stating "Every Ohio wind project under development has been abandoned or stalled."

Mikayla Pieper, Executive Director of the Paulding Chamber of Commerce, is a big supporter of the economic benefits of wind investment for her community. She is in the news this week commenting on the lawsuit:

"Constitutionality of the provision aside, it's imperative that Ohio finds a way to improve the wind setback requirement to a distance that permits wind energy development," said Mikayla Pieper, Executive Director, Paulding Chamber of Commerce. "Opening our state for wind development will help attract business to our state, as well as create new opportunities for existing Ohio businesses. We look forward to the court's action in this case." 

Chamber leaders and economic development officials in communities across Ohio are actively supporting renewable energy projects that grow their tax base, develop a skilled workforce, and create new investment opportunities in their communities.

Please contact Tom Bullock if you would like more information at  tom@chambersforinnovation.com

NC Legislators and Chambers Tour Key Manufacturing Facility. Could NC become a Hub for Offshore Wind Components?

Earlier this month, Josh Bass, President of the Currituck Chamber of Commerce, traveled from the far northeast corner of the state to Huntersville, NC, to tour the SAERTEX manufacturing facility and participate in a strategy session.  The SAERTEX facility leads the world in the production of the high-tech and light-weight materials used to produce turbine blades. 

The tour of the facility was followed by a strategy session with SAERTEX leaders, Representative John Bradford (R-Mecklenburg), federal officials, wind industry experts and the Huntersville Chamber of Commerce. The goal of the strategy session was to determine how best to attract large manufacturers involved in the offshore wind supply chain to Currituck County and North Carolina as a whole.

It is estimated that North Carolina would gain 5,500 jobs, $251 million in wages, and $710 million in economic benefit from offshore development. Landing a major manufacturer from the supply chain would be game-changing for any county.

Currently, the nation's only developed offshore commercial wind project is off the coast of Rhode Island. The technology is fairly new and there is no existing supply chain of American companies manufacturing these more advanced turbine components. Components for the RI project were imported from Europe.

"I enjoyed going and learning first-hand about the manufacturing process. I was amazed to learn that all components for off shore wind turbines are currently manufactured overseas. We would like to see a major manufacturing facility in North Carolina. Whoever is able to attract the offshore wind turbine plants will land hundreds of jobs in their community - and we need to be sure we don't miss this opportunity," said Josh Bass, Currituck Chamber of Commerce President & CEO. 

The Currituck Chamber has already seen the positive economic benefits that wind energy has provided to neighboring Perquimans and Pasquotank Counties, home to  Amazon Wind East, NC's first wind project. Amazon Wind East is the largest taxpayer in each of those counties, generating tens of millions of dollars for the local economy.

Chambers for Innovation and the SE Wind Coalition organized the above tour and strategy session.

See the article and video here 

New Op-Ed - Cape Ann Chamber Program Improves Bottom Lines and Gives Back to the Community

Ken Riehl, CEO of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, penned an op-ed for Energy Awareness Month about the importance of energy efficiency savings for local businesses.

“Energy is one of top expenses for small businesses” according to the National Federation of Independent Businesses.” Riehl said. “That’s why the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce is working with National Grid and other local business and municipal partners to spread the word about the Cape Ann Saves Energy (CASE) program.”

See the Chamber’s Op-ed here

To learn more about the CASE program visit https://capeannchamber.com/small-business/cape-ann-saves-energy/

Lancaster County Chamber CEO Talks About PA’s Energy Development & Lancaster’s Solar Leadership

Thomas Baldridge, President and CEO of the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce, speaks out in a new video about how a community and state historically known for oil, coal, and shale development are now embracing clean energy.

"Wind and solar and other renewable energy powers are now just the next iteration of how Pennsylvania continues to lead," Baldridge says.

Among the area businesses embracing solar energy are Urban Outfitters, Elizabethtown College, and local farms. In September, the Courtyard by Marriott-Lancaster also transitioned to  100 percent solar power. And in March, the State of Pennsylvania awarded $2.4 million in grants for eight new solar energy projects in Lancaster.

"Having an energy industry like solar in our own backyard and being able to tap that as aggressively as possible is a great way for us to control our future and create a clean, more sustainable energy source for Lancaster County," Baldridge said.

Watch video here

Read more about the Lancaster Chamber's leadership on clean energy here and here.

Local Chambers From Red, BLue & Purple States Speak at Global Climate Summit

The day before Hurricane Florence hit North Carolina, local chamber CEOs from red and purple states gathered at the Global Climate Summit in San Francisco to talk about their work to create resilient communities.

According to Doug Luciani, President and CEO of Traverse CONNECT/Traverse City Chamber of Commerce in Michigan, "Local chambers and the private sector have an important role to play in creating resilient communities. Local chambers are ideally suited to be the leading conveners of stakeholders on this important economic development issue."

One local chamber CEO, Aaron Nelson, President and CEO of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce, appeared by video since he was forced to cancel his attendance due to Hurricane Florence and the need to help prepare his community for the disaster.

Aaron Nelson, President & CEO, Chapel-Hill Carrboro Chamber of Commerce, NC and Christy Gillenwater, President & CEO, Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce, TN

"Climate change is creating challenges and opportunities for us: the challenge of resilience: how our economy is going survive, how our community will survive, how we will respond to changes now and changes on the way." Nelson said. "And then the opportunities: opportunities for economic development and innovation and job growth and working together to find solutions." He encouraged those working on resilience to reach out to local chambers. (Watch video here.)

Christy Gillenwater, President and CEO of the Chattanooga Area Chamber in Tennessee spoke about her community's leadership on clean energy, the development of Chattanooga's Advanced Smart Grid, and a community plan for growth and resilience. Chattanooga's leadership and investments in innovation and clean energy support community resilience, economic development and the ability to attract the best young talent to her community.

The event also featured Brian Strong, Chief Resilience Officer for the City of San Francisco, who spoke about the value local chambers bring to resiliency conversations and planning, and was moderated by Diane Doucette, Executive Director of Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy.

The event attracted many local chamber leaders and businesses interested in resilience and clean energy. The event was organized by Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy and the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce.

Boone Area Regional Chamber Co-Hosts Clean Energy Event Recognizing Sen. Deanna Ballard as “Clean Energy Champion”

If ever there was a setting for a perfect local chamber-hosted conversation about the growing economic opportunities in clean energy, this was one of them:

The setting: The Appalachian Mountain Brewery, which boasts solar panels on its roof, in Boone, North Carolina, a Blue Ridge Mountain town named for the explorer Daniel Boone.

The host: The Boone Area Regional Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy.

The special guests: Sen. Deanna Ballard (R-45)—the first State Senator to receive a “Clean Energy Champions Award” from a NC local chamber of commerce—who was joined by Rep. Jason Saine (R-45), who received the first “Clean Energy Champions Award in 2017.

Here are a few highlights of their conversation:

Sen. Deanna Ballard (R-45), 2018 Clean Energy Champion. “It has been my pleasure to work with the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, Commerce and Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy; and I am honored to be recognized as their Clean Energy Legislative Champion. The High Country is home to some of the nation’s most advanced and innovative energy technologies at Appalachian State University, and is home to many companies that are pioneers in corporate sustainability. I look forward to continuing to work alongside them, local businesses, and my fellow legislators in advancing clean energy jobs and investments and finding more ways to support renewable generation efforts across the state and #NC45.”
 

Rep.Jason Saine (R-45), 2017 Clean Energy Champion. “It is a well-known fact that the country’s leading corporations, including almost half of the Fortune 500, are trying to meet their aggressive sustainability goals by doing business in states with strong clean energy policies. Locations that want to attract economic investment from these companies are going to have to embrace these emerging industries and have policies in place that allows them to thrive.”

David Jackson, Boone Area Chamber of Commerce President & CEO. “Our natural resources are the part of our tourism economy that set us apart from the rest of the state. They can also be attractive distractions to those that choose to live and work here. Often the people who are recruited to work in these environments have a passion for sustainable tech and innovation. The further connection of these opportunities will only help our region attract more high paying jobs while giving those employees and excellent setting to work and play."

Middlesex Chamber’s Innovative Financing Program to Boost Local Jobs, Profits and Investment

Businesses everywhere are looking to save money when it comes to energy costs. In response, Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the Connecticut Green Bank to help member businesses afford energy efficiency and clean energy upgrades. Together they are promoting a clean energy financing tool called Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy, or C-PACE. This innovative solution provides long-term, low interest financing to help local building owners take control of their energy costs. With 100% financing, no upfront cost required, and terms of up to 25 years available through C-PACE, energy upgrades are more affordable and accessible than ever.

"We're always looking for an opportunity to provide value to our members," says Jeff Pugliese, Vice President of the Middlesex Chamber. "The partnership with the Connecticut Green Bank was a no-brainer.  C-PACE helps local businesses save money on their energy bills and reinvest this money into other parts of the business. When businesses thrive, it can help spur economic development and support job creation," he added.

Earlier this year, the Green Bank announced that Connecticut's C-PACE program had helped over 200 Connecticut building owners with more than $114 million in clean energy financing, making the state's program second only to California's C-PACE program in terms of clean energy financing. And C-PACE is just one of the Green Bank programs that have helped attract more than $1 billion in investment into the Connecticut economy and created more than 13,000 jobs.

"The key is to have great partners like the Middlesex Chamber, which understands that C-PACE is a terrific opportunity to help their members," says Mackey Dykes, Vice President of Commercial, Industrial and Institutional Programs at the Connecticut Green Bank. "Energy costs and building improvements are often one of the biggest challenges that Chamber members face. C-PACE can be the answer."

With C-PACE, building owners can enjoy the advantages of energy upgrades immediately and pay for them over time. It's a safe investment that produces returns immediately and for years to come.

Middlesex Chamber member Galleria Stone and Tile used C-PACE financing to install a 125kw solar photovoltaic installation while building a new factory last summer. "With this new solar installation, our energy costs have remained pretty much flat, even though we've expanded dramatically," says Rich Yuris, CFO of Galleria.

Interested in learning more about C-PACE, or want to partner with an established C-PACE program in your state? Contact Jessica Bergman at (jbergman@sfchamber.com) for more information.

See what PACE programs are available in your state at http://pacenation.us/ 

Pictured up top from left to right, are: Larry McHugh, President, Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce; Mackey Dykes, Vice President of Commercial and Industrial Programs, Connecticut Green Bank; Robert Schmitt, Associate Manager, Marketing, Connecticut Green Bank; and Jeff Pugliese, Vice President, Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce.

Many Local Chambers Across US in the News Supporting Clean Energy

Local chamber of commerce CEOs are making news for their leadership around clean energy. Here are some recent highlights:

Chris Heck, CEO of the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce

PA Clean Energy Financing Law Good For Business. Chris Heck, CEO of the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce, recently wrote an op-ed praising Pennsylvania’s new clean energy financing law, saying: "The bipartisan clean energy financing bill [recently signed into law] by Gov. Tom Wolf will grow jobs, save businesses money—and, best of all, it won'tcost taxpayers anything." Read more in The Pittsburgh Business Times. .

Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce

Local Chamber Energy-saving Program Makes The Boston Globe. When the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy and other partners, launched a new energy-saving initiative last month, several news outlets took notice. Read more in The Boston Globe.

Susan Munroe, CEO of the Van Wert Area Chamber

Ohio CEO Says Wind is the --Greatest Economic Opportunity in Rural Ohio—But Not All Benefit. “Some of us have experienced that promise of economic opportunity with wind farm development and some of us have been denied,” Susan Munroe, CEO of the Van Wert Area Chamber, said at a capitol news conference. Read more in Statehouse News Bureau.

Rick Kidder, South Coast Chamber

 10 MA Local Chambers Press for More Renewable Energy. Ten local chamber leaders made news when they called on state lawmakers to increase the Commonwealth’s commitment to clean energy—saying it will send “the right market signal to clean energy industries, such as solar, energy storage, and offshore wind, that the commonwealth is the place to invest.” a positive market signal for investments. At least two media outlets reported on their message.  Read more in The Worcester Telegram and The Herald News

Doug Luciani, President and CEO of Traverse Connect and Co-chair of CICE's Advisory Council

MI Utility Program to Boost Renewables Good for Region. Doug Luciani, President and CEO of Traverse Connect and Co-chair of CICE’s Advisory Council, co-authored an op-ed in support of a new voluntary green pricing program—saying the resulting investments in clean energy will “keeps the money from power generation circulating in our community, and offers the possibility of construction jobs and other related employment.” Read more in The Record Eagle.

Wendy Northcross, CEO of the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce

Offshore Wind Will Benefit MA for Decades, Local Chamber CEO Says. Three new proposed offshore wind projects would deliver decades of economic benefits to the people of Massachusetts, Wendy Northcross, CEO of the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, wrote in an op-ed. Read more in the Cape Cod Today.

Also:

See Toledo Chamber and Toledo Blade Article

See Chattanooga Chamber and Times Free Press

See more Chambers in the News.

See stories of Chambers in Action from North Carolina to Pennsylvania and Ohio to Tennessee.

Local Chamber Praises Wind Energy as Key to Economic Development

At a recent roundtable hosted by Chambers for Innovation and Conservatives for Clean Energy, Lt. Gen. John Castellaw, Rep. John Szoka (R-45) and Holly Grange (R-20) addressed the question: Are the growing economic developments of wind energy compatible with military operations in North Carolina?

Rep. Bob Steinberg and Lt. Gen. Castellaw

The answer: A resounding yes.

"The bottom line is the military already has an effective, non-political, non-emotional, just-the-facts, well-established process for making sure that wind and other energy projects are compatible with operations and promote our national security. Imposing blanket restrictions on wind development in the name of national security can make us more insecure."

-- Lt. Gen. Castellaw, served 36 years in the Marine Corps including nearly 10 years flying over eastern North Carolina.

Rep. John Szoka

 “We need safe military operations, new energy resources for ratepayers and the benefits of increasing the property tax base for rural counties. I am personally satisfied that wind operations effects are negligible on military training. Recent congressional action that further clarifies the Department of Defense Clearing House procedures, including mandatory involvement of local bases, should remove any remaining doubt to those who may be skeptical of wind.”

-- Rep. John Szoka (R-Cumberland), is a retired Army Colonel who represents Ft. Bragg in the General Assembly.

“The Edenton-Chowan Chamber is grateful to Lt. Gen. Castellaw and Reps. Szoka and Grange for taking the time to ensure that other members of the legislature have factual knowledge about wind energy’s present and future impact on military operations in our state. We applaud these efforts to educate their peers on how critical the Northeastern North Carolina wind projects and resulting economic benefits are to the growth, prosperity and sustainability for a region like ours.”

-- Win Dale, Executive Director of the Edenton-Chowan Chamber of Commerce, said after the event.

10 Local Chambers Call on MA Lawmakers to Boost Commitment to Renewable Energy—Citing Economic Benefits

Rick Kidder of the SouthCoast Chamber

Ten local chamber leaders recently called on state lawmakers to increase the Commonwealth's commitment to clean energy--saying it will send a positive market signal for investments. And their message is being heard in the media.

Read more in The Worcester Telegram

Read more in The Herald News

In a letter to MA House Speaker Robert DeLeo and Senate President Harriette Chandler, chamber leaders wrote:

"Not only will an increase in renewable energy diversify our energy mix which will help make our businesses more resilient to extreme weather and less vulnerable to electricity price hikes, but it will also send the right market signal to clean energy industries, such as solar, energy storage, and offshore wind, that the Commonwealth is the place to invest."

The Senate unanimously passed a bill on June 14 to increase renewable energy in the Commonwealth--putting it on a path to 100% renewable energy by 2047, creating a long-term incentive for solar, and bringing more offshore wind and energy storage capacity to MA. The House also recently advanced four clean energy bills. With the legislative session set to end later this month, it is not yet clear if one or more of these bills will make it to Conference Committee and be sent to Gov. Baker to sign. CICE will keep you posted.

The chamber letter to state lawmakers was signed by Jeannie Hebert of the Blackstone Valley Chamber, Kimberly Coroa Moniz of the Bristol County Chamber, Ken Riehl of the Cape Ann Chamber, Wendy Northcross of the Cape Cod Chamber, Marie Oliva of the Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber, Chris Cooney of the Metro South Chamber, Thomas O'Rourke of the Neponset Valley Chamber, Noelle Pina of the Orleans Chamber, Rick Kidder of the SouthCoast Chamber, and Jack Lank of the United Regional Chamber.

Growing Economic Opportunities Would Flow from Clean Energy Bill, Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber CEO Says

"The bipartisan clean energy financing bill [recently signed into law] by Gov. Tom Wolf will grow jobs, save businesses money -- and, best of all, it won’t cost taxpayers anything,” Chris Heck, CEO of the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce, recently wrote in The Pittsburgh Business Times. The bill was cosponsored by Sen. Reschenthaler (R-Allegheny/ Washington) and Sen. Blake (D-Lackawana).

Read Heck's op-ed below.

Viewpoint: Clean-energy financing bill good for business

By Chris Heck

June 8, 2018

I’ll be frank. I’m an unapologetic advocate of what’s good for business and economic development in the Pittsburgh airport area. I’m immensely proud of our entire region’s efforts to become a center of world-class innovation. And when I see a “win-win” opportunity for business, economic development and this region, I consider it my mission and privilege to support it.

The clean energy-financing bill headed to Gov. Tom Wolf’s desk is one of these winning and welcome opportunities. It will grow jobs, save businesses money, and, best of all, it won’t cost taxpayers anything.

Senate Bill 234, co-sponsored by Sen. Guy Reschenthaler (R-Allegheny/ Washington), would establish a program that makes sense by enabling more businesses to take advantage of cost-saving energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades.

This bipartisan legislation was overwhelmingly passed on the Senate floor earlier this year. And on May 23, the House also passed it by a wide 163-28 margin.

Known as Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy, or C-PACE, this bill would allow municipalities to establish voluntary programs to allow financing for energy upgrades with no upfront costs on new and existing buildings. They simply pay the loan back, over up to 20 years, as a portion of their property tax bill.

For commercial building owners, this means gaining the opportunity to access the growing number of clean energy innovations that can help them save on energy costs and increase the value of their properties.

For our region, it means more economic vitality and more jobs. An estimated 70,000 Pennsylvanians worked in energy efficiency and renewable energy in 2016, up 6 percent from 2015. Nearly half of these jobs are in the construction industry, and about one in five are in the construction industry, and about one in five are in manufacturing.

As recently as a decade ago, our region suffered as globalization and technology eroded the manufacturing industries that once defined us. Between 1970 and 1990, the City of Pittsburgh lost an estimated 100,000 steel jobs and unemployment hit a high of 18 percent.

But that was then. And this is now. Our region has been thriving because we have chosen not to look back but forward.

As the voice of the businesses in 34 communities across the Pittsburgh airport region, I know the value of innovation in this great area. I also know that it makes sense to seize every good, forward-thinking opportunity in front of us, including the one now awaiting signature on the governor’s desk.

Chris Heck is the president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber VP Says Solar Will be a “Major Part” of Region’s Economic Future

First Solar, located in the Greater Toledo Region, broke ground this month on a project expected to become what has been described as “the largest solar factory, by capacity, in the Western Hemisphere.”

And that, says Toledo Chamber Vice President Brian Dicken, represents “a strong vote of confidence in Toledo as a major U.S. hub for advanced technology solar manufacturing."

The $400 million plant in Lake Township, slated to reach full capacity in 2019, will bring 500 new jobs to the Toledo region.  

It also points the way to an essential element in the region’s future prosperity, Dicken says. "For northwest Ohio, researching, developing, and producing the next generation of solar technology is a major part of our economic future," he said.

Ohio currently ranks 11th in the nation for solar energy jobs, according to the Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA)—with an estimated 5,831 Ohioans employed in the industry in 2017. This reflects people engaged in solar installation as well as the manufacturing of solar technologies.

In Ohio, an estimated $529 million has been invested in the growing industry to date--$53 million in 2017 alone, according to SEIA. One reason for this growth: The price of solar energy has declined 53 percent over the past five years.

Read more in Toledo Blade

Economic Benefits of Offshore Wind in Clear View for Chamber, Business Leaders

On a beautiful sunny day, 115 local chamber of commerce and business leaders recently got onboard a boat in Massachusetts for a 30-mile journey to tour America's first offshore wind project, the Block Island Wind Farm.

With offshore wind development growing along the eastern seaboard, it was a fun opportunity for chamber leaders to learn about the tremendous economic benefits this new industry offers.

In a tour organized Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy and the National Wildlife Federation, chamber leaders learned about the benefits expected to accrue over the next decade to Massachusetts alone, including:

• 6,870 to 9,850 new jobs

• $1.4 to $2.1 billion in investment

• Economic opportunities for nearly 20 communities along the supply chain.

They also heard from several chamber colleagues. Check out the photos and quotes below.

photography by Sergio badmonkeypics@outlook.com

““The emerging offshore wind industry has the potential to generate approximately $680 million in annual property tax payments, as well as support approximately 160,000 jobs by 2050. That is good news for communities up and down the supply chain,” said Rick Kidder, President and CEO of the SouthCoast Chamber of Commerce. (Kidder is pictured above right, next to Jack Lank, President and CEO, United Regional Chamber.)”

photography by Sergio badmonkeypics@outlook.com

““The Blackstone Valley Chamber sees great opportunity in offshore wind and supports efforts to keep Massachusetts competitive in this growing industry which will in turn help keep and grow manufacturing jobs in our state,” said Jeannie Hebert, President and CEO of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce.”

photography by Sergio badmonkeypics@outlook.com

““As the President of the New England Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, I can say that we know offshore wind is on the mind of a lot of our members,” said Jane Garibay, who is also the Executive Director of the Windsor Chamber in Connecticut. “We support the local economic development opportunities that clean energy offers.””

photography by Sergio badmonkeypics@outlook.com

Bill White, Senior Director of Offshore Wind Sector Development, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center

photography by Sergio badmonkeypics@outlook.com

Read more on NPR.

Curious to learn more about how the offshore wind industry and how it could benefit your member companies? Contact Daren Cheatham at dcheatham@sfchamber.com.

Chamber Recognized for Helping Members Save through Energy Efficiency

What gets a local chamber of commerce to be recognized by the Governor, invited to the State House—and, in perhaps the highest praise possible, be established as a leader among chamber colleagues?  

In the case of the Newton Needham Regional Chamber of Commerce, the answer has been one good idea that has helped approximately 375 member businesses receive more than $3 million in incentives for cost-saving energy efficiency upgrades.  

"I am delighted to have the opportunity to recognize the Newton Needham Regional Chamber for the leadership they have shown by encouraging local businesses take advantage of the Mass Save program," Rep. Ruth M Balser said this month at a State House event honoring the chamber. 

After recognizing the burden high-energy costs were having on its member companies, the chamber partnered with World Energy Efficiency Services, the City of Newton, and Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy to launch the Newton Needham Business Energy $avers (NNBE$) program.  

The NNBE$ program connects local businesses to available energy saving programs and incentives offered through Mass Save which is run by the local utilities. (Businesses receive free energy audits, financing for upgrades, and rebates on recommended energy improvements.) It has already increased small and medium business participation by 30 percent.  

Also attending the event honoring the chamber were State Sens. Cynthia Stone Creem and Michael Rush, State Rep. Kay Khan, Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller, and Needham Town Manager Kate Fitzpatrick. The chamber also received citations from all elected officials in Newton and Needham.  

In 2017, Gov. Charlie Baker also recognized the chamber, saying: “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.” 

And In March 2018, the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce—in partnership with the City of Gloucester, National Grid, and Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy—became the second local chamber in MA to launch a program that increases the participation of member businesses in cost-saving energy efficiency measures. 

Read more in The Patch.

Visit the Newton Needham Chamber to learn more about the NNBE$ program  

Learn about the new Cape Ann program here.  

Pictured from left, Rep, Kay Khan (Newton), President of World Energy Rick Galipeau, VP of World Energy Mike Santangelo, Director at Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy Jessica Bergman, Sen. Mike Rush (Needham), Needham Town Manager Kate Fitzpatrick, Chamber Environment Committee Chair Peter Smith, Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller, Chamber President Greg Reibman, Sen. Cynthia Stone Creem (Newton) and Rep. Ruth Balser (Newton).

ACCE Chamber of the Year Knows a Winning Project When It Sees One

Christy Gillenwater, President and CEO of the 2017 Chamber of the Year, is wise to trends -- from the economic to the demographic.

The Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, like those Gillenwater has led before, is also very effective at what chambers do best: driving economic development. The chamber drove more than a half-billion dollars in economic impact from July 2015 to December 2017, according to a recent report.

So it should perhaps come as no surprise that when its member -- the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport -- recently announced that it was positioned to become the first airport in the nation to be 100 percent powered by solar energy, Gillenwater championed the move.

"We applaud the Chattanooga Airport -- and our region -- for continuing to demonstrate such exciting and important leadership in energy innovation," Gillenwater said. The airport's transition to solar energy, which is being funded largely through federal grants, is expected to lower costs and make the airport energy self-sufficient.

Gillenwater has also observed that investment in renewable energy is important for communities that want to attract young talent.

"I think it is important today for chambers to be engaged in clean energy, as the millennial generation is very focused on these issues; and if you want to attract that kind of talent, it's critical to look at clean energy as a core value," she said. "Local chambers are perfectly positioned to lead this."

Read more in the Times Free Press.

Offshore Wind Projects Would Benefit MA for Decades, Cape Cod Chamber CEO Says

Three new proposed offshore wind projects would deliver decades of economic benefits to the people of Massachusetts, Wendy Northcross, CEO of the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, wrote in a recent op-ed in Cape Cod Today.

But as competition for offshore wind projects heats up along the east coast, the Commonwealth needs to act quickly to show its support, she added.

"Given the promise of [the proposed projects,] it is critical for Massachusetts to show its seriousness by supporting the nascent industry's growth, so it does not become overshadowed by development activity under way in New York and other states on the Eastern Seaboard," Northcross wrote.

The local chamber CEO also cited some of the benefits expected to come from the proposed projects, noting:

• A $15 million fund for development of supply chain, businesses, and infrastructure, and job-training programs for local workers through Vineyard Wind.

• Some $2.75 million in agreements with the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Bristol Community College, New England Aquarium and other organizations through Bay State Wind's -- plus, more than $2 million in grants for research and programs to protect the region's fisheries.

• Commitments of $1 million to the Massachusetts Maritime Academy to support economically disadvantaged students and another $1 million to the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth through Deepwater Wind's Revolution Wind project.

"By ensuring robust competition and diversity in the offshore wind industry from the start," Northcross wrote, "the Commonwealth will pay decades worth of dividends into the state's economy long after the first turbines are spinning."

Read the op-ed by Northcross in Cape Cod Today.

Other MA local chamber CEOs in the news include:

• Rick Kidder, President and CEO of the SouthCoast Chamber of Commerce, who previously voiced his support for offshore in South Coast Today.

• Jeannie Hebert, President and CEO of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce, who last year called for an increased commitment to renewable energy in the Worcester Business Journal.

New Initiative Helps Businesses with No-cost Energy Audits and Easy Access to Millions in Incentive Money

The Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce -- in partnership with the City of Gloucester, National Grid, and Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy -- launched a new energy-saving initiative last month; and several news outlets took notice.

Cape Ann Saves Energy (CASE) will help local businesses take advantage of free energy assessments performed by Energy Source, as well as incentives and financing for upgrades (for up to 70 percent) from the utility giant, National Grid.

"CASE is here to be a resource for local small business owners and help them take advantage of the great energy saving programs and rebates of National Grid," CEO Ken Riehl said.

"By cutting down on energy usage, local small businesses may see a reduction in their energy bills and reinvest their money into running a successful business," he added.  

The Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce is the second local chamber in MA to launch a program that increases the participation of member businesses in cost-saving energy efficiency measures.

The Newton-Needham Regional Chamber has helped more than 300 area businesses receive more than $3 million in incentives to fund energy-saving upgrades through their pioneering Newton Needham Business Energy $avers Program. It was recognized for its efforts by Gov. Baker in 2017 and will be by several policymakers at the Statehouse next month.

"When we read about Governor Baker's support of the Newton-Needham Regional Chamber Energy Program, we knew we had to take action," said Gregg Cademartori, Planning Director for the City of Gloucester. "So we partnered with the Chamber and contacted CICE that day," he added.

Read more about it in:

The Boston Globe

The Gloucester Times

The Manchester Cricket

Pictured above from left to right: Sal Di Stefano - Economic Development Director for the City of Gloucester, Peter Webber- Senior VP at the Chamber, Brendhan Zubricki - Essex Town Administrator, Rich Hanlon - COO for Energy Source, Jessica Bergman - Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy, Eric Stallings - Manchester-by-the-Sea Energy Efficiency Advisory Committee, Patricia Slade - President of the Chamber Board, Tara Rowe - Energy Source, Sefatia Romeo Theken - Mayor of Gloucester, Kyle Blanchard - Energy Source , Ken Riehl - CEO Chamber , Alyssa Dupont - National Grid Small Business Manager and Jesse DeBenedictis - CASE Chamber Volunteer.

Republican Lawmakers and Local Chamber CEOs Call for Fix to Wind Setbacks

Watch video here.

Wind energy in Ohio, they said, comes down to a story of “haves” and “have nots.”

Four years ago, policies for wind energy changed. This resulted in some communities benefiting from wind investments and some losing millions because the new policies stopped investments in some communities.

But, said Sen. Matt Dolan (R- Cuyahoga), there is a better way.

“I see that Ohio has an opportunity to not only be a leader in energy but to create a new economy—and that new economy in this case can be the economy of the wind industry,” said Sen. Dolan, sponsor of SB-238, the wind turbine set-back bill, which would strike a compromise to protects property rights and allow wind development to continue.

Rep. Bill Reineke (R-Tiffin), who moderated the press conference, called SB-238 “a good bill for getting this subject going.”

A new report by the Wind Energy Foundation released at the conference found:

“By failing to restore the state’s property line setback law for new wind power projects to a reasonable limit, the Ohio Legislature is putting $4 billion in projected economic impact at risk from approved and proposed in-state wind farms, most of which would flow to its rural counties.”

Those speaking at the conference—which included chamber of commerce CEOs, economic development leaders, school superintendents, and county commissioners—all live in wind-rich communities, said Susan Munroe, President and CEO of the Van Wert Area Chamber.

“But some of us have experienced the promise of economic opportunities with wind farm development, and some of us have been denied that same opportunity,” she said.  

Sen. Reineke said he hoped SB-238 would be passed this summer—noting the benefits would more than northwest Ohio.

“These turbines need to be made. These turbines need to be delivered. These turbines need to be installed. And these turbines need occasional maintenance. And all that work can be done by industries in Ohio,” he said.

Watch the video here.

Read the report here.

Pictured at top from left to right: Rep. Bill Reineke (R-Tiffin), Holly Stacey, Seneca County Commissioner, Mikayla Pieper, Executive Director, Paulding Chamber of Commerce

MA Senators Brief Local Chambers on New Energy Legislation

Sen. Pacheco

“Clean energy is a $11.4 billion part of Massachusetts’ economy—and growing,” Sen. Marc Pacheco (D-Taunton) told Local Chambers of Commerce the day after his committee introduced new energy legislation to help Massachusetts diversify its energy sources and satisfy corporate demand for more renewable energy.

Sen. Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester)—co-sponsor of S.1885, a bill aimed at accelerating solar energy development—joined Sen. Pacheco in telling Local Chambers that there is also a need for Massachusetts to do more to advance solar energy.

Sen. Tarr

“We don’t want capital to migrate to other states because of lack of opportunity in ours,” Sen. Tarr said.

The Senators addressed local chamber leaders from across the state in a briefing call co-sponsored by the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, South Coast Chamber of Commerce, and Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy.

“We were once the whaling capital of the world. Now New Bedford has been tapped as a prime location for offshore wind development,” said Rick Kidder, President and CEO of the South Coast Chamber. The South Coast Chamber has supported increasing renewable energy and the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) a key element of the new Senate legislation.

States Competing To Be The Nation’s Offshore Wind Hub

Massachusetts passed legislation in 2016 aimed at being the nation’s hub for offshore wind and attracting the investment and new jobs associated with this. But many states along the eastern seaboard, including New York, New Jersey, and Maryland, are competing with Massachusetts to be the offshore wind and solar energy hub. Rhode Island built the first offshore wind farm in the country.

“We want to embrace a clean energy future where Massachusetts is number one in offshore wind,” said Sen. Pacheco.

The Senate omnibus energy bill (S. 479) would set new targets for emission reductions, pursue energy storage technology, and grow the amount of renewable energy utilities purchase through the RPS from 1 to 3 percent. Read more about S.479.

Clean Energy Jobs

He added that the policies that have been put in place to advance clean energy over the past decade have contributed to:

• 109,000 clean energy jobs,

• 7,000 new companies, and

• $11.4 billion in investments in the state.

Pointing to solar energy development, Sen Tarr told chamber leaders that due to restrictive policies on solar energy, there is a risk that solar projects could be stalled because of what are known as net metering caps, or limits on the excess amount of energy that can flow back to the grid if left unused by the owner of a business or home that uses solar panels.

“It’s important to economic development that we not have a stoppage in these projects,” he said. His bill, An Act Regarding Net Metering (S.1885), would increase the cap from 7 to 8.75 percent in an effort to keep the jobs and investments in the state.

Local Chambers have been active in supporting solar energy, offshore wind, and increasing renewable energy. Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy will continue to keep you informed as these issues move forward.