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. 

NC Legislators, Chambers, Businesses Celebrate Clean Energy Innovation

From Greensboro to Kinston, Fayetteville to Raleigh, local chambers, legislators and business leaders gathered this week to celebrate the state’s business and political leaders pioneering innovation in the clean energy space.

NC Rep. Chris Malone (R-35); Jennifer Behr, Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy; Ed White, CEO and founding board member, Research Triangle Cleantech Cluster.

Among the awardees:

• Chris Malone of Wake County, who received the Emerging Champion of Clean Energy award.

• Ed White, CEO and founding board member of Research Triangle Cleantech Cluster, who accepted the Clean Energy Collaborative Innovation Award.

• Schneider Electric, which received the Clean Energy Corporate Champion award, presented by the Knightdale Chamber.

"I sincerely appreciate the recognition from Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy and Conservatives for Clean Energy,” said Rep. Malone. “A clean energy future is one we should all look forward to.”

Ed White, CEO and founding Board member, Research Triangle Cleantech Cluster; Patrice Bayyan, Executive Director, Knightdale Chamber; John Pipel, Schneider Electric; Stephanie Byrd, Schneider Electric; Nathan Ray, Knightdale Chamber Board President.

Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy and Conservatives for Clean Energy cohosted the event, which also featured Rep. John Szoka (R) along with Ben Lowe of Alevo, Gus Simmons of Cavanaugh & Associates, and Will Duckett of PlotWatt.

In addition to celebrating this year’s clean energy innovators, some 75 attendees learned how North Carolina businesses are creating economic development opportunities in their communities through clean energy.

See related media coverage: News & Record.