Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut President Co-authors Op-Ed on Importance of Regional Transportation Climate Initiative

Regional Transportation Climate Initiative

Tony Sheridan, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut co-authored this op ed to illustrate the importance that the Regional Transportation Climate Initiative has on Connecticut businesses and local economic development. The op-ed was picked up by CT News Junkie on May 28, 2021.

May 28, 2021- Whether looking at it from an environmental or business perspective, there is no doubt that the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) is a winning strategy. TCI will be a catalyst for bolstering manufacturing, spurring innovation, and ushering in clean energy jobs. It will give Connecticut a technological advantage while being a step in the right direction in addressing the threat of climate change.  From a business perspective, the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) is a catalyst to bolster manufacturing, to spur innovation, to bring jobs, and to give a technological edge to our state while being a step in the right direction in addressing the threat of climate change. TCI, a regional cap-and-invest program, will reduce green-house emissions while generating $100M per year in investments dedicated to improving public transit, increasing pedestrian and cyclist safety, and electrifying buses and trucks. Connecticut has an illustrious manufacturing and innovative past when it comes to transportation, from bicycles to shipbuilding, and even with the first ever manufactured electric car. Few may know that the car was the Columbia Victoria, in which President Theodore Roosevelt cruised the streets of Hartford in 1902. TCI, which is currently in front of our state legislature, is a rare opportunity to resurrect and reconnect with this prestigious history. Our history matters, it is why so many visit our beautiful state every year, and this is also why Connecticut benefits from a healthy tourism industry. Sadly, our antiquated transportation system undermines this vital sector. For example, when a family sits for three hours on I-95 while visiting Connecticut, they will not be eager to come back. We have no choice but to modernize our transportation system and to improve our infrastructure from top to bottom. Our state remains nonetheless attractive to manufacturers, thanks to a skilled workforce, strong community colleges, and creative business leaders. For instance, Connecticut hosts the only two companies that manufacture electric vehicle chargers, a $500B industry. However, 90% of these chargers are exported out-of-state. If we invest in this infrastructure, we will create local jobs for general contractors, electricians, engineers, and architects. Presently many states are fighting for these jobs as Nevada, Texas, Alabama, South Carolina, and Georgia are looking to bring the jobs to their states. Not only that, but TCI offers opportunities for business expansion. For example, gas stations can reinvent themselves. We all know that it takes a little longer to charge an electric car than to fuel a tank with gasoline. This means customers will be at the station longer, which is a dream to any business owner. Gas station convenience stores could become destinations where EV drivers enjoy cappuccinos or artisan bakery goods – which are products with much higher margins than a candy bar. As business leaders, we cannot ignore the fact that climate change is already presenting a threat to our communities and must be addressed. Our state is one of the worst states for air quality in our nation and if we don’t respond, Connecticut will become a less desirable place to live and do business. By investing in clean and sustainable transportation, by improving our transit system, we are helping Connecticut thrive while fighting climate change. The first-ever manufactured electric car, the Columbia Victoria and its inventor Albert Augustus Pope, were ahead of their time but today is certainly the moment to embrace innovations. More than a century after President Roosevelt’s electric ride in Hartford, another President, Joe Biden took a Ford electric pick-up truck for a test drive, highlighting the United States’ industrial and technological leadership.  While the world is transitioning away from fossil fuels, members of the Connecticut General Assembly are now faced with a clear choice. Stall the economy of Connecticut or be thoughtful and bold by embracing economic growth, innovation, and jobs. Michael Frisbie is owner of Noble Energy Real Estate Holdings and Noble Gas, Inc., Tony Sheridan is President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut, and Paul Vosper is President and CEO of Juice Bar.

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Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut: Offshore Wind Energy Forum Explores Clean Energy Economic Opportunities

More than one hundred business executives joined the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut for a virtual forum that examined opportunities and impacts of offshore wind for the region. Featured presenters included:

• Governor Ned Lamont who opened the forum by discussing the good paying jobs and economic benefits associated with offshore wind, while asserting his desire for Connecticut to be the center of offshore wind in the Northeast. 
• Department of Energy and Environment Protection (DEEP) Commissioner Katie Dykes repeated the administration’s desire to become a hub for offshore wind and also discussed ISO New England and the Transportation Climate Initiative. 
• New London Mayor, Michael Passero talked about the strong relationship the community has had with the sea and his excitement at New London being at the forefront of this clean energy industry. 
• Offshore wind industry experts then lead discussions on the economic development opportunities of offshore wind energy, investments in local infrastructure, and workforce expansion and planning.

Other sessions of the forum covered various Connecticut offshore wind projects overviews; engineering, environment, and economic perspectives; and pier development.

A White House announcement on the 29^th revealed a commitment to expand offshore wind power to 30 gigawatts by 2030. The administration detailed an ambitious plan to expand wind farms along the East Coast and jump-start the country’s nascent offshore wind industry. The promise to speed up permitting for offshore wind developments demonstrates the administration’s determination to create clean energy jobs. As national climate adviser Gina McCarthy said offshore wind power will generate “thousands of good-paying union jobs. This is all about creating great jobs in the ocean and in our port cities and in our heartland.” 

This announcement made it clear that Connecticut is at the forefront of this clean energy opportunity. 

“Gaining an understanding of this unique economic driver is essential for eastern Connecticut,” said Tony Sheridan, Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut president and CEO. “Our region has natural assets and a manufacturing base that position us well to benefit from this burgeoning industry. We are pleased to be able to bring together this forum and have conversations exploring this opportunity and the potential long-term impacts.”

To read more about this event check out https://patch.com/connecticut/thelymes/chamber-commerce-eastern-connecticut-offshore-wind-energy-forum-explores

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Over 100 MA/CT Chamber Executives and Member Companies Hear from Vineyard Wind and MassCEC on the Burgeoning Clean Energy Opportunity

Last month over 100 chamber and business leaders from across the East Coast participated in CICE’s offshore wind webinar hosted by the Bridgeport Regional Business Council, One SouthCoast Chamber, Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut, and the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce. The webinar featured Bruce Carlisle from MassCEC, Jen Cullen and Nate Mayo from Vineyard Wind, and Rick Kidder from One SouthCoast Chamber who all spoke about the economic and workforce development opportunities offshore wind affords to the east coast. New England truly stands at the forefront of this new American energy industry with multiple large projects in development that will deliver thousands of megawatts of clean energy to the grid. The pipeline of offshore wind projects is estimated to deliver approximately $100 billion in economic investment, more than 80,000 jobs, and provide enough electricity to power millions of homes.  Attendees also heard about the importance for regional collaboration, ways to leverage local companies for the supply chain, and the status of CT/ MA offshore wind projects.  You can view a recording of the webinar on our Youtube channel here . You can view the presentation slides on our site here . CICE drafted a joint, multi-organizational sign-on letter of support to submit for chambers of commerce and businesses throughout New England- as seen in the section below. Signing onto this letter does not preclude you from sending your own letter as well.

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Sign onto Our BOEM Letter

Public Comment Letter to Bureau of Ocean Energy Management in Support of Vineyard Wind 1 July 9, 2020 Vineyard Wind 1 COP Supplement to the Draft EIS Program Manager Office of Renewable Energy, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management 45600 Woodland Road, VAM-OREP Sterling, Virginia 20166. Dear Program Manager, On behalf of New England chambers of commerce, businesses, and ratepayers, we support the Vineyard Wind 1 offshore wind development and urge you to grant its final permits to begin construction. After the release of the Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement, more than ten years of exhaustive study and analysis, and extensive public consultation to determine where offshore wind could be built with the least possible impact on existing industries and the environment, it is our belief that the project should be approved to move forward without further delay. Offshore wind has a unique opportunity at this moment in time to benefit the US economy and environment. The pipeline of offshore wind projects is estimated to deliver approximately $100 billion in economic investment, more than 80,000 jobs, and provide enough electricity to power millions of homes.  New England stands at the forefront of this new American energy industry with multiple large projects in development that will deliver thousands of megawatts of clean energy to the grid. These projects will deliver competitively priced energy to the Massachusetts and Connecticut ratepayers and also bring thousands of high-paying jobs, considerable economic investment, and demand for a deep, regional supply chain.  It is also critical that BOEM approve the developer agreement for a 1x1 nautical mile layout throughout lease areas without the proposed Alternative F transit lanes. Developers have already conceded about 30% or 13,000 MW of clean energy capacity by accommodating fishing industry demands for a uniform layout, and further reduction through requiring transit lanes would translate to less clean energy for our region, fewer jobs created and significantly less economic benefits to our coastal communities. We encourage BOEM to move forward in accepting the compromise of the 1x1 layout without transit lanes as the best path toward encouraging coexistence of these two important industries. Vineyard Wind 1 represents the first major offshore wind development in the United States and following final permit approval will provide the needed certainty for future developments and capital investment along the East Coast. Along with the 3,600 jobs anticipated for the project, Vineyard Wind will also provide New England the opportunity to develop the deep supply chain needed to service the full offshore wind industry along the Eastern seaboard. It also likely serves as our region’s strongest opportunity for large scale new energy to meet our growing population and demand for energy. However, in order to capture the maximum benefits of the supply chain opportunity, it is imperative that BOEM send the right signals to the market that the US is serious about moving forward with offshore wind and project permitting will be conducted fairly and within a reasonable timeframe. Without this certainty and predictability, it will be difficult to encourage the business community to invest in offshore wind to its full potential. Further delay or additional restrictions will not only harm this project but also impede the forecasted growth of the other proposed project to come and increase energy costs for ratepayers.  Furthermore, at a time when our economy has felt the impact of COVID-19 and the steep job losses associated with it, Vineyard Wind will put people back to work, something that cannot be overlooked and should be embraced to ensure an even more robust economic recovery.  We ask that you approve Vineyard Wind 1 so that our region and country can realize the economic benefits of this project and to deliver clean, competitively priced energy to our ratepayers. Sincerely, Wendy Northcross Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce Ryan Evans Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy To learn more about offshore wind or be connected to Vineyard Wind please email Jessica Bergman

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70+ Chamber executives and member companies joined CT Legislative Briefing to discuss key clean energy priorities

Chamber Leaders

Briefed on Top 2020 Issues: Transportation, Offshore Wind, Resiliency, and CT Legislative Session

Recently, more than 70 chamber and business executives from across Connecticut participated in CICE’s annual policy briefing, which was hosted by the Middlesex Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Fairfield County Chamber of Commerce, and the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut. The briefing call featured Connecticut’s Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) Commissioner Katie Dykes, State Senator Norm Needleman and clean energy expert Matt Macunas of the Connecticut Green Bank, all of whom spoke with local chamber executives and businesses about the state’s clean energy priorities and their potential impacts on local economic development, job creation, transportation and resiliency.

Commissioner Katie Scharf Dykes

State Senator Norm Needleman

Matt Macunas, Green Bank

The call was sponsored by Vineyard Wind, whose team spoke about offshore wind in Connecticut (specifically workforce and supply chain development) and the Park City Wind Project. Vineyard Wind discussed the big role Connecticut can play in the burgeoning offshore wind industry due to its Bridgeport and New London ports and the opportunity for offshore wind to generate over $1 billion in economic development and 150,000 jobs on the east coast in the next few decades. Click for more information on the Park City Wind project .  Commissioner Katie Dykes relayed what the state government is doing to help Connecticut’s 160 local clean energy businesses survive and thrive during the economic downturn. The commissioner spoke about the important role energy efficiency will play in helping businesses save money and how offshore wind could provide financial stability to the state’s manufacturing industry. She also discussed the Administration’s priorities including offshore wind, incentivizing solar, and implementing the region-wide Transportation Climate Initiative (TCI) saying “Connecticut has long benefitted from regional and market-based approaches…We think TCI will be a positive way for Connecticut to support the infrastructure our businesses need.” Green Bank’s Matt Macunas announced his organization’s new EV promotion, Charge Up CT Buildings, in which building owners who use Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) financing can get up to three free EV charging stations; discussed the Green Bank’s proposed C-PACE legislation; and educated attendees about the concept of a national green bank. Finally State Senator Norm Needleman spoke to chamber executives about what to expect from this year’s legislative session, saying that the General Assembly’s Energy and Technology Committee, , which he chairs,has “aggressive clean energy goals” that include expanding battery storage and extending virtual net metering and that his team is “very committed to a greener future for Connecticut”.  In addition, chambers that co-hosted the briefing call shared their respective clean energy priorities: Tony Sheridan of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut commented on their interest in offshore wind, “As a chamber, we are very excited about offshore wind and see it as a wonderful opportunity for the whole state." “In Fairfield County we are riddled with transportation issues. We are a residential community and people commute to larger cities to work. Roads, highways and trains are overcrowded and not to mention emissions,” said Beverly Balaz of the Fairfield County Chamber. “If these could be fixed, I believe in our area that businesses would be more likely to consider moving and building here… As a chamber, we participated in an electric vehicle and readiness study to see how our businesses feel about EV deployment.”  “Our chamber was happy to participate in the very productive conference call with Commissioner Dykes, Matt Macunas, and Senator Needleman.” Said Jeff Pugliese, Vice President of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce. “We look forward to being a constructive partner as these important conversations move forward”  For more information about other ways your chamber can be involved in clean energy opportunities, please concact Jessica Bergman here .

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Fairfield Chamber of Commerce Reveals Transportation Study Results

Transportation Study Identifies Electric Vehicles As Key To Growth

Amidst Industry experts, municipal leaders, and utility executives, Fairfield Chamber of Commerce President, Beverly Balaz, shared her experience and members’ opinions on electric vehicles and clean transportation at the annual Regional Conference on Sustainable Development at Fairfield University.

Specifically, the study commissioned by the town of Fairfield captured the regional business community’s perspective on transportation issues in Connecticut and the role of electric vehicles in the future transportation system. “Transportation is continually one of the most important issues for business leaders everywhere,” said Balaz. “Participating in this study was not only important to our members, but having solid data on transportation and electric vehicle infrastructure will be invaluable as we plan for the future in Connecticut.” For Balaz, the survey results were unsurprising. The survey identified three key components: the need for fast charge charging stations, reliability of range with EV’s, and increasing the impetus to purchase EV’s.

Fairfield's Chamber of Commerce President Beverly Balaz speaks during Live Green's 2019 Regional Conference on Sustainable Development: Electric Vehicle Deployment

Among the topics discussed at this year’s conference were business’ role in workplace charging, the benefits and importance of charging stations, electric vehicle readiness planning, reliability, expected EV growth statewide, fleet deployment, infrastructure, and Connecticut’s plans for future growth in the clean transportation space.

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.

CT Chambers Host Sen. Winfield and CT Green Bank President on Briefing Call

Green Bank says “Bring your projects, we have capital!”

Senator Winfield, (D-New Haven) co-chairs the Banking Committee, and the Energy and Technology Committee.

Here are his key messages to local chambers:

Sen. Winfield

• “If Connecticut wants to stay competitive in a region that is increasingly adopting clean energy, we need better policies.”

• “There are a lot of economic opportunities out there if we open ourselves to renewables.”

• “Renewable energy sources tend to generate more jobs and that means more economic activity and more opportunities.”

• “I think it’s great that the state is looking to get renewables to 40 percent, but I do think a more ambitious goal—something along the lines of 50 percent—also makes a lot of sense.”

The Senator, who is also the Deputy Majority Leader, made his comments during a February briefing call co-hosted by the two largest Local Chambers of Commerce in the state, Middlesex and Greater New Haven, in partnership with Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy.

“These issues are really important to me and to our chamber,” said Garrett Sheehan, incoming President and CEO of the Greater New Haven Chamber. “They are going to take a collaborative approach, and a key step is education, which is something calls like this provide.”

“Bring your projects, we have capital”

There is plenty of money available to finance cost-saving clean energy upgrades, said the Connecticut Green Bank’s President Bryan Garcia.

Bryan Garcia

“We are focused on driving and attracting more investment in clean energy because those are the foundations to economic growth and job creation,” Garcia said. One important tool for doing this is through a program known as Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy or C-PACE.

“C-PACE is an innovative and affordable way for businesses, manufacturing, and nonprofits to pay for clean energy improvements. It pays for 100 percent of the project costs with no money down,” said Garcia, adding: “It immediately increases cash flow while improving the overall value of the building.”

The Middlesex Chamber of Commerce recently teamed up with the Green Bank to bring C-PACE to its members. (Stay tuned for more information.)

“Energy is a critical issue to all our members and our Chamber, and we’re seeing C-PACE get more and more traction,” said Jeff Pugliese, Vice President of the Middlesex Chamber. 

Sen. Winfield asked Local Chambers to voice their clean energy support to their legislators, saying:

 “Chambers have a lot of influence in this building and have a lot of business owners who have influence. That influence should be used to express to legislators that clean energy funds will benefit the state of Connecticut.” He added, “It is not even a bipartisan issue, it is a nonpartisan issue.”

Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE) will continue to keep you informed as these issues move forward. If your chamber is interested in learning more about how your members can benefit from C-PACE financing, contact Jessica Bergman of CICE at Jessica@ChambersforInnovation.com.

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.

26 Local Chambers in CT, and Governor, Show Strong Interest in Clean Energy

Breaking new ground, 26 local chambers of commerce—half of all chambers across Connecticut—gathered this month for a conversation about clean energy with Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, the Connecticut Green Bank, and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

“Local chambers of commerce play an important role in helping Connecticut continue to prosper from the growing economic development opportunities of cleaner, cheaper, more reliable energy,” said Gov. Malloy.

Rich Brown, Vice President of the MetroHartford Alliance chamber and event cohost said: “We see clean energy as a great economic development opportunity that helps us retrain and attract businesses.”

As a result of the event:

“We have a growing number of member companies already working in clean energy, including our utilities, and more that are diversifying to capture the market for energy efficiency retrofits and renewable energy.”

— Rich Brown, VP Investor Relations, MetroHartford Alliance

• Nearly a dozen local chambers signed up to work with the Green Bank to inform their member businesses about affordable, long-term financing options through the Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program.

• The Hartford Chamber and Connecticut Economic Development Association kicked off this educational effort within a week of the event by bringing the Green Bank to its lunch- and-learn series.

• Several chambers signed up to learn more about Connecticut’s new 2016 Comprehensive Energy Strategy (CES) to project future energy needs, ensure reliability, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels.

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) also invited chambers to comment on the draft CES, which is expected to be released this fall.

“The voice of business has significant influence on our legislative discussion about energy efficiency,” added DEEP Deputy Commissioner Katie Scharf Dykes.” Sending your input in writing is invaluable to increasing funding for these programs and ensuring availability throughout the year.”

In addition to the MetroHartford Alliance, the event was cohosted by the Greater New Haven Chamber, Connecticut Green Bank, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy.

Pictured at top: Mackey Dykes, Vice President for C&I Programs, Connecticut Green Bank; Rebecca Nolan, Vice President, Global & Domestic Business Development, MetroHartford Alliance; CT Governor Dan Malloy; Jessica Bergman, New England Programs and Engagement Director, Chambers for Innovation & Clean Energy; Katie Dykes, Deputy Commissioner for Energy, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection; Tony Rescigno, President and CEO, Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce; Rich Brown, Vice President of Investor Relations, MetroHartford Alliance.

Worcester Chamber CEO Uses TV Platform to Encourage Energy Savings

Tim Murray, the Worcester Regional Chamber CEO (and former Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts) recently shined his spotlight on how the chamber’s 2,300 member businesses can save money with energy efficiency.

Speaking on the TV program, Chamber Exchange, on Charter TV3, Murray noted that energy costs are among the top three issues that member businesses care about in New England.

While welcoming the rise in renewable energy, Murray also noted: “Often, one of the best things you can do is be more efficient with the energy you use.”

Murray interviewed Rick Galipeau, president of World Energy Efficiency Services, an energy services company with offices in Massachusetts and Connecticut, who described the business investment in efficiency as a “no brainer.”

Here’s how it works:

• World Energy provides a free energy assessment as part of the Mass Save program and identifies opportunities to cut down on energy waste.

• The utility will pay up to 70% of the cost of the project and finance the balance at 0% interest for 2 years.

• For most companies this means no out of pocket costs and positive cash flow by making a couple of minor changes.

 You can watch the video here.