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).

PA Senator, Geisinger Brief Local Chambers on Three New Bills

Pennsylvania’s Innovative Culture Continues

To some, Pennsylvania may be best known for its great historical significance—as home of the Liberty Bell and the place where the Declaration of Independence was signed and the U.S. Constitution drawn up.

But Pennsylvania has an equally strong history of innovation: being home to the nation’s first baseball stadium, first commercial broadcast station, and the world’s first high-speed, multi-lane highway to name just a few examples.

So perhaps not surprisingly a growing number of Pennsylvania leaders are now taking steps to seize the growing economic opportunities in energy innovation.

“This is a win-win for everyone,” PA Sen. Guy Reschenthaler (R-Allegheny/Washington) said in a recent briefing call with Local Chamber of Commerce Leaders from across the Keystone State.

Sen. Reschenthaler is a co-sponsor Senate Bill 234, which would allow municipalities to establish voluntary programs to provide financing for energy upgrades without any upfront costs.  Known as Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE), property owners re-pay the financing through a property assessment. C-PACE is offered in enabling legislation is active in 33 states plus Washington, D.C.  

SB 234 was overwhelmingly passed on the Senate floor 42-8 and is now being considered by the House Commerce Committee. Sen. Reschenthaler asked that Chamber leaders contact their legislators to voice their support. Read more about C-PACE.

“It’s about job creation in high paying fields such as electrical contractors, excavating, general construction, engineering, and so on,” Sen. Reschenthaler said. “It will lower energy costs for local businesses, increasing competitiveness.” Importantly, he added, the program uses funds from private institutions, not taxpayer dollars.

Asked why he became interested in CPACE, Reschenthaler said because he believes in energy independence and knows that renewables help contribute to that.

Geisinger Savings Through Efficiency

Co-hosted by the Columbia Montour Chamber, the briefing call was also an opportunity for Local Chamber leaders to hear from Geisinger Health, the largest health system in Pennsylvania, about how they are saving with energy efficiency.

“Energy is one of these topics that can benefit everyone,” said Al Neuner, VP of Facility Operations at Geisinger Health System. As a result of its investments in energy efficiency, Geisinger Hospital has saved $15 million in energy costs, Neuner said.

“And businesses do not have to be as large as Geisinger to benefit from energy efficiency—he noted, adding that it is very scalable and no-risk. Watch a video about Geisinger’s energy efficiency program.

“One of the things we can do as chambers is to play the role of conveyor and bring our business members, the community, the utility, and workforce development organizations together to exchange information so that clean energy, and clean energy workforce training is more relatable to all of our businesses and community members,” said Fred Gaffney, President of the Columbia Montour Chamber.

“There are people and resources there to help you pay for this,” he said, referring to Act 129, a law passed in 2008 to encourage energy efficiency and provides rebates for new appliances, lighting and windows and energy audits. Read more about Act 129.

A 2017 Public Utility Commission study found that Act 129 has delivered $6.4 billion in benefits for all electric consumers to date.

Growing Solar Jobs in PA

The speakers also briefed Local Chamber leaders on the recently passed Act 40, the Solar Jobs bill, aiming to limit state payments to out of state projects and grow jobs here in PA.

Ron Celentano, President of Pennsylvania’s Solar Energy Industry Association told the audience that up to 70 percent of the solar energy purchased in the state was coming from outside the state, said.

The new Solar Jobs bill corrected this by requiring that the solar come from within Pennsylvania.

“We see this as a great opportunity to have more solar jobs created within the state,” Celentano said. “And we’ve been seeing growth of solar jobs already since the passage.”

The call was co-hosted by the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce and Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy. Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy will continue to keep you informed as these issues move forward.  

Learn more: Post-Gazette

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.

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.

Thanks to Local Chamber, More than 140 New Businesses Join Mass Save Program

The Newton-Needham Regional Chamber joined the Worcester Regional Chamber in the media spotlight last month when they filmed a local TV segment about their Newton Needham Business Energy $avers (NNBE$) program.

The segment, which featured Peter Smith, the Chamber’s Environment Committee Co-chair and a local business leader, focused on the significant savings local businesses are seeing from the chamber’s energy efficiency initiative, which helps member businesses take advantage of utility efficiency programs. The NNBE$ team is comprised of chamber volunteers, city representatives, the energy vendor, and Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy.

“Reducing our carbon footprint is not just good for our planet, it can be good for the bottom line,” said Chamber President Greg Reibman. “I’m proud of our businesses here for the way they’ve embraced this initiative.”

Here were some highlights:

• The NNBE$ program works through Mass Save to provide free energy assessments to local businesses.

• The utility will pay up to 70 percent of the cost of the energy upgrade and offers zero percent financing for two years.

• More than 140 local businesses have participated, with 40 already having taken advantage advantage of the financing options with no out-of-pocket costs.

In June, Tim Murray, the Worcester Regional Chamber CEO (and former Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts) shined his spotlight on how the chamber’s 2,300 member businesses can save money with energy efficiency. Speaking on Charter TV3, Murray noted that energy costs are among the top three issues that member businesses care about in New England and encouraged them to invest in energy efficiency.

Watch the Newton-Needham Chamber spot here.

Watch the Worcester Chamber spot here.

Central PA Chamber Grows Popular Energy Savings Program

In the rural heart of Pennsylvania is an 111-year-old chamber of commerce that is enthusiastically helping its member businesses benefit from energy savings and celebrating those members that are leading the charge.

With coal country on one side and a university town on the other, the Central Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce hosts an increasingly popular annual competition that rewards businesses that are taking advantage of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and related practices.

President and CEO Bruce Smith Jr. sees the awards program as an opportunity to do what chambers of commerce do best: educate members about valuable new business practices, help make connections that save members money, and bring community and business members together.

“The program is growing and I want all our members to be a part,” said Smith. “It offers free PR and everyone wants that.”

The awards program began four years ago when Tea Jay Aikey, the Chamber’s Executive and Finance Assistant, encouraged businesses on Lawton Lane, where the Chamber is housed, to simply recycle. Many said they lacked the time or thought it would take too much effort.

That’s when Smith and Aikey realized their members would benefit from learning about energy savings and waste reduction practices. They began bringing in member businesses to demonstrate how these practices worked—and how much money members could save.

The chamber now asks members who wish to participate in the awards program nearly 30 questions about their efficiency, renewable energy, and transportation practices: something that, in itself, encourages members to think about how to save on energy.

“I was just checking our email this morning,” said Aikey, “and one of our local dentists told me he was considering installing solar. Our reminder to apply for an award got him thinking about it.”

More Chamber Leaders Support Wind Energy

Citing what some have called the “staggering” economic benefits of wind energy, a growing number of local chamber of commerce leaders across the nation have publicly support wind projects in their communities over the past year.

For example:
In South Carolina: Marc Jordan president and CEO of the North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau last week reported that an offshore wind development project in his community could result in $17 million in annual economic development and hundreds of new jobs.

“We can also begin to factor in utility costs that are projected to continue to rise over the next few years and into the future,” he wrote. “And as these monthly power bills increase and technology closes the gap on wind as a lower cost option, this form of renewable energy just makes sense.” (More.)

In Ohio: More than a dozen chamber presidents, economic development officials, and others signed a public statement in November supporting wind energy. They cited Iberdrola’s $600 million Blue Creek Wind Farm project that pays $2 million annually in local taxes and nearly as much in landowner lease payments. (Later this month, Apex Clean Energy is also expected to celebrate the ribbon-cutting on their development office for a $800-900 million Long Prairie Wind farm project in Van Wert.)

“We have seen wind energy deliver extraordinary economic benefits to several Ohio communities. We know more communities could benefit from wind energy,” they wrote. (More.)

And in Michigan, local chamber VP Chad Gainor from the windy “Thumb” region of the state urged policymakers to increase support of renewable energy business—and encouraged more chamber leaders to speak up for clean energy. In a letter to the editor published by The Huron Daily Tribuneand testimony to the state legislature, he wrote:

“Investing in efficient, renewable energy,” he wrote, “will build upon our manufacturing strength and skill, allow us to retool our factories, attract growing companies and jobs to Michigan, encourage innovation, and put Michigan workers back on the job.” (More.)

With the U.S. Department of Labor having recently forecast wind turbine technicians to be the fastest growing occupation in the country—and growing demand for renewables from major corporations—look for support from local chamber leaders to continue in the year ahead.

Denver Chamber Saves Money, Praised for Energy Efficient Leadership

In Denver, the most livable city in America, according to a Pew Research Center study, one organization now stands out as a leader on energy efficiency (and cost savings): the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.

In 2014, the city announced a plan to unlock $1.3 billion in savings from energy efficiency. The goal: boost the economy and maintain the city’s positive reputation.

109 building owners signed onto a challenge to reduce energy usage and cost savings—representing universities, courthouses, supermarkets, hotels, and offices.

And when city and county officials, including Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, came together to celebrate progress this October, the Denver Metro Chamber was identified and celebrated for its “showcase” leadership.

“From the solar and wind power on our roof to upgrading our HVAC and office electronics, we’ve cut our energy consumption by 30 percent,” said Chamber President and CEO Kelly Brough.

“Taking on these kinds of upgrades to save energy makes good sense as a steward of the environment and pays off in the long run when it comes to the dollars and cents of running an organization.”

In fact, the chamber projects energy savings of $40,000 a year as a result of their energy upgrades. And within seven years, they expect to have 100 percent payback on their investment. Learn more about what the Chamber did here.

Chamber Leads Program to Deliver Solar Energy Savings to Members

The Metro South Chamber of Commerce in Brockton, Massachusetts, is housed in the building where Thomas Edison first perfected one of his greatest lighting innovations. Today, the Metro South Chamber is extending that history of energy innovation by pioneering a new national program designed to help local chambers of commerce and their member businesses take advantage of cost savings from installing solar energy.

The Metro South Chamber is the first local chamber to agree to participate in a new partnership between Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy and EnergySage Inc. to help businesses use an innovative and user-friendly online solar marketplace to shop for solar. In addition to making the EnergySage program available for its member businesses, Chris Cooney, President and CEO of the Metro South Chamber, plans on installing solar panels on the historic Edison building.

“Lowering costs, saving time, and creating local jobs is a winning combination that strengthens business and increases profits,” Cooney said. “The EnergySage process makes it easy for our chamber members to receive multiple quotes, learn about tax credits, and gauge potential long-term gains.”

Under the new partnership, EnergySage has agreed to make a donation – ranging from $250 for residential systems to up to $5,000 for large commercial systems – to the local chamber whose members install solar systems through the EnergySage Marketplace.

Through the partnership with CICE and EnergySage, chamber members will have access to the EnergySage Marketplace, a robust system that provides instant estimate of the costs and savings of solar with various financing options and the ability to include local companies in the price comparisons. Chamber businesses that create a free account on the EnergySage Solar Marketplace will receive quotes from multiple pre-screened and high quality solar installers, easing the process of shopping for the right solar system.

In a news release, EnergySage welcomed the partnership with CICE. “We understand that solar can be complex for building owners and this partnership offers a great opportunity to help these decision-makers choose solar with ease,” said John Gingrich, Head of Corporate Development at EnergySage.

Diane Doucette, Executive Director of CICE, called the partnership a “win-win” for local chambers and their member companies. “Chambers are always on the lookout for valuable no-cost services for member companies,” Doucette said. “Our EnergySage partnership offers the added benefit of providing chambers with commissions for helping their member companies.”

The portal for the CICE partnership with EnergySage can be found here. A news release about the program can be found here. The Metro South Chamber of Commerce can be found here.

Local TN Chamber Guides Members Toward Efficiency Incentives

In 2010, the Bartlett Area Chamber launched an innovative new energy efficiency service for its member companies that helps assess energy use, plan upgrades and implement action plans. In a two-year period, the chamber helped 43 companies implement efficiency projects valued at $5.5 million.

“Over and over again, we realized that most commercial buildings are wasting anywhere from 20 percent to 30 percent of their energy,” said Chamber CEO John Threadgill. “In this economy, our members can’t afford to throw their money away. Energy efficiency is the solution.”

More recently, the Bartlett chamber began working with the county’s Economic Development team to educate companies about the available tax benefits for energy efficiency and similar resource saving programs.

Click here to read our profile of the Bartlett Area Chamber and how it created a staff position to help its member companies with energy efficiency.