CHAMBERS IN ACTION

Local chambers across the country are taking the lead in creating and convening clean energy conversations, best practices, events and advocating on local policy.

Chambers for Innovation 9/12/23 Chambers for Innovation 9/12/23

Currituck Chamber Celebrates New Oak Trail Solar Project

Oak Trail Solar, a 100-megawatt (MW), Leeward Renewables Energy (LRE) project was recently completed near Moyock, North Carolina; with Verizon Communications committing to a long-term virtual purchase agreement.

A celebratory ribbon cutting, hosted by LRE and the American Clean Power Association (ACP) featured comments from Chief Executive Officer of LRE, Jason Allen; LRE Board Member, Mary Doswell; ACP CEO, Jason Grumet; Nextracker President, Strategy, Software & Administration, Bruce Ledesma; Verizon SVP, Global Supply Chain & Sourcing, and Chief Sustainability Officer, Jim Gowen; and Currituck County Commissioner, Owen Etheridge.

“Currituck County is excited to have a renewable energy project like Oak Trail Solar in our community,” said Josh Bass, President of the Currituck Chamber of Commerce. “The project helps us on a number of fronts and supports funding for essential services that keep our community strong. LRE’s collaboration and values have built good relationships in Currituck County, and we’re looking forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with Oak Trail Solar.”

Companies large and small are setting sustainability goals, encouraging new clean energy projects across the nation. Solar projects are known to deliver significant economic benefits to the local community for years and years to come. Oak Solar is no exception as the project created 300 jobs during peak construction and will continue to provide long-term clean energy jobs and property tax contributions to Currituck County.

“Oak Trail Solar is another example of how LRE seeks to meaningfully contribute to the communities where we live and operate. Our engagement goes well beyond job creation, economic investment, and the generation of clean, renewable energy. We strive to build lasting partnerships with civic leaders, property owners, and community members. At Oak Trail Solar, we are committed to doing just that while preserving and protecting the environment,” says Jason Allen, LRE’s Chief Executive Officer

Clean energy projects have a great impact on the communities in which they reside. Not only do they offer good-paying careers, but they also contribute to the business community and provide excellent economic development opportunities, making them a perfect ally for a chamber of commerce to have.

If you would like to learn more about clean energy opportunities in your community, please contact Michele Querry.

Chambers for Innovation 11/20/18 Chambers for Innovation 11/20/18

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)

Chambers for Innovation 11/8/18 Chambers for Innovation 11/8/18

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

Chambers for Innovation 3/21/18 Chambers for Innovation 3/21/18

Popular Chamber Event Focuses on Economics of Wind, Solar Energy

“As a chamber, we are committed to fostering a thriving and sustainable local economy—and the economic development boost from clean energy development creates revenue and jobs that help us do that in ways that enhance our community’s quality of life,” said Bass.

Clean energy projects—including wind and solar—have brought some of the best economic news to the rural northeastern region of North Carolina in many years.

But local chamber leaders know that not everyone understands what a great economic story clean energy is.

That’s why Josh Bass, President of the Currituck Chamber of Commerce, decided to host an event to educate county commissioners, business leaders, landowners and others about it.

The event, which attracted more than 60 attendees, was organized by the Currituck Chamber, Currituck Cooperative Extension, the Currituck Republican and Democratic Parties, and Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy.

“There has been a nearly $20 billion economic impact from clean energy projects in North Carolina since 2007,” said Jennifer Behr from Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy. And many of these benefits are going to economically challenged rural communities.

Currituck County will receive $500,000 in annual tax revenue alone from the local SunEnergy1 Solar Farm project. The state’s first utility-scale wind farm, the $400 million Amazon Wind Farm US East, is already the largest taxpayer in Perquimans and Pasquotank Counties.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read the letter from four chambers here.

Save the Date: February 8, 2018

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

When: Thursday, Feb. 8, 2018

Where: The Currituck Chamber of Commerce

More information to come.