Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Adds New EV Charging Station

This story was written by Jackie LiBrizzi, a multimedia journalist at News13 about the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony for their new ChargePoint station. This article was published by WBTW News13 on July, 31 2023.

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce has begun embracing the looming electric-vehicle revolution. Officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday for a new ChargePoint station. “Ninety-five percent of the people that come to visit us every year come by car,” said Karen Riordan, president and CEO of the chamber. “So as more and more people purchase electric car, we’re going to need to have these chargers. So we’re really trying to get ahead of it. Our stated goal is to become the electric vehicle charging hot spot of South Carolina.” The chamber now has two EV parking spots at its visitor’s center and office at 1200 N. Oak Street in Myrtle Beach. “We heard about a grant that Santee Cooper was offering, and we applied for the grant,” Riordan said. “We had two things that we applied for. One was to actually help us purchase this ChargePoint charger, and the second was to do the research study that will map all of the EV chargers that exist currently in the Grand Strand as of today.”  The grant covered 50% of the cost of the station and the chamber covered the other half. Riordan said there are nearly three dozen charging stations now in operation across the Grand Strand. Santee Cooper officials said the grant process is very competitive and that 15 to 20 companies or organizations have applied for the funding. “Of course, part of the program that we have at Santee Cooper will increase E-V adoption and encourage customers to hopefully travel to Myrtle Beach,” said Timothy Suggs, the EV program manager and commercial energy advisor for Santee Cooper said. To apply for one of the Santee Cooper Evolve grants, go to the utility’s website or email emobility@santeecooper.com.

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

Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy | 2804 Battleground Drive, Murfreesboro, TN 37129 Unsubscribe cicecoordinator@chambersforinnovation.com Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by mquerry@chambersforinnovation.com powered by Try email marketing for free today!

Chamber Leader, Miller Electric Company - Getting the Jump on Electrifying Transportation

Miller Electric Company, a proud member of the JAX Chamber and Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce, and ten-year sponsor of the Jacksonville Jaguar’s new solar-powered training facility, the Miller Electric Center, recently broke ground on their newest venture, the Electric Vehicle Innovation Design Center (EVIDC). This new center, a partnership with CBRE, Schneider Electric, Graybar and WB Engineers and Consultants, is being built in response to the rapid shift to an electrified transportation system and will serve as a resource for people to better understand electric vehicles (EVs) and EV charging and infrastructure, as well as microgrids.   At the groundbreaking, Henry Brown, Miller Electric’s CEO, explained, “At Miller Electric we believe that sustainability and economic progress go hand in hand. We really see this as an opportunity to grow jobs and invest in our community”. Brown also noted that in ten years, half of cars for sale will be electric. Kerri Stewart, Chief Strategy Officer at Miller Electric and JAX Chamber Board member, added, “We are proud to spearhead decarbonization efforts in Jacksonville and Florida while revolutionizing the way commercial consumers engage with the EV industry.”

Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan also spoke at the groundbreaking. “If we are the leader (in EV technology) then that creates all kinds of job opportunities, workforce opportunities - so this is exactly the type of technology I like to see us grow in Jacksonville.”  The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) participated in the event as well, bringing along electrified city buses. The Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA) also voiced their support and readiness for transportation electrification.   With ambitious growth projections, people may wonder how Miller Electric is finding trained staff to meet their goals - a challenge across the board for growing clean energy businesses. One way is through the DOD SkillBridge program - a program bridging the transition for veterans leaving the military and entering the private sector. Miller provides a three to six month internship opportunity to learn electrical skills on the job. As a member of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), Miller works with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) locals across North America to ensure skilled trade professionals are trained and certified on the latest EV charging technologies. Stay tuned for more news on Miller EV Solutions and Jacksonville’s progress in EV charging (www.millerev.com).

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

Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy | 2804 Battleground Drive, Murfreesboro, TN 37129 Unsubscribe cicecoordinator@chambersforinnovation.com Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by anne@chambersforinnovation.com powered by Try email marketing for free today!

Citrus County Chamber of Commerce Partners with Utility to Ease Range Anxiety and Increase Foot Traffic

Citrus County, Florida, home of the Crystal River where you can swim with Manatees, is also home to a chamber embracing innovation. The Citrus County Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Duke Energy, has installed four electric vehicle (EV) chargers in their parking lot for public use. Duke Energy approached the chamber with an invitation to participate in their Park and Plug Program in order to help the utility “connect the dots” between Tampa and Tallahassee to make it easier for EV owners to travel between the two cities to ease range anxiety.  Range anxiety, the fear a vehicle has insufficient range to reach its destination, is one of the top barriers when a consumer considers an EV purchase and therefore becomes a significant factor in location siting when utilities, municipalities, or private companies look to deploy more EV charging infrastructure. The chamber installed four chargers (two DC fast chargers and two Level 2 chargers) and was more than happy to help advance electrification of the transportation sector but it also saw an opportunity for their local community.  “It really was a no brainer to get involved,” said Ardath Prendergast, Vice President of Operations and Business Retention & Expansion, Citrus County Chamber of Commerce. “The process was very easy and we were excited about the potential foot traffic that the chargers would bring to local businesses.”  In addition to an expected increase in foot traffic for the chamber and community, a few chamber members are now looking into chargers for their own locations.   To learn more about getting a charger at your chamber contact Daren Cheatham at Daren@chambersforinnovation.com

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Florida News and Policy Updates: Catch CICE’s recent webinar on the multi-billion dollar electric vehicle industry and how it is benefiting Florida businesses Florida lawmakers advance bills to halt local clean energy efforts Sen. Brandes’ EV and autonomous vehicle bills move forward Florida House and Gov. DeSantis offering differing plans to address climate resiliency First Green Bank, a community bank opening June 1 in St. Petersburg to finance Florida clean energy projects

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Chambers in Action: Youngstown/Warren Chamber Leading out in Support of EV Manufacturing

Part 1: Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber Rolls Up Sleeves to Help EV Pickup Truck Company Set Up Facility and Supply Chain

A major electric vehicle manufacturer is poised to start operations in Ohio’s Mahoning Valley, and the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber (Regional Chamber) is playing a central role in it all, actively helping to line up facility and supply chain companies. After General Motors closed its longtime Lordstown assembly plant for the Chevy Cruze in March 2019, the Regional Chamber looked to help businesses and employees throughout the region replace lost business and work. When startup electric truck maker Lordstown Motors Corp. bought GM’s 6.2 million square foot shuttered plant to get it ready by the end of 2020 for production of an all-electric pickup named Endurance, in honor of the region’s grit, the Regional Chamber sprang into action. For Sarah Boyarko, Chief Operating Officer & Senior Vice President, Economic Development for the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber, supporting significant economic development projects in the community is always a priority for the Regional Chamber.

“ For Lordstown Motors, within a very brief timeframe, we were presented with the possibility of the company coming into that former GM facility,” said Boyarko. “They have been very open to using all of the local resources available to support their business. We provide that one stop shop and we are excited to engage in an effort that is a blend of both clean and advanced technology that could bring back hundreds of manufacturing jobs to the Mahoning Valley.”  “One such resource is to have the Regional Chamber host procurement events which have been a huge success in supporting companies already located in our market and those that are new, most recently Lordstown Motors,” said Boyarko. “We were able to push out this event to our region and also to national and global audiences.” The Regional Chamber partnered with the company to host two separate procurement events. The first event was for companies that had an interest in being a facility supplier (contractors, office equipment, service providers, etc.) and the second for companies interested in becoming a vehicle parts supplier for the Endurance. Combined, there were over 800 individuals in attendance from nearly 500 companies located in 20 states and 3 countries. These events helped both Lordstown Motors and suppliers throughout the region, some impacted by GM’s closure. What transportation sector opportunity is next for the Mahoning Valley and the Regional Chamber?  “We're actively working with our regional partners to create a smart logistics hub to address immediate and long-term industry needs. Such investments would include an intermodal rail connection; installation of an electric autonomous truck circulator route; the consolidation of the current split interchange configuration along the Ohio Turnpike at Lordstown; a transfer yard for trailers; and the installation of ‘Smart Logistics’ along State Route 45 to enable wireless communication with on-board units, charging of electric trucks and collecting and disseminating freight performance to logistic providers,” said Boyarko.

Photo Above: Sarah Boyarko, Chief Operating Officer & Senior Vice President, Economic Development for the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber.

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Part 2: Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber Supports Ultium as they Move Forward with $2.3 Billion Electric Battery Plant

Both the region’s skilled workforce and an industrial site with rail and highway access played into a recent decision by GM and LG Chem to form a joint venture, Ultium Cells LLC, to build an electric vehicle battery cell manufacturing plant in Lordstown, Ohio, according to Sarah Boyarko, Chief Operating Officer at the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber. GM has said its joint venture will create more than 1,100 jobs at a state-of-the-art plant intended to reduce battery costs to industry-leading levels and “positions Northeast Ohio and the Mahoning Valley as a major hub for technology and electric vehicle manufacturing.” “With General Motors calling Lordstown home for more than 50 years, there are a significant number of service providers and suppliers located in the region that supported their former assembly plant. Those companies are now looking at how they can become part of the electric vehicle supply chain to work with Lordstown Motors, Ultium, and any other related companies that may locate in our market,” said Boyarko.  The plant is expected to break ground in 2020.

The Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber is a private, nonprofit economic development organization serving Mahoning and Trumbull counties in northeast Ohio. In this role, the Regional Chamber supports local expansion, attraction of new investment and job creation in the two-county area by providing services such as site selection, customized research and program coordination. The Regional Chamber is currently managing nearly $4.2 billion of pending investment that is expected to be announced over the next 12 to 24 months. For more information, visit regionalchamber.com

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Supportive Op-Ed by Senator Michael Rulli (R): Development of Electric Vehicles in Ohio Needs Jolt

Senator Michael Rulli, a first term Republican senator from the Mahoning Valley area, published an op-ed in the Vindicator this past Sunday supporting the EV potential of the Mahoning Valley and Ohio in general. Read the full article here. Note: Neither Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy nor the Regional Chamber have taken a position on the legislation proposed by Sen. Rulli, but both organizations will monitor it and evaluate as the bill progresses.

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More EV Charging Stations Appear in Communities Across Ohio

Main street business are bread-and-butter members for Ohio chambers of commerce, and more of them across the Buckeye State are gaining access to electric vehicle (EV) charging stations that can serve customers, attract visitors, and prepare business districts for an increasing number of EV-motorists expected in coming years. A sampling of main street EV charging station announcement include: The City of Canton (Stark County) approved plans to install four Level 3 (480 volt) fast-charging stations;  The City of Delaware (Delaware County), installed two Level 2 (220 volt) charging stations;  The Village of Sunbury (Delaware County) likewise approved plans to install an EV charging station, intended to attract visitors to its downtown; and The City of Lakewood, announced plans to pay for installation of its third EV charger in partnership with a business who paid for the equipment. Many of these charging stations were funded by grants from Ohio-based American Electric Power .  Major manufacturers operating in Ohio have invested heavily in EV technology, including General Motors, which says it “is laying the foundation for an all-electric future with its new electric vehicle architecture and the largest collective EV charging network in the U.S. ”

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Want to Learn More and Be Engaged in the Ohio EV Industry?

Several recent and upcoming free webinars may be joined (or reviewed) by chamber leaders to learn more about EVs and EV infrastructure. These are hosted by Clean Fuels Ohio, an organization that helps companies and cities implement advanced fuel solutions and vehicle technologies: Charging in the Workplace with Blink Charging (Recording): Clean Fuels Ohio presented on future projections for the charging market and why investing in workplace charging is good for businesses. (Presented on May 7, 2020; video recording available soon.) Why Electrify Your Fleet with EVunited and Chargepoint (Recording): Clean Fuels Ohio presented factors for fleets to analyze when considering adoption of EVs. (Presented on May 12, 2020; video recording available soon.) Upcoming Webinar- Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Best Practices and Infrastructure Funding (Upcoming Webinar): This webinar will be held on May 28 at 11 a.m. and is specifically designed for potential site-hosts. Topics covered will include charging best practices for existing and prospective site-hosts and how to take advantage of funding sources for EVSE infrastructure. Register Here To sign up or learn more about these webinars, contact Rachel Ellenberger, Business Development & Communications Manager at Clean Fuels Ohio, rachel@cleanfuelsohio.org or at 614.884.7336 ext. 310. To learn more about how EVs are creating jobs in Ohio, saving corporations on fleet expenses, or how your chamber can be more engaged in EV advocacy, please contact Tom Bullock at tom@chambersforinnovation.com or 440.554.7203 .

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Top Ten Stories of 2019

Ohio Chambers Look to Electric & Smart Vehicles for Growth

Chambers across Ohio are pursuing economic opportunities in producing or becoming early adopters of EVs, as well as exploring the roles that EVs are expected to play in autonomous and connected transportation.

Read the story here.

North East Chambers Show Strong Support for Offshore Wind

MA Chambers Urge Federal Action

Sixteen chamber CEOs and executive directors in Massachusetts recently sent a letter to Secretary Bernhardt at the U.S. Department of the Interior in support for Vineyard Wind, a development set to be America’s first major offshore wind project. The chambers acted after an unexpected, last minute delay threatened the certainty of this development being built.

Read the story here.

CT Legislator Makes Major Offshore Wind Announcement at Chamber Meeting

More than 130 joined the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut for a bi-partisan panel on the economic opportunities of offshore wind. Business, industry, political and environmental leaders heard from a high-powered panel of experts.

Read the story here.

Reno + Sparks Chamber Goes All-in on Positive Clean Energy

In 2019, the Reno + Sparks Chamber, showed exemplary clean energy and climate action leadership. Two of their efforts rise to the top for recognition.

First, the Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce was a key supporter of SB 358 which doubled the state’s renewable portfolio standard (RPS) to 50% by 2030 and requires 100% carbon-free emissions by 2050.

Read the story here.

Second, as a member of the City of Reno's Climate and Sustainability Committee, the Reno + Sparks Chamber worked with other committee members for more than a year to produce a 52 page Climate Action Plan.

Read the story here.

Two NC Chambers Honored as Clean Energy Champions

Having designated clean energy as a top priority goal and clearly valuing the economic development opportunities clean energy brings to eastern North Carolina, the Outer Banks and Edenton-Chowan Chambers of Commerce were honored for their active support of clean energy in the communities they serve and at the North Carolina General Assembly this session.

Read the story here.

New Mexico Becomes the Third State to Require 100% Renewable Sourced Electricity

"The business community worked closely on the bill with legislators, utilities, labor, and local communities to balance the challenges and opportunities for our energy producing state to catalyze economic growth so that New Mexico leads the country in the 21st Century,” said Rob Black, President and CEO of the New Mexico State Association of Commerce and Industry. “It is a strategic balancing act for our state and we are heading in the right direction.”

Read the story here.

Chattanooga Area Chamber "raises the bar" with Business Sustainability Partnership

The Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce was pleased to join its member, EPB, to announce that it has become the first local company to earn the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification at the gold level for an existing building.

Read the story here.

Greater KC Metro Chamber Partners with Local Officials to Form Metro KC Climate Action Coalition

The Metro KC Climate Action Coalition, formed in January, 2019, is a broad stakeholder coalition of elected officials, the Greater Kansas City Metro Chamber, and other local partners that came together to begin working on a comprehensive, local effort to address climate change in the surrounding Kansas City area. In December of 2019, the coalition released a Climate Action KC Playbook. This detailed policy and best practices manual highlights a broad scope of solutions for municipal governments to reduce greenhouse gasses.

Read the story here.

Fayetteville, AR Praised for Leadership in Sustainability

“The Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce congratulates the City of Fayetteville for being recognized by the US Conference of Mayors for its sustainability efforts," said Steve Clark, President and CEO of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce. “More importantly, the business community thanks the city for its strong economic and sustainability leadership.”

Read the story here.

Traverse City Area Chamber Issues Statement on Climate Change Policy

In a detailed public statement, the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce demonstrated strong leadership for regional climate policy in Michigan. "We call on policymakers to seize on an approach that rises to the challenge of climate change, leveraging business leadership and expertise, America’s energy edge, and our ability to innovate.”

Read the story here.

Massachusetts Chambers Driving Clean Transportation Efforts

Local chambers of commerce in Massachusetts were very engaged in clean transportation efforts this year. There were too many important efforts and events to choose just one.

First-Ever Cape Cod EV Car Show Draws Crowds, Spotlights Innovation

Local Chambers join The Massachusetts Business Coalition on Transportation

Metro South Chamber Was An Early Leader In The Electric Vehicle Revolution

TCI, Secretary Theoharides, MA Chambers

First-ever Cape Cod EV Car Show Draws Crowds, Spotlights Innovation

Massachusetts Chamber Leaders Showcase

Clean Transportation

The Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce recently c-sponsored the first-ever electric vehicle (EV) car show on Cape Cod. It was part of a larger effort to educate business leaders and consumers on emerging clean transportation technologies and the opportunities that they provide to businesses, employees, and customers.

“The Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce co-hosted the clean car show to help businesses better understand what the EV-driving community wants and needs," said Chris Adams, Chief of Staff at the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce. "We know that clean transportation is evolving rapidly and more businesses are investing in electric vehicles for the fuel cost savings, decreased maintenance needs, increased range of travel, talent recruitment, and environmental benefits, making this a great event to host for our region."

At the event, Cape Cod auto dealers showcased their electric and plug-in hybrid models and offered test drives of nine different EVs to the several hundred attendees. Private owners also brought an additional 22 EVs in 13 different makes and models.

The EV Car Show was hosted at the Hyannis Barnstable Municipal Airport and was organized as the premier regional event for National Drive Electric Week, an annual nationwide celebration highlighting availability of electric vehicles the benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid-electric cars, trucks, and motorcycles.

Learn more about the day by clicking here.

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Click on the image below to view a video of the day

Ohio Chambers Look to Electric & Smart Vehicles for Growth

Chambers across Ohio are pursuing economic opportunities in producing or becoming early adopters of EVs, which are expected to play central roles in autonomous and connected transportation.

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Honda is retooling part of Ohio plant to prepare for electric vehicle manufacturing

Automotive manufacturing has been a major part of Ohio business and economic leaders are preparing to continue that strength in the rapidly- approaching EV era.

That’s what’s happening in Marysville, Ohio where longtime car manufacturer Honda North America has been assembling sedans for a generation. A Honda executive recently told the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce that their Central Ohio manufacturing complex would soon retool a portion of the plant to make EVs.

Chamber of commerce leaders in the region understand the value of Honda's investment in clean vehicle technology that will play a growing role in the automotive industry.

Christopher Kershner, EVP

Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce

“Honda is a great example of innovation, workforce talent and community engagement working together to create success. As we partner with Honda to celebrate their 40 years of manufacturing in Ohio, we are excited to see how Honda’s technology continues to evolve,” said Christopher Kershner, Executive Vice President of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce.

“Our community is proud to have an innovative, high tech company that is committed to clean energy technology as part of the Dayton region’s business community,” added Kershner.

Honda operations are centered in Marysville, Ohio, and the Union County Chamber of Commerce said that the company’s announcement is significant not only to local manufacturing jobs but also to Central Ohio testing and development of smart transportation systems.

Eric Phillips, ED

Economic Development City of Marysville

CEO, Union County Chamber of Commerce

“We welcome Honda's plans to build a line of electric vehicles right here in Marysville. That's cutting edge technology to lead the way to a new generation of automobiles that are smart, efficient, and clean," said Eric Phillips, CEO of the Union County Chamber of Commerce.

"EV manufacturing is an important part of the 66 companies in our Smart Mobility Corridor developing disruptive automobile technology and building the Midwest's primary test-bed for autonomous and connected vehicles. All of this is a driver for jobs and long-term growth in our region."

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Columbus Chamber Leads Forum on Last-Mile Delivery at Clean Transportation Conference

At a recent conference on clean and advanced transportation, the Columbus Chamber of Commerce played a leading role in forecasting trends in the freight and last-mile delivery business as it undergoes rapid change due to fast-developing clean and smart transportation technologies.

The conference, known as the Midwest Green Transportation Forum & Expo, informs fleet owners, commercial developers, employers, manufacturers, utilities, planners, and policy makers about the latest developments in advanced fuels and clean vehicle technologies, a rapidly evolving industry sector.

Adrian Burns spoke for the Columbus Chamber of Commerce alongside representative of UPS.

Adrian Burns, the Columbus Chamber of Commerce Director of the Columbus Region Logistics Council, moderated a forum at the conference on the commercial fleet practices for regional freight and last-mile delivery. The panel included shipping industry experts from UPS, Firefly Transportation Services, and EVO Transportation.

The panelists spoke about how innovative carriers, yard handlers and last mile delivery providers are leveraging new technologies to gain market advantage and drive sustainability benefits. For example, companies that can use data analytics and new technology to do so efficiently, produces savings in cost and emissions. UPS reported on clean vehicles in its fleet, and others predicted how data and connectivity leads to efficiencies today and could lead to autonomous operation in the future

Metro South Chamber Was an Early Leader in the Electric Vehicle Revolution

Now the City of Brockton is:

• Recognized by MA Department of Environmental Protection

• Adding its 14th EV to the municipal fleet

We wanted to make sure our community is always part of the innovative wave of the future,. We organized a ride and drive event with our partner to share the excitement of this new technology. Our city council member participated in the ride and drive event,embraced electric vehicles, and the rest is history. The city of Brockton is now adding its 14th electric car to its municipal fleet.

- Chris Cooney, President and CEO of the Metro South Chamber of Commerce

Chris Cooney, President and CEO of the Metro South Chamber of Commerce, embraced Electric Vehicles (EVs) early. He partnered with Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy to introduce EVs to his community and businesses through a ride-and-drive event back in 2015.

Massachusetts DEP Commissioner Martin Suuberg joined Mayor Bill Carpenter at Brockton City Hall last week to celebrate Brockton's leadership. See the Video and News Article

DEP's statewide program provides up to $7,500 per vehicle to purchase or lease plug-in electric vehicles, and up to $7,500 for charging stations. Suuberg said Brockton has received $120,000 in total under the EV Incentive Program (for municipalities).

If you would like to learn more about MA's incentives for EVs and charging stations please contact us at info@chambersforinnovation.com.

See other stories about Local Chambers and Electric Vehicles:

Chamber Executives Line Up to Drive New EVs

Chambers Learn About Rebates for EVs

Local NC Chamber Innovates w EV Charging Stations

Orlando Chamber Drives Toward the Future

Dearborn Chamber Makes Energy Connection Henry Ford Would Appreciate

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.

Local NC Chamber Innovates With EV Charging Stations

Local chambers of commerce are natural partners for innovative demonstration projects. In North Carolina, for example, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce is encouraging early adoption of electric vehicles by maintaining two plug-in electric vehicle charging stations at the chamber’s headquarters.

The chamber sees its headquarters as a natural location for the charging stations since the building serves as a visitor’s center as well as gathering spot for regional businesses. The demonstration project helps position the chamber as a leader in cutting edge technologies while also preparing the community for a modern electric vehicle infrastructure.

A news release from the Asheville Chamber announcing the plug-in program can be found here.