Chambers for Innovation 4/1/21 Chambers for Innovation 4/1/21

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.”

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Chambers for Innovation 9/10/20 Chambers for Innovation 9/10/20

100 NC Business and Chamber Leaders Discuss Economic Opportunities of Offshore Wind

Last week over 100 chambers of commerce and business leaders from North Carolina participated in CICE’s offshore wind webinar co-hosted with the Southeastern Wind Coalition. The webinar featured Chris Chung from Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, Chad Beard from Nucor Steel Corporation,

Amy Braswell from the Ahoskie Chamber of Commerce, and Andy Geissbuehler of BVG Associates.

With $100 Billion in investment and 80,000 jobs in play with the US offshore wind industry, the economic benefits were highlighted in the webinar for North Carolina’s Kitty Hawk Offshore Wind, located 27 miles off the coast of the Outer Banks and developed by Avangrid Renewables as well as the potential development off the coast of Wilmington.

Attendees heard from industry experts including BVG Associates, who will join North Carolina State University and other partners to conduct an offshore wind supply chain and infrastructure study. Other speakers discussed the economic development opportunity ahead for North Carolina with offshore wind including job creation and the vast supply chain needed to support it.

Amy Braswell, Director of the Ahoskie Chamber of Commerce shared, “We are eagerly anticipating the development and operation of (both the offshore wind fields in our region). Hertford County is very well situated to participate in supply chain and workforce development for both the VA and the NC offshore projects.” She continued “I am a sailor and know firsthand that it takes a blend of energy sources to meet all needs and occasions on our boat. Why would we as a community or State not want the same?”

When speaking about attracting offshore wind companies and supply chain firms, including manufacturing and service activity, Chris Chung, CEO of Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina said “we want an unfair share to be here in North Carolina.”

You can watch the recording of the webinar here

For more information about the economic benefits of all clean energy development in North Carolina, contact Susan Munroe at susan@chambersforinnovation.com.

Co-hosted by

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Chambers for Innovation 6/4/20 Chambers for Innovation 6/4/20

Chambers in Action: NC chamber and economic development leaders look to clean energy to help rebuild economy

                                    Outer Banks Chamber Ready to Welcome the $70 Billion Offshore Wind Industry to the Region

Just prior to the state shutdown due to COVID-19, close to 100 gathered from the Outer Banks region including N.C. Sen. Bob Steinburg, N.C Rep. Bobby Hanig, other elected officials of Dare and Currituck counties, as well as the Currituck Chamber of Commerce and Currituck County Economic Development at the Outer Banks Chamber “Keep It Clean” Economic Summit held prior to COVID-19 gathering restrictions.

Guests were presented with a clear message that the Outer Banks Chamber supports clean energy development, including offshore wind as they work to create a stronger, more diversified and more sustainable economy.

“The Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce has been a proponent of clean energy since 2013,” shared Karen Brown, Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce President and CEO. “Our community understands the importance of our environment and the role it plays in our economic success. Off-shore and on-shore wind projects as well as solar projects are important to our region and the health of our economy.”

Chamber members and community leaders at the Economic Summit listened intently to speakers discuss the economic opportunities that will come with Avangrid Renewable’s 2000+ MW Kitty Hawk Offshore Wind project, slated for development more than 27 miles off the coast of Corolla. Opportunities previewed include up to 500 new jobs, millions in local investment including increased ecological and fishing tourism based on offshore wind development off of Rhode Island. See “Why North Carolina” box for the advantages that the state delivers for the offshore wind industry.

“Each day, we move closer to welcoming this billion dollar industry to our area and those companies who will support the offshore wind industry,” stated Tim Beacham, Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce Divisional Vice Chair - Economic Sustainability. “As the chamber strives to encourage economic resiliency, offshore wind is perhaps is one of the greatest opportunities that our community will have while protecting our beautiful environment at the same time.”

The industry also includes the opportunity for more than $70 billion in supply chain manufacturing across the east coast. North Carolina is now working with existing manufacturers in the state to expand their product lines and is also recruiting international offshore wind companies to move their operations to the northeastern area of the state, close to project development areas.

See these links for more about the impressive economic potential for offshore wind in North Carolina:

If you would like to learn more about the economic benefits of clean energy and/or offshore wind, please contact:

Susan Munroe

Director of Economic Development

419.203.1566

susan@chambersforinnovation.com

Photo Above: Elected officials, state and regional chamber and economic development leaders at the economic summit (from left): Josh Bass, Currituck Chamber of Commerce President; NC Sen. Bob Steinburg; Tim Beacham, Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce Divisional Vice Chair - Economic Sustainability; Larry Lombardi, Currituck County Economic Development Director; NC Rep. Bobby Hanig; Susan Munroe, CICE Director of Economic Development; Chris Chung, Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina Executive Director; Karen Brown, Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce President and CEO.

Infographic above courtesy of the Currituck Chamber of Commerce.

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Chambers for Innovation 2/21/19 Chambers for Innovation 2/21/19

Leading legislator makes major offshore wind announcement to packed house at Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut offshore wind breakfast

Senator Paul Formica (R-20) chose a packed-house business leader breakfast hosted recently by the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut to make a major announcement on offshore wind development: the Energy and Technology Committee recently agreed to work on legislation to add 2,000 megawatts of offshore wind capacity.

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, including:

New London Mayor Michael Passero;
Acting Commissioner of the CT Department of Economic and Community Development David Kooris;
Deputy Secretary of State and Chairman of the CT Port Authority Scott Bates;
Republican Senator and Co-Chair of Appropriations and Energy and Technology Committees Paul Formica;
Orsted US Offshore Wind Head of New England Markets Matthew Morrissey;
Vice President of Business Development at Eversource Michael Ausere; and
Senior Policy Advocate for Acadia Center Deborah Donovan.

Pictured (left to right): Tony Sheridan (President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut), Amy McLean Salls (Senior Policy Advocate and Connecticut Director at Acadia Center), Matthew Morrissey (Orsted US Offshore Wind Head of Ne… — Pictured (left to right): Tony Sheridan (President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut), Amy McLean Salls (Senior Policy Advocate and Connecticut Director at Acadia Center), Matthew Morrissey (Orsted US Offshore Wind Head of New England Markets), Jessica Bergman (New England Programs and Engagement Director at Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy), Michael Passero (Mayor of New London), Deborah Donovan (Senior Policy Advocate at Acadia Center), Emily Lewis O'Brien (Senior Policy Analyst at Acadia Center), John Humphries (Organizer at CT Roundtable on Climate and Jobs), Scott Bates (Deputy Secretary of State and Chairman of the CT Port Authority), Paul Formica (Republican Senator and Co-Chair of Appropriations and Energy and Technology Committees), and David Kooris (Acting Commissioner of the CT Department of Economic and Community Development).

Get the full story at the links below!

News Coverage:

A video recording of the event can be seen here:

In addition, The Day ran a news article:

Lawmakers eye 2,000 megawatt Article pic.jpg

Click here for the full story. Excerpts:

"The announcement, made at a Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut breakfast, sparked applause..."

"We need to be a player in the game," Formica said. "We can develop New London and we have an opportunity ... to really focus on this new and emerging industry. Two-thousand megawatts is realistic and I think it sends a clear message that we are ready to jump into this industry and support it with everything that we have."'

Finally, The Day editorial board wrote about the news from the Eastern CT Chamber's event:

Read the full text of the editorial here. Excerpts (emphasis added):

"If a decade down the road an ever-expanding offshore wind industry is one of the major economic engines for Connecticut, with the New London port serving as its nexus, Tuesday's extraordinary gathering of state and local leaders might be viewed as the point the talk turned serious."

"The bipartisan panel of business, political and environmental leaders who attended the business breakfast, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticutat the Holiday Inn in New London, delivered a collective message that the state is prepared to be a serious player in the competition to capitalize on this opportunity."

To learn more about offshore wind opportunities in your state please contact Jessica Bergman at Jbergman@sfchamber.com.

Chambers for Innovation 1/16/19 Chambers for Innovation 1/16/19

Economic Benefits of Offshore Wind in Clear View for Chamber, Business Leaders

On a beautiful sunny day, 115 local chamber of commerce and business leaders recently got onboard a boat in Massachusetts for a 30-mile journey to tour America's first offshore wind project, the Block Island Wind Farm.

With offshore wind development growing along the eastern seaboard, it was a fun opportunity for chamber leaders to learn about the tremendous economic benefits this new industry offers.

In a tour organized Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy and the National Wildlife Federation, chamber leaders learned about the benefits expected to accrue over the next decade to Massachusetts alone, including:

6,870 to 9,850 new jobs
$1.4 to $2.1 billion in investment
Economic opportunities for nearly 20 communities along the supply chain.

They also heard from several chamber colleagues. Check out the photos and quotes below.

photography by Sergio badmonkeypics@outlook.com

““The emerging offshore wind industry has the potential to generate approximately $680 million in annual property tax payments, as well as support approximately 160,000 jobs by 2050. That is good news for communities up and down the supply chain,” said Rick Kidder, President and CEO of the SouthCoast Chamber of Commerce. (Kidder is pictured above right, next to Jack Lank, President and CEO, United Regional Chamber.)”

““The Blackstone Valley Chamber sees great opportunity in offshore wind and supports efforts to keep Massachusetts competitive in this growing industry which will in turn help keep and grow manufacturing jobs in our state,” said Jeannie Hebert, President and CEO of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce.”

““As the President of the New England Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, I can say that we know offshore wind is on the mind of a lot of our members,” said Jane Garibay, who is also the Executive Director of the Windsor Chamber in Connecticut. “We support the local economic development opportunities that clean energy offers.””

photography by Sergio badmonkeypics@outlook.comBill White, Senior Director of Offshore Wind Sector Development, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center — photography by Sergio badmonkeypics@outlook.com
Bill White, Senior Director of Offshore Wind Sector Development, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center

Offshore Wind Projects Would Benefit MA for Decades, Cape Cod Chamber CEO Says

"Given the promise of [the proposed projects,] it is critical for Massachusetts to show its seriousness by supporting the nascent industry's growth, so it does not become overshadowed by development activity under way in New York and other states on the Eastern Seaboard," Northcross wrote.

Three new proposed offshore wind projects would deliver decades of economic benefits to the people of Massachusetts, Wendy Northcross, CEO of the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, wrote in a recent op-ed in Cape Cod Today.

But as competition for offshore wind projects heats up along the east coast, the Commonwealth needs to act quickly to show its support, she added.

The local chamber CEO also cited some of the benefits expected to come from the proposed projects, noting:

A $15 million fund for development of supply chain, businesses, and infrastructure, and job-training programs for local workers through Vineyard Wind.
Some $2.75 million in agreements with the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Bristol Community College, New England Aquarium and other organizations through Bay State Wind's -- plus, more than $2 million in grants for research and programs to protect the region's fisheries.
Commitments of $1 million to the Massachusetts Maritime Academy to support economically disadvantaged students and another $1 million to the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth through Deepwater Wind's Revolution Wind project.

"By ensuring robust competition and diversity in the offshore wind industry from the start," Northcross wrote, "the Commonwealth will pay decades worth of dividends into the state's economy long after the first turbines are spinning."

Read the op-ed by Northcross in Cape Cod Today.

Other MA local chamber CEOs in the news include:

Rick Kidder, President and CEO of the SouthCoast Chamber of Commerce, who previously voiced his support for offshore in South Coast Today.
Jeannie Hebert, President and CEO of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce, who last year called for an increased commitment to renewable energy in the Worcester Business Journal.

Chambers for Innovation 3/22/18 Chambers for Innovation 3/22/18

MA Senators Brief Local Chambers on New Energy Legislation

“Clean energy is a $11.4 billion part of Massachusetts’ economy—and growing,” Sen. Marc Pacheco (D-Taunton) told Local Chambers of Commerce the day after his committee introduced new energy legislation to help Massachusetts diversify its energy sources and satisfy corporate demand for more renewable energy.

Sen. Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester)—co-sponsor of S.1885, a bill aimed at accelerating solar energy development—joined Sen. Pacheco in telling Local Chambers that there is also a need for Massachusetts to do more to advance solar energy.

“We don’t want capital to migrate to other states because of lack of opportunity in ours,” Sen. Tarr said.

The Senators addressed local chamber leaders from across the state in a briefing call co-sponsored by the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, South Coast Chamber of Commerce, and Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy.

“We were once the whaling capital of the world. Now New Bedford has been tapped as a prime location for offshore wind development,” said Rick Kidder, President and CEO of the South Coast Chamber. The South Coast Chamber has supported increasing renewable energy and the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) a key element of the new Senate legislation.

States Competing To Be The Nation’s Offshore Wind Hub

Massachusetts passed legislation in 2016 aimed at being the nation’s hub for offshore wind and attracting the investment and new jobs associated with this. But many states along the eastern seaboard, including New York, New Jersey, and Maryland, are competing with Massachusetts to be the offshore wind and solar energy hub. Rhode Island built the first offshore wind farm in the country.

“We want to embrace a clean energy future where Massachusetts is number one in offshore wind,” said Sen. Pacheco.

The Senate omnibus energy bill (S. 479) would set new targets for emission reductions, pursue energy storage technology, and grow the amount of renewable energy utilities purchase through the RPS from 1 to 3 percent. Read more about S.479.

Clean Energy Jobs

He added that the policies that have been put in place to advance clean energy over the past decade have contributed to:

109,000 clean energy jobs,
7,000 new companies, and
$11.4 billion in investments in the state.

Pointing to solar energy development, Sen Tarr told chamber leaders that due to restrictive policies on solar energy, there is a risk that solar projects could be stalled because of what are known as net metering caps, or limits on the excess amount of energy that can flow back to the grid if left unused by the owner of a business or home that uses solar panels.

“It’s important to economic development that we not have a stoppage in these projects,” he said. His bill, An Act Regarding Net Metering (S.1885), would increase the cap from 7 to 8.75 percent in an effort to keep the jobs and investments in the state.

Local Chambers have been active in supporting solar energy, offshore wind, and increasing renewable energy. Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy will continue to keep you informed as these issues move forward.

Chambers for Innovation 3/16/17 Chambers for Innovation 3/16/17

New Bedford Chamber Hosts Dialogue on Growing Job Potential of Offshore Wind

“New Bedford should absolutely be the national cluster for offshore wind” as a center of operations and workforce training, said Derek Santos, Executive Director of the New Bedford Economic Development Council. “There should be no reason why folks aren’t trained in New Bedford for projects all over the eastern coast of the United States.”

In yet another example of how local chambers of commerce are at the forefront of identifying and seizing on the changing economic development opportunities in energy, the New Bedford Chamber of Commerce hosted an event last month about the new offshore wind industry.

It’s a big change from the days when New Bedford was a leading whaling center, with ships regularly setting out in search of both whales and energy. But it also clearly reflects changing winds of opportunity in energy today.

“We are excited by the job and investment growth that offshore wind development could offer to our member businesses and community,” said Rick Kidder, President and CEO of the 1,000-member New Bedford Chamber. “We also recognize that local chambers of commerce are the ideal places to host conversations about the new economic opportunities in clean energy and other dynamic industries.”

The event featured speakers from the New Bedford Economic Development Council, Eversource, the New Bedford Wind Energy Center, and others.

An estimated 60,000 people currently work in the offshore wind industry in Europe. In the United States, an estimated 43,000 jobs are expected by 2030, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

The first commercial offshore wind project began operations in 2016 off Block Island, Rhode Island. New Jersey, Oregon and Virginia have approved offshore wind projects in development. And Massachusetts, New York and Maryland have proposed offshore wind projects under consideration.

Chambers for Innovation 2/28/17 Chambers for Innovation 2/28/17

$400 Million Project Delivers Jobs, Investments, and Tax Payments

When it comes to big new economic development opportunities, it’s no secret that rural communities sometimes feel left behind. But with the rise of wind energy, that has been changing. And this trend has not been lost on local chamber leaders and others focused on economic development.

In recent years, local chamber leaders in Ohio, Michigan, and Virginia have been speaking up about the benefits of wind energy to their communities. Now, local chamber leaders in North Carolina are joining their ranks with the opening of the state’s first large-scale wind farm, Amazon Wind Farm U.S. East.

“As representatives for the business community, it’s our responsibility to advocate for jobs and economic development in northeast North Carolina and the Elizabeth City region, and we are thrilled to see the [Amazon] project operational,” the Elizabeth City Chamber of Commerce President and Board President recently wrote in a letter to North Carolina’s Speaker, Tim Moore.

“The Amazon project has a significant impact on the local economy and our Tier 1 [North Carolina’s most distressed] counties, as well as to our region’s economic growth and the ongoing expansion of the clean tech sector in the state,” Mike Hindenach and Doug Gardiner added.

“Everyone will benefit.” Amazon’s latest wind farm was built to power data centers outside Washington, D.C. But North Carolina’s local communities spanning Pasquotank and Perquimans counties are reaping direct economic benefits. Among them:

More than 500 workers and 30 North Carolina companies were put to work
More than $18 million was spent locally by Avangrid Renewables
More than $1.1 million in landowner payments and taxes will be injected into the local economy each year, according to a report in Electric Light & Power.

“Almost everyone in the community knows someone who worked on the wind farm, sold or rented something that helped build the wind farm, or owns land where the project was built,” Cecil Perry, Chairman of the Pasquotank County Board of Commissioners, was quoted as saying.

“These jobs, and this nearly $400 million investment in a rural part of North Carolina, are welcome — everyone in the county will benefit from the long-term property tax payments,” Perry added.

Benefits to More NC Communities. But it is not only the communities that house wind farms that benefit from the development of wind energy. North Carolina, for example, has more than 70 companies across the wind supply chain, such as the making of blades, towers, generators, and turbine assembly.

Meanwhile, a second wind farm, Timbermill Wind, is eyed for development in North Carolina that could bring in between $600,000 to $800,000 a year for each of the counties it would span. Chowan County unanimously approved conditional use permits, but Perquimans County did not. The developer, Apex Clean Energy, is moving forward with the project in Chowan County while it appeals the decision in Perquimans County.

The Edenton-Chowan Chamber adopted a resolution in support of wind energy and the proposed project, then helped lead the charge to co-host a briefing call for other chambers.

“What does wind energy mean to little Chowan County?” asked Win Dale, Executive Director of the Edenton-Chowan Chamber of Commerce, a place that struggles to maintain its tax base and provide jobs that will be home to the state’s second planned wind farm, Timbermill Wind. “It means increasing our revenue by $250,000 a year,” he said.

The Outer Banks Chamber, home to a strategic spot for offshore wind development, has also publically expressed their support for wind development. Offshore wind could lead to 48,145 jobs in North Carolina—approximately 25,000 more than from offshore drilling.

Pictured above from left to right: Rep. Howard Hunter; Rep. Chuck McGrady; Speaker Tim Moore; Rep. Holly Grange; Rep. Sam Watford; Rep. Bob Steinburg; Rep. John Bell; Rep. Chris Malone; Rep. John Szoka.

Chambers for Innovation 9/29/16 Chambers for Innovation 9/29/16

MA Lawmakers Discuss New Energy Legislation with Local Chambers

Massachusetts chambers and their member companies had an engaging dialogue with Rep. Golden (D – Lowell) and Sen. Pacheco (D – Taunton) on a Sept. 20th briefing call to learn more about the recently passed energy legislation, An Act to Promote Energy Diversity (H4568). Both legislators played key roles in the new legislation and are preparing for additional steps in 2017.

The major takeaways from the call were:

The legislation aims to create a new offshore-wind industry in MA. The bill calls for 1600 MG of offshore wind energy and positions the Bay State to attract the investment and jobs associated with this new industry. Job growth is expected in the construction of the wind energy sites as well as in the manufacturing supply chain. States along the eastern seaboard are vying to attract these investments.
The energy storage provision in the legislation is a “game changer.” Storing energy in batteries and other innovative technologies will help to lower energy costs and increase the reliability of the grid.
The pairing of hydro and wind energy will result in the efficient utilization of transmission lines, which will help to lower costs.
The legislation allows for Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (CPACE), a 100% voluntary finance mechanism that covers the up-front cost of energy improvements on commercial properties.
This bill is just a first step and sets the framework for future legislation.

Both legislators said they will work on clean energy legislation in 2017 that will continue to move the Commonwealth into the future. Stay tuned!

To learn more about the legislation, click here.

Chambers for Innovation 1/20/16 Chambers for Innovation 1/20/16

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.

Chambers for Innovation 7/23/14 Chambers for Innovation 7/23/14

Chamber CEO Positions City to Reap Huge Wind Energy Benefits

In 2010, the North Myrtle Beach Chamber helped build a coalition of local wind energy champions with a plan to bring clean energy investment, jobs, innovation, and statewide recognition to the town. The effort paid off: North Myrtle Beach became the first place in South Carolina to host a grid-connected wind turbine.

About five years ago, Marc Jordan, President and CEO of the North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce, and his chamber colleagues began discussions about the economic potential of clean energy for South Carolina. Back then, he says, “people looked at us a little strange.” Today, with the expected announcement in his hometown of federal leases for new offshore wind farms, Jordan and his chamber colleagues find more and more people sitting up and taking notice.

Jordan brings an infectious enthusiasm to his community, particularly on the subject of wind energy. “We have an entrepreneurial business climate here in North Myrtle Beach,” Jordan said. “We’re encouraging businesses in the wind energy sector – from component part suppliers to research companies – to move to our community. We see clean energy as the best way to separate North Myrtle Beach from the competition.”

In 2010, the Chamber helped build a coalition of local wind energy champions with a plan to bring clean energy investment, jobs, innovation, and statewide recognition to the town. The effort paid off: North Myrtle Beach became the first place in South Carolina to host a grid-connected wind turbine.

And with the expected fall announcement of new offshore lease opportunities for wind, the Chamber will see a huge return on its early efforts to bring wind energy to South Carolina. Jordan believes that the wind turbines will stimulate construction and maintenance jobs and attract further investment to his town.

Jordan’s early efforts on wind energy earned him an appointment by Gov. Nikki R. Haley to a task force on renewable energy. The Chamber also helped to craft and win passage by the South Carolina legislature of a resolution recognizing the merits of wind as an alternative source of energy.

An article about the expected announcement of new federal leases can be found here.

Chambers for Innovation 1/16/14 Chambers for Innovation 1/16/14

Local MA Chambers Hear Potential For Offshore Wind Development

Early last year, the New Bedford Economic Development Council established a special wind energy center to boost efforts to develop the offshore wind industry in this southeastern Massachusetts town. Last weekend, the Mayor of New Bedford told a roomful of local chamber of commerce executives that wind energy will transform his city’s economy.

Speaking to the annual meeting of the Massachusetts Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, Mayor Jonathan Mitchell said that the state is building a $100 million facility at the New Bedford port to support the construction, assembly and deployment of offshore wind projects and said that nearly a quarter of the nation’s wind energy resources sit just a few miles from this historic whaling community.

Mayor Mitchell thanked the New Bedford Chamber of Commerce, a partner in the wind energy center, and urged the other chamber executives from Massachusetts to fully explore renewable energy resources for their own communities. CICE was one of the sponsors of the MACCE meeting and hosted a clean energy table to share information about clean energy opportunities for chambers.

Mayor Mitchell’s state of the city address from 2013 can be found on the New Bedford Chamber of Commerce website here.

CHAMBERS IN ACTION

MA Speaker Mariano unveils plans to invest big in the offshore wind industry at Boston Chamber Event