More than 300 business leaders attend inaugural Greater Cleveland Partnership’s Sustainability Summit

On January 24th more than 300 businesses attended the sold-out inaugural Greater Cleveland Partnership Sustainability Summit at the Huntington Convention Center. This article was published by the Greater Cleveland Partnership and written by Laura DeMarco on January 24, 2023.

Sustainability. It’s not just a buzzword. But what, exactly, is it, and why should businesses care?

More than 300 business leaders and stakeholders gathered at the inaugural Greater Cleveland Partnership Sustainability Summit at the Huntington Convention Center on Tuesday to discuss the importance of being All In on sustainability for business growth and regional impact — and steps and resources to get there.

“Yesterday and today, Greater Cleveland, with its abundant natural resources, strong business base and visionary leaders can — and will — be a site for sustainable transformation and growth,” said Greater Cleveland Partnership President and CEO Baiju Shah to open the event. “As home to 20% of the world’s fresh water in our Great Lakes region, it is imperative that sustainability become a part of all that we do. Our region has extraordinary potential, which we can realize by working together.”

The keynote speech, “Sustainability Trends, Challenges and Opportunities,” was delivered by Chris Laszlo, professor of organizational behavior at Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management.

“The way we need to think about sustainability and ESG is in terms of value creation,” said Laszlo. “It drives business innovation and needs to be integrated into core business strategies and operations.”

“Are you inspiring people? Are you influencing industry standards?” he challenged the audience.

The summit brought together sustainability leaders from large companies and small and mid-size enterprises, experts and thought leaders for educational discussions. It consisted of panels and breakout tracks for both large companies and SMEs.

Topics ranged from “Meeting Stakeholder Expectations and Targets,” to “What Your Customers Need You to Know,” “Sustainability 101” and “Innovation and Sustainability for Large Companies.”

Chris Laszlo, professor of organizational behavior at Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management, delivered the Summit keynote.

Attendee Taylor Evans, CEO of Workforce LLC, praised the Summit for “putting sustainability at the forefront of conversation,” noting its increasing importance in attracting workforce talent.

“The impact of sustainability on employee morale and retention is both remarkable and undeniable. By creating a workplace that is both purpose driven and mindful of its environmental impact, you are leaning into a long term strategy that will undoubtedly have a positive long term impact on the bottom line.

“Companies that adopt and implement a triple bottom line business model, which can be challenging for a company to do in totality, will ultimately mean that they are All In for all of their constituents (shareholders, employees and the Earth) in the long run.”

Panelists included representatives of many of the region’s largest corporations. The “Company Benefits of Sustainable Practices” panel, moderated by Elad Granot, PH.D., Dean of the Boler College of Business at John Carroll University, featured leaders from Lubrizol, Cleveland Cliffs, Blue CSR Strategies and the City of Cleveland.

Elizabeth Grove, Chief Sustainability Officer at Lubrizol, spoke to the importance of companies integrating sustainability into both their carbon footprint and “handprint.”

“At Lubrizol, we are reducing our carbon footprint, and also leveraging sustainability in our handprint, in the products we make,” she said, noting they expect the same from their suppliers. “The benefit is … co-operation in the supply chain.”

Patrick Bloom, Vice President, Government Relation at Cleveland Cliffs, spoke to the potential of sustainability to turn back the “tide of globalization,” citing the EV supply chain as beneficial for American businesses.

Shah emphasized the Summit is just the beginning of an essential new market movement, one which requires the community to work together.

“Building a Great GREEN Region on a Great Lake will take all of us, working All In,” he said. “Sustainability is essential for dynamic business growth, as experts will share today. Businesses are rapidly learning that sustainability is not optional. It’s the way of the future. Large, mid-size and small companies that embrace sustainability will have a competitive advantage. Leveraging technology and innovation leads to growth throughout the supply chain. We want all businesses to leave today’s Summit inspired to grow — and informed about resources that can help them do so.”

An Ohio Clean Energy Economy Emerges Delivering Steady Job Growth

The clean energy sector is one of Ohio’s leading employers. In fact, “More than twice as many Ohioans work in clean energy than the number of lawyers, accountants, auditors, web developers, and real estate agents combined.” Clean energy jobs in Ohio span a wide range of industries including energy efficiency, renewables, advanced transportation, grid and storage, and clean fuels. As a whole, the clean energy sector, according to this year’s Clean Jobs Midwest analysis published by the Clean Energy Trust and E2, represents more than 103,000 jobs in the Buckeye State. Energy efficiency makes up 71 percent of the state’s clean energy related jobs while advanced transportation, building on previous years' increases, saw a 3 percent jobs increase. This makes advanced transportation the state’s fastest growing clean energy sector as companies like GM and Ford make significant commitments to electric vehicles (EVs). No surprise, the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on clean energy jobs across the nation in 2020, with Ohio specifically, losing 10,951 clean energy jobs, representing the first decline in years. State policy also had an impact on the decline, unfortunately. Ohio’s House Bill 6, which eliminated energy efficiency standards, can be attributed to Ohio’s biggest drop in the energy efficiency industry, totaling 9,874 jobs.  Despite the pandemic and adverse state policies, the industry saw a dramatic bounce back, growing 10.1 percent the second half of the year, rebounding quicker than the overall Ohio workforce.  Small towns in Ohio are big winners in the clean energy industry, with more than 15,700 jobs located in rural areas. Additionally, as chambers well know, small businesses typically make up the majority of its membership directories and clean energy follows that same model. Small businesses helped fuel the state’s clean energy sector last year, with 62 percent of Ohio’s clean energy businesses employing fewer than 20 people.  The transition to a clean energy economy in Ohio is expected to steadily grow providing good-paying opportunities for job seekers, including those in underserved communities. Additionally, chamber member businesses from start-ups to the largest employers will benefit from cost saving programs as well as the ability to purchase low-cost, state-generated renewable energy.  Read more about the entire Midwest’s clean energy jobs here.

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

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Pickaway Chamber of Commerce touts the impressive economic impact of utility-scale solar

As the pandemic rages on, chambers of commerce are looking for ways to foster economic growth to support and promote local businesses. 

 

For the Pickaway Chamber of Commerce, all they had to do is look up for inspiration. “As we look to build a stronger economy during the pandemic and these uncertain times, Atlanta Farms Solar has potential for significant economic development opportunities for Pickaway County, our schools and townships, farmers and our area businesses,” Marlee Martin, Executive Director at the Pickaway County Chamber of Commerce penned in an impassioned letter to the members of the Ohio Power Siting Board.

 

Martin shared these highlights of the projected economic benefits that Savion’s Atlanta Farms Solar Project could bring to her region:

-   500 jobs created during construction as well as almost 30 long term positions, 

-   $32 million investment in local businesses and supply chain, 

-   $33 million in additional (and diverse) income for landowners and farming families which creates financial security,

-   $28 million in new tax revenue and over $6.5 million to local townships 

-   An additional $7 million for the Pickaway County general fund 

 

With these benefits in mind, Martin asked the OBSP to consider the economic potential for growth in the community and to recognize that solar on farmland could really be a “cash cow.”

 

Read Martin’s letter of support for the Atlanta Farms Solar Project HERE.

If you would like to learn more about the community and economic benefits of utility solar in Ohio, please contact Susan Munroe at susan@chambersforinnovation.com and also visit http://www.chambersforinnovation.com/ohio.

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Ohio Chambers Publicly Support Development of Two Solar Projects That Will Deliver Millions to Local Economies

Chamber Leaders and Ohio Speaker Larry Householder Celebrate Groundbreaking for Ohio’s Largest Solar Project

The Ohio solar industry recently achieved a major milestone when Ohio Speaker of the House Larry Householder helped break ground on the state's largest utility scale solar project to date: a 200-MW Hillcrest Solar farm in Brown County, powered by Ohio-made First Solar panels. Leaders from the Brown County Ohio and the Highland County Chambers of Commerce, as well as the Brown County economic development director welcomed Speaker Householder, who spoke at the ceremony and picked up a shovel to break ground on the project. Noting this development was directly aligned with the Chamber’s mission to enhance economic growth in the Brown County area, Board Chair Darrin Schneider said they were very glad to support the project. “We thank the Speaker for his personal engagement in a project that he described as ‘something really big for the state of Ohio,’” said Schneider. “He’s demonstrating great leadership, and we look forward to a continued partnership with Speaker Householder. The anticipated tax base growth, new career pathways, and the opportunity to strengthen our community should provide well for many aspects of our county." The Hillcrest Solar project that will produce enough energy to power 39,000 homes and will be a major contributor to the local and Ohio economies by: creating 300 construction jobs (80% of which state law requires be Ohio residents) generating approximately $69 million in wages generating $60 million in property taxes to Brown County, Western Brown School District, and Green Township utilizing solar panels manufactured by Ohio's own First Solar growing the local supply chain to service the project and support its employees The development will also help pay to develop a solar career training program at Southern State Community College.

Photo Above: Darrin Schneider, Chairman of the Board, Brown County Ohio Chamber of Commerce and Destiny Bryson, Executive Director, Highland County Chamber of Commerce greet Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder at the groundbreaking for the Hillcrest Solar project.

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Highland County Chamber Supports and Provides Educational Opportunities for Willowbrook Solar

The Highland County Chamber of Commerce, in February, hosted a widely attended forum that convened elected officials, ag experts, and the community at large to update them on efforts to support agricultural communities, including solar energy development. The event, titled, “Ag is Everyone’s Business,” was headlined by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, who talked about the importance of helping farmers and developing rural areas. Solar development was then addressed as one of three agricultural business sessions. Attendees in the solar energy business session learned about the Willowbrook Solar Project, one of Ohio’s first utility-scale solar projects, sited for construction within Highland County. Representatives of the project developers, RWE Renewables America LLC and Open Road Renewables, presented facts about the project and answered questions.

Destiny Bryson, Executive Director of the Highland County Chamber of Commerce Ohio Governor Mike Dewine

Additionally, in the week leading up to the forum, Ohio State University Ag Extension experts provided training sessions to farmers on how to negotiate solar leases. “A large, utility-scale project such as Willowbrook Solar will be a reliable source of income for farmers and a very good source of tax revenue for schools and local governments in the years to come,” said Highland County Chamber Executive Director Destiny Bryson. “We’re helping to answer questions from farmers, contractors, workers, and the community at large who want to understand how solar development can be an opportunity for them.” At a capacity of 150 Megawatts, the Willowbrook Solar Project will be constructed and operate within an approximately 2,200-acre area of privately owned land approximately 2 miles east of Mowrystown, Ohio and is expected to generate approximately $1.2 million annually to the local tax base. Willowbrook intends to begin construction this year and place the facility in service in 2021.

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COVID-19 Postponement: Solar Tour for Chamber Leaders

The tour of First Solar’s manufacturing facility in Perrysburg, co-hosted by the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy, originally scheduled for March 25, will be rescheduled for a future date amid the COVID-19 outbreak. Once a new date is selected, the day will feature networking with peer chamber leaders, a tour of First Solar and a nearby solar development, and a roundtable discussion over lunch.

Please contact susan@chambersforinnovation.com if you’d like to attend this event once a new date has been identified.

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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

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

Wind Tour with Toledo Blade, Ohio Governor's Office, Local Chamber, County Officials and More

A perfect, windy day to see a turbine up-close at EDP Renewables Timber Roads II in Paulding County.

From the top:

Jerry Zielke, Paulding County Economic Development Inc. Director;

LuAnne Cook, Office of the Governor NW Regional Liaison;

Mikayla Pieper, Paulding Chamber of Commerce Executive Director;

Erin Bowser, EDP Renewables;

Susan Munroe, Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy.

How much can clean energy development grow a region's economy? Quite a lot, as a Toledo Blade newspaper reporter and the Ohio Governor's regional representative got to find out in a day-long tour earlier this month by the Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy in partnership with the Paulding Chamber of Commerce, school district superintendents, and economic development officials.

The day-long tour spotlighted a region of Ohio where several wind farms are already constructed and have been operating for several years. It provided a close look at how economic activity from wind power reaches far beyond the boundaries of wind farms into businesses, school districts, local governments, and community philanthropies. The wind farms benefit communities throughout Ohio that are located along the wind supply chain.

One of the most intriguing stops during the tour for Toledo Blade Reporter, Tom Henry, was an up-close look at Vantage's Nacelle Wind Power Generator Simulator.

"One of the highlights of the visit there was an $80,000, micro-sized wind turbine simulator that could help train future operators, or at least whet their appetites for mechanical science and physics," says Henry. The technician training program is right on time - since one of the top new jobs in the county is a wind turbine technician with an average salary of $54.360 according to U.S. Department of Labor Statistics. 

Vantage Career Center offers a job training pathway for wind turbine technicians, a top job opportunity in the country with an average salary of $54,360

Another highlight of the tour included a visit to the new $4.5 million community center built by the Lincolnview School District with revenue from wind investments. Lincolnview is receiving $400,000 annually for 20 years from wind revenue. Superintendent Jeff  Snyder noted that these steady payments allow the school district to plan for the long-term and to fund ambitious projects like the community center.

Lincolnview School District Community Center; built with revenue from wind investments.

In between stops, the tour also highlighted businesses receiving spin-off economic activity from wind farm construction and maintenance--including a hotel, cement plan, auto dealership, trucking company, and more.

See the Toledo Blade story and video here. 

Paulding Chamber of Commerce Says It's Time For Ohio To Lead On Clean Energy

After Ohio's new governor proposed his first budget, a leading newspaper, the Columbus Dispatch, evaluated it against economic and quality of life measures. But according to Mikayla Pieper, the head of the Paulding Local Chamber, "A key measure was missing, clean energy deployment." In a Letter to the Editor, she emphasized that "State policies on clean energy can attract business - or drive it away." She called on state leaders to improve the Buckeye State's economic performance with clean energy deployment.

Read the full text of the Paulding Chamber of Commerce's letter to the editor

Mikayla Pieper, Executive Director of the Paulding Chamber of Commerce

Lawsuit Aims To Attract More Wind Investment and Development To Ohio

This week, a group of farmers in Paulding County (OH) and a wind industry association filed a lawsuit against the state of Ohio alleging that the General Assembly violated the state's constitution when it mandated a dramatic increase in the distance wind turbines must be located from property lines. The suit alleges that the mandate is unconstitutional because it was included in an "unrelated budget bill, which is against the ‘single subject’ rule.” Read News Article Here

The plaintiffs and other economic development leaders in Ohio claim that the impact of the "setbacks" has in effect put a moratorium on wind development and new investments in Ohio, stating "Every Ohio wind project under development has been abandoned or stalled."

Mikayla Pieper, Executive Director of the Paulding Chamber of Commerce, is a big supporter of the economic benefits of wind investment for her community. She is in the news this week commenting on the lawsuit:

"Constitutionality of the provision aside, it's imperative that Ohio finds a way to improve the wind setback requirement to a distance that permits wind energy development," said Mikayla Pieper, Executive Director, Paulding Chamber of Commerce. "Opening our state for wind development will help attract business to our state, as well as create new opportunities for existing Ohio businesses. We look forward to the court's action in this case." 

Chamber leaders and economic development officials in communities across Ohio are actively supporting renewable energy projects that grow their tax base, develop a skilled workforce, and create new investment opportunities in their communities.

Please contact Tom Bullock if you would like more information at  tom@chambersforinnovation.com

Chamber VP Says Solar Will be a “Major Part” of Region’s Economic Future

First Solar, located in the Greater Toledo Region, broke ground this month on a project expected to become what has been described as “the largest solar factory, by capacity, in the Western Hemisphere.”

And that, says Toledo Chamber Vice President Brian Dicken, represents “a strong vote of confidence in Toledo as a major U.S. hub for advanced technology solar manufacturing."

The $400 million plant in Lake Township, slated to reach full capacity in 2019, will bring 500 new jobs to the Toledo region.  

It also points the way to an essential element in the region’s future prosperity, Dicken says. "For northwest Ohio, researching, developing, and producing the next generation of solar technology is a major part of our economic future," he said.

Ohio currently ranks 11th in the nation for solar energy jobs, according to the Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA)—with an estimated 5,831 Ohioans employed in the industry in 2017. This reflects people engaged in solar installation as well as the manufacturing of solar technologies.

In Ohio, an estimated $529 million has been invested in the growing industry to date--$53 million in 2017 alone, according to SEIA. One reason for this growth: The price of solar energy has declined 53 percent over the past five years.

Read more in Toledo Blade

Republican Lawmakers and Local Chamber CEOs Call for Fix to Wind Setbacks

Watch video here.

Wind energy in Ohio, they said, comes down to a story of “haves” and “have nots.”

Four years ago, policies for wind energy changed. This resulted in some communities benefiting from wind investments and some losing millions because the new policies stopped investments in some communities.

But, said Sen. Matt Dolan (R- Cuyahoga), there is a better way.

“I see that Ohio has an opportunity to not only be a leader in energy but to create a new economy—and that new economy in this case can be the economy of the wind industry,” said Sen. Dolan, sponsor of SB-238, the wind turbine set-back bill, which would strike a compromise to protects property rights and allow wind development to continue.

Rep. Bill Reineke (R-Tiffin), who moderated the press conference, called SB-238 “a good bill for getting this subject going.”

A new report by the Wind Energy Foundation released at the conference found:

“By failing to restore the state’s property line setback law for new wind power projects to a reasonable limit, the Ohio Legislature is putting $4 billion in projected economic impact at risk from approved and proposed in-state wind farms, most of which would flow to its rural counties.”

Those speaking at the conference—which included chamber of commerce CEOs, economic development leaders, school superintendents, and county commissioners—all live in wind-rich communities, said Susan Munroe, President and CEO of the Van Wert Area Chamber.

“But some of us have experienced the promise of economic opportunities with wind farm development, and some of us have been denied that same opportunity,” she said.  

Sen. Reineke said he hoped SB-238 would be passed this summer—noting the benefits would more than northwest Ohio.

“These turbines need to be made. These turbines need to be delivered. These turbines need to be installed. And these turbines need occasional maintenance. And all that work can be done by industries in Ohio,” he said.

Watch the video here.

Read the report here.

Pictured at top from left to right: Rep. Bill Reineke (R-Tiffin), Holly Stacey, Seneca County Commissioner, Mikayla Pieper, Executive Director, Paulding Chamber of Commerce

Top 10 Featured Chamber Stories in 2017

Congratulations to the chambers featured in the Top 10 stories highlighting leadership on innovation and economic development.

PA Local Chambers Co-host Geisinger Tour with Legislators

"Efficiency lowers overhead, cleans our land, water and air and even saves lives. It's simply the right thing to do," said Bob Garrett, President and CEO of the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce, one of three chambers that hosted a tour of the Geisinger Advanced Energy Plant. Using state incentives, Geisinger purchased energy-saving technologies saves them $15 million a year. More.

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In NC, Local Chambers Call on General Assembly to Support "Some of the Best Economic News" to Reach Their Region

Four rural local chambers called on North Carolina's General Assembly leadership to support wind and solar energy-- calling clean energy some of the best economic news to reach the Northeastern part of the state in a long time. More.

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Local Chambers Host Largest Clean Energy Convening At MA Statehouse

More than three-dozen local chambers of commerce and member businesses met with legislators for the largest convening of local chambers at the Massachusetts Statehouse to discuss clean energy. More.

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CEO of Local MI Chamber Co-hosts National Conversation About Clean Energy

"Local leadership and best practices [in clean energy] are being set by communities," said Doug Luciani, CEO of TraverseConnect in Michigan, which cohosted a nationwide conversation about clean energy for local chambers. "Regions that are going to succeed in attracting the brightest and best are going to be regions that fully embrace these new technologies, doing the right thing for the right reasons." More. 

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In NV, Local Chamber CEO Serves on Governor's Energy Choice Committee

"From the standpoint of the chamber, my job is to translate what we're learning about energy choice to the positive impact it is expected to have on consumers and local businesses-- on the people who live here," said Ann Silver, CEO of the Reno and Sparks Chamber of Commerce. "I have no doubt: if it's good for people, it's good for business." More.

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Ohio Heartland Chambers Visit State Capitol to Set the Record Straight on Wind Energy

More than a dozen local chamber, economic development leaders, and community officials shared their front-line stories about the benefits of wind with state government leaders in 2017. They discussed the value that tax base increases, property owner payments, and increased economic activity deliver to their economies when utility scale wind farms are constructed. More.

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In VA, Local Chamber Supports Onshore $20 Million Plus Wind Farm

"Focusing on the energy of the future is just one way to support the business of the future," said former Botetourt County Chamber Executive Director Doloris Vest. The Rocky Forge Wind Farm is expected to generate $20 to $25 million in tax revenue and drive decades of increased local purchasing, employment, and investment. More.

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World Gathering of Chambers Learn that, in the US, Local Chambers are Increasingly Supporting Clean Energy

"More and more, local chambers are at the table on important clean energy discussions all over the country," Wendy Northcross, President and CEO of the Cape Cod Chamber, told more than 1,000 CEOs and chamber leaders from more than 100 countries at the annual gathering of the World Chambers Congress in Sydney, Australia. More.

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CT Chamber Out Front Again on Clean Energy

"The Bridgeport Regional Business Council recognizes the importance clean energy has on local economic development and job creation," said Jeff Bishop, Executive Director of the Trumbull Chamber of Commerce, an Affiliate Chamber of the Bridgeport Regional Business Council and Business Growth and Retention Director at the BRBC. "We will continue to support the City in their quest to revitalize our business community." More.

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In TN, Greater Memphis Chamber Seizes "Clean" as Opportunity for Business Growth Opportunity

"At the Greater Memphis Chamber, we have a commitment to economic growth for all," said Phil Trenary, President and CEO. "And we recognize that the growing opportunities in clean energy are an important part of that mix for our members." More. 

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Ohio’s Local Chamber Leaders Share Story of Wind Benefits with State Legislators

Local chamber, economic development, and community leaders traveled to the state capitol on multiple occasions in 2017 to share their front-line stories about the benefits of wind energy. 

“Wind energy has been one of the biggest investments in Ohio and has the potential to contribute much more to Ohio’s future economic prosperity,” said Susan Munroe, President and CEO of the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce, home to the Blue Creek Wind Farm. “We want to work with legislators to encourage further investment and job growth created with wind energy development.” 

Wind energy has resulted in investments of more than $775 million in Ohio. This new “cash crop” delivers significant tax benefits to schools and other institutions, income to landowners and local supply chain businesses while supporting county services in communities able to host these wind farms. 

In 2014, however, the Ohio legislature tripled the setback provisions, which determine how far a wind turbine must be situated from the nearest property line—resulting in a near moratorium on wind farm development and investment. 

In one example of the economic benefits of wind investments: Iberdrola Renewables is, by far, the single largest taxpayer in Van Wert County. It contributes more than $2 million a year in tax payments, and nearly as much to the country’s landowners who allow wind turbines to be placed on their property. 

Much of the tax money benefits local schools, which at least one superintendent  (Jeff Synder of Lincolnview) has called a “godsend.” 

Meanwhile, major corporations such as Amazon have recently announced increased demand for wind energy to power their data centers in the state.  

And, in 2015, the Toledo-based Owens Corning signed the largest wind power purchase agreement by an industrial company in the world—though it must source wind energy from Texas. 

Munroe and Seneca County Commissioner Shayne Thomas recently addressed the Senate Finance Committee and the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee to describe the value that tax base increases, property owner payments, and increased economic activity deliver to their economies when utility scale wind farms are constructed. Read their testimony here and here.

Pictured at top from left to right: Tom Bullock, Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy; Jim Hoops, Northwest State Community College; Peggy Emerson, President & CEO Paulding Chamber of Commerce; Susan Munroe, President & CEO Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce; Senate President Larry Obhof; Jeff Snyder, Superintendent, Lincolnview Schools, Van Wert County; David Zak, President & CEO Seneca Industrial & Economic Development Corp.

Senator, Chamber CEOs Agree: Wind Development Benefits Rural Communities

Ohio State Senator Cliff Hite (R-Findlay) recently introduced critical legislation to fix Ohio's wind turbine setback laws that are preventing renewable energy jobs and economic development. 

“The current policy is contrary to Ohio’s reputation as a business-friendly environment and an energy-producing state,” Sen. Hite said at the Hog Creek Wind Farm construction project in Ada, Ohio. “It prevents businesses with an interest in gaining access to and investing in wind energy in Ohio from doing so.”

Ohio currently has the most restrictive wind setback provisions in the Midwest—despite enormous wind energy potential in the northwest and statewide opportunities in manufacturing wind turbine components. This is the result of legislation passed in 2014 that tripled the distance wind turbines must be from neighboring property lines and effectively brought development to a halt.

“This bill,” said Sen. Hite, “strikes the proper balance, protecting the rights of both participating and non-participating landowners and will allow responsible wind development to move forward.”

The new legislation would return the property line setback to a distance of 1.2 times the height of the turbine, which is still longer than the previous setback. It also increases the minimum setback from a home to approximately 1400 feet.

Rural chamber leaders cite benefits. Hardin County, home to the Hog Creek Wind Farm, is one of the of rural Ohio communities in a position to benefit from wind development.

“With almost $600,000 in annual payments to the county, schools and other public services, [this] wind farm is a massive infusion of new dollars into our community,” Jon Cross, President and CEO of the Hardin County Chamber and Business Alliance, said at today’s news conference.

But Hardin County is not the only one to have benefited from wind development that began before the more restrictive setbacks took effect. Cross also noted how his community has watched neighboring counties such as Paulding and Van Wert reap the benefits of wind farms for years and seen major improvements they’ve made to their schools and county infrastructure.

“Those of us with wind farms in our communities have seen firsthand what a positive difference these investments make for our businesses, schools, landowners and entire tax base,” said Susan Munroe, CEO and President of the Van Wert Area Chamber. “Just in Van Wert County alone, our wind farm is the largest single tax payer.

“That’s why I, along with other Northwest Ohio chamber and economic development directors, urge the House of Representatives to support this commonsense legislation,” Munroe added. “And I invite any Ohio House member to visit our wind farm in Van Wert, the largest in the state of Ohio.”  

According to a recent report from the American Wind Energy Association, restoring reasonable wind setback provisions will enable local communities, and the state, to attract jobs and investments that could reach an estimated $4.2 billion.

See video of Hog Creek Wind Farm Press Conference.

Pictured above left to right: Jon Cross, President & CEO, Hardin County Chamber and Business Alliance; Kenny Williams, Kent Williams Drainage; Senator Cliff Hite; Amy Kurt, Project Manager, EDP Renewables.

State Senator Urges Local Chambers to Share Their Stories with Legislators

When an Ohio State Senator knocked on the door of one of his constituents asking what he thought of neighboring wind turbines that had recently been constructed in his neighborhood, the man said: “They’re money for my county, and they’re progress.”

That was more than a decade ago. And ever since, that opinion has been growing in the Senator's district in Northwest Ohio—fueled by the leadership of local chambers of commerce and economic development leaders who have witnessed the economic benefits to their communities.

During a recent briefing call for local chambers moderated by Susan Munroe, the President and CEO of the Van Wert Area Chamber said her county has attracted approximately $1.2 billion in wind investments, along with $2 million a year in new revenue for schools, high-paying jobs, and a new stream of income for area farmers.

But in 2014, the Ohio Legislature passed legislation freezing the state’s renewable energy standards and tripling the distance new wind turbines must be constructed from a neighboring property line—effectively bringing wind development to a halt.

The Senator said Senate budget hearings, expected later this month, are an opportunity to fix that, explaining: “There is now, a proposal to establish a reasonable distance that would be a “wind-win” for everyone.”

The Senator encouraged local chamber and economic development leaders to share with their legislators how wind is benefiting their communities and the importance of maintaining this kind of growth in the state. He also talked about a growing number of large corporations that are demanding renewable energy to power their operations.

“Bottom line, chambers know this better than anyone: If we want to attract major corporations to do business here, we have to be open for business,” he said, adding that it’s important to have the right policies in place to ensure these large companies are bringing their business to Ohio and not other states.

Wind development, he added, can help all Ohioans. “I have farmers in my district saying: I’m growing corn, raising beans and I’m harvesting wind, and I’m proud of it,” he said. “There is room for everyone who cares about making Ohio a better place.”

Munroe will lead another capitol visit with her local chamber colleagues and economic development officials to share their stories of how wind has positively impacted their communities. If you are interested in joining the visit, please contact her at Susan@vanwertchamber.com.

Dollars and Jobs from Wind, Solar, and Energy Efficiency

Peggy Emerson, Paulding Chamber

How exactly did your community and member businesses make so much money from wind energy?

That was the burning question one chamber executive asked another during a conversation at last week’s annual meeting of the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Ohio.

The answer was simple: new investments, tax benefits, jobs — all of which translates to better roads, schools, and more, said Peggy Emerson, CEO of the Paulding Chamber in northwest Ohio.

But wind isn’t the only form of clean energy driving economic gains across Ohio.

Other local chamber leaders said they saw significant savings from the rise of solar energy while others investigated how to offer their member businesses access to energy efficiency. (Ohio ranks among the top ten in efficiency jobs nationwide.)

Michael Fraizer, Gov. Kasich’s Assistant Policy Director for the Environment, Energy, and Agriculture, also stopped by the conference, which attracted more than 100 chamber executives. Clean energy is a key part of Ohio’s efforts to be attractive location to major employers—from Amazon with its demands for wind energy to Dannon with its growing demand for solar.

Paulding’s Peggy Emerson went from table to table to share her story about the $200 million investment in wind energy that has been made in her community, where local farmers welcome turbines as a new “cash crop.”

Tom Bullock, CICE

And Tom Bullock, the new Ohio Coordinator for Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy, briefed chamber leaders about the wide range of ways local chamber leaders are helping their member businesses take advantage of the growing economic opportunities in clean energy.

WATCH VIDEO of Peggy Emerson explaining how wind development has positively impacted her community here.

For more information, contact Tom@chambersforinnovation.com.

Ohio Local Chamber Leaders in the News on the Economic Benefits of Newly Resumed Clean Energy Standards

Brian Dicken, VP of Advocacy and Public Policy, Toledo Regional Chamber

“If you want to know the facts about how clean energy affects local businesses, you need to know what local chambers of commerce have witnessed over the past several years,” chamber executives Brian Dicken and Susan Munroe wrote in a Dec. 24, 2016 op-ed published in the Toledo Blade.

“And we can tell you: From Toledo to Van Wert, clean energy has delivered jobs, investments, and savings to consumers—all of which is good news for our businesses, schools, communities, and the economy of this great state.”

Dicken is Vice President of Advocacy and Public Policy for the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Munroe is President and CEO of the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce.

The chamber executives went onto encourage Gov. John Kasich to veto H.B. 554, a bill that would have essentially extended the freeze on Ohio’s renewable energy and energy efficiency standards for three more years.

Gov. Vetoes HB 554, Standards Back in Effect Jan. 1, 2017.

Susan Munroe, President and CEO, Van Wert Area Chamber

On Dec. 27, Gov. Kasich vetoed HB 554, saying Ohio’s wide range of energy generation helped grow jobs over the past six years, and the bill risked “undermining this progress by taking away some of those energy generation options, particularly the very options most prized by the companies poised to create many jobs in Ohio in the coming years, such as high technology firms.”

Hundreds of companies are either already involved in the development of wind or solar energy in Ohio or are suppliers to those businesses, reported Cleveland.com. The editorial board also praised Kasich’s veto and the restoration of the clean energy standards, saying: “HB 554 would have taken Ohio further backward. Kasich’s veto moves Ohio forward.”

The state’s clean energy standards came back into effect on Jan. 1, 2017—requiring energy suppliers and utilities to provide more renewable energy and energy efficiency to Ohio customers in 2017.

Read the Toledo Blade op-ed here: “Let Ohio’s Businesses Benefit from Clean Energy” 

Read the Cleveland.com editorial here: Gov. Kasich wields his veto pen wisely for Ohio’s future: editorial

Ohio Local Chamber CEOs & Economic Development Directors Say Clean Energy Benefits Local Economies

Eleven local chamber CEOs and Economic Development Directors—representing more than 5,000 business and 11 cities and counties from Toledo to Van Wert—called on Ohio Gov. John Kasich and Senate and House leaders this week to reinstate Ohio’s clean energy standards.

In a letter delivered to the Statehouse, they wrote: “As chamber and economic development leaders, we have seen clean energy projects deliver significant economic benefits that are good for our businesses, schools, communities, and the economy of this great state.”

See Gongwer coverage here.

In calling for the reinstatement of clean energy standards, the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce joins three of its largest member businesses– Owens Corning, Rudolph Libbe, and First Solar—which were among more than 70 Ohio businesses that over the past month called on the Governor and Senate and House leadership to do the same.

Among the other businesses that want good clean energy standards: Whirlpool Corporation, Owens Corning, United Technologies, Jones Lang LaSalle, Campbell Soup Company, Nestle, Gap Inc., Schneider Electric, United Technologies, Edison Solar, Starwood Energy Group, Replex Plastics, Everpower and many more—  collectively employ more than 25,000 people in Ohio.

In 2014, Ohio was the first state in the nation to put a two-year-freeze on its clean energy standards. The standards are scheduled to revert back into place at the end of 2016 unless the legislature takes action to extend the freeze or modify the standards. Gov. Kasich has publicly declared that he would veto any attempt to extend the freeze. Many local chambers support the Governor on this.

“To enable Ohio to take full advantage of this fast-growing sector that has already delivered more than $1.4 billion worth of investments, 9,000 jobs, and $4.6 million in payments to landowners and local governments, we believe there is a need for a clear and consistent roadmap on this issue.”

Read the chamber letter here.

Read the statements from major Ohio employers here.

Read statement from 68 additional businesses here.

Ohio’s “Heartland” Chamber Applauds New $300 Million Wind Project

When Amazon announced last month that it would build a second wind farm in northwest Ohio, Jon Cross, president and CEO of the Hardin County Chamber & Business Alliance and Director of Economic Development, eloquently put the opportunity in perspective:

Big projects don’t “always have to happen in big cities,” Cross said. “They can happen in small communities like ours, courthouse communities that are an important engine of Ohio’s economy.”

The new wind farm, which is expected to become operational in late 2017, represents an estimated $300 million investment for Hardin County. It will also lead to a significant boost in local tax revenue for Hardin’s nine communities and its schools, said Cross.

“We’re waking up absolutely excited that Amazon will be indirectly a part of Hardin County.” – Jon Cross, president & CEO, Hardin County Chamber & Business Alliance and Director of Economic Development.

Located 60 minutes from Columbus and Toledo, the Hardin County wind farm will be Amazon’s second in Ohio and fourth in the nation. Learn more in The Columbus Dispatch.

Amazon’s first is going up in nearby Paulding County, where the $175 to 200 million investment is also good news for the Paulding Chamber’s Executive Director Peggy Emerson.

Speaking in a recent video, Emerson said: “Paulding Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to celebrate all of the renewable energy projects that we have going on. These are great ways for us to develop the economic benefits locally, and not only in our county, but the counties around us as well.”

Neighboring Van Wert County has experienced similar successes with Iberdrola’s Blue Creek Wind Farm, which began operation in 2012 and delivers $2 million a year in new revenue for schools and a steady stream of income for farmers.