CHAMBERS IN ACTION
Local chambers across the country are taking the lead in creating and convening clean energy conversations, best practices, events and advocating on local policy.
Popular Chamber Event Focuses on Economics of Wind, Solar Energy
“As a chamber, we are committed to fostering a thriving and sustainable local economy—and the economic development boost from clean energy development creates revenue and jobs that help us do that in ways that enhance our community’s quality of life,” said Bass.
Clean energy projects—including wind and solar—have brought some of the best economic news to the rural northeastern region of North Carolina in many years.
But local chamber leaders know that not everyone understands what a great economic story clean energy is.
That’s why Josh Bass, President of the Currituck Chamber of Commerce, decided to host an event to educate county commissioners, business leaders, landowners and others about it.
“As a chamber, we are committed to fostering a thriving and sustainable local economy—and the economic development boost from clean energy development creates revenue and jobs that help us do that in ways that enhance our community’s quality of life,” said Bass.
The event, which attracted more than 60 attendees, was organized by the Currituck Chamber, Currituck Cooperative Extension, the Currituck Republican and Democratic Parties, and Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy.
“There has been a nearly $20 billion economic impact from clean energy projects in North Carolina since 2007,” said Jennifer Behr from Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy. And many of these benefits are going to economically challenged rural communities.
Currituck County will receive $500,000 in annual tax revenue alone from the local SunEnergy1 Solar Farm project. The state’s first utility-scale wind farm, the $400 million Amazon Wind Farm US East, is already the largest taxpayer in Perquimans and Pasquotank Counties.
Read more in the Daily Advance.
Top 10 Featured Chamber Stories in 2017
Congratulations to the chambers featured in the Top 10 stories highlighting leadership on innovation and economic development.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lancaster Chamber Praises New PA Legislation That Keeps Solar Jobs in State, Offers $30 Million in Grants for Businesses
“The Lancaster Chamber applauds the bi-partisan efforts to support Pennsylvania’s manufacturing and solar deployment,” said Tom Baldrige, the Chamber’s President & CEO. “Several of our member companies will benefit from the new law and the $30 million for the Solar Energy Program. We hope to attract more solar manufacturing and development in the state and in our county,” he added.
In an effort to help develop and maintain solar jobs and manufacturing in Pennsylvania, new bipartisan legislation was recently passed and signed into law to do just that. Act 40 is designed to keep solar energy jobs within the Keystone State instead of sourcing them to neighboring states, as has been practice in recent years.
Additionally, $30 million in grants and loans is now available through the Solar Energy Program (SEP) to businesses that manufacture solar equipment, or generate or distribute solar power. The goal is to support Pennsylvania’s efforts to strengthen its position in the clean energy space.
“The Solar Energy Program is vital in our efforts to make Pennsylvania a leader in clean energy,” Governor Wolf said. “Developing new renewable energy sources including solar is critical to ensuring Pennsylvania has a balanced and diverse energy mix that maintains our position as a major energy producing state.”
Many local Pennsylvania chamber member businesses can benefit from the SEP as it provides financial assistance in the form of grant and loan funds to promote the use of solar energy in Pennsylvania.
Tom Baldrige, President & CEO, Lancaster Chamber
Home to over 1,400 solar installations, Lancaster County is sure to benefit from the SEP funds. The Lancaster Chamber, representing nearly 2,000 businesses, has applauded the new program.
“The Lancaster Chamber applauds the bi-partisan efforts to support Pennsylvania’s manufacturing and solar deployment,” said Tom Baldrige, the Chamber’s President & CEO. “Several of our member companies will benefit from the new law and the $30 million for the Solar Energy Program. We hope to attract more solar manufacturing and development in the state and in our county,” he added.
A recently-released clean energy jobs report revealed that there are nearly 70,000 jobs in solar, wind and energy efficiency across Pennsylvania, with Lancaster snagging a spot in the top 10 counties boasting 3,100 jobs.
If your member companies are interested in applying for a SEP loan or grant they can visit the PA Dept. of Community and Economic Development page.
Read more in PV Magazine.
NC Capitol Event Connects 12 Legislators, 14 Chamber and Economic Development Leaders
When more than a dozen local chamber and economic development leaders met with legislators at the North Carolina State Capitol last month, one chamber leader made the reason for growing chamber interest in clean energy clear...
When more than a dozen local chamber and economic development leaders met with legislators at the North Carolina State Capitol last month, one chamber CEO explained why chambers are increasingly interested in new energy sources:
"We have a lot of wind and a lot of sun but not a lot of jobs," said Sharon Gibbs, President of the Hyde County Chamber of Commerce, a rural community three hours east of Raleigh.
That sentiment is echoed by other communities in North Carolina, where there is a desire to attract some of the growing clean energy jobs and investments that are going to other parts of North Carolina, and to other states. For example:
The Elizabeth City Area has reaped the benefits of more than $18 million in investments and $1.1 million annually in landowner payments and taxes from wind energy projects.
Currituck County has seen $500,000 in annual tax revenue that a new solar farm is bringing to the community.
In total, $6.4 billion in revenue and more than 34,000 jobs were brought to the state by clean energy in 2016, according to a NC Sustainable Energy Association report.
But when these 14 chamber and economic development leaders traveled to the capitol to meet with a dozen legislators for a briefing and luncheon conversation on the opportunities in clean energy, they also learned about some of the obstacles preventing further economic growth in this field.
Some North Carolina counties, for example, have imposed bans on solar development in 2017. And the legislature recently included a moratorium on wind development in the new energy reform bill, Competitive Energy Solutions for North Carolina (HB 589)—a move that would put an end to two planned wind projects worth $500 million in Tyrrell, Chowan, and Perquimans counties, said Katharine Kollins, President of the Southeastern Wind Coalition. In addition, Kollins estimates that the state lost the potential for another $2.5 billion from projects not yet proposed.
“All progression is met with resistance,” said Rep. Bob Steinburg (R-1, Chowan) whose district includes the counties that would benefit from the $500 million wind projects. “We are going to use this [clean energy] opportunity to better the lives of those in Northeastern North Carolina, or we are going to walk away from this opportunity and lose it forever.”
Local Chamber Solar Champions Announced at the MA Statehouse
They were given a challenge, which, of course was also an opportunity: See how many of your member businesses you can interest in learning about the money they can save from transitioning to solar energy.
They were given a challenge, which, of course was also an opportunity: See how many of your member businesses you can interest in learning about the money they can save from transitioning to solar energy.
And, wow, did they respond-- educating more than 9,000 member businesses (with 60 companies already registered to install solar through the EnergySage Solar Marketplace.)
Congratulations to the following nine chambers that led the pack in the 2016-2017 Massachusetts Chamber Solar Challenge-- and last month were recognized at the Statehouse for their efforts. Special congratulations also to the Metro South Chamber of Commerce, which chaired the Challenge.
The winning chambers are: Blackstone Valley, Cape Cod, Nashoba Valley, Neponset Valley, Metro South, North Central, Quincy Area, SouthCoast (formerly New Bedford), and Taunton Area.
For more information on the 2017 Solar Champions or Massachusetts' solar policy, contact Daren Cheatham at daren@chambersforinnovation.com.
Currituck Chamber CEO Says Solar Project Will Foster a Thriving Local Economy
More than 150 people came out last month for a Currituck Chamber of Commerce open house at a new 2,000-acre farm solar farm. The event was co-hosted by the nearby Elizabeth City Chamber, home to the state’s first wind farm.
More than 150 people came out last month for a Currituck Chamber of Commerce open house at a new 2,000-acre farm solar farm. The event was co-hosted by the nearby Elizabeth City Chamber, home to the state’s first wind farm.
Currituck County, the northeastern most county in North Carolina, will receive $500,000 in annual tax revenue from this project.
The chambers partnered with the project’s developer, SunEnergy1, on the event that also attracted representatives from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which will purchase solar from the North Carolina farm.
“As a chamber, we are committed to fostering a thriving and sustainable local economy—and this new solar project will absolutely help us do that in ways that will enhance our community’s quality of life,” said Josh Bass, President of the Currituck Chamber of Commerce.
In addition to the added tax revenue, the local economy will benefit from locally sourced building materials and added construction and maintenance jobs.
According to a Duke University report, released in 2015, solar-friendly policies have helped North Carolina be a leader in solar investment—providing jobs and economic development opportunities to all parts of the state, including rural ones that have struggled historically to create jobs and businesses.
Moreover, the report found, the benefits of solar energy go beyond the particular communities that host them. “All parts of the solar value chain – investors, solar developers, construction contractors, solar panel and component manufacturers – are creating jobs and providing landowners, workers and towns across North Carolina with income and tax revenue,” the report found.
In February, the Currituck County Commissioners banned future solar development in the country, while grandfathering in the SunEnergy1 project.
Recognizing renewable energy as a driver of the local economy, the Currituck Chamber said it is in the best interest of the region to educate the community about the financial benefits from solar energy.
When fully developed, the project is expected to be the largest solar farm east of the Mississippi.
70 Carolina Chamber Leaders and Rep. Saine Discuss How to Seize the Clean Energy Opportunity
As a Republican policymaker and a father, North Carolina Rep. Jason Saine told 70 chamber leaders last month that he wants his state to take advantage of a clean energy opportunity almost as great as California’s. But it will need better energy policies to make that happen.
As a Republican policymaker and a father, North Carolina Rep. Jason Saine told 70 chamber leaders last month that he wants his state to take advantage of a clean energy opportunity almost as great as California’s. But it will need better energy policies to make that happen.
“Knowing what we have and can offer in terms of our economy, we’re really ripe and look a lot like California,” Rep. Saine said. “We’ve just got to make sure we can convince legislators that we need policies in place that will reflect that.”
Rep. Saine addressed the audience of chamber leaders from North and South Carolina at the annual conference of the Carolinas Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.
Karen Brown, President and CEO of the Outer Banks Chamber, said her chamber recently took an official position in support of offshore wind energy. “We’re always looking for clean energy and clean ways of doing things,” she said.
Question-and-answer highlights
Q: “What if your community does not yet have wind or solar projects? How can a chamber start the conversation?”
A: “You need to make the business case,” said Rep. Saine. As companies like Amazon, Google, and Facebook invest more in clean energy, talking about clean energy in terms of economic development makes sense, he said.
“But if we’re going to lure companies here, and we want to—we want to beat South Carolina because we both benefit from that competition—then we are going to have to adjust policies to accommodate that.”
Q: “How can a chamber maintain good relations with local power companies?”
“This is about incremental change,” said Maggie Clark, Southeast State Affairs Manager of SEIA, the Solar Energy Industries Association. “When you talk about it like that, I think utilities are most likely to accept that instead of a vast policy change.”
The panel, organized by Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy, was moderated by Aaron Nelson, CEO and President of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber, and also featured Katharine Kollins, President of the Southeastern Wind Coalition.
98 Percent Of Chamber Executives Surveyed Support Clean Energy
CICE goes to ACCE 2016 and chats with local chambers about the benefits they've found with clean energy.
“Wow!” one chamber President said at the annual conference of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives in Savannah, GA, last week. “I can’t believe how much interest in clean energy has grown.”
Ryan Evans, who recently left his position as Vice President of the Salt Lake Chamber to become President of the Utah Solar Energy Association, said, “Solar energy has a job creation mechanism like no other. In Utah, we have more employees in solar now than in coal, and more in solar than in our utilities.”
Marc Jordan, CEO and President of the North Myrtle Beach Chamber in South Carolina, a long-time advocate for offshore wind, said “Today, we don’t talk about economic development without the word ‘clean’ in it.”
Nicole Stika of the Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP) and Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE) in Ohio spoke about how they are helping member businesses avoid over $2 million in utility costs through energy efficiency programs.
Alison Van Dam of the Metro South Chamber in Massachusetts called the Chamber Solar Challenge project—which gives chambers an opportunity to earn $1,000 to $5,000 in non-dues revenue for every member business that signs up to install solar panels—a “win-win-win.” It drives down energy costs, creates jobs, and attracts new businesses as well as interest from millennials, she said.
And when asked, “From a business perspective, do you agree it makes good economic sense for your state to offer more renewable energy?” a resounding 98 percent of some 60 chambers executives surveyed answered “Yes”.
In other ACCE NEWS: Congratulations to Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy Advisory Council member Christy Gillenwater, President and CEO of the Southwest Indiana Chamber, which ACCE honored as a “Chamber of the Year.”
Pictured at top: Aaron Nelson, Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber; Marc Jordan, North Myrtle Beach Chamber; Ryan Evans, Salt Lake Chamber.
Pictured above: Rebecca Guzy, Greater Akron Chamber; Diane Doucette, Executive Director, CICE.
Who Likes a Challenge Better than a Chamber CEO?
In Massachusetts, 11 local chambers immediately signed up for a new Chamber Solar Challenge as soon Chris Cooney, President and CEO of the Metro South Chamber, announced it at the annual Massachusetts Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (MACCE).
In Massachusetts, 11 local chambers immediately signed up for a new Chamber Solar Challenge as soon Chris Cooney, President and CEO of the Metro South Chamber, announced it at the annual Massachusetts Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (MACCE) meeting last month.
Many more chambers across the Commonwealth are expected to join the challenge this month.
Here’s how it works: The local chamber with the most businesses signed up to install solar by January 31, 2017 wins the challenge! There is significant non-dues revenue associated with the challenge and prizes. Read more about it here.
MACCE also served up a great energy panel that featured Commissioner Judith Judson of the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources and was moderated by the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Stuart Loosemore. General Counsel and Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy.
Peter Rothstein, President of the Northeast Clean Energy Council, and Carolyn O’Connor, Director of External Affairs for Hydro-Québec, also joined the conversation—briefing chambers on solar net metering, grid modernization, and Massachusetts’ plan to increase the amount of renewables in the state’s energy mix.
Top 10 Featured Chambers in 2015
Want to know which chambers of commerce led the way in driving the economic development benefits of clean energy in 2015?
They spanned the nation—from Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Florida to Ohio, Kansas, Michigan and Utah and many other states—in their support of important projects, policies, and programs. Here are some of our favorites.
Want to know which chambers of commerce led the way in driving the economic development benefits of clean energy in 2015?
They spanned the nation—from Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Florida to Ohio, Kansas, Michigan and Utah and many other states—in their support of important projects, policies, and programs.
In fact, we had a hard time choosing our “Top 10” this year. But here are some of our favorites:
Chamber Leads Program to Deliver Solar Energy Savings to Members
The Metro South Chamber of Commerce in Brockton, Massachusetts, is housed in the building where Thomas Edison first perfected one of his greatest lighting innovations. Today, the Metro South Chamber is extending that history of energy innovation by pioneering a new national program designed to help local chambers of commerce and their member businesses take advantage of cost savings from installing solar energy.
The Metro South Chamber of Commerce in Brockton, Massachusetts, is housed in the building where Thomas Edison first perfected one of his greatest lighting innovations. Today, the Metro South Chamber is extending that history of energy innovation by pioneering a new national program designed to help local chambers of commerce and their member businesses take advantage of cost savings from installing solar energy.
The Metro South Chamber is the first local chamber to agree to participate in a new partnership between Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy and EnergySage Inc. to help businesses use an innovative and user-friendly online solar marketplace to shop for solar. In addition to making the EnergySage program available for its member businesses, Chris Cooney, President and CEO of the Metro South Chamber, plans on installing solar panels on the historic Edison building.
“Lowering costs, saving time, and creating local jobs is a winning combination that strengthens business and increases profits,” Cooney said. “The EnergySage process makes it easy for our chamber members to receive multiple quotes, learn about tax credits, and gauge potential long-term gains.”
Under the new partnership, EnergySage has agreed to make a donation – ranging from $250 for residential systems to up to $5,000 for large commercial systems – to the local chamber whose members install solar systems through the EnergySage Marketplace.
Through the partnership with CICE and EnergySage, chamber members will have access to the EnergySage Marketplace, a robust system that provides instant estimate of the costs and savings of solar with various financing options and the ability to include local companies in the price comparisons. Chamber businesses that create a free account on the EnergySage Solar Marketplace will receive quotes from multiple pre-screened and high quality solar installers, easing the process of shopping for the right solar system.
In a news release, EnergySage welcomed the partnership with CICE. “We understand that solar can be complex for building owners and this partnership offers a great opportunity to help these decision-makers choose solar with ease,” said John Gingrich, Head of Corporate Development at EnergySage.
Diane Doucette, Executive Director of CICE, called the partnership a “win-win” for local chambers and their member companies. “Chambers are always on the lookout for valuable no-cost services for member companies,” Doucette said. “Our EnergySage partnership offers the added benefit of providing chambers with commissions for helping their member companies.”
The portal for the CICE partnership with EnergySage can be found here. A news release about the program can be found here. The Metro South Chamber of Commerce can be found here.
Local MI Chamber Creates Solar Manufacturing Hub
Working hand-in-hand with Saginaw Future, the economic development agency for Saginaw County, the two organizations decided to try to increase demand for solar in Michigan by working with local governments to streamline permitting processes for companies interested in installing renewables. They launched four “Solar Ready Community” pilot projects using the streamlined permitting processes and helped develop the infrastructure necessary for local businesses to install solar panels.
The Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce in Michigan prides itself on supporting its member companies. Several years ago, chamber leaders saw Hemlock Semiconductor, one of its largest members, ramp up investment in polycrystalline, a critical component of solar panels. Other chamber members such as Dow Corning Research and Dow Chemical were investing in solar as well.
“We reflected on how we could grow the solar business in Michigan,” said Veronica Horn, Executive Vice President, Government Affairs, at the Saginaw Chamber. “But then we learned that there’s more solar potential in Michigan then there is in Germany, one of the largest producers and consumers of solar power in the world.”
Working hand-in-hand with Saginaw Future, the economic development agency for Saginaw County, the two organizations decided to try to increase demand for solar in Michigan by working with local governments to streamline permitting processes for companies interested in installing renewables. They launched four “Solar Ready Community” pilot projects using the streamlined permitting processes and helped develop the infrastructure necessary for local businesses to install solar panels.
The program is working: other solar supply chain companies have moved into the region and Saginaw Future has built a large clean energy manufacturing park called Great Lakes Tech Park that serves as a business accelerator for clean tech.
The Saginaw Chamber can be found online here. Saginaw Future is here.
Local Chamber in Gadsden, Florida, Installs Solar System on Office Building
Demonstrating the power of local chambers to lead by establishing pilot projects, the Chamber of Gadsden County in Florida has announced plans to become the first business in its area to install a fully integrated solar energy system.
Demonstrating the power of local chambers to lead by establishing pilot projects, the Chamber of Gadsden County in Florida has announced plans to become the first business in its area to install a fully integrated solar energy system.
The chamber will install four solar panels capable of generating 1 kilowatt of energy on its building. The project will demonstrate the feasibility of incorporating a solar system into an existing building as an alternative energy source.
According to Independent Green Technologies, the company handling the installation, the parties have agreed to a barter relationship. The chamber gets a solar installation and Independent Green Technologies receives a membership to the Gadsden chamber.
The Gadsden Chamber is online here. Independent Green Technologies can be found here.