Working Toward Sunny Opportunities

Michelle Rotellini, president/CEO of the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce in West Virginia, composed an Op-Ed to illustrate the impact solar energy development has on West Virginia's economy, job growth, and economic development opportunities. Rotellini understands the importance of diversifying energy supply, and the chamber supports an "all of the above" approach to energy generation in the Mountain State. This editorial was published by the Register-Herald on March 11, 2022. 

Solar power development in our region may seem to be an unlikely path for economic growth, but it’s well on its way to creating a stronger and more sustainable economy in Raleigh County. As our state and federal leaders work toward building a stronger West Virginia economy, the Beckley-Raleigh Chamber of Commerce understands firsthand the importance of diversifying our energy supply. Raleigh County is proud to be home to the first large solar farm in the state. The project, Raleigh Solar, is expected to bring in a $40 million economic investment to the county, $55.1 million to the state and the creation of 400 jobs during construction. This endeavor is not only good for our local economy but also workforce development. As business leaders, we recognize that it’s not an either-or situation. The future economic growth in this area could benefit from the diversification of energy sources, including renewable energy options such as solar. The chamber supports an “all of the above” approach to energy options to ensure the future economic growth of the Beckley-Raleigh County area and all of southern West Virginia. We stand with energy providers as they continue to diversify and are excited to partner with them as they expand into new forms of energy. We believe that this opportunity is a positive step in attracting new businesses and commerce. As Sen. Joe Manchin pointed out on a West Virginia energy and economic development panel, clean energy is an integral part of West Virginia’s future growth and key to an all-in energy plan.  In this time of economic uncertainty and instability, one thing we should all be behind is the importance of diversifying our energy sources and the role renewable energy plays in local economic growth. We see a bright future for all West Virginians and we encourage our state and federal lawmakers to support opportunities to diversify our state’s energy portfolio to grow a stronger, cleaner economy. Michelle Rotellini, president/CEO of the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce.

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

‌

West Virginia chamber executives, industry leaders and Senator Manchin discuss economic opportunities for clean energy innovation

Earlier this month West Virginia chambers of commerce and business leaders participated in CICE’s “Clean Energy’s Potential for Growing West Virginia’s Economy” virtual panel co-hosted by:

• Clean Energy Business Network (CEBN),
• Martinsburg-Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce,
• Mineral County Chamber of Commerce,
• Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce,
• Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce.

The economic development panel featured Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), Proctor and Gamble, Clearway Energy, Toyota, and Dakota Power Partners. 

Senator Manchin kicked off the call by discussing bi-partisan legislation he is spearheading with Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK.) The American Energy Innovations Act, Manchin estimated, will inject $24 billion to advance renewable energy, potentially reducing the country’s greenhouse gas emissions by 90% as well as strengthen the country’s global position. “This is exactly the conversation we need to be having right now,” Senator Manchin shared. “There is significant economic opportunity to be found in clean energy, and our top priority right now needs to be economic recovery and growth”.

Michelle Rotellini, President and CEO of the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber, appreciated the senator kicking off the economic development panel stating, “As Senator Joe Manchin pointed out, clean energy is an integral part of West Virginia’s future growth and key to an all-in energy plan.”

Attendees then heard from an impressive business panel including: 

Proctor and Gamble  

James McCall, Senior Director of Global Climate and Supply Chain Sustainability for P&G, was introduced by Tina Combs, President of Martinsburg Berkeley County Chamber. McCall shared the company’s billion-dollar brand’s focus on corporate responsibility and what the organization was doing to “build in sustainability” into the supply chain. P&G believes you can “be a force for good AND a force for growth. It’s about growing responsibly” said McCall. “We are using less water, less energy and producing less waste today than we were in 2010.”

Clearway Energy

Dan Hendrick, Head of External Affairs- East for Clearway Energy was introduced by Randy Crane, President of the Mineral County Chamber of Commerce. Dan spoke about the Black Rock Wind Farm which is set to inject millions into West Virginia’s energy infrastructure, create local jobs, and generate tax revenue. He talked at length about their intention to be in WV long term and their desire to help workers who have been displaced in the coal industry and help bring them into the fold. “In the absence of a renewable portfolio standard in West Virginia it really is large corporations who are driving growth in renewable energy in West Virginia,” Hendrick stated.

 

Toyota Motor Manufacturing

Bob Welch, General Manager Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia, was introduced by Bill Bissett, President and CEO of the Huntington Regional Chamber. Welch spoke of Toyota’s vision and commitment to clean energy and the environment, their comprehensive clean energy goals and their focus on plant emissions.  Welch shared, “Taking care of our environment is not a one-time event but an educational process.” 

 

Dakota Power 

Timothy Daniels, Principal at Dakota Power was introduced by Michelle Rotellini, President and CEO of the Beckley-Raleigh Chamber of Commerce. Daniels discussed how recent legislative changes have made West Virginia the ideal location for their business and how they are now planning billions of dollars in investments. “As far as what we do- which is large scale solar, West Virginia is open for business.”

Read here  for press coverage of the “Clean Energy’s Potential for Growing West Virginia’s Economy” panel discussion.

To learn more about the benefits of clean energy opportunities in West Virginia, contact Susan Munroe at susan@chambersforinnovation.com. 

Co-sponsored by:

‌

‌

Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce in West Virginia Sees Brighter Business Climate with Solar Project

Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce in West Virginia Sees Brighter Business Climate with Solar Project

The Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce (BRCCC,) located in one of the nation’s top coal producing states, welcomes the first large solar farm to West Virginia. The chamber shared that adding solar energy to Raleigh County does not create an “either – or” scenario with different forms of energy generation. The chamber also shared in a recent press release that it believes that “future economic growth in this area could benefit from the diversification of energy sources, including renewable energy options such as solar energy.” The project, Raleigh Solar developed by Dakota Renewable Energy, is expected to bring in a $40 million economic investment to the county, $55.1 million to the state and the creation of 400 jobs during construction. BRCC President and CEO Michelle Rotellini stated, “The BRCCC supports an ‘all of the above’ approach to energy options to ensure the future economic growth of Beckley-Raleigh County and all of Southern West Virginia. The Chamber stands with energy providers as they continue to diversify and is excited to partner with them as they expand into new forms of energy.” Rotelleni continued, “We believe that this opportunity is a positive step in attracting new businesses and commerce.”

Chamber board member Joe Bevil of Beaver Coal Company shared further, “As a Board of Director for the Chamber of Commerce, I feel that having a solar farm constructed in Raleigh County could attract new outside businesses to our area which would be beneficial for the overall business climate in Raleigh County.” While excitement is building for solar in the area, Rotelleni shared the county is already home to alternative energy development with the New River Clean Energy Project. The facility transforms landfill gas comprised of approximately 50% methane gas into clean energy and creates enough electricity for over 1,000 homes. “The Chamber stands with energy providers as they continue to diversify and is excited to partner with them as they expand into new forms of energy,” Rotellini stated. Read the complete BRCCC-Solar press release here. The Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce (BRCCC) is the leading business advocacy organization in Raleigh County and works on behalf of its members to improve the economic climate and foster positive action on issues of common concern. For more information about the economic benefits of renewable energy development, contact Susan Munroe at susan@chambersforinnovation.com or at (419) 203-1566.

Pictured above: Michelle Rotellini, President and CEO of the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce

‌

In Coal Country, WV Chamber Builds Focus On Energy Efficiency

Coal was first discovered in West Virginia in 1742. In the intervening centuries, it famously became one of the largest drivers of the state economy.

Today, however, the Charleston Area Alliance, an economic development giant that includes the Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce, is promoting a vision for 2030 that predicts the region will be nationally recognized for “developing and commercializing innovative energy technologies.”

The vision 2030 document is designed to inspire area business and public policy leaders to develop an economy that “provides sustainable jobs for Kanawha Valley residents while simultaneously meeting megatrends of the future.”

And even though the West Virginia legislature recently decided to end its renewable energy law, the Charleston Alliance is determined to continue to develop its leadership in energy efficiency. To that end, the Alliance late last year hosted the second annual summit meeting on energy efficiency during which participants identified key priorities for 2015, including establishing a Property Assessed Clean Energy program and requesting that property appraisers include energy efficiency in their appraisals.

Charleston, the state’s capital and largest city, is located in Kanawha Valley in the western portion of the state, an area rich in coal. The 2030 vision document recognizes its history as a leading coal producer.

“There is no question the energy industry is a vital part of the West Virginian and Kanawha Valley economy,” the Alliance wrote in the energy section of the seven-part strategic plan: “While perhaps most widely known for its heritage in coal and later natural gas, West Virginians also understand the challenges fossil fuels pose both in the mining and sequestration of their carbon dioxide byproduct.”

The need to manage the business risk associated with resources and energy was most recently punctuated for Charleston during the Elk River Chemical spill in early 2014.  It was estimated that the contamination cost the area $61 million in lost output over four days.

With that reality, the area’s business leaders agreed that the future requires a diversified energy portfolio that begins with energy efficiency. To begin implementing its vision for creating a “culture of conservation,” the Alliance has primarily worked with the area’s largest utility, Appalachian Power, and Energy Efficient West Virginia, a not-for-profit founded in 2009 after electricity rates jumped by 43 percent.

Emmett Pepper, Executive Director of Energy Efficient West Virginia, describes energy conservation as a core way for businesses to control costs and cap risks.  “We have a great deal of room for growth and for enterprise in helping to provide energy efficiency,” Pepper said. “We’re working with utilities to bolster their energy efficiency programs and with the Legislature to help put in place policies that will help make businesses more energy efficient.”

Pepper said plans are also underway for year two of Energy Efficiency in the East End (E4), a creative competition designed to boost energy efficiency at the residential level.