Currituck Chamber Celebrates New Oak Trail Solar Project

Oak Trail Solar, a 100-megawatt (MW), Leeward Renewables Energy (LRE) project was recently completed near Moyock, North Carolina; with Verizon Communications committing to a long-term virtual purchase agreement.  A celebratory ribbon cutting, hosted by LRE and the American Clean Power Association (ACP) featured comments from Chief Executive Officer of LRE, Jason Allen; LRE Board Member, Mary Doswell; ACP CEO, Jason Grumet; Nextracker President, Strategy, Software & Administration, Bruce Ledesma; Verizon SVP, Global Supply Chain & Sourcing, and Chief Sustainability Officer, Jim Gowen; and Currituck County Commissioner, Owen Etheridge.  “Currituck County is excited to have a renewable energy project like Oak Trail Solar in our community,” said Josh Bass, President of the Currituck Chamber of Commerce. “The project helps us on a number of fronts and supports funding for essential services that keep our community strong. LRE’s collaboration and values have built good relationships in Currituck County, and we’re looking forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with Oak Trail Solar.”  Companies large and small are setting sustainability goals, encouraging new clean energy projects across the nation. Solar projects are known to deliver significant economic benefits to the local community for years and years to come. Oak Solar is no exception as the project created 300 jobs during peak construction and will continue to provide long-term clean energy jobs and property tax contributions to Currituck County.  “Oak Trail Solar is another example of how LRE seeks to meaningfully contribute to the communities where we live and operate. Our engagement goes well beyond job creation, economic investment, and the generation of clean, renewable energy. We strive to build lasting partnerships with civic leaders, property owners, and community members. At Oak Trail Solar, we are committed to doing just that while preserving and protecting the environment,” says Jason Allen, LRE’s Chief Executive Officer Clean energy projects have a great impact on the communities in which they reside. Not only do they offer good-paying careers, but they also contribute to the business community and provide excellent economic development opportunities, making them a perfect ally for a chamber of commerce to have.

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

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

Bank of America CEO Speaks on the Advancement of a Clean Energy Economy at the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Mackinac Policy Conference

The Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce held their annual Mackinac Policy Conference from May 30 to June 2 on Mackinac Island. This year’s conference focused on “the Power of &” which created dialogue among speakers and participants on why Michigan should be focused on an “and” approach, opposed to an “either or” when it comes to policy solutions. This sparked healthy and productive conversations and showed that the “Power of &” can bring polarizing sides closer to a middle ground. Keynote speaker, Brian Moynihan, CEO of Bank of America Corporation, discussed the transition to a cleaner energy future and supported capitalism, saying the “only hope” to accomplish sustainability and carbon-reduction goals is for businesses to bridge the gap that charities, government, and individuals can’t afford: "Capitalism isn't the only system that can do this; it's really the only hope to accomplish these things." Moynihan praised the Inflation Reduction Act and the opportunities it brings to states like Michigan, such as funds to purchase electric buses and fast track permitting on new infrastructure construction.  Bank of America, with a net income of $26 billion in 2022, has committed $1 trillion for the energy transition over 10 years. Businesses will be encouraged, and frankly, pushed to move towards a clean energy economy, regardless of their stance on climate change, carbon reduction, or clean energy. "We need to help the transition take place for our clients or customers," Moynihan said. "Can we improve how it's done? One hundred percent, but right now, we need it to survive. So, the idea is how do you have that but make progress? And that comes down to having plans and having commitments, and so, the net-zero commitment by countries, by businesses, by sectors, by states, cities and towns covers a large portion of the economy in the world, 95%."

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

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Knox County Chamber event raises question: How might solar energy benefit Knox County?

Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy partnered with the Knox County Chamber of Commerce as they hosted a lunch and learn on January 26 at The Gallagher Centre about the upcoming solar development in Knox County; including a panel of experienced leaders who shared the economic and community benefits of utility-scale solar, as well as the regulatory process for solar developments.This article was published by Knox Pages on January 27, 2023.

MOUNT VERNON — How could Knox County become energy independent? That was the topic of discussion at the Knox Chamber of Commerce Event Thursday afternoon at the Gallagher Centre. "As we talk about solar, it's really about energy independence, right?" Brian Dicken, with Toledo's Regional Chamber of Commerce, said. "And we certainly see gas prices fluctuate pretty wildly over the past couple of years. International issues come into play. "When you talk about wind, solar, certainly natural gas and oil are big in Ohio. It all fits within that energy portfolio."  Dicken's example for renewable energy was a 500-megawatt power plant that takes between 18 to 24 months to construct. Such a plant would bring in between 400 to 500 jobs, not all permanent. "But for that year and a half, you're gonna have those individuals working in your communities, come to your restaurants, getting their cars worked on," he said. "So there's certainly a local benefit to that."  The question remained: How do communities become interested and willing participants in solar energy?  "As we're trying to develop the industry, how do we get people interested and be prepared to maybe build that next solo project?" Dicken said. "Sometimes we hear about the infrastructure. Companies are required to restore roads and other infrastructure that may be disrupted during that. That's a requirement that they have to fulfill."  Some of the tax money that comes from renewable energy goes back to local schools, Dicken said. He also touched on the economic effect that the solar panel supply chain can bring, using the example of Perrysville-based company First Solar.  "They have more than 200 supply decks across the state," Dicken said. "You may know somebody who works as part of the solar supply chain. They may not be building the panel but certainly those component and services that come into it."  In return, it can make Ohio attractive for future sustainable energy businesses, Dicken said. Matt Butler, public information officer with Ohio Power Siting Board, spoke on how renewable energy projects are processed and approved by the state. "Our job is to review energy projects across the state before any developer can construct one of those facilities," Butler said. The board is comprised of some voting members, directors of state agencies from Ohio EPA, the department of agriculture, development, natural resources and health. A seventh board member is a public professional engineer appointed by the governor, Butler said. When renewable projects are involved, two additional votes come from the township affected and one from the county.  The board's process, consisting of an application, public hearings and approving or disapproving the project, generally takes about a year to complete for solar projects, Butler said.  Every project has to establish a "complaint resolution process," which is a way for community members to voice their concerns.  "If there's a land owner who has concerns that a field tile was broken on the of the property, and that is creating drainage issues on his neighboring property, that's going to be taken care of," Butler said. "In fact, we have a standard condition that requires them to repair at their expense. "You might wonder if a 25- to 30-year-end of life facility like this, what's going to happen (then)? Is this just gonna be left her in the ground for us to deal with as a community or as a landowner? And that's not the case." A decommissioning bond is required, that's put in place up front for the full replacement value of the facility with the bond adjusting every five years, Butler said. The bond would be used to take the facility up out of the ground and restore it to its preexisting use.

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

Chambers, Businesses, and Utilities Meet to Discuss AZ’s Increasing Corporate Demand for Clean Energy

On February 21, the Tucson Metro Chamber of Commerce and Arizona Forward co-hosted a lively discussion on the growing demand for clean energy in Arizona, featuring representatives of the private sector and utilities.  Why did this topic generate much interest?  Organizations in Arizona are setting renewable energy and carbon reduction goals and developing strategies to reach them. This is financially-driven and emissions-driven and is attracting significant capital investment and job creation opportunities for the state. However, along with the economic benefits, the growth also poses supply chain and skill shortage challenges for Arizona.  Energy expert panelists included: Trevor Ledbetter, director, Office of Sustainability, University of Arizona Jonathan Simkins, vice president, Planning & Administration Global Real Estate & Workplace Experience, American Express Todd Brady, chief sustainability officer, Intel Corporation Todd Komaromy, director of resource planning, Arizona Public Service Grant Smedley, director of resource planning, Acquisition & Development, Salt River Project The panel was moderated by Ryan Evans, executive director at Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy. What were the key outcomes from discussion? A range of stakeholders are pushing organizations to reduce emissions and embrace renewables - from customers to shareholders to employees to investors.   Clean energy includes varied technologies - solar is particularly advantageous in sunny Arizona, but increasingly wind and other clean energies are in the mix, especially a wide range of energy storage technologies. Clean energy technologies are also innovating at an exceptional pace. Clean energy is price competitive and cheaper than traditional fuels for new generation.  Clean energy presents an opportunity to lock in energy prices for corporations and individuals which can limit their exposure to the volatility of natural gas and other energy sources. The advancement of clean energy is global in scope and to be competitive internationally, US-based organizations must track, measure and report on their progress through Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reports.   Check out the full webinar.

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

Top 10 Chamber Stories of 2022

West Virginia can be the Country's Leading Energy Producer Again, with the Help of Clean Energy

Randy Crane, President of the Mineral County Chamber of Commerce in West Virginia, composed an Op-Ed to illustrate the clean energy industry's positive impact on West Virginia's economy, job growth, and economic development opportunities. Crane encourages both state senators and other lawmakers to support legislation to bolster "West Virginia’s job and energy portfolio by supporting clean energy investment provisions in upcoming legislation." Read the full CIA

Greensboro Chamber Helps Land the Billion Dollar Toyota Regional Megasite

The impact of Toyota’s announcement to build its first ever North American battery manufacturing plant in North Carolina was expressed with clarity by Brent Christensen, President & CEO of the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce. “When you have jobs like this, you change peoples’ lives,” said Christensen.  Read the full CIA

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.  Read the full CIA

EV Industry in FL: The Electric Surge of EVs in the Sunshine State

One of the most high-profile aspects of clean energy is the growth of electric vehicles and in many cases, the membership of chambers of commerce are buying vehicles for their personal use, their fleets, and installing chargers at their business. In April, nearly 200 people joined the Seminole County Chamber for an in-depth look at the state of the EV industry in Florida, including hearing from a panel of people in the industry moderated by the chamber’s CEO, State Senator Jason Brodeur. Read the full CIA

AZ Op-Ed: Corporate Sector Can Lead the Way in Securing Arizona's Clean Energy Future

This opinion piece was co-authored by Steven G. Zylstra, president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council and SciTech Institute and Robin S. Reed, president and CEO of the Black Chamber of Arizona and co-founder and principal of EmFluent, LLC.  Read the full CIA

Winter Park Chamber Leads Community Sustainability with Innovative Prosperity Scorecard

When COVID-19 hit, the Winter Park Chamber, like so many others, mobilized to work on a multitude of issues outside of the typical purview of a chamber, even creating an Economic Recovery Task Force. “We became aware of needs that we didn’t traditionally look at, like poverty and food insecurity,” says the chamber’s president/CEO, Betsy Gardner Eckbert, IOM. “Afterward, we thought we needed to create a tool measuring total prosperity where everyone could plug in and see the factors that create prosperity.” Read the full CIA

The Brooklyn Chamber Holds Energy Summit and Expo

The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce in New York is positioned to be a leader in developing a clean energy economy, and recently hosted a Brooklyn Energy Summit and Expo to talk about the city’s clean energy future. The chamber brought together community innovators and leaders to focus on workforce development, and discuss energy efficiency and savings.  Read the full CIA

Logan County Chamber Ensures that Their Community is Well Informed on Solar

The Logan County Chamber of Commerce (OH) recently partnered with Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy to provide a Utility-Scale Solar Forum in conjunction with a regular meeting of the Logan County Community Improvement Corporation. This event was targeted at community leaders, in a grass tops strategy, to help ensure that the information presented would flow to the local population from trusted sources.  Read the full CIA

Texas Works Towards a Clean Energy Economy, Helping Communities Across the State, Regardless of Political Opinions on the Industry

The San Angelo Chamber of Commerce has had a hand in recruiting energy companies to develop at least nine solar and wind farms near their small town. “They’re providing a really strong revenue source,” said Michael Looney, head of economic development for the San Angelo Chamber. The San Angelo community seemed open to the new projects, despite clean energy not always being well received in other communities across the country. “They (renewable energy projects) have some political pushback in certain communities that find them to be not a really good fit, but in Tom Green County we found that it was a perfect fit.” Read the full CIA

Florida Clean Energy - Powering Workforce Development

The panel, moderated by CICE’s Alan Byrd, discussed how rapid growth of the clean energy sector presents economic opportunity in Florida and how critical it is to have a workforce with the right skills and training in order to attract clean energy companies to both urban and rural areas. A key message for the audience of chamber of commerce executives, was to keep in mind that from June to August, hundreds of millions in federal funding will flow into Florida thanks to the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). Read the full CIA

If you would like to learn more about navigating clean energy opportunities in your community, please contact Ryan Evans.

St. Petersburg Recognizes Connection Between Sustainability and Business Success as Winter Park Chamber Offers Keynote Address

On October 25, the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership and the Florida Environmental Defense Fund co-hosted the first Sustainability Leadership Forum and Awards Ceremony.   As one of the most vulnerable cities in America to climate change, St. Petersburg’s business leaders were looking for a way to recognize those organizations in the city leading on sustainability.   At the event, the organizations recognized three companies and heard from Betsy Gardner Eckbert, president/CEO of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce.   “The companies we recognized today are leading our community’s efforts in sustainability and ensuring the future of our city is as great as our present,” says Jason Mathis, CEO, St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership. “Having Betsy set the stage, with her community’s connection between sustainability and prosperity was a great lesson for us all to hear.”   The Winter Park Chamber, located outside of Orlando, was recently featured in a “Chambers in Action” story because of its focus on sustainability in its Prosperity Scorecard.   During her keynote address, Gardner Eckbert discussed tri-sector leadership and how Winter Park engaged businesses, local government, and nonprofits in her community to tackle the issue of sustainability and climate change.   “Tri-sector leadership is required for change because change is tough,” Gardner Eckbert says. “You have to engage all of the stakeholders and embed change for it to last. This kind of change must be normalized and embedded and picked up by all the sectors.”   After Gardner Eckbert’s talk, the group recognized three local businesses for Sustainability Leadership, showcasing the positive work being done by community and business leaders throughout Pinellas County.    Businesses of all sizes were eligible and the selection process focused on innovation related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, structural preservation, water conservation, water quality, electric vehicles and more.   “From the level of companies we recognized to the fabulous advice given by Betsy, we are extremely pleased with the results of this inaugural event,” says Dawn Shirreffs, Florida director, Environmental Defense Fund. “These leaders understand that sustainability growth makes economic sense and we hope others will be inspired by their stories to embrace these forward thinking and lucrative practices.”

Award Winners:

Institutional Award Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority, operating the region’s transit system with a focus on converting to electric buses. In March 2021, the organization released its first Sustainability Strategic Plan.

Retail Award Brick Street Farms, an urban farming company that has developed containers producing 16 acres to 20 acres of crops on 1/3 of an acre of land.

Developer Award Stoneweg U.S., a multifamily real estate investment company with a goal of reducing its portfolio’s site Energy Use Intensity by 15% by 2025.

If you would like to learn more about clean energy opportunities in your community, please contact Alan Byrd.   Also, if you would like to donate time or money in support of FL’s recovery from Hurricane Ian, you can do so via this link at the Florida State Chamber of Commerce website.

Logan County Chamber Ensures that their Community is Well Informed on Solar

Utility-scale solar developments have been on the rise in Ohio over the last two years and with those developments comes great economic benefits for the communities where they are located. Recognizing that there are many potential upsides to solar developments but also recognizing that residents and community leaders have questions about the technology, regulations, community impacts, and economic development opportunities, chambers of commerce are increasingly looking to provide legitimate, third-party expert validated information.   The Logan County Chamber of Commerce (OH) recently partnered with Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy to provide a Utility-Scale Solar Forum in conjunction with a regular meeting of the Logan County Community Improvement Corporation. This event was targeted at community leaders, in a grass tops strategy, to help ensure that the information presented would flow to the local population from trusted sources.  Presentations included: The Economic Power of Solar- Brian Dicken (IOM); Vice President, Advocacy and Strategic Initiatives, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce. Ohio Power Siting Board Permitting Process and Criteria- Matt Butler; Public Information Officer, Ohio Power Siting Board. PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) Orientation and SB 52 Regulations for Solar- Dylan Borchers; Energy, Environment & Utilities Attorney, Bricker & Eckler Attorneys at Law. Power of the PILOT and Community Impacts of Renewable Energy- Jeff Snyder; Superintendent, Lincolnview Local Schools (Van Wert County) A Farmer and Landowner’s Perspective- Mike Pullins, Farm owner (Champaign County) The Logan County Chamber of Commerce provided a great example of engaging grass tops leaders in a discussion on an important and significant matter for their community. Whether or not a chamber takes a position on public policy matters, local infrastructure projects, or utility-scale solar developments, as the voice of business, each chamber can follow the lead of the Logan County Chamber and at least look to ensure that the community is well informed.

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

Texas Works Towards a Clean Energy Economy, Helping Communities Across the State, Regardless of Political Opinions on the Industry

Texas, most commonly known for their oil and gas production, has been investing big on clean energy generation, in fact the red state is leading the country in wind energy generation and second only to left leaning California.  San Angelo is a rural Texas community, rich in farmland, some of which has been converted to solar fields and wind turbine developments. Area farmers and landowners are receiving substantial income from leasing their land to renewable energy companies/developers.  The San Angelo Chamber of Commerce has had a hand in recruiting energy companies to develop at least nine solar and wind farms near their small town. “They’re providing a really strong revenue source,” said Michael Looney, head of economic development for the San Angelo Chamber. The San Angelo community seemed open to the new projects, despite clean energy not always being well received in other communities across the country. “They (renewable energy projects) have some political pushback in certain communities that find them to be not a really good fit, but in Tom Green County we found that it was a perfect fit.” In Texas, clean energy can be political and polarizing. In reality, it’s generating new jobs and investments for communities across the state that are projected to do so for decades to come. In fact, red states like Texas, more so than blue states, are projected to see billions of dollars of investment thanks to the clean energy provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act  The San Angelo Chamber of Commerce is a great example of a chamber being the voice of business. Without making it political, clean energy can benefit the entire country with new, high paying jobs, manufacturing opportunities, and billions of dollars in investments. Watch the full story here

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

Brooklyn Chamber (NY) holds Energy Summit and Expo

The Brooklyn (NY) Chamber of Commerce is positioned to be a leader in developing a clean energy economy, and recently hosted a Brooklyn Energy Summit and Expo to talk about the city’s clean energy future. The chamber brought together community innovators and leaders to focus on workforce development, and discuss energy efficiency and savings. 

New York City has set many clean energy goals, including reaching carbon neutrality by 2050, using only clean electricity by 2040, and creating 1000 megawatts of solar energy by 2030. With ambitious goals, the city has implemented laws that require all new buildings to have solar panels. This may be easy for some new developments, but not all corners of the city can support the transition all at once, and cities like Brooklyn are looking to become innovative and impactful in trying to meet clean energy goals and standards. 

The summit included a panel discussion with leaders in the industry and community, with the focus to discuss Brooklyn’s biggest struggles to meet climate goals. The panel included leaders from:

• Con-Ed

• New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

• Equinor

• U.S. Energy Storage Development

• National Grid

• Reflective Energy Solutions

• American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE)

• Slow Factory

A keynote presentation was given by Mark Chambers, senior director for building emissions and community resilience at the White House Council on environmental quality.

At the heart of the discussion was the Build Back Better Act which will aid in clean energy development and EV infrastructure. With new development comes new job opportunities and room for economic growth in the Brooklyn community. “The goal is to engage in a community wide and community focused conversation on how we are going to undertake this massive cultural, technological and practical shift in the energy space. We need a workforce, a skilled workforce that’s going to be able to implement a lot of this change,” said Randy Peers, President and CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. “In Brooklyn, we’ve cultivated a lot in the energy-tech sector, so I think Brooklyn can be a nation leader in the energy transition.”

The Brooklyn Chamber is a leading example of a chamber of commerce claiming their seat at the table, and being at the forefront of clean energy discussions, while sitting at the crossroads of workforce development, environmental justice, and adaptivity to the clean energy transition.

Excellence in Clean Energy Leadership: Top Ten Chamber Stories of 2021

MA Speaker Mariano Unveils Plans to Invest Big in the Offshore Wind Industry at Boston Chamber Event

Massachusetts House Speaker, Ron Mariano, unveiled a plan to make major financial investments that will turn the South Coast into “a hub of wind energy for the region” at a recent virtual event with the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. Speaker Marino added that the House plans to give $10 million to the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center to prioritize job training programs that prepare workers for offshore wind construction.  Read the full CIA

OH Chambers and ED Oppose State Efforts to Thwart Massive Solar Investment

Ohio now has an opportunity to capture more than $18 billion of investment from utility scale solar developments. If realized, that would land Ohio as the state with the 3rd highest solar investment pipeline.  Additionally, according to a recent survey, a clear majority of Ohio voters support solar development and welcome it in their community.  Read the full CIA

Tampa Bay Chamber VP of Advocacy Writes Op-Ed on Importance of Clean Energy in the Business Community

Clean energy and resilience have become integral measures of a region’s overall competitiveness. That’s a key reason for The Tampa Bay Chamber’s decision to include goals in its policy platform to advance them both and to engage the business community in supporting local action surrounding these priorities that are flexible, predictable, and durable. Read the full CIA

Chamber, Businesses, and City Leaders Prioritize Arizona's Needs for Federal Infrastructure Investment

Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy, in partnership with Arizona Forward and the City of Tempe Office of Sustainability, led a three part series of workshops in June with Arizona business and community leaders. The workshops provided a forum for candid and detailed discussions with congressional staff about the priorities for Arizona regarding infrastructure needs, especially as they relate to clean energy and sustainability investments.  Read the full CIA

Senator Tillis, NC Chambers, and Industry Leaders Drive Home Leadership Opportunities in EV Innovation

U.S. Senator Thom Tillis, North Carolina chambers of commerce, economic development executives, and industry leaders gathered for a dialogue on what’s at stake for the state’s electrification industry. “It is exciting to see the progress we’re making in the area of renewable energy, and to see the opportunities that we have in the United States to be an innovator and a leader particularly when talking about medium to heavy duty electric vehicles,” said Senator Tillis.  Read the full CIA

How to Navigate and Lead in Clean Energy and Climate Discussions

Chambers of commerce and economic development organizations are claiming their seat at the table when it comes to clean energy policy, resilience, and climate discussions. Clean energy and climate are everyday conversations in the business and policy world. With solar and wind energy becoming the cheapest form of new electric generation, and 70 percent of Fortune 100 companies setting clean energy goals, the transition to sustainable energy is undeniable. Read the full CIA

Ohio Chambers Tour North America's Largest Solar Manufacturer and Discuss the Future of Solar in their Communities

In light of $18 billion economic investment on the line in the state with utility scale solar development, Ohio chamber of commerce and economic development leaders are eager to learn how they can support this opportunity in their counties. Many of these chamber leaders and other economic leaders gathered recently at First Solar in Perrysburg, the largest solar module manufacturer in the Western hemisphere to participate in a conversation on how to best navigate conflict with utility-scale solar development.  Read the full CIA

The Clean Energy Economy Bodes Well for AZ Jobs & Economic Growth

Chambers and business leaders discuss the opportunities associated with Arizona investing in a clean energy economy, the bipartisan infrastructure bill, and other federal policies that could positively impact the state. Representative Greg Stanton (D-AZ) opened the session by providing an overview of the proposed infrastructure bills in Congress and the effects climate change is playing on our economy and quality of life, saying “Arizona, and our entire nation needs to invest in infrastructure.”  Read the full CIA

NC Chamber Leaders Gather to Learn About the Offshore Wind Industry and the Opportunities it Holds

Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy hosted its first-ever Chamber of Commerce North Carolina Offshore Wind Summit on Friday October 27 in Wilmington, NC, a hot spot area for offshore wind development. Chamber and economic development leaders heard from experts in the industry and saw firsthand the $109 billion economic potential of offshore wind (OSW) through supply chain opportunities and development off the coast. Read the full CIA

Chamber Led Study Recommends CT Step Up its Offshore Wind Game

“The report highlights the economic opportunities available and our advantages in attracting those opportunities, and challenges that can keep the state from realizing the maximum potential offered by offshore wind power,” says The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut President and CEO, Tony Sheridan.  Read the full CIA

If you would like to learn more about navigating clean energy opportunities in your community, please contact Ryan Evans.

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NC Chamber leaders gather for offshore wind industry summit

Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy hosted its first-ever Chamber of Commerce North Carolina Offshore Wind Summit on Friday October 27 in Wilmington, NC, a hot spot area for offshore wind development. Chamber and economic development leaders heard from experts in the industry and saw firsthand the $109 billion economic potential of offshore wind (OSW) through supply chain opportunities and development off the coast. 

Presenters included:

• John Hardin, Executive Director, North Carolina Dept. of Commerce

• Ashley McLeod, Stakeholder Engagement Director, Kitty Hawk Offshore Wind Project at Avangrid Renewables

• Ed Conner, President, SpanSet

• Jeff Andreini, Vice President New Energy Services and Arketa Howard, Mid-Atlantic Regional Director, Business Policy and Affairs for Offshore Wind with Crowley Marine Services

• Jaime Simmons, Southeastern Wind Coalition

• Mark Fleming, President and CEO, Conservatives for Clean Energy and former President and CEO, Wake Forest, NC Chamber of Commerce

The Wilmington (NC) Chamber of Commerce has seen the impacts offshore wind has had on their local economy and welcomes new development. “I’m so excited for the opportunity and growth brought by offshore wind,” says Megan Mullins, Wilmington Chamber. 

Responding to NC Governor Cooper’s goal of 30 GW of OSW development in the state; several speakers noted the much-anticipated opportunity for new jobs creation and economic growth for the state. “The 30GW target for offshore wind will be big for the economy and for supply chain organizations including steel production,” says Frank Fisher, Nucor. 

Additionally, with over 8,000 components in a wind turbine, there is plenty of opportunity for NC’s 55 wind energy supply chain companies to expand their manufacturing base to support the OSW industry. John Hardin with the North Carolina Department of Commerce honed in on the supply chain opportunities, “Whether you’re on the coast or in the mountains, the state of North Carolina can benefit from offshore wind supply chain opportunities.” Ed Conner with SpanSet said, “Offshore wind is a big opportunity and billion dollar market for supply chain businesses.”

Current NC OSW plans include Avangrid Renewables’ Kitty Hawk Wind project off the coast of Corolla. Over the next decade the project will bring in billions of dollars, including $1.5 billion in construction activities and sales, alone. Ashley McLeod, Lead- OSW Public Affairs, Avangrid Renewables, shared the new clean energy job opportunities for current and upcoming workforce in the state and said, “This is my advice to chambers, you should reach out to your local schools and show kids that the offshore wind industry is a great option for them, with high paying jobs without a 4 year degree.” 

Addressing how NC residents perceive OSW, Jaime Simmons, Southeast Wind Coalition (SEWC) Program Manager, joined the group to bust some OSW myths and share results from a recent study conducted for SEWC. That survey found that 7 in 10 people are supportive of OSW in North Carolina. “We found support for offshore wind in North Carolina across political parties, and many demographics,” said Simmons. 

Ambitious goals paired with ambitious leaders will fuel the clean energy economy and provide opportunities for chamber members and communities across the state. “There isn’t a more valuable ally than local chamber executive and economic development leaders in clean energy development,” says Mark Fleming, Conservatives for Clean Energy. “Chambers are the perfect conveners to be able to get the right information on the table.”