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.

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2022 North Carolina Clean Energy Champions Announced Amidst Impressive Year for Clean Energy Development in NC

Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy, alongside co-host Conservatives for Clean Energy hosted the 8th annual North Carolina Clean Energy Champions event in Greensboro, North Carolina; a hub for recent clean energy investments and developments. The event is a time where chamber and economic development leaders, as well as legislators and businesses are awarded for their leadership in advancing the clean energy economy in NC. 

“Their advocacy, investments, and policy development have turned North Carolina into a clean energy economic powerhouse and a national hub for clean energy innovation and manufacturing,” Ryan Evans, executive director, Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy.

North Carolina has been no stranger to the economic impacts clean energy can have on communities across the state. Whether it be offshore wind, solar, or electric vehicle and battery manufacturing. The state continues to benefit from the growing industry and can continue to forge a path for a clean energy future. 

2022 Clean Energy Champion award winners:

U.S. Rep. David Rouzer (R-7th District)

For working consistently in a bipartisan way with Republican and Democratic colleagues in Congress to repeal a 10-year moratorium on offshore wind projects and to promote other clean energy initiatives.

State Rep. Ed Goodwin (R-Chowan)

For sponsoring legislation that would direct the N.C. Utilities Commission to study reforms to deliver far greater market competition, customer choice, and ratepayer savings to North Carolinians than the current monopoly-controlled structure allows. Goodwin also has supported solar projects and a wind farm in his district, where they produce much-needed property tax revenue.

State Rep. Harry Warren (R-Rowan)

For sponsoring important legislation expanding solar panel freedom in homeowner association neighborhoods and promoting electric vehicles.

State Sen. Michael Lazzara (R-Onslow)

For sponsoring legislation to allow commercial property-assessed clean energy, a financing method that allows borrowed capital to pay the upfront costs associated with energy efficiency or renewable energy improvements, repaid over time via a voluntary tax assessment.

Greensboro Chamber of Commerce

For playing a central role while working with the Governor’s Office, state lawmakers, local government, utilities, colleges, and many other partners to create an extensive siting and incentive package development that attracted Toyota Motor Corp. of America to the Greensboro-Randolph megasite, Toyota plans to invest more than $3.8 billion to build its first electric vehicle and hybrid battery facility, creating up to 2,100 jobs.

Carteret County Economic Development Department

For demonstrating dynamic leadership in one of the most exciting clean energy opportunities for the state: offshore wind. Carteret County and North Carolina are well-positioned to welcome billions of dollars in investment and thousands of jobs in the offshore wind industry.

New Belgium Brewing

For generating solar power at its Asheville brewery, for committing to carbon-neutrality by 2030, and for supporting robust state clean energy policies, including more electric vehicles and charging stations.

Siemens
For promoting clean energy policies, for its strong clean energy goals, and for employing thousands of North Carolinians in technology jobs.

Clean Energy Rising Star award winner:

Rep. Matthew Winslow (R-Wake)

Rep. Winslow, a homebuilder and former economic developer who was just elected to a second term in the N.C. House, for creating resilient neighborhoods that feature a micro-grid and homes that are pre-wired for rooftop solar panels and electric vehicle charging in their garages.

Lifetime Achievement award winner:

U.S. Sen. Richard Burr (R)

For his almost three decades of public service in Congress, including his having played a vital role in developing last year’s Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, a much-needed, bipartisan federal law.

“I hope our award winners’ success stories will inspire all of you,” Fleming, the CEO of Conservatives for Clean Energy, said in concluding the event. “Who knows –you might be one of our 2023 Clean Energy Champions!”
If you would like to learn more about clean energy opportunities in your community, please contact Ryan Evans.
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St. Petersburg Recognizes Connection Between Sustainability and Business Success as Winter Park Chamber Offers Keynote Address
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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.

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Ahoskie Chamber of Commerce Receives NC Clean Energy Champion Award
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Ahoskie Chamber of Commerce Receives NC Clean Energy Champion Award

The Ahoskie Chamber of Commerce received statewide recognition for their outstanding leadership in advancing clean energy opportunities in North Carolina at the 6th annual “North Carolina Clean Energy Champion” awards event. The December 1 event was co-hosted by Conservatives for Clean Energy-NC (CCE) and Chambers for Innovation & Clean Energy (CICE) and streamed online to over 200 participants. (Click here to view a recording of the event.)

CICE’s Director of Economic Development, Susan Munroe, touted the Ahoskie Chamber’s leadership in its support of solar energy development and upcoming manufacturing supply chain opportunities associated with offshore wind energy projects, which could be constructed 20+ miles off the coast of Virginia and North Carolina. “I applaud the Ahoskie Chamber’s leadership efforts in advancing the investments and economic benefits that renewable energy projects are delivering across Hertford County and northeastern North Carolina, especially during these uncertain times,” said Munroe. “Their message is clear: They support, and want more clean energy investment in their community because it directly benefits their local economy and citizens.” 
Amy Braswell, executive director of the Ahoskie Chamber of Commerce accepted the award sharing, "Hertford County is a mix of industries and agriculture and we are now adding renewable energy to our portfolio. We see the opportunity and we are absolutely certain that renewables will play a role in our future economic development planning.”
Event participants also heard from top political consultants, Paul Shumaker and Dee Stewart, founders of Strategic Partners Solutions, who discussed the 2020 elections and recent energy polling of NC voters, as well as a special clean energy video from US Senator Thom Tillis. 

In addition to the Ahoskie Chamber of Commerce, the following also received awards: Mother Earth Brewing, Novo Nordisk, Live Oak Bank, and the Charlotte Motor Speedway received NC Clean Energy Champion Awards. Receiving Clean Energy Champion legislative awards were NC Representative John Torbett (R-Gaston,) NC Senator Vickie Sawyer (R-Iredell & Yadkin), and NC Representative Bobby Hanig (R-Currituck, Dare, Hyde, Pamlico). 
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4th Annual Champions of Clean Energy Awards Brings Together Chambers of Commerce From Across North Carolina
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4th Annual Champions of Clean Energy Awards Brings Together Chambers of Commerce From Across North Carolina

On Tuesday, Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy and Conservatives for Clean Energy co-hosted the 4th Annual Champions of Clean Energy Awards Luncheon where the Currituck Chamber of Commerce was recognized with a Clean Energy Champion award for their continued commitment to expanding solar and wind energy projects across Northeastern North Carolina.

On Tuesday, Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy and Conservatives for Clean Energy co-hosted the 4th Annual Champions of Clean Energy Awards Luncheon where the Currituck Chamber of Commerce was recognized with a Clean Energy Champion award for their continued commitment to expanding solar and wind energy projects across Northeastern North Carolina.

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Along with the Currituck Chamber, Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE) and Conservatives for Clean Energy (CCE) were joined by Local Chambers from across the state to recognize businesses and organizations that are playing a leading role in expanding clean energy investment and economic development in the state. Chambers from Charlotte, Boone, Durham, Lake Norman, and Edenton-Chowan all participated or presented awards at the luncheon.

In addition to honoring the Currituck Chamber, CICE and CCE presented awards to the 100% clean energy powered Appalachian Mountain Brewery located in Boone, NC; SAERTEX, whose Huntersville manufacturing plant employees nearly 200 people making materials for wind turbine blades; the SAS Institute, leading by example with their investments in ‘smart campus’ and renewable energy technology; Cree, an industry leader in energy and efficiency equipment; and the NC Retail Merchants Association, which has led efforts to expand clean energy opportunities for large retailers across the state.

“We were thrilled to once again join with Conservatives for Clean Energy to honor those organizations that are driving economic development in North Carolina,” said Jennifer Behr, Senior North Carolina Organizer for Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy. “Thanks to their leadership, all North Carolinians are benefiting from new investment in the state, expanded job opportunities, and increased economic development.”

You can read more about this year’s event from local media coverage:

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