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

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