FL Clean Energy - Powering Workforce Development

Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE) partnered with the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals to present a panel discussion, ‘Clean Energy - Powering Workforce Development’ at FACP’s bi-annual meeting on May 11, 2022. The panel included: Britta Gross, Orlando Utilities Commissioner  Adrian Brand, Sales and Experience Center Manager, Arcimoto  Racquel Asa, Chief Marketing Officer, BEEP  Don Long, Co-host and CEO, Lake Nona Regional Chamber 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). That funding can be used for transit and clean energy advanced manufacturing, and approximately $200M is coming to the Florida Department of Transportation for EV Charging alone.  Additional key takeaways from the discussion:  Supply Chain and Investment: Britta Gross of the Orlando Utilities Commission emphasized, “This is a moment in time - if we don’t jump on board, we’ll lose significant GDP - due to global competition. There is urgency and a need to manufacture chips and batteries in the US.” This presents an opportunity for Florida as auto manufacturers make multi-billion investment in EVs. Chamber Innovation Insight: Panel co-host and CEO of the Lake Nona Regional Chamber Don Long said that Florida communities need to demonstrate they are ‘willing to innovate’. The entrepreneurial culture built in Lake Nona sends this message. Don urged communities to ‘look at forming a cluster of clean energy companies.” Key Economic Impact for Businesses: Britta Gross provided additional compelling statistics. “By 2030 50% of cars sold will be EVs and 100% by 2035. I’d recommend looking at tourist spots where people want to spend time and install chargers at resorts. For every one minute a person spends in a store while their car is charging, they will spend $1. With a level 2 charger, they may be in a retail location for 50 minutes and will spend $50. See who is willing to raise their hand for having chargers on their property. Be a matchmaker and start to marry the chargers to your member businesses and property owners.” First and Last Mile Innovation: BEEP has the longest running autonomous vehicle network in the US. According to Racquel Asa of BEEP, “We are solving the first and last mile problem and improving transit’. Racquel went on to say “workforce development is significant for us at BEEP. One of our employees started as a shuttle operator and is now an autonomous vehicle support engineer’. Workforce Development: EV manufacturer Arcimoto, maker of a three-wheel and very affordable vehicle, brought one of their cars to the conference. The car has a range of 100 miles and can travel up to 75 miles per hour. According to Adrian Brand, “We need a workforce that is passionate about our product”. The panelists all provided actionable and practical steps for chambers to capture economic opportunity. If you are interested in any of the above takeaways, speakers, or learning more about the workforce and supply chain opportunities of clean energy and resilience, please reach out to Anne or Alan.

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

Tucson Metro Chamber - Providing Leadership to the Growing Clean Energy Sector

With 56k clean energy jobs (and growing) and $15B in capital investment, there is tremendous business opportunity in Arizona’s clean energy sector. Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE) recently published a report titled 'Arizona Clean Energy Jobs and Economic Impact' with even more details on this rapid growth. The Tucson Metro Chamber is a great example of a local chamber leveraging the area's historical business strengths while capitalizing on growth in new sectors. Capturing solar energy The Tucson Chamber membership includes many solar companies such as Solon, Saguaro, Solgen, Sunpro, and The Solar Store - to name just a few. So when software company Accela asked Michael Guymon, Tucson Chamber CEO, to join the steering committee for a new solar app, Michael was pleased to have the opportunity to support this important sector. According to Utility Drive, Accela’s recently released SolarAPP+ allows solar installers to complete permit applications online, reducing approval wait times from weeks to hours. Tucson residents are by far the most active users in Accela’s pilot program. According to Guymon, “Not only is this a great tool for residents, but it is being expanded to support commercial businesses as well”.   Rapid deployment of EVs and EV Chargers  With the rapid growth of EV sales and Arizona a major hub for EV manufacturing, the Tucson Metro Chamber is working with the City of Tucson to craft policies supporting EV drivers. The City of Tucson requires new residential construction be wired with the infrastructure needed for EV charging stations and is looking at a similar policy for new commercial construction. According to Michael Guymon, “As the City moves their discussions to the commercial sector, we want to make sure any ordinances or code amendments recognize the changes we anticipate in the EV marketplace. On top of this, we absolutely want to get as much of the federal funding available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for EV deployment as possible”.  The supply chain needed to support EVs and clean energy presents equally valuable opportunities. SunCorridor, Inc, southern Arizona’s economic development organization and partner to the Chamber, is leveraging the strength of existing businesses to recruit more jobs to the area. Copper mining is a major industry for Arizona with sixty percent of the nation’s copper coming from southern Arizona. Much copper is needed to support growth in electric vehicles (EVs) over the next decade. According to Guymon, “not only do the clean energy and mining sectors overlap, but also the tech sector. Five years ago, the Chamber, Sun Corridor, The Arizona Commerce Authority and several government partners recruited Caterpillar’s Surface Mining and Technology Division to Tucson thanks to our region’s strength in mining technology.”  Workforce Development Chambers are keenly aware that attracting and retaining businesses requires a highly skilled workforce. The Tucson Chamber works with University of Arizona's Science & Technology Park innovation hubs to bring industry and research together to advance technology. The Park’s Solar Zone is one of the largest multi-technology solar testing and evaluation sites in the United States.  The Tucson Metro Chamber is in the unique position to integrate its long-standing businesses, clean energy startups, educational institutions, and skilled workforce in a way that brings much success to the Tucson economy.

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

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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. Included on the panel were: Brad Thoburn, Assistant Secretary of Strategic Development, Florida Department of Transportation Shane Lillibridge, Customer Relations Manager, Headquarter Hyundai Murat Babur, Global Director of Battery Management Systems, Microvast Brodeur began the meeting by talking about the growth of the EV market in the United States, sharing that in 2011, there were 16,000 electric vehicles in the U.S. and, as of last year, there were more than two million. By 2030, it is expected that 50% of new cars sold in the US will be electric. All of the panelists agreed the EV market will continue to surge, with Thoburn saying the state is looking at a 35% growth rate by the year 2030 being spurred, primarily by the technology within the vehicles. To prepare, the state is focused on deploying the infrastructure needed for the electric market, by developing an EV master plan for the state. Florida must also submit its plan to the Federal government for the use of nearly $200 million in EV charging infrastructure by August 1. “It’s changing our world, which is exciting, but it means we have to think differently and be more agile,” Thoburn said. “Our 20-year vision has to be very flexible and change on a dime.”

Deploying EV chargers and infrastructure is not only important to the state, residents, and Florida businesses but to manufactures, specifically, as well.  Lillibridge shared that Hyundai was reluctant to send its Ioniq 5 to Florida because of the lack of infrastructure, both public and private. “In other states, California, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, you have to travel five to 10 miles to reach a high-speed charging station. In Florida, it’s over 70 miles,” he said. “We have to bring that number down.” Lillibridge now gets about four cars to sell per month. “Honestly, when you drive a vehicle, you don’t know what color it is, so I can get you a vehicle, just don’t worry about what the color is,” he added. Babur added the perception of people towards safety and technology is still not matching with the actual safety and technology level of the vehicles. “Right now, we are really reaching great breakthroughs with the technology that is really bringing the cost down,” Babur says. “From the safety standpoint, there’s no carbon emissions and you don’t need to go to mechanic for regular maintenance.” The one thing each panelist wanted the attendees to leave with: Thoburn: “We need to continue to educate people on where this technology is headed,” Babur: “Trust in the evolution of the battery technology, it’s safety and it’s range” Lillibriget: “Let your anxiety go away, you’re not going to get stuck on the side of the road unless you are a bad driver.”

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

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Arizona: Home to the New Electric Valley, Attracting New Jobs and Investments

While other states in the U.S. may produce more vehicles in total, Arizona is attracting the startup electric vehicle (EV) sector, bringing thousands of additional jobs and billions of capital investment to the state, having some nickname the area the “Electric Valley”. Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE) and Arizona Forward co-hosted a discussion on February 1, on Arizona’s “Electric Valley”, with engaging speakers, including: experts from local chambers and economic development organizations. It also included the executives from three top EV companies - Lucid, Nikola, and Electra Meccanica.  Britta Gross, Managing Director, Carbon Free Mobility, Rocky Mountain Institute & Orlando Public Utility Commissioner Marisa Walker, Sr. V.P., Arizona Commerce Authority & Executive Director, Institute of Automated Mobility Renee Louzon-Benn, Executive Director, Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce James Smith, Economic and Workforce Development Director, Pinal County Mike Boike, Senior Director of Manufacturing, Lucid Motors Elizabeth Fretheim, Global Head of Sustainability and Social Responsibility, Nikola Julie Ibara, Plant Manager, Electra Meccanica Jon Ford, Moderator, Community Development Regional Manager, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco The panelists exemplified the Arizona teamwork and coordinated approach that has put the state in a leading position to attract more advanced manufacturing and skilled jobs. With fierce competition from other regions in the U.S., the goal was to address the questions: how does Arizona maintain and grow its attractiveness to EV manufacturers, and what does being a leader in the EV (and associated supply chain) manufacturing mean for Arizona in terms of tax revenue, investment, clean jobs, and clean air? Renee Louzon-Benn, executive director of the Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce, spoke about the great relationship between Lucid’s expanding manufacturing site, the city, and county. She spoke of the success of Casa Grande and the county in developing the needed skills and workforce. “I think what was really key is knowing that Lucid was going to need a skilled workforce. The state of Arizona, Pinal County, the City of Casa Grande and Central Arizona College partnered to develop Drive 48, a state of the art advanced manufacturing training center.” She went on to add “Lucid is attracting 20 somethings to live and work in Casa Grande.” James Smith, economic development and workforce director for Pinal County, punctuated many of Renee’s points. “Silicon Valley likes Arizona because it's so close. The technology can be developed in Silicon Valley and manufactured and implemented here in Arizona. We would never be able to manufacture the internal combustion engine, because so many of those suppliers are in the upper midwest, but when you remove some of those pieces and parts and it’s much more about technology it really lends itself to Arizona having that supply chain here and being able to manufacture here.” “Not only do we have that positive business environment, but I also think we are training a whole generation of workers for this industry going forward. The underlying factors for success are off the charts,” said Smith.  Following the webinar, the Federal Department of Transportation announced funding for EV charging in Arizona; dollars allocated to the state as a result of the bipartisan infrastructure bill. “Arizona stands to get up to $76.5 million over the next five years to develop electric vehicle charging stations along interstate corridors, in hopes of increasing EV ownership by reducing range anxiety for drivers”, according to AZ Cronkite News.   Watch the full recorded session here  Check out our Arizona Clean Energy Jobs and Economic Impact Report

If your chamber would like to learn more about navigating clean energy opportunities in your community, contact Anne Feldhusen for more information.

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Event Recap: Hot Topics in FL Clean Energy: Rooftop Solar, Federal EV Money & More

If you would like to rewatch or share the event with your members, you can watch it on our Youtube channel here. While there, please subscribe to be alerted for any future events.

Net Metering, Rooftop Solar, Electric Vehicle, and Legislation Follow-Up:

Net Metering/Rooftop Solar If you would like to read the report developed by the Washington Economics Group for Conservatives for Clean Energy, and The Comprehensive Economic Development Impacts of the Rooftop Solar Power Industry on the State of Florida, you can find that here.  Our organization has also developed two information documents dealing with the rooftop solar issue. The two papers are: SB 1024 & HB 741- Renewable Energy Generation: Changes to Florida’s Net Metering Policy Net Metering Background Information for Florida Chambers of Commerce Bipartisan Infrastructure Investments and EV Toolkit “If you are a small business, make sure you are building those relationships with potential joint venture partners and your DOT district office. It’s vital right now that you are developing those strategic relationships.” Kimberly Rosier Jean-Louis During the discussion regarding investment dollars coming from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, Kimberly Rosier Jean-Louis provided great information for chambers and businesses to ensure they can capitalize on the more than $7 billion coming for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Here is the follow up from her: You can find more information about the Orlando MBDA Business Center, as they help businesses with all types of business issues.  You can read Charging Forward: A Toolkit for Planning and Funding Rural Electric Mobility Infrastructure; the toolkit we referenced in the webinar.  Finally, Kimberly discussed a program Duke Energy is undertaking to help create and grow businesses in the clean energy space. You can find more information about Duke’s Diversity in Clean Energy program. Additional Clean Energy & EV Bills “This is an exciting time as there are real resources available and others on the horizon as well.” Congressman Darren Soto  We wrapped up talking about some of the bills that are moving in Tallahassee this session, including legislation dealing with our state’s vehicle fleets, floating solar and permitting for solar.  Scott Thomassan, our policy expert for the discussion, passed along these links for bills that look like they may pass this year: SB 1338: Floating Solar Facilities (Diaz) HB 1411: Floating Solar Facilities (Avila)   SB 954 EV Fleet Procurement & Solar Permitting (Brodeur) HB 1139 EV Fleet Procurement & Solar Permitting (Drake) “There’s another EV bill that will be a big debate next session that takes on who is building these charging stations and what that market will look like.” Scott Thomasson At Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy, we’re looking forward to what’s next on the horizon and you’re ahead of the game by hearing about the big issue for the 2023 Legislative Session, about the electronic vehicle industry. While they are not expected to pass this year, it is looking like this may be the focus of our legislature next year. Be even more prepared by reviewing the bills filed this year: SB 920: EV Transportation Electrification Plan (Perry) HB 737 EV Transportation Electrification Plan (Borrero)   Again, thank you for participating in our webinar. We look forward to keeping you informed on issues that affect your members and your community.

For further follow-up information contact Alan Byrd or Anne Feldhusen

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Jacksonville Chamber Leader and Business Owner Capitalizes on the Growing Clean Energy Sector to Expand Nationally

Miller Electric, based in Jacksonville, Florida, was founded in 1928 and to this day is still run by family members. The business helps companies across the U.S. build, monitor, maintain, and optimize the entire life-cycle of their energy and information infrastructure. Miller Electric has tripled its business in just the last few years, with much of its growth attributed to the tremendous advancement in the clean energy and information technology sectors. For a company with origins working in electrical, Miller had the core competence and foresight to expand into high growth areas such as the installation of EV charging stations, including the scale needed to power the Jacksonville Transit Bus Network. Miller Electric provides comprehensive electrical and technology energy solutions to local and national clients in a diverse range of industries.

Henry Brown, CEO of Miller Electric, is currently serving a multi-year term as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Jacksonville Chamber and knows that it is not just companies working directly in the clean energy sector, such as his, that are interested in staying on top of energy issues. “Many companies have a renewable energy target, some are looking to provide onsite EV charging for employees, and others want to electrify their fleet,” says Brown. “The need for education and leadership on these topics exists throughout almost all businesses.” Clearly, chambers of commerce have a real leadership opportunity here.  Further, Brown continued, “Business communities across the US recognize the need to address the growing number of extreme weather events and find ways to reduce and manage energy risks.” This focus has led to many governments across the country hiring resilience directors, as Jacksonville, Florida has just done.  With new businesses and members, comes new leadership, not only in the Chamber world, but in business communities across the nation. With clean energy and climate issues pushing to the forefront of many business and community plans, it’s helpful to embrace the growing sector as it creates new jobs and contributes to a growing economy. Miller Electric is a prime example of a business harnessing the power of the alternative energy sector and creating a valuable business with continued opportunity for growth in the field of clean energy.

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

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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 recently gathered for a dialogue on what’s at stake for the state’s electrification industry via a webinar hosted by Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE) and Conservatives for Clean Energy. With other countries looking to corner this market, the message was loud and clear, North Carolina has the opportunity to lead nationally, and globally, in the innovation of electrification transportation, especially in the medium-heavy duty space, delivering new jobs and economic investment.  During the event, Senator Tillis shared his support of clean energy development opportunities in the state including electric vehicle innovation as it pertained, primarily, to medium to heavy duty EVs, as well as his support of a robust, bipartisan infrastructure package. “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. His recent bipartisan leadership and support of the infrastructure bill helped propel its passage by the Senate. If passed by the House, the bill will provide millions of dollars in investments for roads, highways, EV infrastructure, climate resilience, and more.    Three leading North Carolina chamber and economic development executives all shared their support of the growing opportunity to lead in EV innovation and the economic growth impact of clean energy.  “Transitioning to a cleaner and more resilient energy system is good for customers, businesses and the state of North Carolina,” said Joe Bost, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, Charlotte Regional Business Alliance.   “Clean tech and energy innovation in power, automotive and aerospace sectors continue to drive real and sustained growth in the workforce, wages and GDP of the Asheville region,” shared Clark Duncan, Senior Vice President of Economic Development, Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. “Cary Chamber has been committed for six decades to support and attract world-class, innovative companies and its partners that are leading innovation in developing cleaner and more efficient forms of technology,” stated Mark Lawson, President and CEO, Cary Chamber of Commerce. Industry leaders Trane Technologies, Eaton and Hitachi ABB Power Grids touched more on the growth, feasibility and benefits of the electrification of transportation in North Carolina. “Collaboration of legislative leaders and the business community becomes a vital key in the global competition towards electrification that will power a more sustainable future. These issues of sustainability, emissions reduction and efficiency are not partisan issues at Eaton,” said Christopher Hess, Vice President Government Relations and Public Affairs, Eaton.  Susan Munroe, Deputy Director with CICE pointed out during the webinar that North Carolina can and should lead in this space sharing, “It really is about attracting the best and brightest to the state, setting a path for job creation, manufacturing, and support of the technology to get us there. It will require robust state and national infrastructure policy as well as private sector leadership.”  Watch the full webinar, or catch the highlights. Check out the event overview here.

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

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