Top 10 Featured Stories in 2018

Top 10 Featured Chamber Stories in 2018

Congratulations to the chambers featured in the Top 10 stories highlighting leadership on innovation and economic development.

Two Governors, Amazon Consultant, Foundation Leader Tell Local Chambers the Economic Outlook for Clean Energy is Strong

The transition to the clean energy economy is happening now. States are making it happen. Local communities are making it happen. And corporations are making it happen.

This was the message on a special briefing call for local chambers from guest speakers Gov. Rick Snyder (R-MI); former Governor Bill Ritter Jr. (D-CO); Rich Powell, Executive Director of the ClearPath Foundation; and Theresa Kostzrewa, Consultant for Amazon. More.

Economic Benefits of Offshore Wind in Clear View for Chamber, Business Leaders

On a beautiful sunny day, 115 local chamber of commerce and business leaders got on-board a boat in Massachusetts for a 30-mile journey to tour America's first offshore wind project, the Block Island Wind Farm. More.

Lancaster County Chamber CEO Talks About PA's Energy Development & Lancaster's Solar Leadership

Thomas Baldridge, President and CEO of the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce, speaks out in a new video about how a community and state historically known for oil, coal, and shale development is now embracing clean energy. More.

Local Chambers From Red, Purple States Speak at Global Climate Summit

The day before Hurricane Florence hit North Carolina, local chamber CEOs from red and purple states gathered at the Global Climate Summit in San Francisco to talk about their work in ensuring resilient communities.  More.

Ohio's Local Chamber Leaders Share Story of Wind Benefits with State Legislators

Several local chamber, economic development leaders, and community officials traveled to the state capitol on multiple occasions to share their front-line stories about the benefits of wind with state government leaders.  More.

Chamber Recognized for Helping Members Save through Energy Efficiency

The Newton Needham Business Energy $avers program connects local businesses to available energy saving programs and incentives offered through Mass Save which is run by the local utilities. (Businesses receive free energy audits, financing for upgrades, and rebates on recommended energy improvements.) It has already increased small and medium business participation by 30 percent. More.

Many Local Chambers Across US in the News Supporting Clean Energy

Local chamber of commerce CEOs are making news for their leadership around clean energy. Here are some recent highlights:  More.

Chamber VP Says Solar Will be a "Major Part" of Region's Economic Future

First Solar, a leading member of the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, broke ground in 2018 on a project expected to become what has been described as "The largest solar factory, by capacity, in the Western Hemisphere."  More.

4th Annual Champions of Clean Energy Awards Brings Together Chambers of Commerce From Across North Carolina

In November 2018, 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. More.

Middlesex Chamber's Innovative Financing Program to Boost Local Jobs, Profits and Investment

Businesses everywhere are looking to save money when it comes to energy costs. In response, Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the Connecticut Green Bank to help member businesses afford energy efficiency and clean energy upgrades. More.

Local Chambers From Red, BLue & Purple States Speak at Global Climate Summit

The day before Hurricane Florence hit North Carolina, local chamber CEOs from red and purple states gathered at the Global Climate Summit in San Francisco to talk about their work to create resilient communities.

According to Doug Luciani, President and CEO of Traverse CONNECT/Traverse City Chamber of Commerce in Michigan, "Local chambers and the private sector have an important role to play in creating resilient communities. Local chambers are ideally suited to be the leading conveners of stakeholders on this important economic development issue."

One local chamber CEO, Aaron Nelson, President and CEO of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce, appeared by video since he was forced to cancel his attendance due to Hurricane Florence and the need to help prepare his community for the disaster.

Aaron Nelson, President & CEO, Chapel-Hill Carrboro Chamber of Commerce, NC and Christy Gillenwater, President & CEO, Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce, TN

"Climate change is creating challenges and opportunities for us: the challenge of resilience: how our economy is going survive, how our community will survive, how we will respond to changes now and changes on the way." Nelson said. "And then the opportunities: opportunities for economic development and innovation and job growth and working together to find solutions." He encouraged those working on resilience to reach out to local chambers. (Watch video here.)

Christy Gillenwater, President and CEO of the Chattanooga Area Chamber in Tennessee spoke about her community's leadership on clean energy, the development of Chattanooga's Advanced Smart Grid, and a community plan for growth and resilience. Chattanooga's leadership and investments in innovation and clean energy support community resilience, economic development and the ability to attract the best young talent to her community.

The event also featured Brian Strong, Chief Resilience Officer for the City of San Francisco, who spoke about the value local chambers bring to resiliency conversations and planning, and was moderated by Diane Doucette, Executive Director of Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy.

The event attracted many local chamber leaders and businesses interested in resilience and clean energy. The event was organized by Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy and the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce.