Chamber Action Center

Energizing Economies Working Group

The Energizing Economies Working Group offers chamber leaders a private, solutions-focused space to connect, share, and learn from one another's experiences with utility-scale clean energy projects. Whether you're exploring utility-scale wind energy or solar projects or have active projects in your community, this group provides the opportunity to:

Discuss the unique challenges and opportunities that come with developing utility-scale clean energy projects in rural areas.
Share practical strategies and insights on everything from educating local businesses to navigating land use and regulatory complexities.
Learn from both successes and setbacks to bring valuable lessons back to your community.
Build a peer network of leaders committed to supporting one another and advancing clean energy development in rural America.

By fostering open dialogue among chamber leaders, we aim to help communities across the country embrace clean energy in ways that generate economic growth while addressing local concerns.

Why Join the Energizing Economies Working Group

Rural communities are often ideal for utility-scale clean energy projects due to their natural resources, existing infrastructure, and open land. However, these areas also face distinct challenges not encountered in urban or suburban settings.

By joining this group, you will:

Connect with chamber leaders who are navigating or have navigated similar issues, such as community concerns, land use challenges, misinformation, and environmental impacts.
Better understand how clean energy can benefit a community through increased tax revenue, long-term and short-term job creation, community benefit agreements, local infrastructure investment, and landowner payments.
Gain access to expert advice and best practices to help you advocate for clean energy solutions that boost economic growth while protecting local resources.
Receive support for addressing hurdles like community resistance, educating stakeholders, and effectively communicating with elected officials.
Access and contribute to resource documents, reports, and presentations that help educate your community on the opportunities and realities of clean energy.
Share and celebrate successes, learning from the innovative approaches of other leaders as you move your own projects forward.
Ensure that your community can tap into the benefits of clean energy—such as job creation, tax revenue, and sustainable development.
Be able to assist your peers as they work on clean energy development in their communities.

A Confidential and Supportive Environment

We recognize that utility-scale energy projects can be complex and sensitive. That’s why the Energizing Economies Working Group is a private, peer-to-peer space where you can openly discuss your challenges, share frustrations, and ask tough questions without fear of public scrutiny.

Participants are encouraged to be candid about both wins and setbacks, knowing that all conversations remain confidential. This approach allows chamber leaders to access the guidance, advice, and support they need to confidently advance clean energy projects in their communities.

Participant information will remain private and confidential unless participants opt-in to be publicly listed as part of the Working Group.

Key Discussion Topics

Our discussions focus on real-world challenges and opportunities related to utility-scale clean energy projects, including:

Economic benefits for rural communities: Strategies to ensure clean energy projects create local jobs, generate tax revenue, and drive long-term business opportunities.
Land use and regulatory challenges: Addressing landowner concerns, zoning hurdles, and navigating rural regulatory environments.
Community engagement: Tactics for gaining public support, managing opposition, and creating a shared vision for clean energy development while communicating the local economic opportunity.
Environmental stewardship: How to balance renewable energy growth with conservation and environmental protection.
Collaborative partnerships: How to engage effectively with developers, government agencies, and other stakeholders to maximize community benefits and chamber leadership. Participants will not only learn from each other, but also from subject matter experts from around the country.

How to Get Involved

If you're ready to join this supportive, collaborative group, we invite you to participate in our regular meetings. These sessions offer the opportunity to share your experiences, learn from others, and work together to navigate the clean energy landscape. Participation is free and open to chamber leaders, and all conversations are voluntary and private.

To learn more about upcoming meetings or to join the group, please reach out to
Josh Bass, Working Group Chair, at 757-681-4746.