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.
Local Chambers, Communities Will Drive the Economic Opportunities of Clean Energy in 2017
The economic opportunities of clean energy help communities to be more competitive—by attracting greater investments to their regions, growing jobs, reducing costs, responding to demand, and attracting young talent.
Governor, Local Chamber CEOs are Positive about Opportunities for Clean Energy Growth in 2017
Doug Luciani, TraverseConnect
It all comes down to being competitive, local chamber CEOs from across the nation said in a briefing call last week that featured former Gov. Bill Ritter Jr. of Colorado.
The economic opportunities of clean energy help communities to be more competitive—by attracting greater investments to their regions, growing jobs, reducing costs, responding to demand, and attracting young talent.
That is why clean energy will continue to be a growing market in 2017—and why many local chambers of commerce will be at the forefront, advancing clean energy as an opportunity that is in the best interest of businesses in their regions.
Mainstream economic issue
“This is a mainstream economic development conversation now, and local chambers are in middle of that conversation because we are trusted conveners on issues that affect communities,” said Doug Luciani, CEO of TraverseConnect in Michigan, which cohosted the call.
“Local leadership and best practices are being set by communities,” he added. “Regions that are going to succeed in attracting the brightest and best are going to be regions that fully embrace these new technologies, doing the right thing for the right reasons.”
“The economic opportunity has to do with job creation in the clean energy world,” said former Gov. Ritter, Director of the Center for the New Energy Economy at Colorado State University. And there has been tremendous progress at the local and state level over the past three months, he said.
Advances since the election
Former Gov. Bill Ritter (CO)
Clean energy job and investment growth have progressed in a number of states since the election, including:
In Illinois, the Governor (R) signed a significant energy bill that will reinvigorate the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard, boost solar and wind investments and jobs, and cut energy costs statewide.
In Ohio, the Governor (R) vetoed a bill that would have extended a freeze on the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard, saying allowing it to continue would “undermine the progress” renewable energy companies have made in creating jobs in Ohio and amount to “self-inflicted damage to both our state’s near- and long-term economic competitiveness.”
In Michigan, the Governor (R) signed a bill to strengthen the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard—requiring the state to generate 15 percent of its electricity from renewables by 2021.
In Maryland, the Legislature passed a Clean Energy Jobs Act to ensure that the state get 25 percent of its electricity from renewable energy sources such as wind and solar by 2020.
In New York, the Governor (D) announced a goal to phase out all coal-fired power plants by 2020.
Utilities, Corporations, and Chambers
“Utilities will also play key role in this clean energy transition,” Ritter said. “They are planning 20, 30, 40 years into the future.”
With a growing number of corporations committed to transitioning to 100 percent renewable energy—from tech giants Google, Facebook, and Apple to GM, Johnson & Johnson, and Nestle—clean energy job and investment growth will clearly go to states that can provide the renewables.
Local chambers can help by convening dialogues about how to meet growing demand and provide market certainty, and then taking their message to state capitols, said Ritter.
“Chambers of commerce have such significant influence inside so many statehouses,” he added; “it would really benefit all to have that conversation.”
Dollars and Jobs from Wind, Solar, and Energy Efficiency
How exactly did your community and member businesses make so much money from wind energy That was the burning question one chamber executive asked another during a conversation at last week’s annual meeting of the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Ohio.
Peggy Emerson, Paulding Chamber
How exactly did your community and member businesses make so much money from wind energy?
That was the burning question one chamber executive asked another during a conversation at last week’s annual meeting of the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Ohio.
The answer was simple: new investments, tax benefits, jobs — all of which translates to better roads, schools, and more, said Peggy Emerson, CEO of the Paulding Chamber in northwest Ohio.
But wind isn’t the only form of clean energy driving economic gains across Ohio.
Other local chamber leaders said they saw significant savings from the rise of solar energy while others investigated how to offer their member businesses access to energy efficiency. (Ohio ranks among the top ten in efficiency jobs nationwide.)
Michael Fraizer, Gov. Kasich’s Assistant Policy Director for the Environment, Energy, and Agriculture, also stopped by the conference, which attracted more than 100 chamber executives. Clean energy is a key part of Ohio’s efforts to be attractive location to major employers—from Amazon with its demands for wind energy to Dannon with its growing demand for solar.
Paulding’s Peggy Emerson went from table to table to share her story about the $200 million investment in wind energy that has been made in her community, where local farmers welcome turbines as a new “cash crop.”
Tom Bullock, CICE
And Tom Bullock, the new Ohio Coordinator for Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy, briefed chamber leaders about the wide range of ways local chamber leaders are helping their member businesses take advantage of the growing economic opportunities in clean energy.
WATCH VIDEO of Peggy Emerson explaining how wind development has positively impacted her community here.
For more information, contact Tom@chambersforinnovation.com.
New England Chambers Out Front on Clean Energy in 2016
More than half of all local chamber leaders in Massachusetts and Connecticut pursued clean energy in 2016 by meeting with lawmakers, engaging in new energy efficiency and solar energy programs, and educating themselves and their member businesses about the growing economic development opportunities in clean energy.
More than half of all local chamber leaders in Massachusetts and Connecticut pursued clean energy in 2016 by meeting with lawmakers, engaging in new energy efficiency and solar energy programs, and educating themselves and their member businesses about the growing economic development opportunities in clean energy.
Here are five highlights from the year:
New Chamber-based Program is Growing the Number of Small and Medium-sized Businesses Engaging in Efficiency
Piloted at the Newton-Needham Regional Chamber in Massachusetts, a new chamber initiative led to almost 300 new businesses signing up for efficiency audits through the Mass Save program. More than 250 have already received an assessment and more than 100 have committed to upgrades.
Said Chamber President Greg Reibman: “Reducing our carbon footprint is not just good for our planet, it can be good for the bottom line. I’m proud of our businesses here for the way they’ve embraced this initiative.” More.
Local Chambers Meet With MA Lawmakers to Explore Growing Offshore Wind Investments and Jobs
More than 50 local chamber executives and their member companies spoke with Sen. Pacheco and Rep. Golden to discuss the Act to Promote Energy Diversity. Of particular interest was how the legislation positions the Bay State to attract the investment and jobs associated with offshore wind. More.
Local MA Chamber Hosts a New Chamber Solar Challenge Program
The program, housed at the Metro South Chamber, has attracted commitments from more than a dozen other chambers to encourage their member businesses to purchase solar energy. More than 200 businesses have already shown interest. More.
26 Local Chambers in CT, and Governor, Show Strong Interest in Clean Energy
Breaking new ground, 26 local chambers of commerce, half of all local chambers in Connecticut, gathered for a conversation about clean energy with Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, the Connecticut Green Bank, and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
“We see clean energy as a great economic development opportunity that helps us retrain and attract businesses,”said Rich Brown, Vice President of the MetroHartford Alliance and event cohost. More.
Chamber Executives Line Up to Test Electric Vehicles
New England Chamber Executives got behind the wheel of a new Nissan electric vehicle at the 2016 New England Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives meeting (NEACCE) in New Hampshire. A growing number of local chambers are now looking into leasing electric vehicles, or getting a charging station to encourage more foot traffic to their businesses. More.
The Six Billion Dollar Opportunity in NC
With North Carolina’s clean energy industry having brought in $6.4 billion in revenue and more than 34,000 jobs in 2016 according to a new report, it’s no wonder a growing number of local chambers of commerce were out front on the economic development opportunities of this booming industry last year. Here are five highlights.
How NC’s Local Chambers Pursued the Economic Development Opportunities of Clean Energy in 2016
With North Carolina’s clean energy industry having brought in $6.4 billion in revenue and more than 34,000 jobs in 2016 according to a new report, it’s no wonder a growing number of local chambers of commerce were out front on the economic development opportunities of this booming industry last year. Here are five highlights:
Local Chambers, Businesses Celebrate Clean Energy Champions. From Greensboro to Kinston and Fayetteville to Raleigh, local chamber and business leaders celebrated NC’s 2016 clean energy champions. Winners included: Rep. Chris Malone (R); Ed White, CEO and founding board member of Research Triangle Cleantech Cluster; and Schneider Electric. More
70 Local Chamber Leaders, GOP Legislator Discuss Clean Energy. At the Carolinas Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives annual conference, Rep. Jason Saine (R) told leaders he wants NC to take advantage of a clean energy opportunity almost as great as California’s. “We’ve just got to make sure we can convince legislators that we need policies in place that will reflect that.” More
Local Chamber Leader Says Wind Energy Would Bring $200,000 to Community. Wind energy would increase our revenue by $200,000 a year, Win Dale of the Edenton-Chowan Chamber of Commerce said during a briefing call with local chamber colleagues from across North Carolina. Statewide, “wind energy will easily be a billion dollar industry in next couple of years if North Carolina chooses to promote it,” added Katharine Kollins of the Southeastern Wind Coalition. More
Military Expert Tells Local Chambers, Businesses that Clean Energy is Critical to National Security. Speaking to more than 60 chamber, business, and other leaders, Lt. Gen. Kenneth E. Eickmann of the U.S. Military Advisory Board said updating America’s electrical grid and allowing new energy technologies to emerge are essential to improved national security. More
Chamber Support for Wind Energy Blows Across State Lines. You know a project is good for economic development when chamber leaders cross state lines to support it. And that’s what happened around wind energy in North Carolina when more than a dozen chamber and economic development leaders from North Carolina, South Carolina and Ohio gathered to talk about the connection between wind energy and new jobs and investments in their communities. They were joined by NC Rep. Bob Steinburg (R) and more than 80 business and community leaders. More
Stay tuned for more news about local chambers helping their member companies in 2017!
Interested in getting involved? Or just want to learn more about CICE? Contact Jennifer Behr at jennifer@chambersforinnovation.com.
Ohio Local Chamber Leaders in the News on the Economic Benefits of Newly Resumed Clean Energy Standards
We can tell you: From Toledo to Van Wert, clean energy has delivered jobs, investments, and savings to consumers—all of which is good news for our businesses, schools, communities, and the economy of this great state.
Brian Dicken, VP of Advocacy and Public Policy, Toledo Regional Chamber
“If you want to know the facts about how clean energy affects local businesses, you need to know what local chambers of commerce have witnessed over the past several years,” chamber executives Brian Dicken and Susan Munroe wrote in a Dec. 24, 2016 op-ed published in the Toledo Blade.
“And we can tell you: From Toledo to Van Wert, clean energy has delivered jobs, investments, and savings to consumers—all of which is good news for our businesses, schools, communities, and the economy of this great state.”
Dicken is Vice President of Advocacy and Public Policy for the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Munroe is President and CEO of the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce.
The chamber executives went onto encourage Gov. John Kasich to veto H.B. 554, a bill that would have essentially extended the freeze on Ohio’s renewable energy and energy efficiency standards for three more years.
Gov. Vetoes HB 554, Standards Back in Effect Jan. 1, 2017.
Susan Munroe, President and CEO, Van Wert Area Chamber
On Dec. 27, Gov. Kasich vetoed HB 554, saying Ohio’s wide range of energy generation helped grow jobs over the past six years, and the bill risked “undermining this progress by taking away some of those energy generation options, particularly the very options most prized by the companies poised to create many jobs in Ohio in the coming years, such as high technology firms.”
Hundreds of companies are either already involved in the development of wind or solar energy in Ohio or are suppliers to those businesses, reported Cleveland.com. The editorial board also praised Kasich’s veto and the restoration of the clean energy standards, saying: “HB 554 would have taken Ohio further backward. Kasich’s veto moves Ohio forward.”
The state’s clean energy standards came back into effect on Jan. 1, 2017—requiring energy suppliers and utilities to provide more renewable energy and energy efficiency to Ohio customers in 2017.
Read the Toledo Blade op-ed here: “Let Ohio’s Businesses Benefit from Clean Energy”
Read the Cleveland.com editorial here: Gov. Kasich wields his veto pen wisely for Ohio’s future: editorial
2016 Top 10 Local Chambers Seizing Clean Energy Opportunity
More than 700 local chamber leaders and their member businesses were out front in pursuing the growing economic development opportunities in clean energy in 2016.
More than 700 Local Chamber Leaders, Members Pursued the Economic Opportunity of Clean Energy in 2016
More than 700 local chamber leaders and their member businesses were out front in pursuing the growing economic development opportunities in clean energy in 2016.
Here are 10 highlights from our ever-growing Chambers-in-Action:
Read more Chambers-in-Action stories here.
VA Local Chamber, Senator, and Military Eye the Clean Energy Opportunity
At a recent event held at the Chamber of Commerce in Hampton Roads—the east coast epicenter of military activity—Sen. Frank Wagner spoke directly about the urgent need for Virginia to seize the economic development opportunities in clean energy.
At a recent event held at the Chamber of Commerce in Hampton Roads—the east coast epicenter of military activity—Sen. Frank Wagner spoke directly about the urgent need for Virginia to seize the economic development opportunities in clean energy:
“If Virginia acts quickly, and puts the right policies into place, we can take a leadership role in the development of clean energy technologies,” Sen. Wagner said. “If we don’t, we will either be left behind, or will end up with enormous utility rates.”
The Hampton Roads Chamber, which has 2,500 member businesses, hosted Sen. Wagner and Dr. Leo Goff, a retired Navy Captain and national security expert, to brief businesses on:
How economic and national security interests are driving the U.S. Military to make significant investments in clean energy, and
How member businesses and the local workforce are positioned to take advantage of the job growth and investment opportunities in clean energy.
“With the right market-driven policies in place, Hampton Roads can capture a significant share of new clean energy jobs and investments,” said Bryan Stephens is the President and CEO of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, “and we want to help our member businesses do just that.”
In the Hampton Roads region, which includes the popular Virginia Beach area, construction firms are conducting energy efficiency retrofits and installing solar panels; and manufacturing plants are being repurposed to produce supply chain components for wind turbines and battery storage.
Dr. Goff, a Program Manager for CNA’s Military Advisory Board, an elite group of retired three- and four-star flag and general officers, pointed out that neighboring North Carolina is leading Virginia as a producer of solar energy because they have the policies that encourage it.
“The second-largest producer of solar in the nation is North Carolina,” said Goff. “They’re just one state to the south, so it’s not a matter of geography; it’s a matter of the policies.”
In VA, Roanoke Chamber Hosts Governor, Clean Energy Business Roundtable
The Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted Gov. McAuliffe at a Clean Energy Business Roundtable in September to highlight the economic benefits clean energy is delivering to the businesses and communities of Southwest Virginia—and how to continue to grow clean energy investments and jobs.
The Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted Gov. McAuliffe at a Clean Energy Business Roundtable in September to highlight the economic benefits clean energy is delivering to the businesses and communities of Southwest Virginia—and how to continue to grow clean energy investments and jobs.
“In Virginia, our investment in clean energy has quadrupled,” Gov. McAuliffe said. “I want the solar panels, the turbines, and the wind blades to all be manufactured in Virginia. We need to be a clean energy leader, and we’re just starting to kick that barn door wide open.”
In a Roanoke Times op-ed, Roanoke Chamber President and CEO Joyce Waugh underscored the chamber’s commitment to attracting clean energy investments. In a piece co-authored with with Larry Cummings of Trane, a global leader in air conditioning and innovator in energy efficiency, Waugh wrote:
“Here in Virginia, companies like Amazon and Microsoft have shown their commitment to renewable energy by procuring energy from solar installations. To continue to attract companies like these that care about clean energy, we need to ensure that policies are in place that support energy efficiency and renewable energy for businesses and residents.”
Read the op-ed here.
NC Legislators, Chambers, Businesses Celebrate Clean Energy Innovation
From Greensboro to Kinston, Fayetteville to Raleigh, local chambers, legislators and business leaders gathered this week to celebrate the state’s business and political leaders pioneering innovation in the clean energy space.
From Greensboro to Kinston, Fayetteville to Raleigh, local chambers, legislators and business leaders gathered this week to celebrate the state’s business and political leaders pioneering innovation in the clean energy space.
NC Rep. Chris Malone (R-35); Jennifer Behr, Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy; Ed White, CEO and founding board member, Research Triangle Cleantech Cluster.
Among the awardees:
Chris Malone of Wake County, who received the Emerging Champion of Clean Energy award.
Ed White, CEO and founding board member of Research Triangle Cleantech Cluster, who accepted the Clean Energy Collaborative Innovation Award.
Schneider Electric, which received the Clean Energy Corporate Champion award, presented by the Knightdale Chamber.
"I sincerely appreciate the recognition from Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy and Conservatives for Clean Energy,” said Rep. Malone. “A clean energy future is one we should all look forward to.”
Ed White, CEO and founding Board member, Research Triangle Cleantech Cluster; Patrice Bayyan, Executive Director, Knightdale Chamber; John Pipel, Schneider Electric; Stephanie Byrd, Schneider Electric; Nathan Ray, Knightdale Chamber Board President.
Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy and Conservatives for Clean Energy cohosted the event, which also featured Rep. John Szoka (R) along with Ben Lowe of Alevo, Gus Simmons of Cavanaugh & Associates, and Will Duckett of PlotWatt.
In addition to celebrating this year’s clean energy innovators, some 75 attendees learned how North Carolina businesses are creating economic development opportunities in their communities through clean energy.
See related media coverage: News & Record.
PA Local Chamber CEO Meets Legislators, Shares Support for Clean Energy
“There is no more important issue than energy,” Guy Ciarrocchi, the President and CEO of the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry, said after meeting recently with Republican State Representatives and business leaders to discuss energy innovation in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
“There is no more important issue than energy,” Guy Ciarrocchi, the President and CEO of the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry, said after meeting recently with Republican State Representatives and business leaders to discuss energy innovation in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
“This issue impacts all of our businesses—and, their families, too. We support all efforts to create new technologies and clean energy,” added Ciarrocchi, former Chief of Staff to Lt. Governor Cawley.
Among the more than 800 member businesses of the Chester County Chamber is Exelon Corporation, the largest electric holding company in the United States, which has a strong commitment to clean energy.
“At Exelon, we believe clean affordable energy is the key to a brighter, more sustainable future,” the Fortune 100 company states.
The State of Energy Technology event, hosted by The Cleantech Alliance Mid-Atlantic, featured Rep. Patrick Meehan (R) and Ryan Costello (R).
Among other energy innovation leaders addressing the invitation-only audience were: Ravi Barot, CEO of OxiCool; Brett C. Thibodeau, President and CEO of Dynamic Energy USA; Mark Schweiker, Senior VP and Corporate Development Officer of Renmatix; and Greg Wolfe, Founder and CEO of Fischer Block. All are advancing energy innovation that also advances economic development.
Ohio Local Chamber CEOs & Economic Development Directors Say Clean Energy Benefits Local Economies
Eleven local chamber CEOs and Economic Development Directors—representing more than 5,000 business and 11 cities and counties from Toledo to Van Wert—called on Ohio Gov. John Kasich and Senate and House leaders this week to reinstate Ohio’s clean energy standards.
Eleven local chamber CEOs and Economic Development Directors—representing more than 5,000 business and 11 cities and counties from Toledo to Van Wert—called on Ohio Gov. John Kasich and Senate and House leaders this week to reinstate Ohio’s clean energy standards.
In a letter delivered to the Statehouse, they wrote: “As chamber and economic development leaders, we have seen clean energy projects deliver significant economic benefits that are good for our businesses, schools, communities, and the economy of this great state.”
See Gongwer coverage here.
In calling for the reinstatement of clean energy standards, the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce joins three of its largest member businesses– Owens Corning, Rudolph Libbe, and First Solar—which were among more than 70 Ohio businesses that over the past month called on the Governor and Senate and House leadership to do the same.
Among the other businesses that want good clean energy standards: Whirlpool Corporation, Owens Corning, United Technologies, Jones Lang LaSalle, Campbell Soup Company, Nestle, Gap Inc., Schneider Electric, United Technologies, Edison Solar, Starwood Energy Group, Replex Plastics, Everpower and many more— collectively employ more than 25,000 people in Ohio.
In 2014, Ohio was the first state in the nation to put a two-year-freeze on its clean energy standards. The standards are scheduled to revert back into place at the end of 2016 unless the legislature takes action to extend the freeze or modify the standards. Gov. Kasich has publicly declared that he would veto any attempt to extend the freeze. Many local chambers support the Governor on this.
“To enable Ohio to take full advantage of this fast-growing sector that has already delivered more than $1.4 billion worth of investments, 9,000 jobs, and $4.6 million in payments to landowners and local governments, we believe there is a need for a clear and consistent roadmap on this issue.”
Read the chamber letter here.
Read the statements from major Ohio employers here.
Read statement from 68 additional businesses here.
Energy Storage Technology Gets Local Chamber Support
Massachusetts legislators are calling energy storage facilities like the one that broke ground in Sterling, Mass., last month a “game changer” in the effort to modernize the electric grid.
Energy storage, or the capture of energy produced through solar or wind power that will be used at a later time, is a key component of a 21st century energy systems. The Sterling facility will be the largest energy storage installation of its kind in New England.
Massachusetts legislators are calling energy storage facilities like the one that broke ground in Sterling, Mass., last month a “game changer” in the effort to modernize the electric grid.
Energy storage, or the capture of energy produced through solar or wind power that will be used at a later time, is a key component of a 21st century energy systems. The Sterling facility will be the largest energy storage installation of its kind in New England.
“The Wachusett Area Chamber of Commerce supports Sterling’s energy storage facility,” said Jen Stanovich, the Chamber’s Executive Director. “We salute the town of Sterling for being a leader in the Commonwealth and see great economic benefit for area residents and local businesses.”
The new facility:
Increases overall utility efficiency, offers continual savings, and helps the utility integrate clean, more affordable power into Sterling’s electric grid.
Will provide up to 12 days of emergency back-up power to the Sterling Police Department station and dispatch center in the event of a power outage.
Is being developed by a local company, which helps create local jobs.
Read more about the Sterling facility in the Worcester Telegram.
Read more about how energy storage could save MA ratepayers $800 million.
70 Carolina Chamber Leaders and Rep. Saine Discuss How to Seize the Clean Energy Opportunity
As a Republican policymaker and a father, North Carolina Rep. Jason Saine told 70 chamber leaders last month that he wants his state to take advantage of a clean energy opportunity almost as great as California’s. But it will need better energy policies to make that happen.
As a Republican policymaker and a father, North Carolina Rep. Jason Saine told 70 chamber leaders last month that he wants his state to take advantage of a clean energy opportunity almost as great as California’s. But it will need better energy policies to make that happen.
“Knowing what we have and can offer in terms of our economy, we’re really ripe and look a lot like California,” Rep. Saine said. “We’ve just got to make sure we can convince legislators that we need policies in place that will reflect that.”
Rep. Saine addressed the audience of chamber leaders from North and South Carolina at the annual conference of the Carolinas Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.
Karen Brown, President and CEO of the Outer Banks Chamber, said her chamber recently took an official position in support of offshore wind energy. “We’re always looking for clean energy and clean ways of doing things,” she said.
Question-and-answer highlights
Q: “What if your community does not yet have wind or solar projects? How can a chamber start the conversation?”
A: “You need to make the business case,” said Rep. Saine. As companies like Amazon, Google, and Facebook invest more in clean energy, talking about clean energy in terms of economic development makes sense, he said.
“But if we’re going to lure companies here, and we want to—we want to beat South Carolina because we both benefit from that competition—then we are going to have to adjust policies to accommodate that.”
Q: “How can a chamber maintain good relations with local power companies?”
“This is about incremental change,” said Maggie Clark, Southeast State Affairs Manager of SEIA, the Solar Energy Industries Association. “When you talk about it like that, I think utilities are most likely to accept that instead of a vast policy change.”
The panel, organized by Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy, was moderated by Aaron Nelson, CEO and President of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber, and also featured Katharine Kollins, President of the Southeastern Wind Coalition.
Ohio’s “Heartland” Chamber Applauds New $300 Million Wind Project
When Amazon announced last month that it would build a second wind farm in northwest Ohio, Jon Cross, president and CEO of the Hardin County Chamber & Business Alliance and Director of Economic Development, eloquently put the opportunity in perspective:
"Big projects don’t “always have to happen in big cities,” Cross said. “They can happen in small communities like ours, courthouse communities that are an important engine of Ohio’s economy.”
When Amazon announced last month that it would build a second wind farm in northwest Ohio, Jon Cross, president and CEO of the Hardin County Chamber & Business Alliance and Director of Economic Development, eloquently put the opportunity in perspective:
Big projects don’t “always have to happen in big cities,” Cross said. “They can happen in small communities like ours, courthouse communities that are an important engine of Ohio’s economy.”
The new wind farm, which is expected to become operational in late 2017, represents an estimated $300 million investment for Hardin County. It will also lead to a significant boost in local tax revenue for Hardin’s nine communities and its schools, said Cross.
“We’re waking up absolutely excited that Amazon will be indirectly a part of Hardin County.” – Jon Cross, president & CEO, Hardin County Chamber & Business Alliance and Director of Economic Development.
Located 60 minutes from Columbus and Toledo, the Hardin County wind farm will be Amazon’s second in Ohio and fourth in the nation. Learn more in The Columbus Dispatch.
Amazon’s first is going up in nearby Paulding County, where the $175 to 200 million investment is also good news for the Paulding Chamber’s Executive Director Peggy Emerson.
Speaking in a recent video, Emerson said: “Paulding Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to celebrate all of the renewable energy projects that we have going on. These are great ways for us to develop the economic benefits locally, and not only in our county, but the counties around us as well.”
Neighboring Van Wert County has experienced similar successes with Iberdrola’s Blue Creek Wind Farm, which began operation in 2012 and delivers $2 million a year in new revenue for schools and a steady stream of income for farmers.
What Local Chambers Need to Know about Wind Energy in North Carolina
Wind energy could soon be a $1 billion business for North Carolina, and the U.S. Military is fully behind it—recognizing renewable energy as good economics and critical to national security.
Ret. Navy Captain Leo Goff, PhD
Wind energy could soon be a $1 billion business for North Carolina, and the U.S. Military is fully behind it—recognizing renewable energy as good economics and critical to national security.
But a $300 million project planned in the northeast, and other future wind development, could be stalled if the Legislature again attempts to block it in 2017. And the potential military considerations driving opposition have been greatly overstated.
That was the upshot of yesterday’s briefing on wind energy for local chambers featuring State Rep. Chris Malone, Retired Navy Captain Leo Goff of the Military Advisory Board, and Katharine Kollins, President of the Southeastern Wind Coalition.
Co-hosted by the Edenton-Chowan Chamber and Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy, the briefing made these three points clear:
1. Wind energy is a big new economic opportunity. “What does wind energy mean to little Chowan County?” asked Win Dale, Executive Director of the Edenton-Chowan Chamber of Commerce, home to the state’s second planned wind farm, Timbermill Wind.
“It means increasing our revenue by $200,000 a year,” he said. In a place that struggles to maintain its tax base and provide jobs, that would make Apex Clean Energy the largest taxpayer in the county.
North Carolina’s first wind farm, Amazon Wind Farm US East, is already under development in nearby Pasquotank and Perquimans counties, and will deliver more than $250,000 a year in tax revenue to each county. Farmers leasing land to the developer, AVANGRID, will earn $6,000 per turbine.
“Wind energy will easily be a billion dollar industry in next couple of years if North Carolina chooses to promote it.” – Katharine Kollins, Southeastern Wind Coalition
Rep. Chris Malone (R-35-Wake)
2. The NC Legislature has mixed views. “I feel very strongly that clean energy is the way of the future, and we need to do everything we can to make that happen,” Rep. Chris Malone (R) told chamber leaders. A growing number of Republicans, he added, recognize that wind development delivers jobs, economic opportunities, and energy.
But in June, a controversial piece of legislation (HB763, the Military Operations Protection Act) was introduced that could stop wind development and investment in the state on the grounds that it would necessary to protect military flight paths.
3. The military supports wind development. “The U.S. Military is fully committed to renewable energy,” Retired Captain Leo Goff of the Military Advisory Board (MAB) told chamber leaders. “It’s pure national security and economics.”
Certain renewables, such as wind energy, do create challenges, he said. Towers, which can rise more than 200 feet, can create obstructions, for example; and blade rotation can cause interference with radar systems.
“But in my estimation and that of the MAB,” Goff said, “often times, those concerns are far overstated. Our military pilots are trained to fly higher than 200 feet. They do it all time.”
The U.S. Military also has a procedure for evaluating potential obstacles from wind farms before they are developed, and they have been able to resolve most of them.
“The challenges posed by renewables, wind most prevalently, can be overcome,” Goff said. “Wind and the military can cooperate easily.”
Senate Majority Leader Harry Brown is expected to reintroduce the so-called Military Operations Protection Act in January.
Chamber CEO Peggy Emerson Speaks Out about Amazon Wind Farm
Ask Peggy Emerson, Executive Director of the Paulding Chamber of Commerce, what she thinks of the new Amazon wind farm going up in her county, and she’ll tell you:
“Paulding Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to celebrate all of the renewable energy projects that we have going on. These are great ways for us to develop the economic benefits locally, and not only in our county, but the counties around us as well.”
Ask Peggy Emerson, Executive Director of the Paulding Chamber of Commerce, what she thinks of the new Amazon wind farm going up in her county, and she’ll tell you:
“Paulding Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to celebrate all of the renewable energy projects that we have going on. These are great ways for us to develop the economic benefits locally, and not only in our county, but the counties around us as well.”
That’s how she put it in a video recently released by Amazon about the project that is now going up in Paulding County and expected to begin operations in May 2017.
Her enthusiasm about wind energy comes for a good reason: The Amazon Wind Farm is estimated to reflect an investment of $175 to $200 million a year in this small northwest Ohio community.
Said Paulding County Commissioner Roy Klopfenstein: “On a county level, we’ve been able to give our employees raises, the school systems have been able to add instructors, and after construction, I know of no township road that isn’t in better condition after they’ve left.”
Neighboring Van Wert County has experienced similar successes with Iberdrola’s Blue Creek Wind Farm, which began commercial operation in 2012 and delivers $2 million a year in new revenue for schools and a steady stream of income for farmers.
Van Wert Area Chamber CEO Susan Munroe has called wind a “cash crop” that reliably pays year after year.
Amazon is also planning wind farms in North Carolina and Indiana. Watch the video about the Paulding County project here: https://youtu.be/hoi4YTNBz1k.
MA Lawmakers Discuss New Energy Legislation with Local Chambers
Massachusetts chambers and their member companies had an engaging dialogue with Rep. Golden (D – Lowell) and Sen. Pacheco (D – Taunton) on a Sept. 20th briefing call to learn more about the recently passed energy legislation, An Act to Promote Energy Diversity (H4568). Both legislators played key roles in the new legislation and are preparing for additional steps in 2017.
Massachusetts chambers and their member companies had an engaging dialogue with Rep. Golden (D – Lowell) and Sen. Pacheco (D – Taunton) on a Sept. 20th briefing call to learn more about the recently passed energy legislation, An Act to Promote Energy Diversity (H4568). Both legislators played key roles in the new legislation and are preparing for additional steps in 2017.
The major takeaways from the call were:
The legislation aims to create a new offshore-wind industry in MA. The bill calls for 1600 MG of offshore wind energy and positions the Bay State to attract the investment and jobs associated with this new industry. Job growth is expected in the construction of the wind energy sites as well as in the manufacturing supply chain. States along the eastern seaboard are vying to attract these investments.
The energy storage provision in the legislation is a “game changer.” Storing energy in batteries and other innovative technologies will help to lower energy costs and increase the reliability of the grid.
The pairing of hydro and wind energy will result in the efficient utilization of transmission lines, which will help to lower costs.
The legislation allows for Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (CPACE), a 100% voluntary finance mechanism that covers the up-front cost of energy improvements on commercial properties.
This bill is just a first step and sets the framework for future legislation.
Both legislators said they will work on clean energy legislation in 2017 that will continue to move the Commonwealth into the future. Stay tuned!
To learn more about the legislation, click here.
26 Local Chambers in CT, and Governor, Show Strong Interest in Clean Energy
Breaking new ground, 26 local chambers of commerce—half of all chambers across Connecticut—gathered this month for a conversation about clean energy with Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, the Connecticut Green Bank, and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
Breaking new ground, 26 local chambers of commerce—half of all chambers across Connecticut—gathered this month for a conversation about clean energy with Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, the Connecticut Green Bank, and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
“Local chambers of commerce play an important role in helping Connecticut continue to prosper from the growing economic development opportunities of cleaner, cheaper, more reliable energy,” said Gov. Malloy.
Rich Brown, Vice President of the MetroHartford Alliance chamber and event cohost said: “We see clean energy as a great economic development opportunity that helps us retrain and attract businesses.”
As a result of the event:
“We have a growing number of member companies already working in clean energy, including our utilities, and more that are diversifying to capture the market for energy efficiency retrofits and renewable energy.”
Nearly a dozen local chambers signed up to work with the Green Bank to inform their member businesses about affordable, long-term financing options through the Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program.
The Hartford Chamber and Connecticut Economic Development Association kicked off this educational effort within a week of the event by bringing the Green Bank to its lunch- and-learn series.
Several chambers signed up to learn more about Connecticut’s new 2016 Comprehensive Energy Strategy (CES) to project future energy needs, ensure reliability, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels.
The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) also invited chambers to comment on the draft CES, which is expected to be released this fall.
“The voice of business has significant influence on our legislative discussion about energy efficiency,” added DEEP Deputy Commissioner Katie Scharf Dykes.” Sending your input in writing is invaluable to increasing funding for these programs and ensuring availability throughout the year.”
In addition to the MetroHartford Alliance, the event was cohosted by the Greater New Haven Chamber, Connecticut Green Bank, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy.
Pictured at top: Mackey Dykes, Vice President for C&I Programs, Connecticut Green Bank; Rebecca Nolan, Vice President, Global & Domestic Business Development, MetroHartford Alliance; CT Governor Dan Malloy; Jessica Bergman, New England Programs and Engagement Director, Chambers for Innovation & Clean Energy; Katie Dykes, Deputy Commissioner for Energy, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection; Tony Rescigno, President and CEO, Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce; Rich Brown, Vice President of Investor Relations, MetroHartford Alliance.
Thanks to Local Chamber, More than 140 New Businesses Join Mass Save Program
The Newton-Needham Regional Chamber joined the Worcester Regional Chamber in the media spotlight last month when they filmed a local TV segment about their Newton Needham Business Energy $avers (NNBE$) program.
The Newton-Needham Regional Chamber joined the Worcester Regional Chamber in the media spotlight last month when they filmed a local TV segment about their Newton Needham Business Energy $avers (NNBE$) program.
The segment, which featured Peter Smith, the Chamber’s Environment Committee Co-chair and a local business leader, focused on the significant savings local businesses are seeing from the chamber’s energy efficiency initiative, which helps member businesses take advantage of utility efficiency programs. The NNBE$ team is comprised of chamber volunteers, city representatives, the energy vendor, and Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy.
“Reducing our carbon footprint is not just good for our planet, it can be good for the bottom line,” said Chamber President Greg Reibman. “I’m proud of our businesses here for the way they’ve embraced this initiative.”
Here were some highlights:
The NNBE$ program works through Mass Save to provide free energy assessments to local businesses.
The utility will pay up to 70 percent of the cost of the energy upgrade and offers zero percent financing for two years.
More than 140 local businesses have participated, with 40 already having taken advantage advantage of the financing options with no out-of-pocket costs.
In June, Tim Murray, the Worcester Regional Chamber CEO (and former Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts) shined his spotlight on how the chamber’s 2,300 member businesses can save money with energy efficiency. Speaking on Charter TV3, Murray noted that energy costs are among the top three issues that member businesses care about in New England and encouraged them to invest in energy efficiency.
Watch the Newton-Needham Chamber spot here.
Watch the Worcester Chamber spot here.
PA Chambers Gather for Third Clean Energy Event
With Pennsylvania already having attracted $3.5 billion in clean energy investments—and committed to increasing renewable energy sales—it’s no wonder chamber executives and business leaders recently gathered for a third event in a year to learn about growing economic opportunities in this sector.
With Pennsylvania already having attracted $3.5 billion in clean energy investments—and committed to increasing renewable energy sales—it’s no wonder chamber executives and business leaders recently gathered for a third event in a year to learn about growing economic opportunities in this sector.
“This meeting was a good dialogue about renewable energy that needs to continue,” said Donna Siter, Executive Director of the Western Chester County Chamber.
More than 60 leaders from chambers, economic development agencies, and member businesses gathered to discuss the future of wind and solar energy at the Chester County Economic Development Council in southeastern Pennsylvania.
Highlights included:
Pennsylvania aims to generate 10 percent of its electricity through solar, according to Hayley Book, Deputy Director of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
Many financial incentives are available (from rebates and grants to tax credits) that can help PA businesses become more competitive through energy savings. Learn more here.
With wind power costs having fallen about 66 percent since 2009, Pennsylvania has great potential for growth in this sector, which already supports an estimated 1,000 jobs in the state, said Abby Watson, Government Affairs and Communications Manager at the global wind energy organization, Gamesa.
The Smart Energy Initiative event was co-sponsored by Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy, A Renewable America, and other organizations.
Pictured above: Nancy Kunkle, Smart Energy Initiative (SEI) Program Manager; Hayley Book, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection; Paul Speigel, Practical Energy Solutions and SEI Board Vice-Chair; Abby Watson, Gamesa and Women in Wind Energy; Steve Krug, Krug Architects and SEI Programming Committee Chair; Lisa Jacobson, Business Council for Sustainable Energy; Bill Ronayne, Delaware Valley Heating & Air Conditioning and SEI Board Chair.