Newton-Needham Chamber Program Helps Businesses Receive More than $2.7 Million in Energy Incentives

Newton-Needham Regional Chamber Celebrates at Breakfast with Gov. Baker

The Newton-Needham Regional Chamber recently announced that almost 200 area businesses received more than $2.7 million in incentives to fund energy-saving upgrades in the first year of the chamber’s Business Energy $avers Program.

“Massachusetts leads the nation in delivering cost-effective energy efficiency to our residents and businesses,” said Governor Charlie Baker at a recent Chamber breakfast gathering. “I applaud members of the Newton- Needham Chamber of Commerce for their participation in the Mass Save program, their collaboration with various stakeholders, and their commitment to producing important savings for local ratepayers.”

After recognizing the burden high-energy costs were having on its member companies, the Newton-Needham Regional Chamber partnered with their local vendor World Energy Efficiency Services, the City of Newton, and Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy to launch the Business Energy $avers program. Together, the team has connected 40% of member companies to the Mass Save program to help cut down on operating costs.

Through the Newton Needham Business Energy $aver program, eligible businesses receive free energy audits, financing for upgrades, and rebates on lighting, heating, cooling and other upgrades through the Mass Save program, which is run by the local utilities.

“Energy efficiency isn’t just good for our planet, it’s good for the bottom line”, said Chamber President Greg Reibman. “We’re committed to helping local businesses and non-profits find ways to reduce unnecessary energy use while saving money at the same time.”

If your chamber is interested in helping member companies participate in this money saving energy efficiency program, please contact Diane Doucette at ddoucette@sfchamber.com.

Currituck Chamber CEO Says Solar Project Will Foster a Thriving Local Economy

More than 150 people came out last month for a Currituck Chamber of Commerce open house at a new 2,000-acre farm solar farm. The event was co-hosted by the nearby Elizabeth City Chamber, home to the state’s first wind farm.

Currituck County, the northeastern most county in North Carolina, will receive $500,000 in annual tax revenue from this project.

The chambers partnered with the project’s developer, SunEnergy1, on the event that also attracted representatives from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which will purchase solar from the North Carolina farm.

“As a chamber, we are committed to fostering a thriving and sustainable local economy—and this new solar project will absolutely help us do that in ways that will enhance our community’s quality of life,” said Josh Bass, President of the Currituck Chamber of Commerce.

In addition to the added tax revenue, the local economy will benefit from locally sourced building materials and added construction and maintenance jobs.

According to a Duke University report, released in 2015, solar-friendly policies have helped North Carolina be a leader in solar investment—providing jobs and economic development opportunities to all parts of the state, including rural ones that have struggled historically to create jobs and businesses.

Moreover, the report found, the benefits of solar energy go beyond the particular communities that host them. “All parts of the solar value chain – investors, solar developers, construction contractors, solar panel and component manufacturers – are creating jobs and providing landowners, workers and towns across North Carolina with income and tax revenue,” the report found.

In February, the Currituck County Commissioners banned future solar development in the country, while grandfathering in the SunEnergy1 project.

Recognizing renewable energy as a driver of the local economy, the Currituck Chamber said it is in the best interest of the region to educate the community about the financial benefits from solar energy.

When fully developed, the project is expected to be the largest solar farm east of the Mississippi.

State Senator Urges Local Chambers to Share Their Stories with Legislators

When an Ohio State Senator knocked on the door of one of his constituents asking what he thought of neighboring wind turbines that had recently been constructed in his neighborhood, the man said: “They’re money for my county, and they’re progress.”

That was more than a decade ago. And ever since, that opinion has been growing in the Senator's district in Northwest Ohio—fueled by the leadership of local chambers of commerce and economic development leaders who have witnessed the economic benefits to their communities.

During a recent briefing call for local chambers moderated by Susan Munroe, the President and CEO of the Van Wert Area Chamber said her county has attracted approximately $1.2 billion in wind investments, along with $2 million a year in new revenue for schools, high-paying jobs, and a new stream of income for area farmers.

But in 2014, the Ohio Legislature passed legislation freezing the state’s renewable energy standards and tripling the distance new wind turbines must be constructed from a neighboring property line—effectively bringing wind development to a halt.

The Senator said Senate budget hearings, expected later this month, are an opportunity to fix that, explaining: “There is now, a proposal to establish a reasonable distance that would be a “wind-win” for everyone.”

The Senator encouraged local chamber and economic development leaders to share with their legislators how wind is benefiting their communities and the importance of maintaining this kind of growth in the state. He also talked about a growing number of large corporations that are demanding renewable energy to power their operations.

“Bottom line, chambers know this better than anyone: If we want to attract major corporations to do business here, we have to be open for business,” he said, adding that it’s important to have the right policies in place to ensure these large companies are bringing their business to Ohio and not other states.

Wind development, he added, can help all Ohioans. “I have farmers in my district saying: I’m growing corn, raising beans and I’m harvesting wind, and I’m proud of it,” he said. “There is room for everyone who cares about making Ohio a better place.”

Munroe will lead another capitol visit with her local chamber colleagues and economic development officials to share their stories of how wind has positively impacted their communities. If you are interested in joining the visit, please contact her at Susan@vanwertchamber.com.

New Bedford Chamber Hosts Dialogue on Growing Job Potential of Offshore Wind

In yet another example of how local chambers of commerce are at the forefront of identifying and seizing on the changing economic development opportunities in energy, the New Bedford Chamber of Commerce hosted an event last month about the new offshore wind industry.

It’s a big change from the days when New Bedford was a leading whaling center, with ships regularly setting out in search of both whales and energy. But it also clearly reflects changing winds of opportunity in energy today.

“We are excited by the job and investment growth that offshore wind development could offer to our member businesses and community,” said Rick Kidder, President and CEO of the 1,000-member New Bedford Chamber. “We also recognize that local chambers of commerce are the ideal places to host conversations about the new economic opportunities in clean energy and other dynamic industries.”

The event featured speakers from the New Bedford Economic Development Council, Eversource, the New Bedford Wind Energy Center, and others.

“New Bedford should absolutely be the national cluster for offshore wind” as a center of operations and workforce training, said Derek Santos, Executive Director of the New Bedford Economic Development Council. “There should be no reason why folks aren’t trained in New Bedford for projects all over the eastern coast of the United States.”

An estimated 60,000 people currently work in the offshore wind industry in Europe. In the United States, an estimated 43,000 jobs are expected by 2030, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

The first commercial offshore wind project began operations in 2016 off Block Island, Rhode Island.  New Jersey, Oregon and Virginia have approved offshore wind projects in development.  And Massachusetts, New York and Maryland have proposed offshore wind projects under consideration.

Two Mid-Atlantic States See Close to Half-a-Million in Revenue from Onshore Wind Farms

“It is really exciting to be on the cutting edge of renewable energy and to be involved with Apex [Clean Energy.]” That’s what Botetourt County Chamber of Commerce Board President Peter Pearl recently said about a proposed wind farm that is planned as Virginia’s first onshore wind farm.

The Rocky Forge Wind Farm, a project of Apex Clean Energy, will represent a significant private investment in Botetourt County, which lies in Virginia’s Roanoke Region. In addition to adding new jobs, it is expected to generate $20 to $25 million in state and county tax revenue over the life of the project as well as drive decades of increased local purchasing, employment, and investment.

“This project is just another indicator of Botetourt’s focus on economic development and follows on the heels of several substantial announcements in the last year,” said Botetourt County Chamber Executive Director Doloris Vest. “Focusing on the energy of the future is just one way support the business of the future.”

Virginia’s southern neighbor recently launched its first wind farm, which the local chamber President and board President said they were thrilled to see operational. North Carolina’s Amazon U.S. East wind farm in Elizabeth City put to work more than 500 North Carolinians and brought in $18 million in investments. The project also will inject more than $1.1 million in landowner payments and taxes a year.

“Growing renewable energy in Virginia is not just about a healthier environment or a broader energy mix; it is also about economic growth and diversification,” Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe said early this year. “We are committed to giving innovative companies the tools they need when deciding where to locate and grow their operations.” The Governor toured the proposed farm site prior to construction.

Across the U.S., corporations and utilities are increasingly demanding wind energy because it has become one of the nation’s most affordable sources of electricity. In fact, in many parts of the country, it is cheaper to install a new wind energy generation facility than any other type of generation facility. It is also not subject to price fluctuations as many other forms of energy are.

$400 Million Project Delivers Jobs, Investments, and Tax Payments

When it comes to big new economic development opportunities, it’s no secret that rural communities sometimes feel left behind. But with the rise of wind energy, that has been changing. And this trend has not been lost on local chamber leaders and others focused on economic development.

In recent years, local chamber leaders in Ohio, Michigan, and Virginia have been speaking up about the benefits of wind energy to their communities. Now, local chamber leaders in North Carolina are joining their ranks with the opening of the state’s first large-scale wind farm, Amazon Wind Farm U.S. East.

“As representatives for the business community, it’s our responsibility to advocate for jobs and economic development in northeast North Carolina and the Elizabeth City region, and we are thrilled to see the [Amazon] project operational,” the Elizabeth City Chamber of Commerce President and Board President recently wrote in a letter to North Carolina’s Speaker, Tim Moore.

“The Amazon project has a significant impact on the local economy and our Tier 1 [North Carolina’s most distressed] counties, as well as to our region’s economic growth and the ongoing expansion of the clean tech sector in the state,” Mike Hindenach and Doug Gardiner added.

“Everyone will benefit.” Amazon’s latest wind farm was built to power data centers outside Washington, D.C. But North Carolina’s local communities spanning Pasquotank and Perquimans counties are reaping direct economic benefits. Among them:

• More than 500 workers and 30 North Carolina companies were put to work

• More than $18 million was spent locally by Avangrid Renewables

• More than $1.1 million in landowner payments and taxes will be injected into the local economy each year, according to a report in Electric Light & Power.

“Almost everyone in the community knows someone who worked on the wind farm, sold or rented something that helped build the wind farm, or owns land where the project was built,” Cecil Perry, Chairman of the Pasquotank County Board of Commissioners, was quoted as saying.

“These jobs, and this nearly $400 million investment in a rural part of North Carolina, are welcome — everyone in the county will benefit from the long-term property tax payments,” Perry added.

Benefits to More NC Communities. But it is not only the communities that house wind farms that benefit from the development of wind energy. North Carolina, for example, has more than 70 companies across the wind supply chain, such as the making of blades, towers, generators, and turbine assembly.

Meanwhile, a second wind farm, Timbermill Wind, is eyed for development in North Carolina that could bring in between $600,000 to $800,000 a year for each of the counties it would span. Chowan County unanimously approved conditional use permits, but Perquimans County did not. The developer, Apex Clean Energy, is moving forward with the project in Chowan County while it appeals the decision in Perquimans County.

The Edenton-Chowan Chamber adopted a resolution in support of wind energy and the proposed project, then helped lead the charge to co-host a briefing call for other chambers.

“What does wind energy mean to little Chowan County?” asked Win Dale, Executive Director of the Edenton-Chowan Chamber of Commerce, a place that struggles to maintain its tax base and provide jobs that will be home to the state’s second planned wind farm, Timbermill Wind. “It means increasing our revenue by $250,000 a year,” he said.

The Outer Banks Chamber, home to a strategic spot for offshore wind development, has also publically expressed their support for wind development. Offshore wind could lead to 48,145 jobs in North Carolina—approximately 25,000 more than from offshore drilling.

Pictured above from left to right: Rep. Howard Hunter; Rep. Chuck McGrady; Speaker Tim Moore; Rep. Holly Grange; Rep. Sam Watford; Rep. Bob Steinburg; Rep. John Bell; Rep. Chris Malone; Rep. John Szoka.

MA Local Chamber Sees Economic Benefits in New Energy Project

“Clean Energy and Economic Development Go Hand-In-Hand,” says Chamber CEO

Marie Oliva, Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber

With an eye toward its potential for attracting investments and jobs, the Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber is about to welcome the development of a first in renewable energy: a test site for capturing the vast energy of the ocean’s tides.

“Clean energy and economic development go hand-in-hand,” said Marie Oliva, President and CEO of the Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber.

“This will be a one-of-a kind test site that will have positive impacts on the town and region,” Olivia added. “It will attract tidal developers bringing in technology-based companies to Bourne.”

The Bourne Tidal Test Site, which is expected to begin installation in March or April, is the nation’s first site designed to enable testing and growth of a tidal energy industry off America’s shores.

The chamber hosted planning meetings throughout 2016 with stakeholders including the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, Brown University, Board of Selectmen, Bourne Financial Development Corp., and other businesses. It also committed in-kind services throughout the process.

State Rep. David Viera (R) thanked the chamber and other parties for their support in bringing the pilot project to Bourne.

The marine energy industry has the potential to support as many as 36,000 direct and indirect U.S. jobs by 2030, according to a 2014 ACORE report. The U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory has also estimated that more than one-third of all electricity used in the United States could be drawn from the seas.

Local Chambers, Communities Will Drive the Economic Opportunities of Clean Energy in 2017

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

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.

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

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

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, 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:

1. VA Local Chamber, Senator, and Military Eye the Clean Energy Opportunity (Copy)

2. Lancaster and Harrisburg Chambers (PA) Eye Economic Opportunities in Clean Energy (Copy)

3. 70 Carolina Chamber Leaders and Rep. Saine Discuss How to Seize the Clean Energy Opportunity (Copy)

4. Ohio Local Chamber CEOs & Economic Development Directors Say Clean Energy Benefits Local Economies (Copy)

5. 26 Local Chambers in CT, and Governor, Show Strong Interest in Clean Energy (Copy)

6. 98 Percent Of Chamber Executives Surveyed Support Clean Energy (Copy)

7. Chamber Support for Wind Energy Blows Across State Lines (Copy)

8. Worcester Chamber (MA) CEO Uses TV Platform to Encourage Energy Savings (Copy)

9. Ohio’s “Heartland” Chamber Applauds New $300 Million Wind Project (Copy)

10. Who Likes a Challenge Better than a Chamber CEO? (Copy)

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:

“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.

“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.

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.

“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.

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.

“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.

“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.