More Chamber Leaders Support Wind Energy

Citing what some have called the “staggering” economic benefits of wind energy, a growing number of local chamber of commerce leaders across the nation have publicly support wind projects in their communities over the past year.

For example:
In South Carolina: Marc Jordan president and CEO of the North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau last week reported that an offshore wind development project in his community could result in $17 million in annual economic development and hundreds of new jobs.

“We can also begin to factor in utility costs that are projected to continue to rise over the next few years and into the future,” he wrote. “And as these monthly power bills increase and technology closes the gap on wind as a lower cost option, this form of renewable energy just makes sense.” (More.)

In Ohio: More than a dozen chamber presidents, economic development officials, and others signed a public statement in November supporting wind energy. They cited Iberdrola’s $600 million Blue Creek Wind Farm project that pays $2 million annually in local taxes and nearly as much in landowner lease payments. (Later this month, Apex Clean Energy is also expected to celebrate the ribbon-cutting on their development office for a $800-900 million Long Prairie Wind farm project in Van Wert.)

“We have seen wind energy deliver extraordinary economic benefits to several Ohio communities. We know more communities could benefit from wind energy,” they wrote. (More.)

And in Michigan, local chamber VP Chad Gainor from the windy “Thumb” region of the state urged policymakers to increase support of renewable energy business—and encouraged more chamber leaders to speak up for clean energy. In a letter to the editor published by The Huron Daily Tribuneand testimony to the state legislature, he wrote:

“Investing in efficient, renewable energy,” he wrote, “will build upon our manufacturing strength and skill, allow us to retool our factories, attract growing companies and jobs to Michigan, encourage innovation, and put Michigan workers back on the job.” (More.)

With the U.S. Department of Labor having recently forecast wind turbine technicians to be the fastest growing occupation in the country—and growing demand for renewables from major corporations—look for support from local chamber leaders to continue in the year ahead.

Top 10 Featured Chambers in 2015

Want to know which chambers of commerce led the way in driving the economic development benefits of clean energy in 2015?

They spanned the nation—from Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Florida to Ohio, Kansas, Michigan and Utah and many other states—in their support of important projects, policies, and programs.

In fact, we had a hard time choosing our “Top 10” this year. But here are some of our favorites:

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Kansas Chambers Lead Effort to Defend Renewable Energy from Legislative Attack

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Michigan Local Chamber VP Urges Legislature to Increase Clean Energy

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Orlando Chamber Co-hosts Summit, Highlights Bottom Line Impact of Energy Efficiency

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Denver Chamber Saves Money, Wins High Praise for Energy Efficient Leadership

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Lansing Chamber Promotes Low-cost Energy Efficiency Loans

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More than 10 Local Chambers in Massachusetts Join Solar Affinity Partnership

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In NC, Battery Plant Brings Jobs and New Life to Former Philip Morris Site

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Ohio Lawmakers Tell Chambers Wind Energy Bill Will Boost Local Economic Development

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Cleveland Chamber Launches Innovative Leasing Program that Helps Businesses Save on Energy Costs

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Salt Lake Chamber Welcomes Creation of 7,000 New Solar Jobs

Chamber Executives Line Up To Drive New Electric Vehicle

New England Chamber Executives got behind the wheel of the new Nissan electric vehicle at the recent New England Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives meeting (NEACCE) in New Hampshire.

Nissan provided the LEAF® ‎for a fun Drive-and-Ride event and shared information about how chambers, cities, and companies were purchasing electric vehicles at a discount while no longer having to pay at the pump for gas.

“I was surprised to experience how quiet the car was and how comfortable it was to drive,” said Roy Nascimento, President and CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “I was even more surprised to see how affordable it would be someone to get one.”

Roy was not alone. And with state and federal incentives helping with the cost, local chambers can now purchase or lease electric vehicles at a fraction of the cost for a regular consumer.

The Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce took advantage of these reduced rates to lease an electric vehicle for one of their chamber executives. They also created a sponsorship program where member companies could pay to get their business logo on the car.

“Everyone gets excited when they see it,” said Stacey Bruzzese, President and CEO of the Greater Haverhill Chamber. “Not only has it more than paid for itself in gas savings and sponsorship dollars, but it has also gotten us a lot of press.”

Inspired by Greater Haverhill, many local Chambers are now looking into leasing electric vehicles, or getting a charging station to encourage more foot traffic to their businesses.

CICE organized the Drive-and-Ride event for NEACCE. If you would like to organize a similar event or learn more about getting a charging station at your chamber or leasing an electric vehicle, contact CICE’s Jessica Bergman at jbergman@sfchamber.com.

Denver Chamber Saves Money, Praised for Energy Efficient Leadership

In Denver, the most livable city in America, according to a Pew Research Center study, one organization now stands out as a leader on energy efficiency (and cost savings): the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.

In 2014, the city announced a plan to unlock $1.3 billion in savings from energy efficiency. The goal: boost the economy and maintain the city’s positive reputation.

109 building owners signed onto a challenge to reduce energy usage and cost savings—representing universities, courthouses, supermarkets, hotels, and offices.

And when city and county officials, including Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, came together to celebrate progress this October, the Denver Metro Chamber was identified and celebrated for its “showcase” leadership.

“From the solar and wind power on our roof to upgrading our HVAC and office electronics, we’ve cut our energy consumption by 30 percent,” said Chamber President and CEO Kelly Brough.

“Taking on these kinds of upgrades to save energy makes good sense as a steward of the environment and pays off in the long run when it comes to the dollars and cents of running an organization.”

In fact, the chamber projects energy savings of $40,000 a year as a result of their energy upgrades. And within seven years, they expect to have 100 percent payback on their investment. Learn more about what the Chamber did here.

Salt Lake Chamber Welcomes Creation of 7,000 New Solar Jobs

The Salt Lake Chamber is no stranger to the economic development benefits of energy efficiency and renewable energy. So they were happy, but not surprised, to learn that a record-breaking 7,000 new jobs would be coming to the state—thanks to new solar energy projects.

“Not everyone first thinks of Utah as a state that values energy efficiency and renewable energy,” said Ryan Evans, the chamber’s Vice President of Business and Community Relations. “But, viewing them through the lens of economic development, they are truly conservative issues in this state,” said Evans, who also serves as Executive Administrator of the Utah State Chamber.

Utah-based Vivint Solar, which Sun Edison has announced it will acquire, reported in late July that it will expand operations in Utah, adding an estimated 3,000 jobs over the coming decade. On the same day, California-based Solar City announced that it plans to open a regional corporate headquarters in Utah that is expected to create 4,000 jobs and bring $94 million in capital investment.

“As possibly the single largest job announcement made in one day in Utah’s history, this is definitely a great showpiece for solar energy,” Evans said.

The Salt Lake Chamber operates several clean energy initiatives of its own, including an Annual Clean Air Summit, Clear the Air Challenge, and a Clean Air Champions program. Additionally, the Chamber supports such programs as Rocky Mountain Power’s Watt Smart program for businesses, Salt Lake City’s Project Skyline, and other energy efficiency focused efforts in Utah.

“The chamber actively promotes energy efficiency and renewable energy,” Evans said. “They are important to the economy, help clear the air, and are helping to prepare Utah for what is expected to be the doubling of its population over the next 30 years.

“We have to meet that growth head-on,” he added, “and energy efficiency and clean energy are important tools for us to do so proactively.”

Local Chamber Urges Legislature to Increase Clean Energy

Action by Michigan Gov. Snyder and the legislature to increase clean energy in Michigan would benefit counties across the state—and is something local chambers of commerce and businesses should get behind.

That is the message Chad Gainor, Vice President of the Harbor Beach Chamber of Commerce on Michigan’s east coast, is sharing with his colleagues, the news media, and policymakers in the state.

Gainor voiced his position in a letter published in The Huron Daily Tribune. He also shared the message in written testimony to the state legislature.

Gainor says he knows first-hand how important clean energy is for economic development, as both a chamber executive and local entrepreneur. He also observes that the state’s clean energy policy has already:

• Generated nearly $3 billion in private-sector investment,
• Saved consumers money, and
• Reduced the cost of renewable and efficiency technologies.

But these gains, he says, are only the beginning. Strengthening the state’s clean energy standards and investing in more efficient, renewable energy would only mean more good news for the state, he says.

“Investing in efficient, renewable energy,” he wrote, “will build upon our manufacturing strength and skill, allow us to retool our factories, attract growing companies and jobs to Michigan, encourage innovation, and put Michigan workers back on the job.”

Gainor also noted that more large corporations are demanding access to renewable energy as a key requirement for locating data centers and other investments in the state. He added that “this is another reason businesses and chambers should get more engaged in the clean energy discussions.”

“We have a decommissioned coal power plant in Harbor Beach, surrounded by wind farms,” he wrote; “why can’t we have a renewable powered hi-tech data center in the Thumb?”

10 + Local Chambers in MA Join Solar Affinity Partnership

More than 10 local chambers of commerce in Massachusetts are partnering with EnergySage Inc. to offer their member businesses an innovative and user-friendly online solar marketplace to shop for solar power. For chambers, this is a new non-dues revenue program, with chambers receiving donations when their member companies install solar.

Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy and EnergySage launched a partnership in 2014 for local chambers to help their member companies install solar panels more quickly while saving money.

Last year, the Metro South Chamber of Commerce in Brockton, MA, pioneered the partnership with EnergySage. In addition to making the program available for its member businesses, the Metro South Chamber decided to install solar panels on its own building, the location where Thomas Edison perfected one of his greatest lighting innovations in the late 1800s. The Cape Cod Chamber soon followed suit, offering the program to its member companies.

Chris Cooney, President and CEO of the Metro South Chamber, was the catalyst in helping nine additional local chambers participate in CICE’s EnergySage partnership.

“Lowering costs, saving time and creating local jobs is a winning combination that strengthens our member businesses and increases profits,” he said. “The EnergySage process makes it easy for businesses to receive multiple quotes instantly, learn about tax credits and explore potential long-term gains.”

The EnergySage Marketplace provides instant estimates of the costs and savings of solar with various financing options and the ability to include local companies in any price comparisons.

Diane Doucette, Executive Director of Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy, applauded Cooney’s efforts in reaching out to other area chambers.

“We launched our partnership with EnergySage knowing that it was a ‘win-win’ for local chambers and their member companies,” she said. “Chris is an enthusiastic ambassador, turning our vision into a reality across Massachusetts.”

New participating chambers include: the Fall River Area Chamber of Commerce, Blackstone Valley Chamber, North Suburban Chamber, Neponset Valley Chamber, Nashoba Valley Chamber, Stoughton Chamber, Taunton Area Chamber, Greater Chicopee Chamber, and North Central Chamber.

Minnesota Chambers Focus on Clean Energy to Capitalize on Investment Gains

Minnesota’s early and continuing support for clean energy has created a strong economic advantage for the state that chambers of commerce and businesses need to continue to support.

That was the message delivered to dozens of local chambers of commerce and their member businesses during a recent post-legislative briefing call hosted by the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce and Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy.

“We have to stay engaged in clean energy policy,” Matt Kramer, President of the St. Paul Chamber, told fellow chamber leaders. “If we don’t stay focused on this, we’ll lose the enormous economic opportunity that renewable energy presents.”

“The Minnesota Legislature,” said Amanda Bilek, Government Affairs Manager for the Great Plains Institute, “recently made small but important changes in clean energy policy that will allow utilities to better recoup costs of distributed energy systems.”

“A new program,” she added, “will also boost commercial construction of facilities to produce advanced biofuels, renewable chemicals and biomass thermal energy from agriculture and forestry materials—and reduce the state’s dependence on imported petroleum products.”

Adam Sokolski, a Regional Market Structure & Policy Manager with Iberdrola Renewables, the second largest wind developer in the country, said it is important that the state uphold a predictable, multi-year policy to attract investors in the capital-intensive wind industry that brings significant tax revenue to the local economy.

Iberdrola operates five wind energy projects in the state that produce 550 megawatts of energy, Sokolski said—adding that there is much more potential to be reaped from Minnesota’s strong wind resources.

“Minnesota has the ability to be an exporter of electricity,” said Sokolski. “We could generate more electricity from wind than we could ever use in Minnesota. That’s a message that hasn’t been absorbed by the public yet.”

NC Lawmakers on How Renewable Energy Drives Economic Development

On a recent briefing call, North Carolina legislators told local chamber of commerce CEO’s and business leaders from across the state that new legislation (HB 332) intended to freeze existing renewable energy standards would negatively impact economic development.

Renewable energy “is not about hugging trees and kissing unicorns,” said Rep. John Szoka (R-Cumberland). “It is about business, property rights and job creation.”

Rep. Szoka and Sen. Jeff Tarte (R-Mecklenburg) addressed more than 40 chamber leaders and business representatives during a May 29, 2015 briefing call cohosted by the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce and Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy.

It was also reported on the call that a growing number of large businesses are insisting that renewable energy be available to power their facilities. For example, Apple, Google and Facebook recently sent a letter to North Carolina legislators emphasizing that the ability to access power from renewable energy is not merely a goal, but an expectation and that the current policies have provided “billions of dollars of in-state economic growth and thousands of jobs throughout the state.” (See letter). They also state that changes to the standards would “effectively create a barrier to the development of many new projects, and put a chill on investment.”

The lawmakers also briefed chamber leaders about two new bills intended to support further clean energy investment in North Carolina. Sen. Tarte is cosponsor of the North Carolina Energy Investment Act (Senate Bill 447), which would renew clean energy tax credit that is schedule to expire at the end of 2015.

“I’m a firm believer that tax credits and tax policy drive economic development,” Senator Tarte said, adding that clean energy investment offers a “pretty damn good investment in ROI” (return on investment.) An estimated $80 million in state incentives led to investments totaling $900.7 million in clean energy and energy efficiency in 2014, according to a recent report commissioned by the N.C. Sustainable Energy Association.

Rep. Szoka is cosponsor of the North Carolina Energy Freedom Act (HB 245), which would allow developers of renewable energy to sell power directly to customers rather than being required to sell it to utilities. Businesses—including Walmart, Cargill, Target, and North Carolina-based Lowes and Family Dollar—have also supported this direct access to renewable energy.

OH Lawmakers on How Wind Energy Bill Will Boost Economic Development

On a recent briefing call, Ohio legislators told local chamber of commerce leaders from across the state that new wind energy legislation would strengthen local efforts to attract and retain new businesses, improve local property tax bases, and save chamber members money.

Rep. Tim Brown (R-Bowling Green) and Rep. Tony Burkley (R-Payne), cosponsors of a new bill (Ohio House Bill 190) that would put wind farm setback decisions in the hands of county commissioners, said the bill “promotes local control and increases flexibility for establishing renewable energy projects.”

“This is about jobs and economic development,” said Rep. Brown. “We do not want to limit Ohio to certain types of business or industry.”

The legislators spoke to local chamber leaders on a May 28, 2015 briefing call hosted by the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce and Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce. Eric Burkland, President and CEO of the Ohio Manufacturers Association (OMA), also joined the call to discuss how companies are saving money through energy efficiency. The OMA represents 1,292 manufacturing businesses across Ohio.

In 2014, the Ohio Legislature passed legislation freezing the state’s renewable energy standards and increasing the distance new wind turbines must be constructed from a neighboring property line. Since then, chamber leaders have been trying to protect wind investments in their communities, calling wind energy a boon for the economy.

For example, Blue Creek Wind Farms in Van Wert County pays $2 million annually in local taxes and nearly as much in landowner lease payments, with schools being the primary beneficiary of the local tax revenue, Susan Munroe, President and CEO of the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce, wrote recently in The Toledo Blade.

A growing number of businesses have also insisted that renewable energy be available to power their facilities. Amazon, Google and Facebook, which are building massive data centers around the country, recently released the following public statement: “As global companies providing services to consumers around the world from our operations in the state, a reliable, sustainable electricity supply is critical, and requires sourcing power from renewable energy. In fact, the right and ability to access power from renewable resources is not merely a goal, but an expectation.”

Reps. Brown and Burkley said their new bill would allow local county commissioners to establish tax and setback policies for proposed wind farms.

“We’re not going to force data centers on anyone and we’re not trying to force wind farms on anybody,” said Rep. Burkley.  “But we want our local communities to be able to put together successful packages that can land these projects for the state of Ohio.”

Read recent coverage about business demand for clean energy in the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Orlando Chamber Highlights Bottom Line Impact of Energy Efficiency

Nearly 200 local business leaders and city officials recently gathered in Orlando, Florida, to share insights into the economic development opportunities of energy efficiency in a summit co-hosted by the city’s regional chamber of commerce, Orlando, Inc.

“The summit allowed us to focus on the economic development strategies needed to unlock the value of building efficiency as a means to stimulate economic growth and improve Orlando’s competitiveness,” said José A. Fajardo, Executive Vice President of Orlando, Inc.

“Energy efficiency has the potential to attract new businesses and investment opportunities, create jobs and develop a model of innovative and pragmatic leadership for other cities and states to follow,” Fajardo added.

The 2015 Orlando Green Economy Summit: Improving Your Bottom Line Through Building Efficiency included remarks from Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, real estate leaders and senior executives from three of the world’s largest companies that recognize the economic opportunities in energy efficiency: Walmart, the world’s largest retailer; CBRE, the largest real estate services firm; and Siemens, the largest engineering and energy services company.

In a panel discussion, a range of local business leaders discussed the money they have saved by installing energy efficiency technology. The Nemours Children’s Hospital, for example, said it shaved about 2.5 percent off its $250,000 monthly electricity bill. And a local property developer reported on energy efficiency improvements that allowed residents to save about $100 a month on their utility bills.

Chris Castro, Senior Energy Advisory for the City of Orlando, said municipal leaders will continue to eliminate roadblocks to energy efficiency by:

• Enabling information about the energy and water use in buildings through energy benchmarking and energy audits;
• Unlocking new financing tools, such as Commercial PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy);
• Unveiling a suite of workforce development training programs for building operators and technicians; and
• Working with local utilities to roll out a comprehensive energy management platform that will provide whole-building utility data, real-time consumption metrics, and new incentives and rebates to increase the adoption of building efficiency investments.

“These are core strategies to help our residents and businesses save money and prevent pollution,” Castro said, “but also create new high-tech, high-wage jobs and further diversify our local economy in Orlando.”

Battery Plant Brings Jobs to Former Philip Morris Site

Five years ago, North Carolina’s Cabarrus County lost what was once the world’s largest cigarette factory, leaving a massive 2,500-job hole in the regional economy. But recently, Alevo, a Swiss Energy Service Provider, purchased the former Philip Morris complex and plans to invest $1 billion to produce an innovative new battery technology that could prove a game-changer for the utility industry.

“Alevo’s decision to locate here is the result of four years of hard work by a partnership of local business leaders, local, county and state economic development officials and the chamber,” said Patrick Coughlin, President of the Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce. “This breakthrough battery technology will help our region continue to lead the country in the emerging clean energy economy,” Coughlin added.

Founded by Jostein Eikeland, a Norwegian entrepreneur who is credited with helping to develop cloud computing, Alevo plans to hire 500 people by the end of 2015 and reach employment level of 6,000 within three years.

The move adds to an impressive portfolio of major employers with clean energy priorities bringing their business to Cabarrus County. Recently, Amazon, which has a commitment to achieve 100 percent renewable energy usage in its global infrastructure footprint, also announced it will locate a new data center in Cabarrus.

Alevo, which purchased the 2,100-acre campus for $68 million without state or local incentives, is dedicated to solving what it describes as one of the world’s greatest energy challenges: the ability to store electricity and deliver it when and where it is needed.

Eikeland told local reporters that the company plans to begin production of energy reservoirs known as GridBanks that store and deliver electricity on demand across the grid. Alevo says its product will also help utilities implement more solar and wind generation by capturing power when it is generated and storing it for later use.

VIDEO: Greater KC Chamber, Innovation and Clean Energy

Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy is proud to launch a new video series featuring local chamber leaders engaged in energy innovation across the nation.

In our first interview, Cathy Bennett, Vice President of Public Policy and Programming at the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, discusses how clean energy and energy efficiency have helped drive economic development in her community.

Click on the image to watch the video. And stay tuned for more.

Dover, NH, Chamber Takes Leadership Role on Energy Options

Like many other regions of the country, New England is facing an uncertain energy future. Electricity rates have skyrocketed in recent years and businesses, homeowners, utilities and policy makers are trying to determine a way forward.

In New Hampshire, which has been particularly hard hit by rising energy prices, the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce decided that it had a key role to play as a convener for a conversation about the state’s energy future.

In particular, the chamber has been helping economic development officials explore whether Dover could become a pilot municipality for a planned commercial property assessed clean energy (C-PACE) program, and plans to request that the state’s Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) funds be focused on clean energy.

As a first step in initiating the energy conversation, the chamber hosted a forum titled “New Hampshire’s Energy Future: Issues and Challenges, Solutions and Strategies.” Molly Hodgson, the Chamber’s Executive Director, said the event was hugely successful.

“We had a rich, robust conversation with more than 100 people and a panel with great experts,” she said. “We targeted our outreach to people in the energy space and filled the room with people we do not typically see at a Chamber event.”

Among the many outcomes, Hodgson said, were commitments by the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee to engage with the state Legislature on energy issues, especially Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative funding for clean energy.

Hodgson also said that she connected an economic development official with one of the panelists, Laura Richardson, Executive Director of the Jordan Institute, to discuss if Dover could become a pilot municipality for (C-PACE).

C-PACE programs help commercial, industrial and multi-family property owners obtain affordable financing for energy upgrades to their buildings through voluntary assessments on their property bills.

“Over the last several months, we’ve learned a great deal about how our community can work together toward a goal of reliable, renewable and affordable energy,” Hodgson said. “Our chamber is committed to playing a leadership role in this critical conversation.”

Dearborn Chamber Makes Energy Connection Henry Ford Would Appreciate

It should come as no surprise perhaps that Dearborn, Michigan—home to Henry Ford and the Ford Motor Company, which revolutionized America by making cars accessible to everyday Americans—should have a chamber of commerce that grasps the appeal of energy efficiency and clean energy to everyday businesses.

Just ask Jackie Lovejoy, President of the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce, and a native of Michigan with deep family roots in Dearborn.

Her members may not ask about clean energy by name, she says. But “if you ask how often members ask me how to cut their energy bill, save money, or take advantage of energy efficiency rebates, the answer is, all the time!”

Since joining the Dearborn Area Chamber 18 months ago, Lovejoy has been a champion for saving money by reducing energy waste—leading the way in helping her members save through energy efficiency and clean energy.

One of the chief ways she is doing this is by making the connection between all the assets the city has to offer from the business community, the utility, and the City itself to help Dearborn businesses save on energy costs.

Dearborn’s business community includes the international headquarters of Ford Motor Company, the Henry Ford Museum, and FordLand, Ford’s real estate arm. Dearborn is also home to LED lighting companies and solar companies such as Srinergy.

Among the energy resources—and chamber members—Lovejoy highlights are:

• DTE Energy offers energy saving programs and rebates and has worked with Ford Motors to build Michigan’s largest solar array, the second largest solar carport in the Midwest. Funded by DTE Energy, the project will provide 360 covered parking spaces and 30 charging stations for plug-in electric vehicles.

“The SolarCurrents canopy project is an example of how DTE Energy and Ford are working to build a more energy-efficient and sustainable future,” said Irene Dimitry, DTE Energy Vice President of Marketing and Renewables. “At the same time, this project will help us come closer to meeting Michigan’s renewable energy goals and diversify our energy portfolio.”

The program allowed DTE Energy electric customers to purchase and install solar photovoltaic systems at their home or business by offering financial incentives to help offset out-of-pocket costs.

• The City of Dearborn (through the leadership of Dave Norwood, attorney and Dearborn Sustainability Manager and formerly head of the City’s Building Department) provides significant leadership in deploying LED lighting and financing for energy upgrades through property assessed clean energy (PACE), while exploring of ways to convert waste to energy.

• Finally, The Dearborn Country Club, a property inspired by Ford, which has benefited from energy retrofits made possible by Michigan Saves, a nonprofit dedicated to making energy improvements easier for Michigan energy consumers. After installing LED lighting, the Country Club is estimated to save about $43,000 a year in energy costs. (Please let us know if you want to learn more about this Michigan Saves program for your members.)

We think Dearborn’s own Henry Ford would have been proud.

Gov. Granholm Urges Chambers on Benefits of Clean Energy

Former Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm recently urged local chambers of commerce to speak out about the economic benefits of clean energy, saying that local business leaders have the influence needed to advance the issue around the country.

“The chambers can drive policy changes,” Granholm told a recent gathering of Chamber CEOs and businesses organized by Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy. “You are the power. You can make the change. This is all about the business community driving the train.”

Granholm was Michigan’s first female governor and served in that role from 2003-2011. She is one of the nation’s leading authorities on clean energy and economic development. During her tenure as governor, Michigan brought in almost 4,000 companies or expansions projected to create 653,000 jobs.

Under her leadership, Michigan also was repeatedly named one of the top three states in the nation for business locations or expansions and was twice recognized by The Pew Center on the States as one of the best-managed states in the nation. She is now sharing what she learned with national audiences to catalyze America’s clean energy transition.

“The private sector is a more powerful player at this moment than the public sector,” Granholm told the chamber leaders. “I can tell you as a former Governor, you are the people that policymakers listen to. It is the business community that will make the difference on policy changes in the states.”

Many companies, she also pointed out, are already playing a leadership role in America’s transition to cleaner energy. Facebook, Google and Amazon have all pledged to use 100 percent renewable energy to power massive data centers they are establishing nationwide.

Granholm also spoke about the Clean Energy Jobs Race, a nationwide proposal to create manufacturing jobs and develop clean energy clusters. As a model, Granholm pointed to the Race to the Top, a $4.35 billion national program that drew the participation of 48 state governments and led to new standards for high school education in each state.

The Clean Energy Jobs Race would have the federal government provide another $4.5 billion to be divided among states that enable themselves to exceed standards for renewable energy. “If you said to the states: Exceed your EPA goals to receive a piece of this pie, every governor would do it,” Granholm said.

Local MN Chamber Helps Businesses Save on Clean Energy

Matt Kramer, President of the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce in Minnesota, knows what his member businesses need—and how to help them find it:

“Our members are looking for ways to improve their operational efficiency and bottom line,” said Kramer. “And financing clean energy is often a critical part of the equation, empowering business to make improvements that drive real savings.”

That is why the St. Paul Area Chamber, in collaboration with five other Minnesota organizations, recently hosted a popular event, called The Business of Saving Energy, in which it shared how businesses are improving their bottom line with energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

The event, which demonstrated how businesses in eligible cities may access long-term, low-cost financing and rebates for up to 100% of project costs, with the potential for positive cash-flow, was organized in partnership with the Great Plains Institute, Metro CERT, Saint Paul Port Authority, White Bear Avenue Business Association, and Xcel Energy.

“Minnesota is fortunate to have a wealth of resources available to help businesses save energy—including rebates, financing, or other low or no-cost assistance programs,” said Amir Nadav, Program Manager at the Great Plains Institute. “Our goal is to help businesses navigate the clean energy opportunities and identify the ones that meet their needs.”

Minnesota is one of approximately 30 states that have passed legislation empowering communities to establish PACE, or Property Assessed Clean Energy, financing programs. These programs help businesses take advantage of energy savings by providing low-cost financing on upfront installation costs.

Specifically, PACE financing programs allow property owners to install renewable energy or energy efficiency projects that are paid for over their functional life through a property tax assessment. PACE financing programs also offer businesses with a positive cash flow on energy retrofits, lower energy bills, and reduced vulnerability to volatile energy prices.

Among the highlights of the event:

• Jill Curran, Executive Director of the Minnesota Waste Wise Foundation, a nonprofit affiliate of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, moderated a panel on local business clean energy investments.
• Wellington Management, a commercial real estate firm that owns and manages more than 90 properties, highlighted their recent rooftop solar investment, funded in part through PACE financing.
• The St. Paul Port Authority, which has financed over $33.5 million in energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, briefed businesses on the suite of programs they administer, including PACE and the Trillion BTU Energy Efficiency Loan Program.
• Speakers from two St. Paul suburbs, Oakdale and Maplewood, reported on the outcomes of a project with the Great Plains Institute to identify ways to support more local business energy-saving projects.

KS Chambers Support Renewable Energy at Critical Time

Three significant chambers of commerce along with economic development leaders that represent more than 50 Kansas companies are encouraging more local chambers and economic development organizations to join them in speaking out about the detrimental economic impact that would result from legislative efforts to end the state’s renewable portfolio standard.

The Greater Kansas City, Hutchinson/Reno County, and Greater Topeka chambers recently posted an online letter that they are asking local Kansas chambers and economic development organizations to sign onto by noon Central Time on Tuesday, March 10, 2015.  These chambers are leading the charge in collaboration with the Harvey County Economic Development Council and Dodge City Ford County Development Corporation.

The joint letter states that existing renewable portfolio standards for energy production in the state has proved to be a pro-growth policy with minimal costs.

Referring to House Bill 2373 and Senate Bill 253, which would eliminate the standard by January 1, 2016, the letter goes onto say: “Elimination or reduction of the RPS will risk hampering the ability of Kansas to aggressively compete for, and win, projects from any industry currently conducting a site location search nationally.”

Observing that economic development professionals recognize that sites offering some portion of energy generated from renewable resources are considered to be more competitive, the letter cites the Mars Chocolate facility in Topeka as an example of a business established due, in part, to the state’s goals for renewable energy. “Many large companies like Facebook, Microsoft, and Google are now looking to locate their data centers where they can be powered by renewable energy,” it adds.

The current RPS requires the state’s major utilities to obtain a steadily increasing proportion of their power from renewable sources.

Among the businesses represented by the groups opposing HB 2373/SB 253 are wind farm developers and service providers; manufacturing companies such as Siemens Wind Energy; research and educational institutions such as K-State and Cloud County Community College; engineering, architecture and consulting firms; construction firms, contractors, and small wind and solar dealers engaged in the renewable energy economy.

Defending Kansas’ successful renewable energy policy is not new to these business leaders. The Kansas Legislature’s prior efforts to end the policy have failed every time– due in large part to the strong voice of the business community, including local chambers that recognize the economic benefits of clean energy development to the state. Local chambers in Kansas, and across the country, are keenly aware of how clean energy policies, such as renewable energy standards, are helping drive local economic development and investment.

In Coal Country, WV Chamber Builds Focus On Energy Efficiency

Coal was first discovered in West Virginia in 1742. In the intervening centuries, it famously became one of the largest drivers of the state economy.

Today, however, the Charleston Area Alliance, an economic development giant that includes the Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce, is promoting a vision for 2030 that predicts the region will be nationally recognized for “developing and commercializing innovative energy technologies.”

The vision 2030 document is designed to inspire area business and public policy leaders to develop an economy that “provides sustainable jobs for Kanawha Valley residents while simultaneously meeting megatrends of the future.”

And even though the West Virginia legislature recently decided to end its renewable energy law, the Charleston Alliance is determined to continue to develop its leadership in energy efficiency. To that end, the Alliance late last year hosted the second annual summit meeting on energy efficiency during which participants identified key priorities for 2015, including establishing a Property Assessed Clean Energy program and requesting that property appraisers include energy efficiency in their appraisals.

Charleston, the state’s capital and largest city, is located in Kanawha Valley in the western portion of the state, an area rich in coal. The 2030 vision document recognizes its history as a leading coal producer.

“There is no question the energy industry is a vital part of the West Virginian and Kanawha Valley economy,” the Alliance wrote in the energy section of the seven-part strategic plan: “While perhaps most widely known for its heritage in coal and later natural gas, West Virginians also understand the challenges fossil fuels pose both in the mining and sequestration of their carbon dioxide byproduct.”

The need to manage the business risk associated with resources and energy was most recently punctuated for Charleston during the Elk River Chemical spill in early 2014.  It was estimated that the contamination cost the area $61 million in lost output over four days.

With that reality, the area’s business leaders agreed that the future requires a diversified energy portfolio that begins with energy efficiency. To begin implementing its vision for creating a “culture of conservation,” the Alliance has primarily worked with the area’s largest utility, Appalachian Power, and Energy Efficient West Virginia, a not-for-profit founded in 2009 after electricity rates jumped by 43 percent.

Emmett Pepper, Executive Director of Energy Efficient West Virginia, describes energy conservation as a core way for businesses to control costs and cap risks.  “We have a great deal of room for growth and for enterprise in helping to provide energy efficiency,” Pepper said. “We’re working with utilities to bolster their energy efficiency programs and with the Legislature to help put in place policies that will help make businesses more energy efficient.”

Pepper said plans are also underway for year two of Energy Efficiency in the East End (E4), a creative competition designed to boost energy efficiency at the residential level.

L.A. Area Chamber Casts Energy Efficiency in Starring Role

The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce may have just celebrated its 127th inaugural dinner, but it is also putting a spotlight on what the future of economic development looks like in the second most populated city in the nation. In recent months, the chamber has partnered with a movie studio, major utility, and a leading university to help the City of Angels seize the benefits of energy efficiency.

Recognizing energy efficiency as an economic development opportunity that creates jobs and saves consumers money, the chamber threw its support behind the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power in 2014 as the utility announced the most ambitious energy efficiency goal by a major municipal utility nationwide. The plan is to reduce energy demand by 15 percent by the year 2020, exceeding a 10 percent goal set by the state.

The chamber also supported a 2014 University of California Los Angeles report, “Efficiently Energizing Job Creation in Los Angeles,” which documents just how significant the job-growth benefits of energy efficiency are.

Based on an analysis of 18 energy efficiency programs administered by the L.A. Department of Water and Power, the report concluded: “Compared to other energy sector investments such as solar, natural gas, and smart grid infrastructure, energy efficiency produces the largest number of job-years per public dollar invested.”

In collaboration with AT&T and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Challenge, the chamber hosted a sustainability leadership event that presented member businesses in this extreme drought state with tools and resources to help them save on water and energy.

And in true Hollywood style, the Better Building Challenge hosted an awards ceremony recognizing CBS Studios, Kaiser Permanente, and other businesses for energy innovation.

“Our members are using energy efficiency to inform their business plans and save money,” said Director of Public Policy, Frank Lopez. “In fact, our members appreciate our efficiency programs so much that they have asked for more.”

This year, the L.A. Area Chamber plans to expand its energy efficiency efforts by working with its water agency members to incorporate water efficiency offerings into its programming. Adds Lopez: “It’s a win-win for local economic development and the environment.”