Ahoskie Chamber of Commerce Receives Statewide Recognition: “NC Clean Energy Champion” Award
RALEIGH -- The Ahoskie Chamber of Commerce received statewide recognition for their outstanding leadership in advancing clean energy opportunities in North Carolina at the 6th annual “North Carolina Clean Energy Champion” awards event. The December 1 event was co-hosted by Conservatives for Clean Energy-NC (CCE) and Chambers for Innovation & Clean Energy (CICE) and streamed online to over 200 participants. (Click here to view a recording of the event.)
CICE’s Director of Economic Development Susan Munroe touted the Ahoskie Chamber’s leadership in its support of solar energy development and upcoming manufacturing supply chain opportunities associated with offshore wind energy projects, which could be constructed 20+ miles off the coast of Virginia and North Carolina. “I applaud the Ahoskie Chamber’s leadership efforts in advancing the investments and economic benefits that renewable energy projects are delivering across Hertford County and northeastern North Carolina, especially during these uncertain times,” said Munroe. “Their message is clear: They support and want more clean energy investment in their community because it directly benefits their local economy and citizens.”
Amy Braswell, executive director of the Ahoskie Chamber of Commerce accepted the award sharing, "Hertford County is a mix of industries and agriculture and we are now adding renewable energy to our portfolio. We see the opportunity and we are absolutely certain that renewables will play a role in our future economic development planning.”
Event participants also heard from top political consultants, Paul Shumaker and Dee Stewart, founders of Strategic Partners Solutions, who discussed the 2020 elections and recent energy polling of NC voters, as well as a special video from US Senator Thom Tillis.
In addition to the Ahoskie Chamber of Commerce, the following also received awards: Mother Earth Brewing, Novo Nordisk, Live Oak Bank, and the Charlotte Motor Speedway received NC Clean Energy Champion Awards. Receiving Clean Energy Champion legislative awards were NC Representative John Torbett (R-Gaston,) NC Senator Vickie Sawyer (R-Iredell & Yadkin), and NC Representative Bobby Hanig (R-Currituck, Dare, Hyde, Pamlico.)
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More Information on the co-hosts:
Conservatives for Clean Energy educates the public about the benefits of clean and renewable energy sources in North Carolina, and has expanded its work into Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. The organization helps to lead the conversation about the economic benefits of clean energy. As conservatives, the organization encourages competition and free markets, which allows for vibrant, sustainable economies. Clean and renewable energy sources represent America's energy future.
Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy is a national clean information hub and network for chambers of commerce. Created and led by chamber executives, CICE assists chambers and their member companies navigate and prosper in the clean energy space. As the voice of business, chambers across the country are sharing the positive stories of economic impact of clean energy investment not only in their local communities, but at the state and national levels as well.
North Carolina’s “Clean Energy Champions” announced during online event
RALEIGH -- Today, several businesses, a chamber of commerce, and state legislators received statewide recognition for their outstanding leadership in advancing clean energy opportunities in North Carolina during the 6th annual “North Carolina Clean Energy Champions” event. The event, which was co-hosted by Conservatives for Clean Energy-NC (CCE) and Chambers for Innovation & Clean Energy(CICE), was streamed online to over 200 participants. (A recording of the entire event can be viewed via the co-hosts’ Facebook accounts.)
In addition to the eight “Clean Energy Champion” awards, participants also heard from top political consultants, Paul Shumaker and Dee Stewart, founders of Strategic Partners Solutions, who discussed the 2020 elections and recent energy polling of NC voters, as well as a special video from US Senator Thom Tillis.
Receiving awards, included:
Clean Energy Champion - Live Oak Bank, based in Wilmington, for its sustainable lending program that has provided over $1 billion in long-term financing to the renewable energy industry. Click here to learn more.
Clean Energy Champion - Novo Nordisk, which has an expanding pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Clayton with operations globally, recently met its goal to power its operations by 100% renewable energy sources, including a new 105 megawatt solar project built in Pender County.
Small Business Clean Energy Champion - Mother Earth Brewing, located in Kinston, has incorporated solar panels and numerous energy efficient technologies into its LEED Gold certified brewery. Click here to learn more.
Clean Energy Champion - Charlotte Motor Speedway, located in Concord, has installed a 42,000 square-foot solar deck in Turn 3 and 4. Click here to learn more.
Clean Energy Champion - Ahoskie Chamber of Commerce for its support of clean energy projects and investments in Hertford County, including Fifth Third Bank’s recently-completed 80 megawatt solar project, which allowed it to meet its 100% renewable energy goal.
Legislative Clean Energy Champion - NC Representative John Torbett (R-Gaston)
Legislative Clean Energy Champion - NC Senator Vickie Sawyer (R-Iredell & Yadkin)
Legislative Clean Energy Rising Star - NC Representative Bobby Hanig (R-Currituck, Dare, Hyde, Pamlico)
“It was great to hear each of our award winners’ success stories and their efforts leading the way toward a more prosperous and accessible, clean energy future,” said Laurie Barnhart, State Director of North Carolina Conservatives for Clean Energy. “Business leaders, legislators, economic developers, and North Carolinians of all political parties - especially conservatives - are making tremendous progress in advancing clean energy technologies and greater market competition for our great State.”
“Chambers of commerce across North Carolina, as the voice of business, are working every day to help rebuild their local economy and they’re excited to support the positive economic benefits that clean energy development opportunities can bring, especially during these uncertain times,” said Susan Munroe, Director of Economic Development, Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy. “Their message is clear: They support and want more clean energy investment in their communities. And North Carolina legislators are listening.”
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More Information on the co-hosts:
Conservatives for Clean Energy educates the public about the benefits of clean and renewable energy sources in North Carolina, and has expanded its work into Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. The organization helps to lead the conversation about the economic benefits of clean energy. As conservatives, the organization encourages competition and free markets, which allows for vibrant, sustainable economies. Clean and renewable energy sources represent America's energy future.
Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy is a national clean information hub and network for chambers of commerce. Created and led by chamber executives, CICE assists chambers and their member companies navigate and prosper in the clean energy space. As the voice of business, chambers across the country are sharing the positive stories of economic impact of clean energy investment not only in their local communities, but at the state and national levels as well.
Local Chambers Express Disappointment in Tariffs on Solar Imports
Say It is a Missed Economic Opportunity for American Jobs, Communities
The National Advisory Council of Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy, a network of more than 1,200 local chambers of commerce, issued the following statement today about President Trump’s decision to impose tariffs solar imports:
“As the leaders of one of the nation’s largest networks of local chambers of commerce, we are disappointed by President Trump’s decision yesterday to impose tariffs on solar imports—a move that might discourage competition from other countries but will ultimately do more harm to American workers.
“Local chambers of commerce are at the forefront of advocating for the economic growth of our communities. We are the on-the-ground experts on what does and does not work at the local and state level. And we know that renewable energy is an increasingly important opportunity for businesses and communities across the nation.
“We have seen solar, wind, and other clean energy projects deliver significant economic benefits that are good for our businesses, schools, communities, and the economy. This is true not only in urban centers but manufacturing communities and rural areas, where clean energy projects have delivered some of the best economic news in decades.
“The vast majority of the solar industry’s 260,000 jobs are in installation, and installers rely on lower-cost solar parts. A tariff is likely to only drive up the price of solar, hurt demand, and put tens of thousands of jobs at risk.
According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, the decision effectively will cause the loss of roughly 23,000 American jobs this year, including many in manufacturing, and it will result in the delay or cancellation of billions of dollars in solar investments.
“In North Carolina, which ranks second in the nation on solar energy, we have attracted more than $5 billion in solar investments, with $1.2 billion in 2016 alone. Low-cost imported solar parts have played a key role in this growth; and a tariff may now jeopardize future growth.
“In Michigan, more than 92,000 people work in the solar and wind industries—thanks to Republican Governor Snyder’s Clean and Renewable Energy Waste Reduction Act of 2016. The tariff now potentially puts continued growth at risk.
“We need to make America great by embracing innovation and supporting clean energy jobs in the Midwest and all across the nation. We look forward to working with our colleagues and American businesses to do just that.”
Signed:
Aaron Nelson, President & CEO, Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce, NC, Co-Chair of CICE Advisory Council
Doug Luciani, President, TraverseCONNECT, Traverse City Area Chamber, MI, Co-Chair of CICE Advisory Council
Diane Doucette, Executive Director, Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy
Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE) is a national network of 1,200 local chambers of commerce that recognize the economic development opportunity of clean energy. CICE works with local chambers to offer programs that help them and their member companies successfully navigate and prosper in the clean energy space. www.chambersforinnovation.com
Local Chambers Set the Record Straight on Clean Power Plan Support
By Doug Luciani, Aaron Nelson, and Diane Doucette
When it comes to what is good for local economies and communities, local chambers of commerce are as American as apple pie.
That is why, as the Co-chairs and Executive Director of a nationwide network of 1,200 local chambers representing 900,000 businesses, we have repeatedly supported the Clean Power Plan that EPA Secretary Scott Pruitt this week signed a measure to repeal.
And that is why we feel we must make our voices heard again: because growing jobs, attracting businesses investments, and keeping our communities healthy are on the line.
While a diverse group, local chambers across this nation are united in support for what is in the best interest of our local businesses, economies, and communities. For many, that includes the economic development benefits of clean energy.
Clean energy is the biggest and fastest-growing energy sector in America. As CEOs of local chambers of commerce, we have first-hand experience with the economic benefits that clean energy and innovation are providing. We have seen a growth in jobs and investments through wind, solar, battery, and other innovative and exciting energy technologies.
Investing in clean energy is a powerful, positive trend with some mighty big supporters. In Michigan, Republican Governor Rick Snyder, like the Republican Governors of Illinois and Ohio, adopted a new policy this year to grow the clean energy economy.
In North Carolina, we celebrated the opening of a $400 million wind farm in one of our state’s most economically distressed communities—as well as the passage of a comprehensive energy bill that will keep our state a leader in solar energy.
We have welcomed wind farm projects in Ohio that are bringing in more than a billion dollars to three rural communities, and celebrated 7,000 new jobs and $94 million in new investments from new solar projects in Utah.
Simply put, there is broad support for the opportunities clean energy presents. More than 350 companies and investors have voiced their support for the Clean Power Plan including some of America’s largest and most innovative corporate leaders like Amazon, Apple, Google, and Microsoft.
This week’s reversal of America’s commitment to clean energy not only runs counter to what is actually creating job growth in America, it runs counter to what is creating our nation’s energy independence. It also threatens to diminish America’s position in the global energy innovation race while China and other nations make more significant commitments to clean energy.
Let’s remain a strong nation by embracing innovation not turning from it. There are too many good opportunities in clean energy ahead.
Doug Luciani is CEO of TraverseConnect in Traverse, MI. Aaron Nelson is CEO of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce in North Carolina. They are Co-chairs of Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE). Diane Doucette is CICE’s Executive Director.
Nationwide Network of Local Chambers of Commerce Calls Executive Order to Roll Back Clean Energy Misguided, Missed Opportunity
Local Leaders Will Continue to Drive Clean Energy Jobs, Investments
The National Advisory Council of Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE) issued this statement today. CICE is a network of 1,200 local chambers of commerce representing an estimated 900,000 businesses.
As one of the largest organizations of local chambers of commerce in the nation, we have first-hand experience with the economic benefits that clean energy and innovation are providing. That is why we believe that President Trump’s executive order rolling back American leadership in 21st century energy and innovation is misguided.
Reversing America’s commitment to clean energy-related regulations runs counter to what is actually creating energy independence and job growth in America. It also threatens to de-position America in the global energy innovation race while China and other nations make more significant commitments to clean energy.
In recent years, across the Midwest, South and other regions, local chambers have seen members increasingly grow jobs and attract investments through wind, solar, battery, and other innovative technologies in today’s changing energy economy. Some of the projects we have been proud to celebrate include:
More than $94 million in investments and the creation of 7,000 new jobs from new solar projects in Utah.
Wind farm projects in Ohio that are bringing $200 million, $300 million, and $600 million to three separate rural communities.
Opening of a $400 million wind farm in one of North Carolina’s most economically distressed communities.
Looking ahead, local chambers of commerce will continue to work with businesses and communities to support clean energy opportunities despite federal attempts to slow the momentum. As business leaders dedicated to the economic development of our local communities, it simply makes good economic sense.
Doug Luciani, CEO, TraverseCONNECT, Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce (MI), Co-chair, Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy Advisory Council
Aaron Nelson, CEO, Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce (NC), Co-chair, Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy Advisory Council
Diane Doucette, Executive Director, Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy
See letter from Advisory Council to President Trump's transition team here.
Local Chamber Leaders, Economic Development Officials Urge Ohio Policymakers to Return Wind Farm Decisions to Communities
New Public Statement Cites Economic Development Benefits of Wind Energy
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Nov. 18, 2015—Ohio local chamber of commerce presidents, economic development officials, school superintendents, county commissioners, and landowners today urged the Ohio House of Representatives Public Utilities Commission to return decisions about wind farms to local communities.
In addition to issuing the statement, leaders gathered at the Ohio Statehouse to testify before the House Public Utilities Committee in support of House Bill 190, co-sponsored by Rep. Tim Brown (R-Bowling Green) and Rep. Tony Burkley (R-Payne).
Through their testimony and in their joint statement below, business and community leaders said they supported HB 190 because it would grant counties more local control and flexibility in choosing which “setback” provisions to apply to wind projects. Setback provisions—which determine how far a wind farm must be situated from the nearest property line—became controversial after the Ohio legislature tripled the required distance in 2014, leading to a significant slowdown in wind development.
To date, more than $775 million has been invested in Ohio’s wind industry, with annual property tax payments of $3.6 million, and annual land lease payments of more than $2.5 million.
The statement of support for HB 190 by chamber and other leaders read:
“As local chamber of commerce leaders, economic development officials, school superintendents, elected representatives, and business people, our job is to stand up for what is good for our communities.
We have seen wind energy deliver extraordinary economic benefits to several Ohio communities. We know more communities could benefit from wind energy.
But wind farm development has largely come to a halt since the legislature last year nearly tripled the distance required between wind farms and neighboring property lines. We find these restrictions unwarranted, and economically disadvantageous.
We call on Ohio policymakers to ensure that counties that want wind farms will be able to have them—by opting to reinstate the old setback requirements.”
The statement was signed by:
Susan Munroe, President and CEO, Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce
Peggy Emerson, President & CEO, Paulding Chamber of Commerce
Pam Miller, Executive Director, Indian Lake Chamber of Commerce
Tony Zartman, Paulding County Commissioner
Roy Klopfenstein, Paulding County Commissioner
Dennis Schroeder, Van Buren Township Trustee (Putnam County)
Ron Wyss, former Hardin County Commissioner
Clair Thatcher, Land Owner, Middle Point Ohio
Bob Barker, Land Owner, Van Wert County
Curt Croy, Director, Putnam County Community Improvement Corporation
Jerry Zielke, Director, Paulding County Economic Development
Jeff Snyder, Superintendent, Lincolnview Schools, Van Wert County
Staci Kaufman, Superintendent, Vantage Career Centers, Eight County Area
Ken Amstutz, Superintendent, Van Wert City Schools
Individual chamber leaders also made these comments:
“Northwest Ohio has an enormous economic opportunity. We can catalyze our advanced manufacturing skills and supply chains with dramatic demand for clean energy—if our state government works with business leaders to provide a business-friendly environment for renewables.” (Peggy Emerson, President & CEO, Paulding Chamber of Commerce)
“The biggest employers in the world are now requiring clean energy as they make their location and expansion decisions. Returning local decision making of renewable energy development will play a major role in whether communities throughout Ohio will be able to attract the big buyers that demand clean energy. We in Putnam County would very much like to be known as “home” to the wind farm supplying energy to the likes of Amazon, Facebook, Google, and Microsoft.” (Curt Croy, Director, Putnam County Community Improvement Corporation)
“I’ve talked to farmers who are extremely grateful for the cash crop of wind energy. I’ve seen children using laptops in schools and hotels sold out because of wind energy. The $600 million Blue Creek Wind Farms in Van Wert 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 & CEO, Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce, Advisory Council member of Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy)
“In some communities, setting wind farms more than four football fields away from the nearest property line might make sense. But in many others, it is clearly too much. We urge Ohio policymakers to leave these decisions to local decision-makers. (The Honorable John Love, Putnam County Commissioner)
“Wind energy has reduced tax burdens; increased school revenues; grown profits for local businesses; created new high paying jobs; and brought hundreds of millions of dollars in new revenue to rural communities. We should not stand in the way of this kind of progress.” (Jerry Zielke, Director, Paulding County Economic Development)
“Wind farms have generated approximately $410,000 in new revenue a year for our district—a Godsend to our schools and our taxpayers. Wind energy has expanded our local tax base in a way we never imagined possible, while providing tax relief to our residents and opportunities for our students.” (Jeff Snyder, Superintendent of Lincolnview Schools)