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.
