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Local chambers across the country are taking the lead in creating and convening clean energy conversations, best practices, events and advocating on local policy. Scroll through our CIAs by year below to learn how chambers across the country are demonstrating leadership in clean energy and climate action.
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
States are not waiting for Washington D.C. to move forward to create the clean energy economy.
After Ohio's new governor proposed his first budget, a leading newspaper, the Columbus Dispatch, evaluated it against economic and quality of life measures.
Located in the historic Linwood Mill, which is geothermal, the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce (BVCC) is definitely walking the walk when it comes to innovation and clean energy.
Lots of information was shared on the recent briefing call with MA policymakers, here's a re-cap:
Senator Paul Formica (R-20) chose a packed-house business leader breakfast hosted recently by the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut to make a major announcement on offshore wind development: the Energy and Technology Committee recently agreed to work on legislation to add 2,000 megawatts of offshore wind capacity.
Congratulations to the chambers featured in the Top 10 stories highlighting leadership on innovation and economic development.
“The Lancaster Chamber applauds the bi-partisan efforts to support Pennsylvania’s manufacturing and solar deployment,” said Tom Baldrige, the Chamber’s President & CEO. “Several of our member companies will benefit from the new law and the $30 million for the Solar Energy Program. We hope to attract more solar manufacturing and development in the state and in our county,” he added.
Four local chambers of commerce called on North Carolina’s General Assembly leadership last month to support the booming clean energy industry that represents some of the best economic news to reach the Northeastern part of the state in a long time.
Since 2014, the 2,200-member organization has taken the lead in an initiative known as “Memphis Clean by 2019” in partnership with the non-profit, Clean Memphis, which has a goal of making Memphis the cleanest city in the nation.
The Bridgeport Regional Business Council (BRBC), like the largest city in Connecticut it represents, is no stranger to the connection between a chamber’s mission of advancing economic development and today’s growing opportunities in clean energy.
At the recent annual meeting of the New England Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (NEACCE), more than 40 local chamber leaders had the opportunity to put their foot to the pedal of Chevy Bolts and Volts—marking the conference’s second annual EV Ride-and-Drive.
At the recent Pennsylvania Association of Chamber Professionals (PACP) conference in Clarion, more than 60 local chambers learned how energy efficiency, home-grown solar energy, and innovative finance mechanisms can help save member companies money, and attract more investment and jobs to the Keystone state.
Local chambers of commerce in North Carolina have first-hand experience with the benefits that come from the rising demand for, and investments in, clean energy.
So when Amazon was named as a 2017 Clean Energy Champion at this year’s annual Clean Energy Awards event hosted by Conservatives for Clean Energy and Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy, it was welcome news for one of the chambers that has already benefited from North Carolina’s first wind farm: Amazon Wind Farm US East.
2018
On Tuesday, Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy and Conservatives for Clean Energy co-hosted the 4th Annual Champions of Clean Energy Awards Luncheon where the Currituck Chamber of Commerce was recognized with a Clean Energy Champion award for their continued commitment to expanding solar and wind energy projects across Northeastern North Carolina.
This week, a group of farmers in Paulding County (OH) and a wind industry association filed a lawsuit against the state of Ohio alleging that the General Assembly violated the state's constitution when it mandated a dramatic increase in the distance wind turbines must be located from property lines. The suit alleges that the mandate is unconstitutional because it was included in an "unrelated budget bill, which is against the "single subject" rule. Read News Article Here
Earlier this month, Josh Bass, President of the Currituck Chamber of Commerce, traveled from the far northeast corner of the state to Huntersville, NC, to tour the SAERTEX manufacturing facility and participate in a strategy session. The SAERTEX facility leads the world in the production of the high-tech and light-weight materials used to produce turbine blades.
Ken Riehl, CEO of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, penned an op-ed for Energy Awareness Month about the importance of energy efficiency savings for local businesses.
Thomas Baldridge, President and CEO of the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce, speaks out in a new video about how a community and state historically known for oil, coal, and shale development is now embracing clean energy.
The day before Hurricane Florence hit North Carolina, local chamber CEOs from red and purple states gathered at the Global Climate Summit in San Francisco to talk about their work in ensuring resilient communities.
If ever there was a setting for a perfect local chamber-hosted conversation about the growing economic opportunities in clean energy, this was one of them:
Businesses everywhere are looking to save money when it comes to energy costs. In response, Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the Connecticut Green Bank to help member businesses afford energy efficiency and clean energy upgrades. Together they are promoting a clean energy financing tool called Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy, or C-PACE. This innovative solution provides long-term, low interest financing to help local building owners take control of their energy costs. With 100% financing, no upfront cost required, and terms of up to 25 years available through C-PACE, energy upgrades are more affordable and accessible than ever.
Local chamber of commerce CEOs are making news for their leadership around clean energy. Here are some recent highlights:
At a recent roundtable hosted by Chambers for Innovation and Conservatives for Clean Energy, Lt. Gen. John Castellaw, Rep. John Szoka (R-45) and Holly Grange (R-20) addressed the question: Are wind energy and military operations compatible in North Carolina?
Ten local chamber leaders recently called on state lawmakers to increase the Commonwealth’s commitment to clean energy—saying it will send a positive market signal for investments. And their message is being heard in the media.
The Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber was recently featured as an opinion editorial piece in the Pittsburgh Business Times applauding a new bipartisan bill heading for Gov. Wolf’s desk called Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy, or C-PACE. The program, introduced as SB 234 by Senator Guy Reschenthaler (R-Allegheny/ Washington), makes good Pennsylvania-style common sense by enabling more businesses to take advantage of cost-saving energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades.
First Solar, a leading member of the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, broke ground this month on a project expected to become what has been described as “the largest solar factory, by capacity, in the Western Hemisphere.”
On a beautiful sunny day, 115 local chamber of commerce and business leaders recently got onboard a boat in Massachusetts for a 30-mile journey to tour America's first offshore wind project, the Block Island Wind Farm.
The NNBE$ program connects local businesses to available energy saving programs and incentives offered through Mass Save which is run by the local utilities. (Businesses receive free energy audits, financing for upgrades, and rebates on recommended energy improvements.) It has already increased small and medium business participation by 30 percent.
"I think it is important today for chambers to be engaged in clean energy, as the millennial generation is very focused on these issues; and if you want to attract that kind of talent, it's critical to look at clean energy as a core value. Local chambers are perfectly positioned to lead this."
"Given the promise of [the proposed projects,] it is critical for Massachusetts to show its seriousness by supporting the nascent industry's growth, so it does not become overshadowed by development activity under way in New York and other states on the Eastern Seaboard," Northcross wrote.
The Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce -- in partnership with the City of Gloucester, National Grid, and Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy -- launched a new energy-saving initiative last month; and several news outlets took notice.
“I see that Ohio has an opportunity to not only be a leader in energy but to create a new economy—and that new economy in this case can be the economy of the wind industry,” said Sen. Dolan, sponsor of SB-238, the wind turbine set-back bill, which would strike a compromise to protects property rights and allow wind development to continue.
“Clean energy is a $11.4 billion part of Massachusetts’ economy—and growing,” Sen. Marc Pacheco (D-Taunton) told Local Chambers of Commerce the day after his committee introduced new energy legislation to help Massachusetts diversify its energy sources and satisfy corporate demand for more renewable energy.
“As a chamber, we are committed to fostering a thriving and sustainable local economy—and the economic development boost from clean energy development creates revenue and jobs that help us do that in ways that enhance our community’s quality of life,” said Bass.
The transition to the clean energy economy is happening now. States are making it happen. Local communities are making it happen. And corporations are making it happen.
This was the message on last week’s special briefing call for local chambers from guest speakers Gov. Rick Snyder (R-MI); former Governor Bill Ritter Jr. (D-CO); Rich Powell, Executive Director of the ClearPath Foundation; and Theresa Kostzrewa, Consultant for Amazon.
PA Local Chambers hear from Sen. Reschenthaler, Geisinger Health, about the clean energy economic opportunities emerging in the state this year, and what chamber should be ready for.
Senator Winfield, who is also the Deputy Majority Leader, made his comments during a February briefing call co-hosted by the two largest Local Chambers of Commerce in the state, Middlesex and Greater New Haven, in partnership with Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy.
“We have an opportunity to attract new jobs and investment in our region with clean energy, all while continuing to support our existing energy resources that have helped make Indiana County what it is today,” said Chamber of Commerce President James Struzzi II.
“We know that many businesses—including our largest member, Walmart—want to fully power their operations with clean energy,” “said Steve Clark, President of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce. “It’s important that we support them in seizing the economic opportunities in the clean energy transition.”
Congratulations to the chambers featured in the Top 10 stories highlighting leadership on innovation and economic development.
Several local chamber, economic development leaders, and community officials traveled to the state capitol on multiple occasions in 2017 to share their front-line stories about the benefits of wind with state government leaders.
2017
“The Lancaster Chamber applauds the bi-partisan efforts to support Pennsylvania’s manufacturing and solar deployment,” said Tom Baldrige, the Chamber’s President & CEO. “Several of our member companies will benefit from the new law and the $30 million for the Solar Energy Program. We hope to attract more solar manufacturing and development in the state and in our county,” he added.
Four local chambers of commerce called on North Carolina’s General Assembly leadership last month to support the booming clean energy industry that represents some of the best economic news to reach the Northeastern part of the state in a long time.
Since 2014, the 2,200-member organization has taken the lead in an initiative known as “Memphis Clean by 2019” in partnership with the non-profit, Clean Memphis, which has a goal of making Memphis the cleanest city in the nation.
The Bridgeport Regional Business Council (BRBC), like the largest city in Connecticut it represents, is no stranger to the connection between a chamber’s mission of advancing economic development and today’s growing opportunities in clean energy.
At the recent annual meeting of the New England Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (NEACCE), more than 40 local chamber leaders had the opportunity to put their foot to the pedal of Chevy Bolts and Volts—marking the conference’s second annual EV Ride-and-Drive.
At the recent Pennsylvania Association of Chamber Professionals (PACP) conference in Clarion, more than 60 local chambers learned how energy efficiency, home-grown solar energy, and innovative finance mechanisms can help save member companies money, and attract more investment and jobs to the Keystone state.
Local chambers of commerce in North Carolina have first-hand experience with the benefits that come from the rising demand for, and investments in, clean energy.
So when Amazon was named as a 2017 Clean Energy Champion at this year’s annual Clean Energy Awards event hosted by Conservatives for Clean Energy and Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy, it was welcome news for one of the chambers that has already benefited from North Carolina’s first wind farm: Amazon Wind Farm US East.
When Ann Silver took over the Reno-Sparks Chamber of Commerce a year ago, she quickly identified a challenge that many local chamber leaders face: She calls it the “cannibalizing of the chamber brand.”
There was a rise in new professional groups that presented competition for members, and, in her view, a need to take a fresh look at the question: What value proposition does a local chamber of commerce offer its members?
Any local chamber of commerce understands how important it is to support their smaller member companies in new revenue opportunities. That's why the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce in northern Michigan is partnering with Consumers Energy for a "Meet the Buyer" summit early next month to promote connections between the large utility and smaller businesses.
Wendy Northcross, President and CEO of the Cape Cod Chamber, spoke about Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy before more than 1,000 CEOs and chamber leaders from more than 100 countries in Sydney, Australia, this September.
As many states vie to be selected as Amazon’s second headquarters, local chambers from across North Carolina – site of an Amazon wind farm – gathered last month to discuss the role of chambers and state policy in attracting investments from corporations that are increasingly demanding renewable energy
Three local chambers—the Greater Susquehanna Valley, Central Pennsylvania and Columbia-Montour Chambers of Commerce— recently attended a tour last week of the Geisinger Advanced Energy Plant.
Ohio State Senator Cliff Hite (R-Findlay) recently introduced critical legislation to fix Ohio's wind turbine setback laws that are preventing renewable energy jobs and economic development.
With more local NC chamber and economic development leaders recognizing that clean energy means growing jobs and investments, it might come as no surprise that several recently stepped forward with “Clean Energy Champion” awards for legislators leading the charge in this area.
“A Who’s Who of Chamber Members Who Are Top Clean Energy Users” was a surprise hit for many chamber leaders who discovered a wide range of mainstream businesses that have joined the ranks of the nation’s top clean energy users.
When more than a dozen local chamber and economic development leaders met with legislators at the North Carolina State Capitol last month, one chamber leader made the reason for growing chamber interest in clean energy clear...
They were given a challenge, which, of course was also an opportunity: See how many of your member businesses you can interest in learning about the money they can save from transitioning to solar energy.
More than three-dozen local chambers of commerce and member businesses met with legislators last month for the largest convening of local chambers at the Massachusetts Statehouse to discuss clean energy.
Rep. Thomas Golden, Jr. (D-Lowell), Sen. Marc Pacheco (D-Taunton), briefed them on what to expect from the remainder of the 2017-2018 session, saying the goal is to build on last year’s work to ensure that Massachusetts remains a clean energy leader.
The Newton-Needham Regional Chamber recently announced that almost 200 Newton-Needham 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.
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.
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.
“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.”
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
2016
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
When Amazon announced last month that it would build a second wind farm in northwest Ohio, Jon Cross, president and CEO of the Hardin County Chamber & Business Alliance and Director of Economic Development, eloquently put the opportunity in perspective:
"Big projects don’t “always have to happen in big cities,” Cross said. “They can happen in small communities like ours, courthouse communities that are an important engine of Ohio’s economy.”
Wind energy could soon be a $1 billion business for North Carolina, and the U.S. Military is fully behind it—recognizing renewable energy as good economics and critical to national security.
Ask Peggy Emerson, Executive Director of the Paulding Chamber of Commerce, what she thinks of the new Amazon wind farm going up in her county, and she’ll tell you:
“Paulding Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to celebrate all of the renewable energy projects that we have going on. These are great ways for us to develop the economic benefits locally, and not only in our county, but the counties around us as well.”
Massachusetts chambers and their member companies had an engaging dialogue with Rep. Golden (D – Lowell) and Sen. Pacheco (D – Taunton) on a Sept. 20th briefing call to learn more about the recently passed energy legislation, An Act to Promote Energy Diversity (H4568). Both legislators played key roles in the new legislation and are preparing for additional steps in 2017.
Breaking new ground, 26 local chambers of commerce—half of all chambers across Connecticut—gathered this month for a conversation about clean energy with Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, the Connecticut Green Bank, and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
The Newton-Needham Regional Chamber joined the Worcester Regional Chamber in the media spotlight last month when they filmed a local TV segment about their Newton Needham Business Energy $avers (NNBE$) program.
With Pennsylvania already having attracted $3.5 billion in clean energy investments—and committed to increasing renewable energy sales—it’s no wonder chamber executives and business leaders recently gathered for a third event in a year to learn about growing economic opportunities in this sector.
CICE goes to ACCE 2016 and chats with local chambers about the benefits they've found with clean energy.
Tim Murray, the Worcester Regional Chamber CEO (and former Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts) recently shined his spotlight on how the chamber’s 2,300 member businesses can save money with energy efficiency.
Speaking on the TV program, Chamber Exchange, on Charter TV3, Murray noted that energy costs are among the top three issues that member businesses care about in New England.
The 2,150-member Lancaster Chamber of Commerce and Industry recently hosted a gathering on the economic opportunities of clean energy in partnership with the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC, and Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy.
GE, which has been in the news for its imminent move to Boston, recently headlined the Newton-Needham Regional Chamber’s annual Green Business Breakfast that celebrates energy innovators. The sold-out event featured Maryrose Sylvester, President and CEO of Current, powered by GE, a new $1 billion energy business built to transform the way we use energy.
“If the grid goes down, the [military] base goes down,” Eickmann said. Updating America’s electrical grid and allowing new energy technologies to emerge are essential to improved national security, he said.
From a Columbus suburb (home to a new wind-powered Amazon data center) to the small village of Paulding (where a new wind farm will begin generating electricity in 2017) local chamber leaders trekked to Ohio’s capitol this month to tell Gov. Kasich and lawmakers how their communities have benefited from wind energy.
In Massachusetts, 11 local chambers immediately signed up for a new Chamber Solar Challenge as soon Chris Cooney, President and CEO of the Metro South Chamber, announced it at the annual Massachusetts Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (MACCE).
The Central Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce hosts an increasingly popular annual competition that rewards businesses that are taking advantage of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and related practices.
During last month’s annual Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives conference, local chamber leaders were asked: “Do you agree it makes good economic sense for Virginia to move forward with a plan to increase the use of clean energy?” In completing the survey, one chamber executive answered with a check plus, one with three checks, and another with “100,000 times yes.”
More than a dozen chamber and economic development leaders from the Tar Heel state, as well as 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.
Disney World and Duke Energy announced plans last fall for a new solar farm that will bear an uncanny resemblance to none other than Mickey Mouse. But the Magic Kingdom (which is about twice as large as Manhattan and attracts some 52 million visitors a year) is not alone in its embrace of energy innovation.
In recent years, Orlando, Inc. (the Orlando Regional Chamber) has been working some of its own magic as a leader in energy efficiency—saving money, boosting economic development, and attracting other chambers that want to follow suit.
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.
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. Here are some of our favorites.
2015
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. “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.”
2014
Minneapolis Regional, Saint Paul Area, and Hibbing Area chambers of commerce cohosted a lively luncheon last week, putting a spotlight on Minnesota’s leadership in clean energy innovation and economic development.
Chamber leaders demonstrated interest in state policies that support clean energy development. When asked in an informal survey if they agreed with Gov. Kasich’s recent comment that it is “unacceptable” for Ohio to maintain a freeze on renewable energy and energy efficiency standards, 90 percent of chamber leaders said yes.