FACP Panel Discussion: Are Clean Energy Companies Members of Your Chamber?

Written By Chambers for Innovation
Too often, chambers of commerce struggle to engage companies in new industries. This is very true, we’ve found, for chambers when it comes to the explosion of new clean energy companies.

But some chambers have developed unique and compelling ways to bring such companies into their membership to help them grow and reach their business goals. Whether these are start-ups, mature clean energy companies, or companies developing new innovations in clean energy, chambers are finding success in recruiting and retaining them throughout Florida (and the country).  

At the recent statewide Florida Association of Chamber Professionals, Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE) hosted a panel of chamber and business executives to talk about their initiatives with clean energy companies. 

The panelists included:

  • Rebekah Arthur, IOM, president & CEO, Seminole County Chamber
  • Jacki Dezelski, IOM, president & CEO, Manatee Chamber of Commerce
  • Dan Lindblade, CAE, president & CEO, Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce
  • Barbara Gritter, executive vice president, Solcium Solar
Electric Vehicle Industry Panel
The panel came about after the Seminole County Chamber partnered with CICE on a panel discussion about the electric vehicle industry. Because of that event, the Seminole Chamber brought in some key members in the industry.

Solcium Solar, for example, is a newer member of the Seminole County Chamber.

“We can engage with other like-minded companies because the chamber convenes conversations around topics like ours,” Gritter says. 

It’s also a way to help educate the public about their industry. 

Gritter adds: “It’s not lost on us how many misconceptions there are about solar and it’s unfortunate that clean energy is politicized - given the economic opportunity”.
Clean Energy & Resilience Pitch Contest
In Fort Lauderdale, Lindblade has been at the forefront of embracing clean energy and other technologies that will help South Florida become more resilient. In fact, he left immediately after the discussion to attend the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Leadership Summit. 

One of his key efforts in this realm is a pitch contest for companies in this field.

“You can monetize an event on renewable energy,” he said. “Clean energy companies will sponsor events like this and members will pay to attend them.”
Natural Resources Committee
At the Manatee County Chamber, the chamber started a Natural Resources Committee several years ago that addresses the interests of many clean energy companies. One thing they do is take tours to facilities connected to clean energy businesses and that affect the natural resources of the community.
Supply Chain to Clean Energy
Of course, Dezelski adds that chambers should be paying attention to not only clean energy companies themselves, but also to the companies providing support to the companies. 

“It’s one more opportunity to support small businesses, and in many cases, they benefit from the same chamber deliverables as many small businesses,” she added. 

Finding clean energy companies is not always easy. They are often working to develop the next great technology or finding the right location for their facility. They often don’t seek public attention.

That’s why Arthur said it will take work but look at local incubators for potential new companies that will become major companies in your community.

“These are filled with fast growing companies and you want to pay attention,” she said. “It’s up to the chamber to make the connection.”
If you would like to learn more about clean energy opportunities in your community, please contact Alan Byrd.
Chambers for Innovation