CHAMBERS IN ACTION

Local chambers across the country are taking the lead in creating and convening clean energy conversations, best practices, events and advocating on local policy.

Chambers for Innovation 3/10/20 Chambers for Innovation 3/10/20

Massachusetts Chamber Leaders Briefed on Top 2020 Issues: Transportation, Resiliency, and Reliability

CICE’s Annual Policy Briefing on Top 2020 Issues:

Transportation, Resiliency, and Reliability

Last week over 60 Chamber Executives from across Massachusetts participated in CICE’s annual policy briefing hosted by the Greater Boston, Worcester Regional and Cape Cod Chambers of Commerce. The briefing call featured State Senator Marc Pacheco, Massachusetts Secretary of Energy and the Environment Kathleen Theoharides, and Clean Energy Expert and former State Representative Dan Bosley all of whom spoke with local chamber executives and businesses about the state’s clean energy priorities and the potential impacts to local economic development, job creation, transportation and resiliency.

Massachusetts Secretary of Energy and the Environment, Kathleen Theoharides

Senator Pacheco spoke about the bi-partisan commitment to help the Commonwealth become net zero by 2050, praised the pledge made in the Governor’s State of the State, and addressed the comprehensive climate legislation that passed the Senate in January. Of particular interest, he discussed Department of Public Utilities (DPU) oversight which will focus on utility reliability, affordability, public safety, cyber security, and GHG reductions. Senator Pacheco also talked about increased oversight of Mass Save which is set to prioritize the expansion of programs with the most potential for energy savings, including commercial and industrial. Additionally, the senator touched on new renewable energy pilots, electrification of public transit, appliance standards, and low income solar mentioned in the Senate’s legislation. To learn more about the state Senate’s climate legislation check out WBUR and Boston Globe articles.

Secretary Theoharides spoke about transportation challenges in the Commonwealth, the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI), and the administration’s clean energy priorities. Specifically, she outlined the impact TCI will have on transportation infrastructure and electrification as well as Massachusetts’ commitment to the regional initiative which is expected to reduce emissions and also generate revenue for needed infrastructure updates. Massachusetts aims to be a leader, with Theoharides sharing “We will be updating our targets and plans to incorporate the Governor’s new net zero goal. We not only want to attain the targets but also model best practices and solutions.”

Clean energy expert and former Representative, Dan Bosley, addressed the Greenworks bill that passed the House last year. Greenworks offers $1 billion for cities and towns to use for climate adaptation and recognizes the importance of resiliency. Said Bosley, “Greenworks can help address climate and business impacts, and businesses will face higher costs unless we do something about climate change. The good news is that people are doing something about it, and this resiliency bill, if spent well, could lead to innovation that results in significant economic growth.”

In addition to the policy experts, the chamber co-hosts shared their respective clean energy priorities:

“We focus a lot on environmental stewardship at home and in businesses. As a chamber, we want to increase clean energy jobs (which we believe is critical to economic development and resiliency); expand our local transportation infrastructure (which will reduce congestion, emissions, and improve our economy); and work with utilities and state agencies to address the challenges faced by our businesses.”

-Tim Murray

Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce

“Offshore wind remains an important issue for us as it puts us at the forefront of this exciting clean energy industry. This year we hosted the Cape’s first EV Car Show, supported a pilot program for large energy storage sites in more remote areas, advocated for improved public transportation, and our board members are asking us to be more engaged in climate action and resiliency.”

-Wendy Northcross,

Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce

“We think about climate change in four categories: the clean energy industry and growth of jobs; the broader responsibility the business community has for climate readiness; how we adapt and respond knowing there are tradeoffs and costs of implementing tactics for alleviating climate change into our operations; and lastly the connectedness between these and other climate related issues like transportation/congestion and housing.”

-Jim Rooney

Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

Chambers for Innovation 6/21/18 Chambers for Innovation 6/21/18

Growing Economic Opportunities Would Flow from Clean Energy Bill, Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber CEO Says

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.

"The bipartisan clean energy financing bill [recently signed into law] by Gov. Tom Wolf will grow jobs, save businesses money -- and, best of all, it won’t cost taxpayers anything,” Chris Heck, CEO of the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce, recently wrote in The Pittsburgh Business Times. The bill was cosponsored by Sen. Reschenthaler (R-Allegheny/ Washington) and Sen. Blake (D-Lackawana).

Read Heck's op-ed below.

Viewpoint: Clean-energy financing bill good for business

By Chris Heck

June 8, 2018

I’ll be frank. I’m an unapologetic advocate of what’s good for business and economic development in the Pittsburgh airport area. I’m immensely proud of our entire region’s efforts to become a center of world-class innovation. And when I see a “win-win” opportunity for business, economic development and this region, I consider it my mission and privilege to support it.

The clean energy-financing bill headed to Gov. Tom Wolf’s desk is one of these winning and welcome opportunities. It will grow jobs, save businesses money, and, best of all, it won’t cost taxpayers anything.

Senate Bill 234, co-sponsored by Sen. Guy Reschenthaler (R-Allegheny/ Washington), would establish a program that makes sense by enabling more businesses to take advantage of cost-saving energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades.

This bipartisan legislation was overwhelmingly passed on the Senate floor earlier this year. And on May 23, the House also passed it by a wide 163-28 margin.

Known as Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy, or C-PACE, this bill would allow municipalities to establish voluntary programs to allow financing for energy upgrades with no upfront costs on new and existing buildings. They simply pay the loan back, over up to 20 years, as a portion of their property tax bill.

For commercial building owners, this means gaining the opportunity to access the growing number of clean energy innovations that can help them save on energy costs and increase the value of their properties.

For our region, it means more economic vitality and more jobs. An estimated 70,000 Pennsylvanians worked in energy efficiency and renewable energy in 2016, up 6 percent from 2015. Nearly half of these jobs are in the construction industry, and about one in five are in the construction industry, and about one in five are in manufacturing.

As recently as a decade ago, our region suffered as globalization and technology eroded the manufacturing industries that once defined us. Between 1970 and 1990, the City of Pittsburgh lost an estimated 100,000 steel jobs and unemployment hit a high of 18 percent.

But that was then. And this is now. Our region has been thriving because we have chosen not to look back but forward.

As the voice of the businesses in 34 communities across the Pittsburgh airport region, I know the value of innovation in this great area. I also know that it makes sense to seize every good, forward-thinking opportunity in front of us, including the one now awaiting signature on the governor’s desk.

Chris Heck is the president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce.

Chambers for Innovation 6/20/18 Chambers for Innovation 6/20/18

Chamber VP Says Solar Will be a “Major Part” of Region’s Economic Future

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.”

First Solar, located in the Greater Toledo Region, 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.”

And that, says Toledo Chamber Vice President Brian Dicken, represents “a strong vote of confidence in Toledo as a major U.S. hub for advanced technology solar manufacturing."

The $400 million plant in Lake Township, slated to reach full capacity in 2019, will bring 500 new jobs to the Toledo region.

It also points the way to an essential element in the region’s future prosperity, Dicken says. "For northwest Ohio, researching, developing, and producing the next generation of solar technology is a major part of our economic future," he said.

Ohio currently ranks 11th in the nation for solar energy jobs, according to the Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA)—with an estimated 5,831 Ohioans employed in the industry in 2017. This reflects people engaged in solar installation as well as the manufacturing of solar technologies.

In Ohio, an estimated $529 million has been invested in the growing industry to date--$53 million in 2017 alone, according to SEIA. One reason for this growth: The price of solar energy has declined 53 percent over the past five years.

Economic Benefits of Offshore Wind in Clear View for Chamber, Business Leaders

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.

With offshore wind development growing along the eastern seaboard, it was a fun opportunity for chamber leaders to learn about the tremendous economic benefits this new industry offers.

In a tour organized Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy and the National Wildlife Federation, chamber leaders learned about the benefits expected to accrue over the next decade to Massachusetts alone, including:

6,870 to 9,850 new jobs
$1.4 to $2.1 billion in investment
Economic opportunities for nearly 20 communities along the supply chain.

They also heard from several chamber colleagues. Check out the photos and quotes below.

photography by Sergio badmonkeypics@outlook.com

““The emerging offshore wind industry has the potential to generate approximately $680 million in annual property tax payments, as well as support approximately 160,000 jobs by 2050. That is good news for communities up and down the supply chain,” said Rick Kidder, President and CEO of the SouthCoast Chamber of Commerce. (Kidder is pictured above right, next to Jack Lank, President and CEO, United Regional Chamber.)”

““The Blackstone Valley Chamber sees great opportunity in offshore wind and supports efforts to keep Massachusetts competitive in this growing industry which will in turn help keep and grow manufacturing jobs in our state,” said Jeannie Hebert, President and CEO of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce.”

““As the President of the New England Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, I can say that we know offshore wind is on the mind of a lot of our members,” said Jane Garibay, who is also the Executive Director of the Windsor Chamber in Connecticut. “We support the local economic development opportunities that clean energy offers.””

photography by Sergio badmonkeypics@outlook.comBill White, Senior Director of Offshore Wind Sector Development, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center — photography by Sergio badmonkeypics@outlook.com
Bill White, Senior Director of Offshore Wind Sector Development, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center

PA Senator, Geisinger Brief Local Chambers on Three New Bills

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.

Pennsylvania’s Innovative Culture Continues

To some, Pennsylvania may be best known for its great historical significance—as home of the Liberty Bell and the place where the Declaration of Independence was signed and the U.S. Constitution drawn up.

But Pennsylvania has an equally strong history of innovation: being home to the nation’s first baseball stadium, first commercial broadcast station, and the world’s first high-speed, multi-lane highway to name just a few examples.

So perhaps not surprisingly a growing number of Pennsylvania leaders are now taking steps to seize the growing economic opportunities in energy innovation.

“This is a win-win for everyone,” PA Sen. Guy Reschenthaler (R-Allegheny/Washington) said in a recent briefing call with Local Chamber of Commerce Leaders from across the Keystone State.

Sen. Reschenthaler is a co-sponsor Senate Bill 234, which would allow municipalities to establish voluntary programs to provide financing for energy upgrades without any upfront costs. Known as Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE), property owners re-pay the financing through a property assessment. C-PACE is offered in enabling legislation is active in 33 states plus Washington, D.C.

SB 234 was overwhelmingly passed on the Senate floor 42-8 and is now being considered by the House Commerce Committee. Sen. Reschenthaler asked that Chamber leaders contact their legislators to voice their support. Read more about C-PACE.

“It’s about job creation in high paying fields such as electrical contractors, excavating, general construction, engineering, and so on,” Sen. Reschenthaler said. “It will lower energy costs for local businesses, increasing competitiveness.” Importantly, he added, the program uses funds from private institutions, not taxpayer dollars.

Asked why he became interested in CPACE, Reschenthaler said because he believes in energy independence and knows that renewables help contribute to that.

Geisinger Savings Through Efficiency

Co-hosted by the Columbia Montour Chamber, the briefing call was also an opportunity for Local Chamber leaders to hear from Geisinger Health, the largest health system in Pennsylvania, about how they are saving with energy efficiency.

“Energy is one of these topics that can benefit everyone,” said Al Neuner, VP of Facility Operations at Geisinger Health System. As a result of its investments in energy efficiency, Geisinger Hospital has saved $15 million in energy costs, Neuner said.

“And businesses do not have to be as large as Geisinger to benefit from energy efficiency—he noted, adding that it is very scalable and no-risk. Watch a video about Geisinger’s energy efficiency program.

“One of the things we can do as chambers is to play the role of conveyor and bring our business members, the community, the utility, and workforce development organizations together to exchange information so that clean energy, and clean energy workforce training is more relatable to all of our businesses and community members,” said Fred Gaffney, President of the Columbia Montour Chamber.

“There are people and resources there to help you pay for this,” he said, referring to Act 129, a law passed in 2008 to encourage energy efficiency and provides rebates for new appliances, lighting and windows and energy audits. Read more about Act 129.

A 2017 Public Utility Commission study found that Act 129 has delivered $6.4 billion in benefits for all electric consumers to date.

Growing Solar Jobs in PA

The speakers also briefed Local Chamber leaders on the recently passed Act 40, the Solar Jobs bill, aiming to limit state payments to out of state projects and grow jobs here in PA.

Ron Celentano, President of Pennsylvania’s Solar Energy Industry Association told the audience that up to 70 percent of the solar energy purchased in the state was coming from outside the state, said.

The new Solar Jobs bill corrected this by requiring that the solar come from within Pennsylvania.

“We see this as a great opportunity to have more solar jobs created within the state,” Celentano said. “And we’ve been seeing growth of solar jobs already since the passage.”

The call was co-hosted by the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce and Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy. Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy will continue to keep you informed as these issues move forward.

Learn more: Post-Gazette

Chambers for Innovation 12/20/17 Chambers for Innovation 12/20/17

Lancaster Chamber Praises New PA Legislation That Keeps Solar Jobs in State, Offers $30 Million in Grants for Businesses

“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.

In an effort to help develop and maintain solar jobs and manufacturing in Pennsylvania, new bipartisan legislation was recently passed and signed into law to do just that. Act 40 is designed to keep solar energy jobs within the Keystone State instead of sourcing them to neighboring states, as has been practice in recent years.

Additionally, $30 million in grants and loans is now available through the Solar Energy Program (SEP) to businesses that manufacture solar equipment, or generate or distribute solar power. The goal is to support Pennsylvania’s efforts to strengthen its position in the clean energy space.

“The Solar Energy Program is vital in our efforts to make Pennsylvania a leader in clean energy,” Governor Wolf said. “Developing new renewable energy sources including solar is critical to ensuring Pennsylvania has a balanced and diverse energy mix that maintains our position as a major energy producing state.”

Many local Pennsylvania chamber member businesses can benefit from the SEP as it provides financial assistance in the form of grant and loan funds to promote the use of solar energy in Pennsylvania.

Tom Baldrige, President & CEO, Lancaster Chamber

Home to over 1,400 solar installations, Lancaster County is sure to benefit from the SEP funds. The Lancaster Chamber, representing nearly 2,000 businesses, has applauded the new program.

A recently-released clean energy jobs report revealed that there are nearly 70,000 jobs in solar, wind and energy efficiency across Pennsylvania, with Lancaster snagging a spot in the top 10 counties boasting 3,100 jobs.

If your member companies are interested in applying for a SEP loan or grant they can visit the PA Dept. of Community and Economic Development page.

NC Chambers Say Wind, Solar Energy Are Critical to Rural Region

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.

“This renewable energy economy is thriving and is critical to our region, and we respectfully ask for your assistance in keeping these projects alive and thriving,” the Presidents and Executives of the Edenton-Chowan, Elizabeth City Area, Currituck, and Windsor-Bertie Chamber of Commerce wrote.

The state’s first utility-scale wind farm, the $400 million Amazon Wind Farm US East, is already the largest taxpayer in Perquimans and Pasquotank Counties. And Summit Farm Solar, one of nation’s largest solar projects, created more than 1,000 jobs during construction, supporting local economies across the region.

These mostly rural counties that include some of the state’s most economically challenged areas have struggled for decades to attract new jobs, business opportunities, and business investments.

Now, wind and solar energy are booming in their region, the chamber leaders wrote in a letter to Sen. Phil Berger, President Pro Tempore of the N.C. Senate and Rep. Tim Moore, Speaker of the N.C. House of Representatives.

“We hope you will stand with us in support of the clean energy industry and foster its ongoing growth and expansion, allowing our region and state to reap the economic benefits,” they wrote.

To date, North Carolina’s clean energy industry has generated nearly $9 billion in investment, saved money for businesses and families, driven down costs of renewable energy and energy efficiency technology, and helped maintain clean air and water.

Read the letter from four chambers here.

Save the Date: February 8, 2018

Join the Currituck Chamber and local businesses for a panel discussion with leading energy experts to learn more about the renewable energy industry and how solar and wind energies are spurring economic growth North Carolina.

When: Thursday, Feb. 8, 2018

Where: The Currituck Chamber of Commerce

More information to come.

Chambers for Innovation 9/14/17 Chambers for Innovation 9/14/17

Senator, Chamber CEOs Agree: Wind Development Benefits Rural Communities

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.

“The current policy is contrary to Ohio’s reputation as a business-friendly environment and an energy-producing state,” Sen. Hite said at the Hog Creek Wind Farm construction project in Ada, Ohio. “It prevents businesses with an interest in gaining access to and investing in wind energy in Ohio from doing so.”

Ohio currently has the most restrictive wind setback provisions in the Midwest—despite enormous wind energy potential in the northwest and statewide opportunities in manufacturing wind turbine components. This is the result of legislation passed in 2014 that tripled the distance wind turbines must be from neighboring property lines and effectively brought development to a halt.

“This bill,” said Sen. Hite, “strikes the proper balance, protecting the rights of both participating and non-participating landowners and will allow responsible wind development to move forward.”

The new legislation would return the property line setback to a distance of 1.2 times the height of the turbine, which is still longer than the previous setback. It also increases the minimum setback from a home to approximately 1400 feet.

Rural chamber leaders cite benefits. Hardin County, home to the Hog Creek Wind Farm, is one of the of rural Ohio communities in a position to benefit from wind development.

“With almost $600,000 in annual payments to the county, schools and other public services, [this] wind farm is a massive infusion of new dollars into our community,” Jon Cross, President and CEO of the Hardin County Chamber and Business Alliance, said at today’s news conference.

But Hardin County is not the only one to have benefited from wind development that began before the more restrictive setbacks took effect. Cross also noted how his community has watched neighboring counties such as Paulding and Van Wert reap the benefits of wind farms for years and seen major improvements they’ve made to their schools and county infrastructure.

“Those of us with wind farms in our communities have seen firsthand what a positive difference these investments make for our businesses, schools, landowners and entire tax base,” said Susan Munroe, CEO and President of the Van Wert Area Chamber. “Just in Van Wert County alone, our wind farm is the largest single tax payer.

“That’s why I, along with other Northwest Ohio chamber and economic development directors, urge the House of Representatives to support this commonsense legislation,” Munroe added. “And I invite any Ohio House member to visit our wind farm in Van Wert, the largest in the state of Ohio.”

According to a recent report from the American Wind Energy Association, restoring reasonable wind setback provisions will enable local communities, and the state, to attract jobs and investments that could reach an estimated $4.2 billion.

See video of Hog Creek Wind Farm Press Conference.

Pictured above left to right: Jon Cross, President & CEO, Hardin County Chamber and Business Alliance; Kenny Williams, Kent Williams Drainage; Senator Cliff Hite; Amy Kurt, Project Manager, EDP Renewables.

Chambers for Innovation 8/21/17 Chambers for Innovation 8/21/17

Fayetteville Chamber, Economic Development Leaders Recognize Rep. Szoka and Rep. Saine for Leadership on Clean Energy

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.

Christine Michaels, President and CEO of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, presented a Clean Energy Champion award to Rep. John Szoka (R-45, Cumberland County), a passionate advocate of the $7 billion clean energy industry in NC.

As Conference Chair and Senior Chairman of the Energy and Public Utilities Committee, Rep. Szoka was central this year to the introduction of House Bill 589, “Competitive Energy Solutions for NC,” the state’s first comprehensive energy legislation in more than 10 years. The bill was recently signed into law by Gov. Cooper.

“The Fayetteville Chamber is proud to present this award to Rep. Szoka, who is helping grow the economic development opportunities in clean energy for the people of Fayetteville and across the state,” said Michaels.

Lincoln Economic Development Association Executive Director, Cliff Brumfield, presented a Clean Energy Champion award to Rep. Jason Saine (R-97, Lincoln County.)

“I’m grateful to receive this award from local chamber and economic development leaders,” said Rep. Saine. “Your voices truly matter on these issues, and it’s great to work together to advance clean energy jobs and investments in our state.”

Rep. Saine, Senior Chairman of the House Finance Committee, has been a consistent supporter of clean energy in the State House, and several times has provided the leadership to move the ball forward on energy policy in his pursuit to bring cutting edge technologies to NC.

Chambers for Innovation 7/13/17 Chambers for Innovation 7/13/17

NC Capitol Event Connects 12 Legislators, 14 Chamber and Economic Development Leaders

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...

When more than a dozen local chamber and economic development leaders met with legislators at the North Carolina State Capitol last month, one chamber CEO explained why chambers are increasingly interested in new energy sources:

"We have a lot of wind and a lot of sun but not a lot of jobs," said Sharon Gibbs, President of the Hyde County Chamber of Commerce, a rural community three hours east of Raleigh.

That sentiment is echoed by other communities in North Carolina, where there is a desire to attract some of the growing clean energy jobs and investments that are going to other parts of North Carolina, and to other states. For example:

The Elizabeth City Area has reaped the benefits of more than $18 million in investments and $1.1 million annually in landowner payments and taxes from wind energy projects.
Currituck County has seen $500,000 in annual tax revenue that a new solar farm is bringing to the community.
In total, $6.4 billion in revenue and more than 34,000 jobs were brought to the state by clean energy in 2016, according to a NC Sustainable Energy Association report.

But when these 14 chamber and economic development leaders traveled to the capitol to meet with a dozen legislators for a briefing and luncheon conversation on the opportunities in clean energy, they also learned about some of the obstacles preventing further economic growth in this field.

Some North Carolina counties, for example, have imposed bans on solar development in 2017. And the legislature recently included a moratorium on wind development in the new energy reform bill, Competitive Energy Solutions for North Carolina (HB 589)—a move that would put an end to two planned wind projects worth $500 million in Tyrrell, Chowan, and Perquimans counties, said Katharine Kollins, President of the Southeastern Wind Coalition. In addition, Kollins estimates that the state lost the potential for another $2.5 billion from projects not yet proposed.

“All progression is met with resistance,” said Rep. Bob Steinburg (R-1, Chowan) whose district includes the counties that would benefit from the $500 million wind projects. “We are going to use this [clean energy] opportunity to better the lives of those in Northeastern North Carolina, or we are going to walk away from this opportunity and lose it forever.”

Chambers for Innovation 5/25/17 Chambers for Innovation 5/25/17

Currituck Chamber CEO Says Solar Project Will Foster a Thriving Local Economy

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.

Currituck County, the northeastern most county in North Carolina, will receive $500,000 in annual tax revenue from this project.

The chambers partnered with the project’s developer, SunEnergy1, on the event that also attracted representatives from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which will purchase solar from the North Carolina farm.

“As a chamber, we are committed to fostering a thriving and sustainable local economy—and this new solar project will absolutely help us do that in ways that will enhance our community’s quality of life,” said Josh Bass, President of the Currituck Chamber of Commerce.

In addition to the added tax revenue, the local economy will benefit from locally sourced building materials and added construction and maintenance jobs.

According to a Duke University report, released in 2015, solar-friendly policies have helped North Carolina be a leader in solar investment—providing jobs and economic development opportunities to all parts of the state, including rural ones that have struggled historically to create jobs and businesses.

Moreover, the report found, the benefits of solar energy go beyond the particular communities that host them. “All parts of the solar value chain – investors, solar developers, construction contractors, solar panel and component manufacturers – are creating jobs and providing landowners, workers and towns across North Carolina with income and tax revenue,” the report found.

In February, the Currituck County Commissioners banned future solar development in the country, while grandfathering in the SunEnergy1 project.

Recognizing renewable energy as a driver of the local economy, the Currituck Chamber said it is in the best interest of the region to educate the community about the financial benefits from solar energy.

When fully developed, the project is expected to be the largest solar farm east of the Mississippi.

Chambers for Innovation 3/16/17 Chambers for Innovation 3/16/17

New Bedford Chamber Hosts Dialogue on Growing Job Potential of Offshore Wind

“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.”

In yet another example of how local chambers of commerce are at the forefront of identifying and seizing on the changing economic development opportunities in energy, the New Bedford Chamber of Commerce hosted an event last month about the new offshore wind industry.

It’s a big change from the days when New Bedford was a leading whaling center, with ships regularly setting out in search of both whales and energy. But it also clearly reflects changing winds of opportunity in energy today.

“We are excited by the job and investment growth that offshore wind development could offer to our member businesses and community,” said Rick Kidder, President and CEO of the 1,000-member New Bedford Chamber. “We also recognize that local chambers of commerce are the ideal places to host conversations about the new economic opportunities in clean energy and other dynamic industries.”

The event featured speakers from the New Bedford Economic Development Council, Eversource, the New Bedford Wind Energy Center, and others.

An estimated 60,000 people currently work in the offshore wind industry in Europe. In the United States, an estimated 43,000 jobs are expected by 2030, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

The first commercial offshore wind project began operations in 2016 off Block Island, Rhode Island. New Jersey, Oregon and Virginia have approved offshore wind projects in development. And Massachusetts, New York and Maryland have proposed offshore wind projects under consideration.

Chambers for Innovation 2/28/17 Chambers for Innovation 2/28/17

$400 Million Project Delivers Jobs, Investments, and Tax Payments

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.

In recent years, local chamber leaders in Ohio, Michigan, and Virginia have been speaking up about the benefits of wind energy to their communities. Now, local chamber leaders in North Carolina are joining their ranks with the opening of the state’s first large-scale wind farm, Amazon Wind Farm U.S. East.

“As representatives for the business community, it’s our responsibility to advocate for jobs and economic development in northeast North Carolina and the Elizabeth City region, and we are thrilled to see the [Amazon] project operational,” the Elizabeth City Chamber of Commerce President and Board President recently wrote in a letter to North Carolina’s Speaker, Tim Moore.

“The Amazon project has a significant impact on the local economy and our Tier 1 [North Carolina’s most distressed] counties, as well as to our region’s economic growth and the ongoing expansion of the clean tech sector in the state,” Mike Hindenach and Doug Gardiner added.

“Everyone will benefit.” Amazon’s latest wind farm was built to power data centers outside Washington, D.C. But North Carolina’s local communities spanning Pasquotank and Perquimans counties are reaping direct economic benefits. Among them:

More than 500 workers and 30 North Carolina companies were put to work
More than $18 million was spent locally by Avangrid Renewables
More than $1.1 million in landowner payments and taxes will be injected into the local economy each year, according to a report in Electric Light & Power.

“Almost everyone in the community knows someone who worked on the wind farm, sold or rented something that helped build the wind farm, or owns land where the project was built,” Cecil Perry, Chairman of the Pasquotank County Board of Commissioners, was quoted as saying.

“These jobs, and this nearly $400 million investment in a rural part of North Carolina, are welcome — everyone in the county will benefit from the long-term property tax payments,” Perry added.

Benefits to More NC Communities. But it is not only the communities that house wind farms that benefit from the development of wind energy. North Carolina, for example, has more than 70 companies across the wind supply chain, such as the making of blades, towers, generators, and turbine assembly.

Meanwhile, a second wind farm, Timbermill Wind, is eyed for development in North Carolina that could bring in between $600,000 to $800,000 a year for each of the counties it would span. Chowan County unanimously approved conditional use permits, but Perquimans County did not. The developer, Apex Clean Energy, is moving forward with the project in Chowan County while it appeals the decision in Perquimans County.

The Edenton-Chowan Chamber adopted a resolution in support of wind energy and the proposed project, then helped lead the charge to co-host a briefing call for other chambers.

“What does wind energy mean to little Chowan County?” asked Win Dale, Executive Director of the Edenton-Chowan Chamber of Commerce, a place that struggles to maintain its tax base and provide jobs that will be home to the state’s second planned wind farm, Timbermill Wind. “It means increasing our revenue by $250,000 a year,” he said.

The Outer Banks Chamber, home to a strategic spot for offshore wind development, has also publically expressed their support for wind development. Offshore wind could lead to 48,145 jobs in North Carolina—approximately 25,000 more than from offshore drilling.

Pictured above from left to right: Rep. Howard Hunter; Rep. Chuck McGrady; Speaker Tim Moore; Rep. Holly Grange; Rep. Sam Watford; Rep. Bob Steinburg; Rep. John Bell; Rep. Chris Malone; Rep. John Szoka.

Chambers for Innovation 2/28/17 Chambers for Innovation 2/28/17

MA Local Chamber Sees Economic Benefits in New Energy Project

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.

“Clean Energy and Economic Development Go Hand-In-Hand,” says Chamber CEO

Marie Oliva, Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber

“Clean energy and economic development go hand-in-hand,” said Marie Oliva, President and CEO of the Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber.

“This will be a one-of-a kind test site that will have positive impacts on the town and region,” Olivia added. “It will attract tidal developers bringing in technology-based companies to Bourne.”

The Bourne Tidal Test Site, which is expected to begin installation in March or April, is the nation’s first site designed to enable testing and growth of a tidal energy industry off America’s shores.

The chamber hosted planning meetings throughout 2016 with stakeholders including the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, Brown University, Board of Selectmen, Bourne Financial Development Corp., and other businesses. It also committed in-kind services throughout the process.

State Rep. David Viera (R) thanked the chamber and other parties for their support in bringing the pilot project to Bourne.

The marine energy industry has the potential to support as many as 36,000 direct and indirect U.S. jobs by 2030, according to a 2014 ACORE report. The U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory has also estimated that more than one-third of all electricity used in the United States could be drawn from the seas.

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Local Chambers, Communities Will Drive the Economic Opportunities of Clean Energy in 2017

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.

Governor, Local Chamber CEOs are Positive about Opportunities for Clean Energy Growth in 2017

It all comes down to being competitive, local chamber CEOs from across the nation said in a briefing call last week that featured former Gov. Bill Ritter Jr. of Colorado.

That is why clean energy will continue to be a growing market in 2017—and why many local chambers of commerce will be at the forefront, advancing clean energy as an opportunity that is in the best interest of businesses in their regions.

Mainstream economic issue

“This is a mainstream economic development conversation now, and local chambers are in middle of that conversation because we are trusted conveners on issues that affect communities,” said Doug Luciani, CEO of TraverseConnect in Michigan, which cohosted the call.

“Local leadership and best practices are being set by communities,” he added. “Regions that are going to succeed in attracting the brightest and best are going to be regions that fully embrace these new technologies, doing the right thing for the right reasons.”

“The economic opportunity has to do with job creation in the clean energy world,” said former Gov. Ritter, Director of the Center for the New Energy Economy at Colorado State University. And there has been tremendous progress at the local and state level over the past three months, he said.

Advances since the election

Clean energy job and investment growth have progressed in a number of states since the election, including:

In Illinois, the Governor (R) signed a significant energy bill that will reinvigorate the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard, boost solar and wind investments and jobs, and cut energy costs statewide.
In Ohio, the Governor (R) vetoed a bill that would have extended a freeze on the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard, saying allowing it to continue would “undermine the progress” renewable energy companies have made in creating jobs in Ohio and amount to “self-inflicted damage to both our state’s near- and long-term economic competitiveness.”
In Michigan, the Governor (R) signed a bill to strengthen the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard—requiring the state to generate 15 percent of its electricity from renewables by 2021.
In Maryland, the Legislature passed a Clean Energy Jobs Act to ensure that the state get 25 percent of its electricity from renewable energy sources such as wind and solar by 2020.
In New York, the Governor (D) announced a goal to phase out all coal-fired power plants by 2020.

Utilities, Corporations, and Chambers

“Utilities will also play key role in this clean energy transition,” Ritter said. “They are planning 20, 30, 40 years into the future.”

With a growing number of corporations committed to transitioning to 100 percent renewable energy—from tech giants Google, Facebook, and Apple to GM, Johnson & Johnson, and Nestle—clean energy job and investment growth will clearly go to states that can provide the renewables.

Local chambers can help by convening dialogues about how to meet growing demand and provide market certainty, and then taking their message to state capitols, said Ritter.

“Chambers of commerce have such significant influence inside so many statehouses,” he added; “it would really benefit all to have that conversation.”

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Ohio Local Chamber Leaders in the News on the Economic Benefits of Newly Resumed Clean Energy Standards

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.

*Brian Dicken, VP of Advocacy and Public Policy, Toledo Regional Chamber*

“If you want to know the facts about how clean energy affects local businesses, you need to know what local chambers of commerce have witnessed over the past several years,” chamber executives Brian Dicken and Susan Munroe wrote in a Dec. 24, 2016 op-ed published in the Toledo Blade.

“And 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.”

Dicken is Vice President of Advocacy and Public Policy for the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Munroe is President and CEO of the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce.

The chamber executives went onto encourage Gov. John Kasich to veto H.B. 554, a bill that would have essentially extended the freeze on Ohio’s renewable energy and energy efficiency standards for three more years.

Gov. Vetoes HB 554, Standards Back in Effect Jan. 1, 2017.

Susan Munroe, President and CEO, Van Wert Area Chamber — *Susan Munroe, President and CEO, Van Wert Area Chamber*

On Dec. 27, Gov. Kasich vetoed HB 554, saying Ohio’s wide range of energy generation helped grow jobs over the past six years, and the bill risked “undermining this progress by taking away some of those energy generation options, particularly the very options most prized by the companies poised to create many jobs in Ohio in the coming years, such as high technology firms.”

Hundreds of companies are either already involved in the development of wind or solar energy in Ohio or are suppliers to those businesses, reported Cleveland.com. The editorial board also praised Kasich’s veto and the restoration of the clean energy standards, saying: “HB 554 would have taken Ohio further backward. Kasich’s veto moves Ohio forward.”

The state’s clean energy standards came back into effect on Jan. 1, 2017—requiring energy suppliers and utilities to provide more renewable energy and energy efficiency to Ohio customers in 2017.

Read the Toledo Blade op-ed here: “Let Ohio’s Businesses Benefit from Clean Energy”

Read the Cleveland.com editorial here: Gov. Kasich wields his veto pen wisely for Ohio’s future: editorial

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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.

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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. Here are some of our favorites.

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: