North Carolina Clean Energy Champion Awards Recognize Tillis and Industry Leaders
December 8, 2025 – Approximately 70 business leaders, economic developers, and elected officials gathered at Greensboro's Proximity Hotel on Monday, December 8, 2025, for the 11th Annual North Carolina Clean Energy Champion Awards. U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) gave the keynote remarks and received the Legacy of Clean Energy Leadership Award for his nearly 20 years of engagement with industry leaders and support of clean energy policies to expand economic investment opportunities.
The annual event, which is hosted by Conservatives for Clean Energy North Carolina (CCE) and Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE), celebrates businesses, policymakers, chambers of commerce, and economic development organizations advancing North Carolina's clean energy investments.
“I’ve got 391 days to help this industry in my current capacity, and after I leave here, I’ll probably find ways to help you again,” said Tillis. “You’re foundational to our future and to our future success as a country.”
The event also honored legislators advancing clean energy innovation, including Rep. Kyle Hall (R-Stokes, Forsyth) and Rep. Wyatt Gable (R-Onslow). Gable was awarded the Rising Star award in his first year in the state legislature and Hall received the Energy Innovation Champion award. The two legislators were honored for introducing House Bill 814, the Power Infrastructure Resiliency & Efficiency Act, earlier this year. Its goal is to promote deployment of advanced conductors and hardware or software technologies that will enhance the performance and improve the efficiency of our grid and transmission system.
Greater Winston-Salem, Inc. received a Clean Energy Champion Award for its advocacy supporting consistent, common-sense energy policies and its instrumental role in attracting clean energy industry investments. The organization partnered with regional leaders to welcome Toyota Tsusho America, a recycling and waste-handling company that will support the region's growing automotive and battery manufacturing sectors. Greater Winston-Salem, Inc. was also named the 2024 National Chamber of the Year by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE).
“People are starting to see [clean energy] as a job creation vehicle. We cannot expect others to lead, we have to lead ourselves. America’s done a great job at that,” said Calvin McRae, vice president of policy, Greater Winston Salem, Inc.
Pitt County Economic Development was honored for its support of Boviet Solar's solar cell factory in Greenville, which held its grand opening in April. The organization's behind-the-scenes work, from highway infrastructure coordination to workforce development partnerships, enabled the manufacturing plant to succeed. The facility is expected to create more than 1,300 jobs and establish Greenville as a hub for “Made-in-USA” renewable energy manufacturing.
“The private sector will lead the way, and this is really due to the wonderful investment in our community and in our people that Boviet Solar made just a little over a year ago,” said Kelly Andrews, director of economic development with Pitt County Economic Development. “We appreciate the support from CICE, from everyone in this room, from our legislators at the federal, state and local level, and especially Boviet Solar for leading the way for us.”
Ken and Johna Gurganus, Martin County farmers, received recognition for their advocacy defending private property rights and farmers' ability to lease land for solar projects. Their direct engagement with legislators, including emails, calls, and personal testimony at legislative committee meetings, successfully opposed House Bill 729, which if passed, would increase property tax rates on solar projects by 500%. Their efforts exemplify how constituent engagement on energy policy can create meaningful legislative impact. House Bill 729 remains in a House Committee, but remains eligible until the two-year legislative session adjourns in 2026.
“I’ll never forget that day in April,” said Ken Gurganus. “I had the opportunity for two minutes to address the [N.C. House] legislative committee and make an argument for how important solar is and private property rights, not only to our family, but to this state and a lot of other places as well.”
About the North Carolina Clean Energy Champion Awards
The North Carolina Clean Energy Champion awards celebrate elected officials, economic development organizations, and businesses driving growth in North Carolina's clean energy economy. The state's 113,052 clean energy jobs and record $23 billion in new investments demonstrate the economic potential of strategic energy policies and public-private partnership.
"Clean energy is a powerful driver of economic development, creating a domestic manufacturing renaissance and building a new American workforce," said Susan Munroe, Director of National Engagement at CICE.
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Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE) is a nationwide network of chambers of commerce and economic development organizations advancing the clean energy economy. Founded and led by chamber of commerce and economic development executives, CICE supports and amplifies the business voice for clean energy as a driver of economic growth. Learn more about CICE at chambersforinnovation.com.
Conservatives for Clean Energy (CCE) was founded in North Carolina in 2014 and has expanded its work into Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, and most recently Louisiana to educate the public about the benefits of clean and renewable energy sources. 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. Learn more about CCE at www.cleanenergyconservatives.com.
Media Contact: Jennifer Zajac, jzajac@chambersforinnovation.com, 434-989-7678