Energizing Economies launches video series highlighting businesses that benefit from utility-scale clean energy projects
By Kristen May, community relations manager
Economic impact doesn’t always show up first in a spreadsheet. Ashley Price saw it in more bowlers and a busier dinner rush at Dodger Bowl in Dodgeville, Wisconsin.
“So, a few years ago, when the solar and wind projects were first coming to the area, I got to see an uptick in dinner sales and just people coming in on the weekends,” Ashley said.
That is exactly why I’m excited to launch our new Energizing Economies video series, Small Businesses Turning Clean Energy Into Local Prosperity, to share real stories of what clean energy projects can mean for the businesses and communities that host them.
Ashley owns Dodger Bowl Lanes & Catering in Dodgeville, and her connection to the bowling alley goes way back. Her parents met there, and Ashley has worked there since high school. At one point, the building could have become a warehouse, but Ashley wanted to keep it as a place for the community. And it really is. You might see bikers bowling on one lane and a hockey team on the next.
New Faces Mean New Business
When solar and wind construction crews come to town, they need places to eat, grab a drink, and unwind. Ashley saw that firsthand.
She also loves seeing workers bring their families in to bowl, especially on the weekends. Those new customers mean more business for a locally owned business.
Revenue That Stays Local
Ashley has put that extra business right back into Dodger Bowl. She has repainted the event space and continued investing in lane maintenance. The bowling alley still has its natural wood lanes, and keeping them looking good takes work and investment.
That’s what I love about this story. The impact doesn’t stop with the project itself. Workers spend money at local businesses, and those businesses turn around and invest in the community.
For rural chambers, Ashley’s story is a great example of why we need to be talking about the business side of clean energy projects. When a major project comes to town, there are opportunities for local restaurants, hotels, taverns, retailers, and other businesses to benefit.
Through Energizing Economies, we work with chambers at no cost through informational events, fact sheets, board briefings, and other trusted resources.
Curious what that could look like in your community? Reach out to me at kmay@chambersforinnovation.com.
