The document outlines Charlotte, USA's initiative to position itself as a leader in energy development and use through the "New Energy Capital" initiative. It began in 2009 with support from Duke Energy, the Charlotte Regional Partnership, and Chamber of Commerce. The initiative focuses on supporting energy sector businesses, research, and education to create a hub for job growth. It has established an advisory board and workgroups to accomplish annual objectives in attracting energy companies, hosting conferences, and developing workforce partnerships in the energy sector. The initiative has already helped attract over 27,000 energy sector jobs and aims to further promote Charlotte through marketing and outreach.
2. Charlotte USA – The New Energy Capital Mission Statement Position Charlotte USA as a recognized leader in the development and use of energy to attract jobs and investment to the Charlotte region.
3. What is the New Energy Capital initiative? Began in 2009 with the support of Duke Energy, the Charlotte Regional Partnership, and the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce. A community led initiative focused on supporting and growing the area’s energy sector businesses, research centers and educational resources that will create a recognized hub for job growth in the region.
5. What Do These Groups Do? The Advisory Board provide input, direction, accountability, and contacts for the initiative. Each of the four workgroups have volunteer leaders who work with team members to accomplish specific annual objectives and tasks. All participants are volunteer ambassadors for the Charlotte USA region.
7. How Do We Define the Energy Sector? More than 240 businesses Over 27,000 employees More than 5,300 new jobs announced since 2007 Representing a variety of Subsectors including: Air Handling and Environmental Controls Energy Efficiency Energy Engineering, Infrastructure, & Generation Storage and Materials Manufacturing / Industrial Recycling & Waste Transportation Water & Wastewater
8. What are the Markets/Industries? Air Handling & Environmental Controls Cleanup / Safety, Emissions Controls, Monitoring and Compliance, Trading & Offsets Energy Efficiency Lighting, Building Materials, Glass, Electrical Components, Appliances Energy Efficiency Services and Software Energy Generation & Engineering Nuclear, Solar, Biofuels, BioEnergy Energy Infrastructure Management, Transmission, Datacenters Energy Storage Fuel Cells, Advanced Batteries, Hybrid Systems
9. What are the Markets/Industries? Advanced (Green) Materials Nano, Bio, Chemical Manufacturing / Industrial Advanced Packaging, Monitoring & Control, Smart Production Recycling & Waste Recycling, Waste Treatment Transportation Vehicles, Logistics, Structures, Fuels Water & Wastewater Water Treatment, Water Conservation, Wastewater Treatment
10. What Are Our Competitive Advantages? Competitive, proven business environment for manufacturing Competitive, proven business environment for services/engineering Accessibility to markets and customers (Eastern coast of U.S.) Hub Airport with direct international flights Skilled workforce with transferable skills UNC Charlotte / Charlotte Research Institute / Community Colleges Existing “Energy Cluster” Active Market for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Projects ReVenture Park, Envision Project, Utility and Industry Renewable Energy Projects, City and County Projects Recognized R&D Centers that include EPRI and EPIC NC Renewable Portfolio Standard and Other Policies / Incentives
11. What Have We Accomplished So Far? Established the brand Built the framework for the initiative Completed major market research and marketing events, materials, and public relations outreach Tapped energy and engineering meetings and events to build momentum Identified additional areas of energy sector to balance effort Launch new web portal in Fall 2010
12. Future Activities Target market and recruit energy businesses Secure future energy meetings and events Enhance social networking system and marketing Increase national and international public relations Establish workforce partnerships with k-12 system Hold professional development sessions and diversify energy orientated disciplines across community colleges and universities in region Develop balanced technology and financial assistance support resources and network Engage policy makers to support broad energy issues
13. Meetings/Conferences Society of Manufacturing Engineers, South-Tec tradeshow. (In bid) Nov. 2011. Energy Careers for a Bright Future, Aug., 2011 [Energy careers event for high schoolers/parents], May 2011 Energy, Inc, April 29, 2011 Charlotte Business Journal, Energy Awards Event, Jan. 2011 Waste-to-Energy conference, Dec. 8-9, 2010 Charlotte Chamber Energy/Sustainability Summit, Nov. 19, 2010 Nuclear Energy Insider – Construction Summit. Oct. 25-26, 2010 Nuclear Energy Institute ‘Manufacturer Outreach Workshop,’ Sept. 16-17, 2010 Energy Careers for a Bright Future, Aug. 3, 2010 Midwest Energy Assn., Annual Energetic Women Conf., Concord. June 2010. Energy, Inc. April 22, 2010 IEEE – SoutheastCon 2010 (Engineering conference with an energy emphasis). Concord. March 2010
14. How Do I Get Involved or Learn More? Contact David Swenson with the Charlotte Regional Partnership at 704-347-8942 or dswenson@charlotteusa.com. Join a C-USA Energy working group Check out www.thenewenergycapital.com Join the LinkedIn Group “Charlotte USA – New Energy Capital” Spread the word that Charlotte USA is “The New Energy Capital”