National Network of Chambers Releases First-of-its-Kind Clean Energy Toolkit for Chambers

SAN FRANCISCO (April 4, 2012) – Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy, a national network of more than 160 local chambers of commerce in 43 states, dedicated to helping businesses prosper in the clean energy space, announced the release of its new clean energy information platform for local chambers.

Energy costs and volatile energy prices are always a concern for businesses, large and small. This new toolkit enables local chambers to save their member businesses money, attract cleantech investment to their regions, and engage with government leaders in support of clean energy policies.

"Local chambers are natural leaders on clean energy," said Diane Doucette, Executive Director of Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy. "As the go-to resource for local businesses, chambers are uniquely positioned to help their local economies grow through a focus on energy savings, clean energy job creation, and technology innovation. We are empowering chambers with the tools they need to do just that."

Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy's new online information hub includes:

Clean Energy Best Practices – This growing list provides nearly three dozen clean energy and energy efficiency projects local chambers can replicate, including examples from local chambers across the nation. From launching cleantech incubators to organizing coalitions on clean energy infrastructure policies, these best practices demonstrate the growing leadership of local chambers in the clean energy space, and empower interested chambers with the knowledge and tools to replicate the projects in their own regions.

Ask the Energy Experts portal –Through partnerships with national energy experts, Chambers for Innovation's interactive portal allows local chambers to ask about and receive answers on clean energy technologies, financing, policy developments, and other topics. Contributing energy experts include the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, National Association of State Energy Officials, International Economic Development Council, and ENERGY STAR, among others.

Incentives Toolkit – Chambers for Innovation connects chambers to information on available tax credits, subsidies, and other incentives for clean energy projects provided by their state, utility, or federal government.

"This new clean energy information hub will give chambers a leg up in the race to position their regions as hotbeds for innovation," said Aaron Nelson, President and CEO of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce in North Carolina and Advisory Council Co-Chair for Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy. "We've never seen such comprehensive energy information and data on what chambers across the country are doing on clean energy – these resources could be a game changer for the community of 6,500 local chambers in the U.S."

Visit Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy's new resources at: www.chambersforinnovation.com

About Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy: Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE) is a national Clean Energy Information Hub for local chambers of commerce. Created and led by local chambers, CICE helps fellow chambers and their member companies successfully navigate and prosper in the clean energy space. We provide access to clean energy information, best practices, energy experts, incentives, and business opportunities. Visit us at www.chambersforinnovation.com

Media Contact: Danielle English
danielle@chambersforinnovation.com
(415) 453-0430

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