 | Develop approaches that support entrepreneurial | |
| startups and expansions of existing clean energy businesses. | ||
| Use a targeted approach to recruiting energy | |
| businesses by supporting regional entrepreneurs and selectively inviting outside companies to join growing clusters of energy related companies within the region. | ||
| Move toward using more regional energy resources | |
| in the future, principally energy efficiency and renewables. | ||
| Assemble an integrated infrastructure that | |
| supports a broad spectrum of energy businesses. | ||
| Establish an economic development and recruiting | |
| policy focused upon local energy resources, local companies, entrepreneurship, diverse sources of energy production, and engaging the public in providing a market for regional energy-oriented entrepreneurs. |
| Articulate a value system based upon | |
| sustainability and resilience in our regional economy. | ||
| Articulate a regional values statement. | |
| Help local governments adopt a regional | |
| strategic energy plan and 3–6 new incentives and public policies. | ||
| Establish partnerships and a marketing and | |
| public education program to increase consumer demand. | ||
| Create 10 new sustainable energy/fuels business | |
| startups or expansions in the region, creating 45 new jobs. | ||
| Recruit two sustainable energy/fuels businesses | |
| to the region, creating 20 new jobs. | ||
| Improve the existing business development | |
| support system for this business sector. | ||
| Conduct research and data collection to | |
| support project work. |
About Us
| Energy is an important part of the economy of Western North Carolina, and the region's clean energy and alternative fuels sectors represent an excellent opportunity to plan a sustainable energy future for the Land-of-Sky Region. Land-of-Sky Regional Council is working with local governments and other partners to look for opportunities to build jobs within our region, support entrepreneurial growth, and tap our indigenous energy resources. |
| Funding provided by: U.S. Department of Commerce – Economic Development Administration, N.C. Rural Center, and the Appalachian Regional Commission. |
| 339 New Leicester Hwy, Suite 140 Asheville, NC 28806 (828) 251-6622 fx:828-251-6353 |
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CLEAN ENERGY WNC
| For more information, contact Julie Lawhorn, Regional Planner, (828) 251-6622, julie@landofsky.org |
| Building the Clean Energy Economy In Western North Carolina |
The purpose of this project is to create a clean, secure,
resilient energy future and robust regional economy for the
Land-of-Sky Region.
resilient energy future and robust regional economy for the
Land-of-Sky Region.
Clean Energy and Alternative Fuels
Business Development & Planning Project
Business Development & Planning Project
The five project activities aim to empower WNC’s public and private leadership, economic development
professionals, workforce development specialists, and educational partners with data, analysis, and tools to
implement and grow the clean energy sector of the green economy. The investment blueprint for the clean
energy economy (based on the cluster analysis) will guide WNC leadership as they create a cohesive regional
vision and brand to support the emerging business cluster. The cluster analysis will offer local and regional
leaders the opportunity to help this cluster (now in an embryonic phase) to grow and mature by identifying
traditional and non-traditional business synergies and recommending supportive public policies.
Goals include:
An understanding of the clean energy business cluster and how to support its growth;
A blueprint for future private and public investment in the clean energy economy;
Widespread ownership of a locally crafted, replicable economic development strategy by a high-level
leadership group;
A sustainable business and communications infrastructure to network the clean energy business cluster; and
An identity and brand for clean energy in WNC (developed and launched);
Anticipated outcomes include:
An economic development “blueprint” for future private and public investments in the WNC clean energy
economy;
An active, networked clean energy leadership group;
A marketing and recruiting strategy and “brand” for the clean energy sector in WNC;
Improved local government energy literacy and a measureable increase in public sector clean energy
projects;
A robust and sustainable communications infrastructure for networking the leadership group and the clean
energy cluster; and
The project will have an immediate and long-term impact on the region, including: 20 new jobs created, at
least 15 existing jobs supported or enhanced, over 5 new or expanded clean energy/fuels business startups,
and over $2 million in private and public sector investment.
professionals, workforce development specialists, and educational partners with data, analysis, and tools to
implement and grow the clean energy sector of the green economy. The investment blueprint for the clean
energy economy (based on the cluster analysis) will guide WNC leadership as they create a cohesive regional
vision and brand to support the emerging business cluster. The cluster analysis will offer local and regional
leaders the opportunity to help this cluster (now in an embryonic phase) to grow and mature by identifying
traditional and non-traditional business synergies and recommending supportive public policies.
Goals include:
An understanding of the clean energy business cluster and how to support its growth;
A blueprint for future private and public investment in the clean energy economy;
Widespread ownership of a locally crafted, replicable economic development strategy by a high-level
leadership group;
A sustainable business and communications infrastructure to network the clean energy business cluster; and
An identity and brand for clean energy in WNC (developed and launched);
Anticipated outcomes include:
An economic development “blueprint” for future private and public investments in the WNC clean energy
economy;
An active, networked clean energy leadership group;
A marketing and recruiting strategy and “brand” for the clean energy sector in WNC;
Improved local government energy literacy and a measureable increase in public sector clean energy
projects;
A robust and sustainable communications infrastructure for networking the leadership group and the clean
energy cluster; and
The project will have an immediate and long-term impact on the region, including: 20 new jobs created, at
least 15 existing jobs supported or enhanced, over 5 new or expanded clean energy/fuels business startups,
and over $2 million in private and public sector investment.