March 19, 2010
Leaders in Renewable Energy Development Come Together in Imperial Valley
With California’s increasing demand for renewable energy, Imperial Valley’s tremendous renewable energy potential has gained worldwide interest.
For the third year in a row, the Imperial Valley Economic Development Corporation is bringing together government officials, industry leaders and community members to discuss current renewable energy projects in the region and advances within the industry at the Imperial Valley Renewable Energy Summit, March 16-18, 2010, at the Quechan Casino Resort in eastern Imperial Valley.
“Renewable energy development is not only good for business, but also for workers, communities and our climate,” stated keynote speaker California Assembly member V. Manuel Pérez, who represents Imperial County and serves as Chair of the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economic Development, and the Economy. “With its abundant natural resources, the Imperial Valley is uniquely positioned to develop renewable resources while setting our region on a positive trajectory for economic development and job creation. The Imperial Valley Renewable Energy Summit serves as an important platform to ensure that our Imperial Valley communities are able to seize these opportunities.”
Breaking the previous year’s attendance record with over 500 attendees, the three-day event includes a tour of the renewable energy projects in Imperial Valley, panel discussions, exhibit hall and networking events. Themed, “Growing California’s Green Economy,” the event includes breakout sessions focused on relevant topics such as solar, geothermal, bio fuels, transmission, land use, water supply, economic development, workforce training and education.
Also serving as keynote speakers are two prominent leaders in the industry: Michael Peevey, President of the California Public Utilities Commission, and Jonathan M. Weisgall, Vice President of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs for MidAmerican Energy. Other high-profile speakers included Dian Gruneich, California Public Utilities Commission, and Michael Picker, Senior Advisor for Renewable Energy Facilities, Office of the Governor.
“The IVEDC’s Renewable Energy Summit has become a premier event that highlights the benefits of our region to a global audience of new businesses, researchers, manufacturers and financiers operating in the renewable energy arena, said Marlene Best, Chairperson of the Imperial Valley Economic Development Corporation and City Manager of the City of Imperial. “Business networking here has created the genesis of transactions just through discussions with attendees standing in the hallways. The sessions and workshops have something for every facet of the industry and also help locals realize the potential of their own backyard. It may be the first time many of the attendees have ever been to the Imperial Valley and it has helped to educate them about what our region has to offer in the area of natural and human resources. The Summit has proven itself to be an event that has helped to broaden our local economy and globalize our positive renewable energy reputation.”
In 2008, Imperial Irrigation District, premier sponsor of the event, commissioned a study on renewable energy which identified over 42,000 megawatts of renewable energy potential in the region.
For the third year in a row, the Imperial Valley Economic Development Corporation is bringing together government officials, industry leaders and community members to discuss current renewable energy projects in the region and advances within the industry at the Imperial Valley Renewable Energy Summit, March 16-18, 2010, at the Quechan Casino Resort in eastern Imperial Valley.
“Renewable energy development is not only good for business, but also for workers, communities and our climate,” stated keynote speaker California Assembly member V. Manuel Pérez, who represents Imperial County and serves as Chair of the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economic Development, and the Economy. “With its abundant natural resources, the Imperial Valley is uniquely positioned to develop renewable resources while setting our region on a positive trajectory for economic development and job creation. The Imperial Valley Renewable Energy Summit serves as an important platform to ensure that our Imperial Valley communities are able to seize these opportunities.”
Breaking the previous year’s attendance record with over 500 attendees, the three-day event includes a tour of the renewable energy projects in Imperial Valley, panel discussions, exhibit hall and networking events. Themed, “Growing California’s Green Economy,” the event includes breakout sessions focused on relevant topics such as solar, geothermal, bio fuels, transmission, land use, water supply, economic development, workforce training and education.
Also serving as keynote speakers are two prominent leaders in the industry: Michael Peevey, President of the California Public Utilities Commission, and Jonathan M. Weisgall, Vice President of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs for MidAmerican Energy. Other high-profile speakers included Dian Gruneich, California Public Utilities Commission, and Michael Picker, Senior Advisor for Renewable Energy Facilities, Office of the Governor.
“The IVEDC’s Renewable Energy Summit has become a premier event that highlights the benefits of our region to a global audience of new businesses, researchers, manufacturers and financiers operating in the renewable energy arena, said Marlene Best, Chairperson of the Imperial Valley Economic Development Corporation and City Manager of the City of Imperial. “Business networking here has created the genesis of transactions just through discussions with attendees standing in the hallways. The sessions and workshops have something for every facet of the industry and also help locals realize the potential of their own backyard. It may be the first time many of the attendees have ever been to the Imperial Valley and it has helped to educate them about what our region has to offer in the area of natural and human resources. The Summit has proven itself to be an event that has helped to broaden our local economy and globalize our positive renewable energy reputation.”
In 2008, Imperial Irrigation District, premier sponsor of the event, commissioned a study on renewable energy which identified over 42,000 megawatts of renewable energy potential in the region.