Utility-Driven Economic Development

February 6-7, 2025 | Online :: Central Time

0225-economic-development

“EUCI provides well rounded, informative conferences of great interest to utilities. Their staff are professional facilitators who run great meetings.” Principal Power Systems Engineer, Utility System Efficiencies, Inc.

“EUCI offers comprehensive courses lead by very knowledgeable subject matter experts. I would recommend EUCI to utility professionals, from an entry-level analyst to a senior manager.” Sr. Project Manager, Southern California Edison

“Great conference! EUCI always does a great job in putting together interesting relevant conferences.” Pricing Manager, Alabama Power

This conference will examine the pivotal role utilities play in driving economic development across communities. Attendees will leave with a comprehensive understanding of how utilities not only supply essential energy services but also actively contribute to local growth through job creation, investment attraction, and industrial development. Topics covered include:

• The increasing demand for electricity and its implications for industrial growth
• Innovative strategies for leveraging utility resources to meet evolving workforce needs
• Best practices for executing successful economic development projects
• Insights into energy infrastructure’s role in fostering community investment and resilience

This conference is designed to equip attendees with actionable strategies and tools for harnessing utility resources to stimulate sustainable economic growth and enhance community vitality. Join us to gain practical knowledge that can be applied to your own initiatives.

Learning Outcomes

• Gain insights into how utilities support local growth by providing essential energy services and fostering job creation, investment attraction, and industrial development
• Explore how utilities can balance infrastructure investments, maintain electric reliability, and manage costs to meet the growing energy needs of large industrial projects
• Discuss tools and techniques, such as AI-based environmental scans, SWOT analysis, and scenario planning, to make data-driven decisions that enhance economic development efforts
• Review how strategic energy infrastructure investment can drive community growth and attract new businesses, using case studies from regions like Arizona and Nevada
• Explore the critical role of natural gas and energy infrastructure in supporting U.S. manufacturing growth and enhancing economic energy security
• Explore the factors that influence corporate site selection decisions, including regulatory requirements, workforce availability, and speed to market
• Gain skills to leverage federal and state clean energy funding to drive equitable economic growth, focusing on job creation and investment in underserved communities
• Explore the benefits and challenges of engaging with economic development trade associations and how to effectively leverage these memberships for long-term ROI
• Become familiar with key resources, such as the DSIRE database, to identify incentives and policies that support renewable energy and economic development projects

Thursday, February 6, 2025 : Central Time

 

8:55 – 9:00 a.m. :: Overview and Instructions

9:00 – 9:30 a.m. :: How Utility Investment in Economic Development Benefits Our Communities

In this presentation, Florida Power and Light Company (FPL) will share details about its programs and services that advance statewide economic development in Florida. FPL’s award-winning economic development team collaborates with its communities to provide comprehensive marketing, business development, research, site readiness and workforce development support. Attendees will learn more about the state and local partnership and its impact on the Florida economy.

Cathy Chambers, Senior Director, Economic Development, Florida Power and Light Company

9:30 – 10:30 a.m. :: The High Demand of Electricity for Successful Economic Development

Electric utilities are being asked to provide energy solutions for increasingly large industrial projects across the country. Great River Energy is working with its members to meet the demand of the large requests while maintaining electric reliability and minimizing costs and impacts on general service rates. In this session, attendees will learn how the utility is balancing the pressures on growth, infrastructure investment, and development of new power supply options to meet the needs of the consumer.

Tom Lambrecht, Manager – Economic Development Services, Great River Energy

10:30 – 10:45 a.m. :: Morning Break

10:45 – 11:30 a.m. :: Building Opportunities Through Energy Infrastructure

Energy plays a critical role in our communities. But the lack of the right infrastructure could be an impediment to economic development opportunities in its absence. In the Southwest, Arizona and Nevada have experienced exponential growth in recent years and the energy infrastructure has helped to secure investment opportunities to attract new businesses, residential growth, and economic development. This presentation will discuss how this was made possible through engaging state, local, and business leaders in the community.

Will Batista, ESG Manager, Southwest Gas Corporation

11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. :: Enhancing U.S. Economic & Energy Security Through Manufacturing and Industrial Growth

This presentation will explore the strategic use of natural gas to fortify manufacturing, industrial, and digital capabilities and reinforce the economic and energy security of the U.S. With a focus on understanding the pivotal role of natural gas and its infrastructure in supporting the continuous expansion of the U.S. manufacturing and industrial sectors, the discussion will address key inquiries surrounding the intricate relationship between manufacturing, gas availability and consumption, and economic dynamics.

Ashley Duckman, Managing Director – Policy and Strategy, American Gas Association

12:00 – 12:45 p.m. :: Lunch Break

12:45 – 1:45 p.m. :: Developing and Using Strategic Intelligence to Improve Economic Development Results

This session will prepare participants to develop and use strategic intelligence to achieve their economic development goals. Intelligence in economic development refers to the systematic collection, analysis, and application of data and information to make informed decisions that foster sustainable economic development and growth. This session will provide an overview of the essential tools for developing strategic intelligence about development opportunities and threats. The following tools will be covered in the session:

• AI-based environmental scans
• Sensitivity analysis
• SWOT analysis
• Scenario planning
• Benchmarking
• Gap analysis
• Stakeholder analysis
• Case examples on how to use these tools

Donald T. Iannone, Ph.D., Professor of Business, Transcontinental University

1:45 – 2:30 p.m. :: DSIRE Database Overview

The Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) is the most comprehensive source of information on incentives and policies that support renewable energy and energy efficiency in the United States. Established in 1995, DSIRE is commonly used by developers to determine the regulatory framework and incentives available for projects. This presentation will discuss the many functions of DSIRE as well as upcoming upgrades to the database.

Emily Apadula, Policy Analyst, North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center

2:30 – 2:45 p.m. :: Afternoon Break

2:45 – 3:30 p.m. :: Economic Development Associations: A Worthwhile Investment for Utilities?

A utility professional tasked with economic development responsibilities could spend nearly every day of the year attending meetings and conferences sponsored by the various local, state, regional and national economic trade groups available to join. Association membership can be highly valuable but also demands significant investments of time and dollars for an ROI that is often intangible and only recognizable over several years. This presentation will spur thinking around the relevance of economic development trade associations to utility professionals, selecting from among the many association options, arguing for membership and sponsorship dollars in your budget and finding the best ways to leverage membership.

Drew Kramer, Economic Development Program Manager, Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association

3:30 – 4:15 p.m. :: Creating an Offshore Wind Hub in Virginia

This session will discuss the opportunities, challenges, and successes of growing Virginia’s economy through direct investment, local supply chain growth and workforce development to support the growing Mid-Atlantic offshore wind industry.

John Larson, Director – Public Policy and Economic Development, Dominion Energy, Inc.

 

Friday, February 7, 2025 : Central Time

 

9:00 – 9:45 a.m. :: Decision Drivers for Corporate Investment – A Site Selector’s View

While location is important, there are many other factors that influence where companies decide to grow. Speed to market, workforce, tax policy, and regulatory requirements all shape the site selection process. This session will explore those factors and how best to position your community to win deals.

Chris Lloyd, Senior Vice President and Director – Infrastructure and Economic Development, McGuireWoods Consulting, LLC

9:45 – 10:45 a.m. :: Driving Equitable Economic Development in the Clean Energy Economy

Since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and the Climate Equity and Jobs Act in Illinois, government programs are requiring community benefits plans, workforce and community engagement strategies, supplier diversity, apprenticeships, and wraparound services for disadvantages and underserved communities. This discussion will cover Baker Tilly’s efforts and processes that have helped municipal governments, Manufacturers, Utilities, Public Private Partnerships, and Community Based Organizations win/implement federal, state, and local clean energy funding to drive capital investment, job creation, and entrepreneurship in minority and underserved communities.

Jonathan McGee, Senior Consultant – Development and Community Advisory, Baker Tilly

10:45 – 11:00 a.m. :: Morning Break

11:00 – 11:45 a.m. :: Economic Development Strategies and Stakeholder Collaboration

This session will include information on Southern California Edison’s economic development team, processes, tools, and stakeholder engagement.

Tod Sword, Economic Development Consultant, Southern California Edison

11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. :: Kentucky Fried Economic Development: Kentucky Cooperative Putting Their Spin on Economic Development

This presentation will discuss innovative approaches to economic development that brings together many facets including creating sites and landing projects.

Brad Thomas, Economic Development, Kentucky’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives

Emily Apadula, Policy Analyst, North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center

Emily Apadula is a Policy Analyst at the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center in the College of Engineering at NC State University. Emily researches and maintains DSIRE, the most comprehensive source of information on incentives and policies that support renewable energy and energy efficiency in the United States, and DSIRE Insight policy information. Emily graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2020, where she received B.A.s in Environmental Studies and Political Science, with a minor in Social and Economic Justice. 

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Will Batista, ESG Manager, Southwest Gas Corporation

Will Batista currently serves as Manager of Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) at Southwest Gas Corporation. He oversees the development, implementation, and reporting of sustainability strategies, communications, and the publication of the Company’s annual sustainability report. He helps to build and maintain relationships with community stakeholders, industry peers, and NGOs to engage in and promote best practices and policy. In previous roles at the Company, he managed multi-state energy efficiency programs and led the Company to adopt new policies on sustainability, the environment, and human rights. Prior to joining Southwest Gas, Will worked on presidential, gubernatorial, and community outreach campaigns. He also led efforts to pass victim rights amendments, which have been added to the state constitutions of over half a dozen states.

A native of Miami, Florida, Will received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with an emphasis in Pre-Law and Economics from Brigham Young University—Idaho. He served in the United States Air Force Reserve and is a Veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom.

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Cathy Chambers, Senior Director, Economic Development, Florida Power and Light Company

Cathy leads and advances FPL’s economic development strategy statewide and establishes partnerships nationwide. The economic development team’s successes have led to repeated recognition by Site Selection in its Top Utility in Economic Development category, as a Top Utility by Business Facilities, and as one of The Best Utilities in Economic Development by Southern Business & Development. Cathy and her team enhance and support economic development efforts throughout Florida with incentive rates for growing businesses, capacity-building community programs, and resources to local and regional economic development organizations.

Prior to joining FPL in 2019, Cathy worked for more than 20 years with chambers of commerce, regional economic development organizations and city government. She was named one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers in 2020 by Consultant Connect. Cathy was recognized as the Florida Economic Development Professional of the Year by the Florida Economic Development Council in 2018. She is also a graduate of Leadership Florida.

Cathy holds a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Miami University (OH) and a master’s degree in business administration from Xavier University. She is certified as an Economic Development Finance Professional by the National Development Council and is an active member of the International Economic Development Council, Florida Economic Development Council, Utility Economic Development Association and Industrial Asset Management Council. Cathy also serves on The Aerospace Alliance Board of Directors.

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Ashley Duckman, Managing Director – Policy and Strategy, American Gas Association

Ashley Duckman presently serves as Managing Director, Policy & Strategy at the American Gas Association (AGA). In this role, she is responsible for guiding the development and implementation of programs and strategic priorities in support of gas utility clean energy, emission reduction, sustainability, and/or decarbonization efforts. Previously, Ashley served as Executive Director of the Energy Solutions Center (ESC) where she worked to advance market development and technology commercialization opportunities for gas utilities and affiliated equipment manufacturers. Ashley returns to AGA after having previously worked for the association, where she spent nearly a decade advocating on behalf of natural gas utilities at the local, state, and federal levels. She has a BA in Political Science and Economics from Washington College.

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Donald T. Iannone, Ph.D., Professor of Business, Transcontinental University

Don has extensive experience working with utility companies and infrastructure authorities throughout his career. From 2000 to 2016, he consulted for over 100 public and private clients in 32 states and internationally, including federal agencies, state development agencies, utility companies, and local civic organizations. His expertise encompasses economic strategy, public policy, and infrastructure planning.

Notable projects include serving as an economic development consultant for Pacific Gas and Electric, assisting East Ohio Gas Company with an economic development strategy related to the Northeast Ohio automotive industry, and developing statewide strategies for Ohio Bell telephone. He has also participated in domestic and foreign business recruitment missions with Ohio utility companies, assessed public infrastructure needs for industrial and commercial developments, and proposed extending a natural gas line to serve heavy industry in Ashtabula County, Ohio. Additionally, he served six years on the USEPA’s Environmental Finance Advisory Board, advising on financing for water, wastewater, and brownfield cleanup projects.

A former faculty member at the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute, Don has testified before Congress and state legislatures and served on the boards of national economic development councils. He is the author of five nonfiction books and has published widely on economic development and public policy. Currently, Don teaches graduate business students at Transcontinental University.

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Drew Kramer, Economic Development Program Manager, Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association

Drew Kramer is the Economic Development Program Manager for Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, working with 41 member utilities to promote economic growth in rural communities across a 200,000 square mile service area in Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Wyoming. He collaborates with regional, state, and local economic development agencies, representing rural utilities in forums addressing critical issues like housing, broadband, and workforce development. With over a decade at Tri-State, Drew has managed community engagement programs supporting the company’s operations. He serves on several boards and committees, including the National Rural Economic Developers Association and the Economic Development Council of Colorado.

Before joining Tri-State, Drew worked at a Denver public affairs firm consulting on energy and natural resource projects. He also has over ten years of experience in communications and public policy in Washington, D.C., and New York City. A Montana native, he holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Stanford University and lives in Denver with his family.

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Tom Lambrecht, Manager – Economic Development Services, Great River Energy

Mr. Lambrecht is the manager of Economic Development Services for Great River Energy, the wholesale power supplier to 26-member owner electric cooperatives. Great River Energy works with our member coops and communities in our service area to enhance community preparedness and to promote economic development opportunities across all industries. Lambrecht administers an $8 Million revolving loan fund and has directed over $55 Million in direct development financing through the electric cooperatives leveraging significant private and public capital investment. Under Lambrecht’s leadership, Great River Energy created the first Certified Site program specific to data centers in Minnesota. He is the lead point of contact for large load integration and energy solutions for economic development. Lambrecht has served as the board President of the Mid-American Economic Development Council, the MN Business Finance Corporation, and the National Rural Economic Developers Association, and he is a member of the Advisory Board to the University of MN Natural Resources Research Institute and the Community Development Funding, LLC. Lambrecht is a graduate degree from the University of Minnesota’s Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs and has a degree in Public Administration from St. Cloud State University.

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John Larson, Director – Public Policy and Economic Development, Dominion Energy, Inc.

John Larson joined Dominion Energy in 1996 and is currently the Director of Public Policy and Economic Development. During John’s career at the company, he has held various leadership positions in generation business development, alternative energy technologies as well as transmission construction and operations. He is well versed in offshore wind through his experience in the development and early permitting activities for Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) Pilot Project.

Currently, a large part of his time is spent on Dominion Energy’s Business to Business, Workforce Development and Community Outreach activity for as the Company moves forward implementing the requirements of the Virginia Clean Economy Act, including the 16,100 MW of solar, 5,200 MW of offshore wind and 2,700 MW of storage, with the objective of maximizing opportunities for Virginia’s vendors, subcontractors and suppliers. He graduated with a B.S in Chemical Engineering from North Carolina State University.

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Chris Lloyd, Senior Vice President and Director – Infrastructure and Economic Development, McGuireWoods Consulting, LLC

Chris Lloyd leads the McGuireWoods Consulting infrastructure and economic development team where he specializes in site selection and economic development incentives negotiations. Since 1998, Chris has worked on dozens of high profile, corporate expansions and relocations across the country. Chris has also worked closely with clients on numerous public-private partnership projects for transportation and other infrastructure and played a leading role in the development and passage of Virginia’s public-private partnership laws, which have since become model legislation for use in other states.

Prior to joining McGuireWoods Consulting, Chris served for nearly five years in the Office of the Secretary of Commerce and Trade under Virginia Governors Allen and Wilder. In this position, he was responsible for legislative, budgetary, and regulatory coordination and development within that Secretariat which managed the state’s economic development programs. Chris graduated from the College of William & Mary in 1993.

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Jonathan McGee, Senior Consultant – Development and Community Advisory, Baker Tilly

Jonathan McGee is a former IL State Government Executive, Civic Leader, Economic Developer, and currently a Senior Consultant at Baker Tilly US in the Public Sector Advisory practice, specializing in equitable economic development. With over 10 years of non-profit, public sector, and social impact experience, he recently served as a political appointee in Governor JB Pritzker’s Administration as Director for the Office of Business and Workforce Diversity at the Illinois Department of Transportation. Previously, he was appointed as Director of Regional Economic Development at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity where he led a team of economic development leaders who drove business attraction, expansion, and retention efforts.

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Tod Sword, Economic Development Consultant, Southern California Edison

Tod Sword is Southern California Edison’s (SCE) Economic Development Services Advisor covering Orange County, South Bay, Westside, and Gateway Cities of Los Angeles County. Tod joined SCE in November 2004. Tod specialized in attracting, retaining and growing businesses in SCE’s territory by helping companies access economic development incentives and resources to remain competitive in the global economy. In 2018, with a goal to attract and expand data center customers in Southern California, Tod developed SCE’s GIS Power Site Search Tool to direct large energy users to power ready and SCE fiber ready sites. Tod began his career in economic development with the United States Peace Corps as a volunteer for the business development program in Bulgaria. Tod also served as Sr. Business Assistance Manager at the LAEDC for seven years prior to joining SCE. Tod received his Master’s Degree of Business Administration from the University of Kentucky with a concentration in Marketing, Finance and International Business. He also received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Economics from the University of California, Irvine.

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Brad Thomas, Economic Development, Kentucky’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives

Brad Thomas is the Manager of Economic Development for Kentucky’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives (KTEC). His responsibilities include promotion and development of economic development opportunities for the 16 owner/member rural electric co-operatives that represents over 46% of Kentucky’s geography. He assists existing industries with growth and expansion issues as well as recruiting new industrial opportunities to the state.

Since coming on board with KTEC late in 2014, the cooperatives have seen over $13 Billion in investments and over 18,000 jobs created in their rural service territories. Brad and the KTEC team have received national and international awards including recognition from: International Economic Development Council; Site Selector’s Guild; National Rural Economic Developers Association; German American Chamber of Commerce; Site Selection Magazine and the American Council of Engineering Companies. In 2019, Consultant Connect named Brad one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers.

He is a contributing writer to the European based economic development publication FDI Alliance and serves on numerous education and industry specific boards. Brad retired from the Kentucky State Government after a 25-year career and previously led international efforts for the state that included Governor-led Trade Missions around the globe as a member of the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development.

We will be using Microsoft Teams to facilitate your participation in the upcoming event. You do not need to have an existing Teams account in order to participate in the broadcast – the course will play in your browser and you will have the option of using a microphone to speak with the room and ask questions, or type any questions in via the chat window and our on-site representative will relay your question to the instructor.

• Microsoft recommends downloading and installing the Teams app if possible. You may also use the Edge browser or Chrome.
• You will receive a separate email with a unique link to a personalized landing page which will include links to join all sessions of this event.
• If you are using a microphone, please ensure that it is muted until such time as you need to ask a question.
• The remote meeting connection will be open approximately 30 minutes before the start of the course. We encourage you to connect as early as possible in case you experience any unforeseen problems.

Please Note: Confirmed speakers do not need to register and are encouraged to participate in all sessions of the event. If you are a speaker and have any questions please contact our offices at 1.303.770.8800

Please Note: This event is being conducted entirely online. All attendees will connect and attend from their computer, one connection per purchase. For details please see our FAQ

If you are unable to attend at the scheduled date and time, we make recordings available to all attendees for 7 days after the event

REGISTER NOW FOR THIS EVENT:

Utility-Driven Economic Development

February 6-7, 2025 | Online

Your registration may be transferred to a member of your organization up to 24 hours in advance of the event. Cancellations must be received on or before January 03, 2025 in order to be refunded and will be subject to a US $195.00 processing fee per registrant. No refunds will be made after this date. Cancellations received after this date will create a credit of the tuition (less processing fee) good toward any other EUCI event. This credit will be good for six months from the cancellation date. In the event of non-attendance, all registration fees will be forfeited. In case of conference cancellation, EUCIs liability is limited to refund of the event registration fee only. For more information regarding administrative policies, such as complaints and refunds, please contact our offices at 303-770-8800

Credits

EUCI is accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard. IACET is recognized internationally as a standard development organization and accrediting body that promotes quality of continuing education and training.

EUCI is authorized by IACET to offer 1.0 CEUs for this event

Verify our IACET accreditation

Who recognizes IACET Credits?

Requirements for Successful Completion of Program

Participants must long on and be in attendance for the entirety of the course to be eligible for continuing education credit.

Instructional Methods

Power Point presentations, Q&A and open discussion

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Upon successful completion of this event, program participants interested in receiving CPE credits will receive a certificate of completion.

Course CPE Credits: 11.0
There is no prerequisite for this Course.
Program field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: Group Internet Based
Advanced Preparation: None

EUCI is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its web site: www.nasbaregistry.org

 

Who Should Attend

• Utility providers, municipal utilities, and electric cooperatives
• Infrastructure companies
• Regional and state economic development professionals
• Long-range and business planning personnel
• Business development personnel
• Sustainability officers
• Renewable energy project managers
• Community affairs and public relations personnel
• Business and real estate investors
• Human resource personnel
• Site surveyors