As demand for renewable sources of energy continues to grow, a new trade organization in Lansing is ready to help Michigan play a significant role in the new energy economy. According to the new
Energy Innovation Business Council, Michigan’s new energy manufacturing sector supports more than 20,700 jobs a year and has an economic impact of $4.9 billion a year.
“Michigan has a significant advanced energy and cleantech industry and is emerging as a global leader in the sector, yet it lacked a state wide organization that could bring its member businesses together,” says Lauren Bigelow, interim president of the EIBC. “The EIBC was created so at there was an industry association for these companies to network, share best practices, coalesce the collective vision and bring an industry voice for investors and the public as well as state and federal policy makers.”
The EIBC launched this year as a voluntary membership organization. A search is currently underway for a permanent president, and Bigelow expects the organization to employ two additional employees, one in administration and another in policy. Though an exact location will not be selected until after a president is in place, Bigelow says it will likely be in
downtown.
“The EIBC aims to diversify and accelerate the growth of Michigan’s energy sector and create partnerships to expand business opportunities,” Bigelow says. “By securing access to capital, engaging the public and policymakers, advocating for policy, and advancing energy innovation, EIBC can help generate jobs and develop Michigan’s clean energy economy.”
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