Tulsa hosting national renewable energy forum
4.13.2011Tulsa will host more than 100 economic development professionals and numerous site location consultants from across the country for the Renewable Energy Forum presented by Area Development Magazine, a national publication, at The Mayo Hotel April 13-15.
The Tulsa Metro Chamber’s economic development and VisitTulsa teams were instrumental in recruiting the conference to Tulsa, which is expected to have a $36,000 economic impact and provide excellent exposure of Tulsa to sought-after developers, site consultants and economic development professionals.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for the Tulsa region, because it allows us to host some of the country’s most influential site consultants and economic development professionals,” said Jim Fram, senior vice president of economic development. “Additionally, the event will draw special attention to the energy sector and the significant impact Tulsa is making in such a vital industry.”
The program is intended to provide attendees with information on the latest direction of global and national investment opportunities; current legislative actions and their impact on an organization’s marketing opportunities; emerging technologies; incentives; and trends in the solar and wind industries.
Organized by members of the Area Development’s Consultants Forum, the premier program will feature the country’s top site consultants who work with many of the renewable energy industry’s most diverse projects. Each will speak to current opportunities for attracting OEMs (original equipment manufacturers), suppliers and technology to specific locations.
“With national and legislative focus on alternative and renewable energy initiatives still evolving, this landscape for new domestic and global investment opportunities is constantly being redefined for economic developers,” said Dennis Shea, president and publisher of Area Development magazine and the organizer of the Renewable Energy Forum. “Tulsa was our first choice to host this important forum because of the city’s history in energy and the region’s current growth and new development projects. Our speakers and guests are looking forward to visiting Tulsa.”
Speakers include: Don Schjeldahl, vice president and director, Austin Consulting; Tracey Hyatt Bosman, director, Strategic Consulting Group, Grubb & Ellis; Dick Sheehy, director, site selection, CH2M HILL; Mark Randall, president & CEO, T2e Energy LLC; Dennis Cuneo, managing partner, Fisher & Phillips LLC; Dennis McAndrew, principal, Silverlode Consulting; Lars Velser, project manager, German Wind Association; Greg Burkart, managing director, Duff & Phelps.
“I have learned that the consultants who will be attending are the types of industry leaders shaping the renewable energy landscape,” said Oklahoma Commerce Secretary Dave Lopez. “We want them to know Oklahoma remains at the center of the U.S. wind energy industry and is a driving force not only in generation, but in manufacturing and the development of new technologies. Wind energy represents a significant growth sector for Oklahoma. We will continue working to ensure Oklahoma is one of the most competitive locations for expanding wind companies and helps us enhance Oklahoma’s leadership in energy.”
The Renewable Energy Forum opens with a reception Wednesday evening and will provide a day and a half of sessions and panel presentations on the latest industry trends, one-on-one networking opportunities, speaker-led roundtable discussions and social networking.
Attendees will include state, regional and local economic development organizations from around the U.S.; utility economic development departments; energy corridor and energy initiative organizations; business leaders; and energy executives.
Lead sponsors of the forum include the Tulsa Metro Chamber and the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.
« back to archive