PHOENIX, AZ — (Marketwire) — 07/27/11 — With a mission of collaborating on the growth and retention of clean energy companies in the state and coming together to address the challenges of the industry, the () today announced that it has assumed leadership of the newly formed Arizona Energy Consortium (AEC).
The Council–s leadership role was unanimously approved by the AEC, which was initially formed by the City of Phoenix and industry partners from the renewable energy, energy efficiency and utility sectors. The creation of the consortium was funded by a portion of a $6 million grant from the Federal Department of Labor under the Recovery Act dollars to train and job place 1648 individuals in Arizona–s energy sector between January 2010 and January 2013.
“As a state organization that represents a wide span of businesses from various technology industries, the Arizona Technology Council is the perfect fit for this important new initiative and we–re proud to serve as its home,” said , president and CEO, . “The different segments of Arizona–s clean energy sector need to work harmoniously and collaboratively for the common interest of the state.”
AEC is currently comprised of approximately 75 members and is chaired by , a partner with the law firm of LLP and chair of its Solar Energy Law Team.
“With its solar resource and geographic proximity to target markets such as California, Arizona has an opportunity to revitalize its economy by continuing to grow its clean energy sector,” said . “By combining business leadership with guidance for good public policy, the Arizona Energy Consortium will play an important role in helping Arizona achieve its clean energy sector expansion goals.”
The AEC will play a significant role in The Arizona Solar Leadership Conference 2011 to be held in Phoenix on September 29th, sponsored by Quarles, Triadvocates, the Phoenix Business Journal, and other key members of the industry. The Solar Leadership Conference will culminate with the publication of a long-term, state-wide plan for solar energy as an economic driver.
For those individuals and companies who wish to be a member of the AEC and are not already members of the Arizona Technology Council, the Council is offering one year free membership in the AEC. For more information or to become a member company, please contact Michelle De Blasi at or Leigh Goldstein at the Arizona Technology Council at or 602-343-8324, ext. 104.
The Arizona Technology Council is a private, not-for-profit trade association founded to connect, represent and support the state–s expanding technology industry. To promote economic growth and professional development in Arizona–s technology sector, the Council provides members networking opportunities, business support and access to educational forums. The Council strives to distinguish Arizona as a leader in the technology community and offer resources that are exclusive to its members. To become a member or to learn more about the Arizona Technology Council, please visit . You are also invited to the president and his staff at , @aztechcouncil, or view the Council–s , , or page.
Linda Capcara
Global Connect Communications
(480) 229-7090
Leigh Goldstein
Arizona Technology Council
602-343-8324, ext. 104