COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Cortney Piper, Executive Director of the Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council (TAEBC), was awarded the prestigious Tennessee Renewable Energy & Economic Development Council (TREEDC) Environmental Legacy Award on November 14, 2024 at the TREEDC Conference in Cookeville. This honor recognizes Piper’s remarkable achievements in advancing clean energy and sustainable practices across Tennessee.

Under Piper’s leadership, TAEBC has become a driving force in positioning Tennessee as a leader in the advanced energy sector. Her efforts have fostered collaboration between public and private entities, supported economic development, and promoted innovation in energy technologies.

“Cortney Piper is Tennessee’s top ambassador for clean energy. I have admired her many accomplishments over the years which includes developing startups, organizing opportunities in clean energy forums, supporting workforce development and building strong industry partnerships” said UT MTAS Consultant /TREEDC Director Warren Nevad. “She has significantly expanded the footprint of many companies like Silicon Ranch, Strata-G, Bridgestone and Clearloop.”

TREEDC (www.treedc.us)  is a 501 c-3 organization of 108 Tennessee Mayors working together to create a path to fast-track renewable energy in Tennessee and the Philippines, TREEDC was founded in 2008 by University of Tennessee (UT) President Emeritus Dr. Joe Johnson, UT Municipal Technical Advisory Service and 4 mayors representing the cities of  Crossville, Gainesboro, Graysville and  Pikeville Tennessee.

About Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council

TAEBC champions advanced energy as an economic development and job creation strategy. Advanced energy is technology neutral and includes electricity and transportation. Anything that makes energy cleaner, safer, more secure or more efficient is in the tent. No other entity in the state concentrates specifically on this robust sector. We educate public officials and business leaders about Tennessee’s advanced energy economy, establish strategic partnerships to connect assets with opportunities, and inform policy that expands and strengthens the industry. TAEBC hosts the Energizing Tennessee podcast, which explores the latest news and insights about the advanced energy sector. For more information, visit https://tnadvancedenergy.com.