Did you attend and enjoy the Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council’s (TAEBC) first Advanced Energy Virtual Business Roundtable focused on West Tennessee? Maybe you missed it or are looking forward to hearing from stakeholders in your region? TAEBC will host its second Advanced Energy Virtual Business Roundtable, focusing on Middle Tennessee stakeholders, on Wednesday, June 9, 2021, beginning at 10:00 a.m. CT / 11:00 a.m. ET.

Middle Tennessee: Advanced Energy Virtual Business Roundtable

Like the first event focused on West Tennessee, TAEBC’s second webinar will bring together government officials, business executives and higher education leaders to share their expertise and insight about how our state can create a collaborative network to drive economic development through the advanced energy (AE) sector. 

For this event, seven speakers will represent each of these three areas, including: David Salyers, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC); Chris Berryman, Senior Target Market Specialist at the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA); Van Tucker, CEO of Launch Tennessee (LaunchTN); Victoria Hirschberg, Director of Business Development at the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD); Jim DeMouy, Vice President of Environment, Health, Safety and Sustainability at Bridgestone Americas and TAEBC Board Member; Dr. Claude Pressnell, Jr., President of Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association (TICUA); Dr. Flora Tydings, Chancellor, Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR); Chris Goddard Manager, Energy and Environmental, Nissan Group of Americas; and Mike Clemmer, Director, Corporate & Manufacturing Facilities & Environmental, Nissan Group of Americas.

Stakeholder #1: Government agencies

From the state government perspective, Commissioner Salyers will kick off the event, speaking about the TN Corridor Fast Charging Network and goals to make the state the electric vehicle (EV) epicenter of the Southeast. From LaunchTN’s perspective, Tucker will highlight the value of the Energy Mentor Network and provide an update about the SBIR/STTR Matching Fund program. 

Next, Hirschberg will discuss TNECD’s vision to create a cohesive statewide network to become the number one state in the country for the electric vehicle supply chain. Additionally, she will speak about efforts to cultivate an AE economy to attract and retain innovative businesses.

At TVA, a federally owned corporation, Berryman offers a unique perspective for bridging the gap between federal government and higher education and private sectors. He will discuss the economic impact of EVs and the impact of EVs on the utility sector.

Stakeholder #2: Higher education 

Attendees will also hear from the higher education side of the conversation, with Tydings discussing TBR’s current advanced energy focus and outline what a transition to support AE might look like. From TICUA, Pressnell will provide perspective on how private campuses are exploring and supporting AE as well as how private sector partners can collaborate for future opportunities. 

Stakeholder #3: Private sector 

During his presentation, DeMouy will highlight Bridgestone Americas’ corporate sustainability goals and the progress they are making toward meeting these targets. Finally, Goddard and Clemmer will wrap up the presentation by discussing Nissan’s sustainability goals and milestones.

The presentations will be followed by audience Q&A. Want to attend the event? Register here.