Find Economic Development Opportunities in the Clean-Tech Sector
    

Date: Wednesday, December 14
Time: 1:30 - 3:00 pm CST

The Economic Development Council for Central Illinois will be hosting this webinar locally in the Heartland Partnership Smart Room. Please contact Sally Hanley for more information and to register: shanley@edc.h-p.org or 309-495-5953.


Noting the high demand for clean-tech solutions, forecasters have predicted that the clean-technology industry will become a significant economic generator for communities in the coming years. The large sums of capital that have been invested in the clean technology industry throughout the world have already spawned innovative technologies and supply chains. The sooner economic developers learn about opportunities in the clean technology field, the sooner they can begin working to attract these investments to their communities.


By attending this webinar, you will be able to:

• Identify the infrastructure your community needs to be competitive in the clean technology sector,
• Locate sources of new investment and utilize existing industries to create clusters, and
• Understand your global competition and find a niche in the broad based clean-tech industry.

    Confirmed Speakers

Katherine Magruder, CEcD
Executive Director
Maryland Clean Energy Center
Rockville, MD

For over 25 years, Ms. Magruder has been involved in efforts to advance sustainable economic development with recognition of the critical balance between the environment, the economy and the preservation of the cultural character of communities. Through her work with community stakeholders, as well as elected and appointed officials of various municipalities in the Chesapeake Bay watershed and across the state of Maryland, Ms. Magruder led regional agri-business, ecotourism and clean energy development initiatives. By appointment of the Governor to the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, she served as Director of Resource Based Industries as a leader of initiatives focused on sustaining agriculture, forestry, mining, fisheries and maritime industry sectors.


Don C. Schjeldahl
Vice President & Director
Renewable Energy Strategies
The Austin Company
Cleveland, OH

As Vice President and Director for Renewable Energy Strategies for The Austin Company, Mr. Schjeldahl is responsible for guiding renewable energy and sustainability initiatives for Austin's global consulting, engineering and construction practice. Mr. Schjeldahl works with renewable energy companies, primarily solar, wind and smart grid manufacturers, to define location strategies across the value chain. Mr. Schjeldahl also coordinates Austin resources aligned with the design and installation of renewable energy systems at client facilities. Mr. Schjeldahl has over 30 years of professional experience in the development and implementation of corporate location strategies for commercial and industrial clients and 25 years with Austin Consulting.