Fresno EDC Clean Energy Cluster

Key Areas of Focus
* Support green technology awareness & training including k - 12 workforce development
* Support project demonstration areas & EDC’s Sustainable Fresno County Plan
* Promote the industry through online exposure and regular meetings/events
* Build relationships with advocacy entities
* Circulate state and federal funding opportunities (including ARRA stimulus)
* Unify promotional messages across organizations

Next Steps in the Green Economy for the Central California Region
Unlike industries that are connected by related clusters who share similar services, the green economy is not defined by a set of traditional classifications. Given our focus on workforce & economic development opportunities in the Valley, the following industries will most likely be impacted by developing the green economy: Agriculture, Utilities & Power Generation, Water and Wastewater, and Construction & Design Services. Future research should be done to evaluate green workforce needs and how legislative requirements are impacting the industries and how they are supporting or hindering the greening of the cluster.

Background
By reducing energy consumption and generating clean, renewable power, the Clean Energy industry in Fresno County can achieve an important triple-bottom line: an improved economy, a regional identity in renewable energies, and a healthier environment for everyone.

The first clean energy cluster initiative was the development of a “roadmap” for improvements in energy efficiency and renewable energy in the region. The four areas of recommendations in the roadmap included: the “Build Environment,“ power production, water use, and workforce development.

Chair
Stephane McShane
Division Manager - Fresno
A-C Electric Company
stephanemcshane@a-celectric.com

Manager
Bethany Thompson
Economic Development Center serving Fresno County
559.476.2503
bthompson@fresnoedc.com