FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: April 18, 2024
Contact: Audrey Schwartzberg, ANCA Communications Director, aschwartzberg@adirondack.org, 518.891.6200
ANCA Convenes Stakeholders and Community Leaders for 2024 Clean Energy Conference
Two-day learning and networking event set for May 20-21 in Clayton, New York
CLAYTON, N.Y. — As people around the world commemorate Earth Week, the Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) invites North Country community members, stakeholders, educators and advocates to convene around current clean energy issues at the regional nonprofit’s annual Clean Energy Conference. The two-day event will feature tours, presentations and networking opportunities designed to advance clean energy initiatives that benefit New York communities, businesses and residents.
The conference will gather industry experts, service providers, contractors and community members at the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel in Clayton, N.Y. on May 20 and 21, 2024. Registration is open at www.adirondack.org/clean-energy-conference.
“The goal of this year’s conference is to create an equitable space for participants to share their experiences, to build relationships, and to ask questions about what the clean energy transition means for their communities,” said ANCA Clean Energy Program Director Jill Henck. “We welcome anybody eager to learn more about ANCA’s work and how to effect positive change in their own backyard.”
Through tours, presentations and breakout sessions, participants will learn from experts about topics including workforce development in the energy sector, hydropower, the electric school bus transition, climate justice, New York’s Regional Clean Energy Hubs and equitable access to project funding. Conference presenters and exhibitors will also share information about local, state and federal initiatives that support residential, business and municipal energy projects.
“ANCA’s Clean Energy Conference is something we look forward to every year,” said Emmett Smith, founder of Northern Power & Light, a Saranac Lake, N.Y. company that provides locally produced community hydroelectricity for National Grid customers. “It is a great opportunity to connect with all sorts of folks interested in being part of the solution, bringing together a variety of companies as well as technical experts and energy users looking for sustainable solutions. We’re excited to participate again this year.”
The event will begin at noon on Monday, May 20 with an afternoon tour of Brookfield Renewable’s historic Black River hydropower facility, followed by a conference reception at the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel. Limited spots are available for a sunset boat cruise on the St. Lawrence River. On Tuesday, May 21, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the conference will feature presentations and breakout sessions, a poster exhibition, tour of a Blue Bird electric school bus, raffle giveaway, and opportunities to network with conference exhibitors including contractors, service providers, nonprofits and others working to expand clean energy initiatives across New York State.
“We are happy to again offer this important opportunity to network, collaborate and learn about clean energy in the North Country and the great work happening with ANCA and our partners,” said ANCA Executive Director Elizabeth Cooper. “We try to host the conference in a different part of our region every year, and this year we look forward to exploring Clayton and showcasing the accomplishments of the area’s leaders.”
To learn more and register, visit www.adirondack.org/clean-energy-conference. Conference registration costs $200. Municipal staff may attend at a reduced rate; contact ANCA Event & Engagement Coordinator Caitlin Bottcher at cbottcher@adirondack.org for a discount code. Participants who find the cost of registration or travel to be a barrier are invited to inquire about financial support. Rooms at the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel are limited and available at a special conference rate if booked by Friday, April 26, 2024. Questions about the conference, lodging or registration may be directed to Caitlin Bottcher at cbottcher@adirondack.org or 518.891.6200.
ANCA is an independent, nonprofit corporation with a transformational approach to building prosperity across northern New York. Using innovative strategies for food systems, clean energy, small businesses, and equity and inclusion, ANCA delivers targeted interventions that create and sustain wealth and value in local communities.
Attached: two (2) photos
Photo 1: Phil Toia of the New York Power Authority (top left) and Emmett Smith of Northern Power & Light (center), led a roundtable discussion about localizing renewable energy at ANCA’s 2023 Clean Energy Conference, which took place in Utica, N.Y. in June 2023.
Photo 2: The 2024 Clean Energy Conference will feature a variety of learning and networking opportunities including a tour of Alexandria Central School District’s new electric school bus, led by the district’s transportation supervisor, Delmar Lambert (pictured).
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