Youth Involvement in an Innovative Coconut Value Chain by Mwalimu Menza
Charlotte region aims to be new energy capital
1. The Charlotte region
makes a play
to be the nation’s
‘new energy capital’
Platinum Sponsor: Academic Partner:
Gold Sponsors:
Silver Sponsors:
Community Partners:
2. 2 | energy Inc. CHARLOTTE BUSINESS JOURNAL WEEK OF ApRIL 23, 2010
charlottebusinessjournal.com
K&L Gates is honored to be a supporter and Platinum Sponsor of the Energy, Inc. summit.
This summit confirms the rise of the Charlotte region as a national energy hub and
underscores the region’s vital role in our energy future, locally, nationally, and globally.
As a law firm with a global energy practice coupled with a significant and
long-standing Charlotte presence, we are proud to be associated with many of
the energy companies in this area, ranging from long-established companies to newer As our economy continues down the path of improvement,
enterprises and businesses recently expanding or relocating to this region.
energy is increasingly becoming a part of our everyday
K&L Gates salutes their efforts in achieving this national recognition for our region.
discussions. Clean energy, being green, and sustainability
are words we use in the workplace and at home.
Our firm is enthusiastic about the Charlotte region’s continued growth as a major energy
hub. As an international law firm with offices on three continents and broad experience in AREVA is pleased to participate in these energy discussions
multiple disciplines across the full spectrum of energy sectors, we look forward to playing and to offer solutions to our customers for nuclear energy
a prominent role in contributing to that growth. and renewable energy generation, including clean wood
biomass, offshore wind and concentrated solar power. These
Sincerely,
generation solutions will create jobs that will help our economy
The K&L Gates Team on this road to recovery, growth and prosperity.
Global legal counsel in 36 cities on three continents. The employees of AREVA are proud to be part of the growing
and prosperous Charlotte, N.C. business community and
many other communities around our nation. And we look
forward to making investments to support the resurgence of
nuclear energy and the growth of renewable generation for
years to come.
Energetically yours,
AREVA
Count
on this
www.forsiteinc.com
The Charlotte Region is beginning to distinguish itself as “The New Energy
Capital” and Forsite is proud to sponsor this Energy Inc. conference.
Forsite’s contribution to the regions efforts to promote the “Clean Energy
Economy” is the development of ReVenture Park, North Carolina’s largest
Eco Industrial Park. This 667 acre former textile dye manufacturing plant has
1.4 miles of river frontage along the Catawba River and is currently listed as a
[ not the dow ]
Federal Superfund Site. Our redevelopment plan is to utilize the sites extensive
infrastructure to create large scale renewable energy and clean fuel projects
including a biomass power plant, biomass fuel production thermal solar, bio-
diesel refining and a green business incubator among others.
Crescent
A smaller comeback
ready for ion
When complete, ReVenture could easily create 1000 + new green jobs, enough
renewable energy for 50,000 homes and top $900 million in net new investment.
reorganizat
Developer’sdebt and the
plan trims holdings.
value of its P11
ING OUT:
BRANCH ed rail
Forsite has gained national recognition for creating the vision for ReVenture
High-spe y to roll
SCBT
mbia’s plan read
How Colu to
funding key
ground with Stimulus h of faster
is gaining ns driving launc h.
acquisitio service to
Raleig
new bank P5
More than 21,000 which is recognized as potentially the largest, multi-faceted energy park currently
P3
• $2.00 ing in,
ebusinessjou
rnal.com USDA mov long?
www.charlott but for how
property
a lab
y plans
federal agenc but Obama
$4.5B in
being developed in the United States.
polis, .
in Kanna future funds
readers rely on our Subscribe today for
budget cuts P7
on
is piling up
5, 2010
fEBRUaRy
ER 46 •
24 NUMB ft next up
books
VOLUME
Microso
center?
N.C. bank
for data
is scouting
solid business news for just $1.81 a week.
Tech giant server hub,
WILL BOyE region for le.
IEL and apple, Goog
ADAM O’DAN rS following P5
write Bank
This “Eco-Industrial” redevelopment concept is becoming a national model for
Staff
Dom inion of 30
mer, New t own er
Last sum relu ctan ivi-
the ished subd
beca me
rock solid results.
an unfin
lots in l Char-
vacant lotte.
north Char , the smal mow s
sion in months later
Seven bills and ed.
still pays never want
how dormant industrial sites can be “recycled” to create green jobs, power and
lotte bank estate it traced
real can be
grass for ’s ownership tur ned sour
The bank loan that crashed and
ine et
to a rout housing mark the neighbor-
ossroads
cy.
when the Management, bankrupt
budget woes. into
Landcraft loper, fell payments, the
to deal with
is at a cr fuels.
increase deve
hood’s to collect loan
sing a fare
CATS is
propo Unable losed. rien ce
is just
CATS
bank forec inion’s expe ing issu e for
New Dom a grow als
ple of profession ss
one exam estate s acro
and realregion. Bank grap-
Of PLANS bankers
Charlotte n — are into the
ble CHANGE g in the — and the natio ease in the Tapping
plan in trou
of fundin
a review five corridors p incr stry
energy indu at
beginning the area a shar
Is transit
16
caTS is continue buildingit Plan. plin g with ES, PAGE
shifting fORECLOSUR rt looks
g woes,
to
options in the 2030 Trans Special Repoeffort to
as fundin debate? called for ’s
s top
the region and research.
open new
Developer lls
grow jobs
timelines
P19
We believe ReVenture Park is an “Industry Transformer” and will further establish
R
STAff WRITE
ro
unpaid tax THE LIST
ERG | SENIOR
ERIK SPANB izjournals.com s
erg@b s acros
espanb and townthe 2030 T
after cities approved WRITER S LaRGESS
Three years Coun ty obsolete. Ey | STAff REGiON’
the Charlotte region as a national energy hub.
to DiNG
supposed
OfficE BUiL
urg dy shift- SUSAN STABL
Meck lenb it is alrea it tax revenue, ces that was zjourna
ls.com
P23
Plan, rail line delayed. sjstabley@bi ers in
Transit holes in trans regional allian ect Commuter likely be erty own of
Gaping uneasy plan to conn 2012 will s of prop owe a total ,
ines and the rs via open in Thou sand Coun ty unpaid taxes
ing timel in question lation cente urg in -
have put major popu Meck lenb $70 million Business Jour 12
uptown dors.
with a number more than to a Charlotte bills. BaNK NOTES 33
erns on al direc- t
according of delinquen year’s combined
five corri t months, conc sever w m cLaSSifiEDS 25
In recen emer ged from nal revie more than this library syste - EURS
of front
s have 17% from That’s county’s s and recre ENTREPREN 13
ue is down in at 2005 for the its park on).
tions: budgets on) and GOiNG GREEN
tax reven to rema ($37.4 milli3 unpaid tax
26
•Transit and expectedyears. - ($31.8 milli rtment ON THE
MOVE
peak al lotte r city street
38,32
ation depa 1, there are 10. The number PEOPLE 13
its 2008 the next sever the Char
for have led its third fare erate cente operations. As of Feb. t one out of year typically R ciTy
levels g expenses est to accel can’t fund POWE 5
•Operatin System to sugg . City wants it abou
bills, or tax notices each interest, the aGENDa
CATS says QUEEN ciTy
sit years le and car, but ty With 8.59. 34
Area Tran the past four , Mooresvil of coun t 371,500.up to $70,616,29 and GUiDE
in elius battle totals abou bills add REaDER’S
increase ille, Corn their own t , buildings E ROUN
DUP 12
•Huntersv now fighting uter rail line. is delinquen taxes on land but many REaL ESTaT
are comm line ty Sept. 1, g until
19
Davidson money for a on streetcar blur- Coun were due off payin REPORT
al equipment hold h is when SPEciaL 4
for feder osed $450 milli of Charlotte, owners ary whic
,
•A prop ed by the city and funding. property of Janu TaBLE TaLK 23-24
2030 week
the first is applied. devel-
being push of priorities ned in the s or t list are TOP 25
LiST 35
lines outli
ring the major project ed by six year t- interest on the delinquen
rs y 17 OiNT
•Every likely be delay ue and
heigh yn Flowe Man
DELINqUENT,
PAGE ViEWP 34
g reven tive Carol iGHTS
Plan will se of fallin Chief Execu routes. WEB HiGHL
becau ure. represents New CATS
avoid cuttin
g
more et press troubles hopes to Blog
Charlotte
2007.
ened budg y of transit giddy days of
The litan ne from the story at The
you the inside
decli PAGE 15
a rapid TRANSIT,
om | Our
reporters give
THE
site at charl
ottebusine
ssjournal.c
STIMULUS
our Web
list ings AND YOUR
BREAKING
NEWS! check
Stimulus for proposals
and
BUSINESS
e t requests ulus funds.
ibe to th find out abou ded via economic-stim rnal.com.
To subscr Journal,
contracts awar at charlottebusinessjou
Business
and
On page 14
Charlotte 3-1100
ca ll (704) 97
Call 704.973.1144 to subscribe Tom McKittrick
President
www.charlottebusinessjournal.com Forsite Development, Inc.
4. 4 | energy Inc. CHARLOTTE BUSINESS JOURNAL WEEK OF ApRIL 23, 2010
charlottebusinessjournal.com
BUSINESS
CHARLOTTE
From the Publisher
Charlotteans witnessed with amazement the rapid rise of our banking industry in the 1990s. A sleepy
Southern town was suddenly thrust onto the global stage as home to two of the nation’s top banks.
JOURNAL
Kevin Pitts
President & Publisher
Charlotte again seems to be on the verge of a rapid and stunning transformation, this time in the
energy field. The region has aspirations to be the nation’s New Energy Capital. This is more than a Robert Morris Editor
catchy phrase — the region wants to be home to any company involved in energy production. David Harris Managing Editor
As the stories in these pages will show, this entails a concerted effort by major industry players, Steve Cranford Associate Editor
organizations such as the Charlotte Regional Partnership, government officials and entrepreneurs. Sheila Cottringer Advertising Director
You’ll read how Duke Energy Corp.’s Jim Rogers jump-started the effort last year with an energy Keeley Brown Tase
summit to bring together key players. He has also played a behind-the-scenes role in recruiting firms to Senior Business Development Consultant
the region that are giving credibility to the New Energy Capital campaign. Dawn Brown, Gail Dougherty, Frank Harlow
Business Development Consultants
Charlotte needs success stories to compete against other regions intent on taking the crown. As the
Chuck Harris Marketplace Advertising Consultant
nation recovers from recession, the capabilities and growth of players such as Duke, Piedmont Natural
Amy Thompson
Gas, Siemens Energy Shaw Power Group and Areva hold the promise of realizing this vision.
, Business Development Coordinator
The Charlotte Business Journal is pleased to present this inaugural Energy Maggie Lynn Production Director
Inc. publication. We also are pleased to sponsor the Energy Inc. symposium Greg Russell Graphic Designer
on April 23 that will allow our guests to hear the views of leaders in the
Dale Morefield Circulation Director
industry We are grateful to our many sponsors that helped make this event
.
Dory Rogers Marketing and Events Manager
possible.
Rick Teare Business Manager
These are challenging times, but the promise of the region’s
The entire contents of this newspaper are copyrighted by American City
transformation in energy makes them exciting. Rest assured the Business Journals Inc. 2010 with all rights reserved. Reproduction or
Charlotte Business Journal is committed to following our journey. use, without permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner
is prohibited. The Charlotte Business Journal, ISSN-0887-5588, is
published weekly by American City Business Journal Inc., at 1100 S. Tryon
Street., Charlotte, NC 28203. Subscription rate is $94.00 for a one year
subscription, $172.00 for a two-year subscription, $203.00 for a three-year
subscription. Subscriptions mailed outside of the continental United States
are $442 for a one year subscription. Periodical postage paid at Charlotte
NC under USPS Per. #1564. The Charlotte Business Journal is a publication
of American City Business Journals Inc. The Charlotte Business Journal is
an equal opportunity employer.
Postmaster please send address changes to: Charlotte Business Journal,
Kevin Pitts 1100 S. Tryon St., Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28203.
President & Publisher Publisher: Kevin Pitts Phone: (704) 973-1100 or (800) 948-5323
Fax: (704) 973-1102 Internet: charlottebusinessjournal.com
E-mail: charlotte@bizjournals.com
New Century Systems, Inc.
Wishes to thank all of our
Exceptional Customers
for supporting Charlotte North Carolina based Diversity Small Businesses over the past 15 years...
During those 15 years, New Century Systems, Inc., an HP Elite Diversity Partner, has strived to provide our customers with the very best
Information Systems Solutions from Digital Equipment Corporation, Compaq Computer, Microsoft, and Hewlett-Packard. NCS has
combined 50+ years of staff experience with major Information Technology Providers to deliver superior business solutions. Our customer’s long
term commitment to support NCS and other Diversity Companies has been instrumental in our continued success as a Charlotte based business. We
are very grateful for your continued business and support.
Frederick L. Denton
President/CEO
New Century Systems, Inc.
704-523-2515
5. WEEK OF april 23, 2010 CHarlOTTE BUSiNESS JOUrNal energy Inc. | 5
charlottebusinessjournal.com
energy capital arises poWer players
6 Making its case 18 shaw’s growing role
The Charlotte region’s expertise in power production inspires Jeff Merrifield oversees Shaw Power Group’s
campaign to be the nation’s new energy capital. efforts to design and build power plants.
7 Duke’s rogers provides spark 20 a French accent
Duke Energy CEO Jim Rogers gets behind effort French firm Areva prepares for a rebirth of
to develop the Carolinas as center of energy nuclear power at its Charlotte-based operations.
Merrifield
industry.
20 other voices
8 gaining momentum Six executives in energy sector discuss the growth prospects of
Siemens joins a growing cluster of energy com- their firms and the region.
panies that are expanding or locating here. Rogers
22 alternatives seek traction
8 research backs industry Leaders at Charlotte’s small renewable-power companies say
UNC Charlotte’s research center set to play a leading role in this part of the energy industry faces challenges.
advancing energy industry.
9 training a work force What they are saying
Central Piedmont Community College partners with business to 25 partnership’s push
offer curriculum needed to build, operate power plants.
Charlotte Regional Partnership is taking lead
11 Benefits of diversification role in promoting the region as the new energy
capital.
With banking and finance badly hurt by the recession, the rise of
the energy sector takes on heightened significance. 25 chamber’s energy agenda
12 policy considerations Charlotte Chamber outlines changes in federal
and state policy that are needed to foster
Proponents say state needs to make some regulatory changes to development of the industry.
advance various components of energy production. Bryant
26 tax credits need revision
13 Working with legislators State policy on treatment of tax credits is curbing enthusiasm for
Conservation measures won’t progress much without help from investments in renewables.
the General Assembly.
27 new purpose for industrial parks
24 Funding energy projects The nation’s huge inventory of unused industrial properties can
Charlotte firm Abundant Power gears up to finance clean-energy house energy projects.
projects.
27 solar power’s promise
top 25 list Solar energy is poised for growth, but some regulatory changes
and financial incentives are needed for it to fully realize its poten-
16 top area energy companies tial.
photo NANCy PiERCE
AVAILABLE
– Entire building available
– +/-182,000 sq. ft. of
Class A office space for
lease or purchase
ACCESSIBLE
– Located at the
intersection of Billy
Graham Parkway and
Tyvola Road
– Minutes from I-77, I-85,
Charlotte Douglas
International Airport and
center city Charlotte
AFFORDABLE
– Large, flexible floorplates
in high-quality and
attractive building
ACTIVE
– Outdoor amenities
including lakes, trails
and proximity to
Renaissance Park Golf
and Recreation Center
CORPORATE CENTER ONE
2320 Cascade Point Blvd
Learn more about LakePointe at LakePointeCorporateCenterOne.com or call 704.342.9000