Story Published:
Aug 31, 2010 at 10:06 PM CST
Story Updated:
Aug 31, 2010 at 10:06 PM CST
Gov. Bredesen and Commissioner Kisber announced the launch of a new $50 million Energy Efficiency Loan Program to help Tennessee companies finance investments in energy efficient technology, energy retrofits and renewable energy systems.
According to Commissioner Matt Kisber, "Since Governor Bredesen took office in 2003, one of his highest priorities has been the creation of higher-skilled, better-paying jobs for Tennesseans." The loan program is in alignment with this priority.
Creating jobs has been a tall order in the midst of one of the nation's biggest job slumps in its history. With double digit unemployment still plaguing much of the state, Kisber stated that he was encouraged that "In the last year, we’ve been called the nation’s most competitive state for business, the second-best for business climate and the most improved state for development."
Claiming that "The last seven years have seen the creation of 190,505 new jobs, $33 billion in capital investment and more than 50 corporate headquarter locations in Tennessee." Kisber said that he's please with the Tennessee Economic and Community Development's record. Referencing investments from Volkswagen Group of America, Hemlock Semiconductor, Wacker Chemical and Nissan, Kisber said that the state has seen the creation of more than 3,000 new jobs.
A new, one-megawatt (1 MW) solar power system, the largest in Tennessee and the Tennessee Valley Authority Region, is now online in Knoxville. Congressman Lincoln Davis flipped the switch on the Southeast's first parking area solar array with integrated electric vehicle charging capacity. Outpost Solar's solar array will generate enough electricity to power approximately four American homes.
