For Immediate Release: October 31, 2013
For more information about registration or sponsorship, contact: Paula Steenson (402) 346-3950
For media inquiries, contact: John Hansen, Co-Chair (402) 476-8815
The Nebraska Wind Conference Committee announced the selection Keynote Speakers for the Sixth Annual Wind Conference, November 13-15, 2013 at the Cornhusker Marriott in Lincoln.
Steve Gaw, the Director of Southwest Power Pool Regulatory Policy for the Wind Coalition, is the former Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives and former Chair of the Missouri Public Service Commission. He currently consults with the Wind Coalition and the American Wind Energy Association focusing on policy issues regarding electricity within the Southwest Power Pool region. He will speak on Wednesday, November 13.
Jeff Clark, Executive Director for the Wind Coalition and Bob Gibson, Vice President of Market Intelligence for Solar Electric Power Association will address conference attendees during lunch on Thursday, November 14.
Clark brings nearly two decades of political experience to his work at The Wind Coalition. Prior to assuming leadership of the Coalition in July of 2012, he was Vice President of Governmental Affairs at The Technology Association of America. He also directed the organization’s grid modernization and alternative energy efforts, including its successful efforts to promote the deployment of smart meters throughout the nation.
Gibson joined SEPA as Vice President of Market Intelligence in September 2010. He came to SEPA from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, where he was a senior manager in the Cooperative Research Network. He also worked at an alternative energy services company, marketing fuel cells, micro turbines, photovoltaics and other technologies to electric utilities.
Dallas Tonsager, former Under Secretary for Rural Development for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will also speak on Thursday. During his term, almost every single rural American received a new or increased service. Tonsager has been a leading voice for expansion of bio fuels production, expansion of food and fiber systems and bringing capital to rural America to support and grow local economies. He continues his work through his consulting business “Tonsager Consulting.”
“The knowledge these four experts will share with attendees is priceless,” said Conference Co-Chair John Hansen. “These men will be able to share their national expertise and insight as to how they think Nebraska can best harvest its wind and solar power potential and strengthen and grow the state’s economy and tax base.”
Registration for the conference is $125 through November 8, 2013. For participant registration, and to view the program, go to www.NebraskaWindConference.com.
For hotel reservations, contact the Cornhusker Marriott 866-706-7706. To view last year’s presentations, go to http://www.neo.ne.gov/renew/wind-working-group/2012conference.htm.