Clean Leadership Circle

Mission

The mission of the Chicago Clean Energy Alliance is to bring together the top players in the Greater Chicago area and beyond to make valuable business connections, discuss cutting-edge ideas and advocate for policies that will enable a productive clean economy. We also promote the development of innovative strategies and companies that will lead the world to a clean economy while placing our region in a position for leadership.

CCEA is the largest networking group in the Greater Chicago area for influential decision-makers. CCEA attracts experts in wind, solar, biomass, biofuels, coal, carbon capture & sequestration, energy efficiency, water, electric vehicles, commodities, education, government, and professional services.

The CCEA offers an exciting format to the Chicago business community that includes prominent speakers, targeted speed networking, and unstructured open networking. We bring in corporate leaders, government officials, and other energy experts to educate members on the latest trends and policies.

The CCEA envisions a future dependent on a sound regional, national, and global energy policy that encourages clean energy innovation and technology commercialization. With a foundation in place, the CCEA’s goal is to help the greater Chicago region with its considerable innovation assets to leverage the power of free markets to become a leading provider of clean energy solutions to the global marketplace. The CCEA completely believes that this emerging sector can and will become a powerful economic engine for the mid-west, capable of generating new jobs in the coming decade and beyond.

CCEA is an Illinois corporation with 501c6 status from the IRS.

Connect, Collaborate, Educate, Access

The Facts

Founded in December 2009, the CCEA has executed more than 15 events for the Chicago community. These events have united more than 1,600 local professionals and helped us develop a mailing list of over 5,000 contacts.

Finances

The CCEA has been self-funded through the hard work of our three board members, generous sponsorships, event revenue, and individual supporters.

Next Steps

The CCEA is launching a paid membership program to advance our mission and deliver increased programing, education and advocacy. These additional funds will be used to develop the infrastructure necessary to continue our mission to build an effective platform for education, influence and business networking for the clean economy.

Clean Leadership Circle (Invite only membership)

The CCEA Clean Leadership Circle is an invitational forum comprised of 25 recognized leaders from across the clean economy sector and the greater Chicago area. The CCEA’s Clean Leadership Circle will meet three times yearly to provide a forum for discussion and interaction between members and invited government, academic, clean energy and other interest group leaders. Programs are designed to explore ideas, trades, analyses, insights and provide access to the individuals and companies that are pushing for future industry growth and business opportunities. Clean Leadership Circle events are limited to members and invited guests.

These leadership forums provide an opportunity for frank and open dialogue. The exchange of ideas fosters understanding of different approaches to problems, ultimately leading to building business and to help shape public policy. Topics for Clean Leadership Circle meetings will be developed by the CCEA Executive Director with the guidance of the Clean Leadership Circle Steering Committee. Clean Leadership Circle discussions will generate new ideas for activities in all CCEA program areas.

Our plan is to have the Clean Leadership Circle comprised of five key sectors to provide a well-balanced, innovation focused group of professionals that are dedicated to growing the clean economy and their business.s.

The plan is to limit each of these sectors to 3 – 6 companies for a total participation of 25 organizations. We will also offer free membership to key educational institutions, associations, government organizations and non-profits.

CLEAN LEADERSHIP CIRCLE BENEFITS

• Access to attend three exclusive Clean Leadership Circle events for members and invited guests.
• Participate in meetings and communications with state and federal government officials.
• Participate in setting the agenda that will direct the CCEA advocacy work
• Participate in the recognition and selection of other clean economy leaders for the Clean Leadership Circle.
• Free access for 2 people to all general CCEA events

INTANGIBLE MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

• Network with other clean energy thought leaders and influencers.
• Uncover new business, investment, and research opportunities.
• Influence, impact, and educate policymakers.
• Enhance your organization’s profile by participating in initiatives promoting.
• economic growth, job creation, and regional clean energy cluster development.
• Generate innovative ideas through interaction with domain experts.
• Show that your organization is committed to help grow the region’s clean energy economy.

Membership $15,000

Membership in the CCEA is an opportunity to join a powerful, growing community dedicated to building a robust environment for clean economy activity within the greater Chicago region. This is your chance to associate yourself with the new leading voice, catalyst and pre-eminent convener for the region’s clean energy economy.

COMMITMENT

At this time we are asking individual organizations to express their commitment to join the Clean Leadership Circle by submitting a letter pledging their willingness to join. Once we have achieved 15 letters of commitment, we will ask those organizations to submit their financial contribution. Additionally, we are asking each individual to assist with recommendations for other possible members to the Clean Leadership Circle and provide introductions when possible.

If you would like to apply for membership into the Clean Leadership Circle please contact Darrin Stern at 773-727-0337 or dstern@theccea.org.