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Adam Putnam announces 2015 Florida Energy Summit, will focus on sustainability

in Statewide/Top Headlines by

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce are joining forces to host a summit aimed at diversifying the state’s energy resources, promoting energy conservation and furthering economic growth.

The 2015 Florida Energy Summit will be held in Jacksonville from October 14-16 at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront.

The event’s keynote speaker is Christopher Guith, senior vice president for policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for 21st Century Energy. He will discuss how he’s taken steps to unify policymakers, regulators, business leaders and the public by displaying practical solutions and a common-sense energy strategy aimed at keeping the country both prosperous and clean.

Also planned are a series of panel discussions including “America’s Energy Revolution and Sustainable Development.” That discussion will take a look at how Florida can foster economic development by investing in all forms of energy. Other panel discussions include conversations on alternative fuel vehicles and the infrastructure needed to serve them. Panelists will also discuss advances in energy efficiency.

Other shorter discussions include what the summit is calling “energy snapshots.” The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Tony Morgan will talk about the “critical link between energy and water in Florida” while the University of Florida’s Jennison Kipp Searcy will discuss “Florida’s Multifamily Housing Efficiency Opportunities,” exploring how to save energy in multi-family homes.

The summit will also serve as an opportunity to showcase Northeast Florida’s leveraging of an evolving energy sector and its overall goal to serve residents for future generations to come.

Janelle Irwin has been a professional journalist covering local news and politics in the Tampa Bay area since 2003. She also hosts a weekly political talk show on WMNF Community radio. Janelle formerly served as the sole staff reporter for WMNF News and previously covered news for Patch.com and various local neighborhood newsletters. Her work has been featured in the New York Daily News, Free Speech Radio News and Florida Public Radio and she's been interviewed by radio stations across the nation for her coverage of the 2012 Republican National Convention. Janelle is a diehard news junkie who isn't afraid to take on big names in local politics including Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, the dirty business of trash and recycling in St. Pete and the ongoing Pier debacle. Her work as a reporter and radio host has earned her two WMNF awards including News Volunteer of the Year and Public Affairs Volunteer of the Year. Janelle is also the devoted mother to three brilliant and beautiful daughters who are a constant source of inspiration and occasional blogging fodder. To contact, email [email protected]

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