Clean energy investments make sense for Iowa businesses

I have been with Van Meter Inc. for nearly two years and as time has passed I've seen the employee-owned company make leaps and bounds in the clean energy industry, which has turned out to be a successful business investment. We are continuously thinking about innovative ways to grow our business and ways to help Iowa families and companies flourish. What we've found to benefit our company and Iowans across the state is investing in clean energy sources.

Wind energy is already successful in Iowa as it provides over 6,000 jobs and over 25 percent of the state's electrical needs - now solar energy is on the move and growing every day. Our company assists early on in the process when it comes to solar energy. We inventory and deliver the solar panels to companies who then install them on homes, farms and commercial buildings. We have seen an increase in demand for solar panels especially on farms and commercial buildings because of the cost effectiveness. Utilizing clean energy helps lower energy costs.

Over the years we have worked to make many of our buildings LEED certified, which means they are saving our company money and resources while promoting clean energy. At our Iowa City branch, our energy bill went from nearly $10,000 a year to $350 a year just by switching to sustainable construction practices and cleaner energy sources. As a major Iowa business, we want to make sure we are getting a financial return on our investments, but also benefiting our clean energy economy.

Van Meter is committed to growing the solar market in the Midwest. Solar energy makes good sense for the environment and our local economy.

What is Van Meter doing?

' Leading by example: Van Meter has solar energy installed at five of its 15 locations with plans to implement solar at additional locations in the future.

' Stocking materials: Van Meter stocks a comprehensive offering of solar system components - everything from modules, inverters and racking solutions to site assessment tools, wire and connectors.

' Providing technical expertise and logistics: Van Meter has a dedicated energy team to assist with system design, product specifications, interconnection agreements, permitting, job-site delivery and more.

' Educating stakeholders: Van Meter hosts regular training workshops on how to size and install solar systems. The courses qualify for continuing education units and prepare contractors to engage in the solar market. Additionally, Van Meter participates on a number of committees and boards that advocate for policy changes that support solar.

Van Meter is about generational success, not just what is good for tomorrow. This is why we support transitioning to a 50 percent clean energy economy by 2030 - not just because it benefits the environment, but because it makes economic sense for locally-owned businesses like ours and the Iowans we serve.

Iowa is a clean energy success story and at Van Meter Inc. we want to make sure Iowa remains a national leader in clean energy production, which is why we encourage you to attend the Iowa caucuses on Feb. 1 and advocate for clean energy. It's not about politics for us - it's about doing what is right for Iowa families, businesses and the environment.

Iowa is proving that a thriving clean energy economy is possible and Van Meter Inc. is seeing the benefits first hand. It's time for the rest of the nation to transition to clean energy sources in order to provide good-paying jobs, boost the economy and maintain a healthy environment for generations to come. Van Meter Inc. is committed to a clean energy future. Join us and make your voice heard by caucusing for clean energy on Feb. 1.

'Scott Cornish, Vice President of Diversified Business for Van Meter Inc., has a background in the petroleum, renewable fuels and most recently, the renewable energy industry focused on solar energy and energy efficiency with Van Meter, Inc.