DRIVING EV LEADERSHIP: How to Develop a Local Electric Vehicle Ecosystem

The East Tennessee Clean Fuels Coalition (ETCleanFuels), in partnership with, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Field Offices (TDEC) and DriveElectricTN (DET), presents DRIVING EV LEADERSHIP: How to develop a Local Electric Vehicle (EV) Ecosystem in your Community.

TDEC's Commissioner David W. Salyers, P.E. will kick-off the event with a presentation, and will be followed by a host of local to statewide leaders that will discuss topics related to how to develop a local EV ecosystem.

One of the goals for this community leadership engagement event is to foster relationships and create a diverse, local team to develop your community's EV Ecosystem, through the establishment of a DriveElectricTN Chapter.

After the presentation, there will be an opportunity for you to view and learn more about electric vehicles with subject matter experts and community EV pioneers. There will be a variety of EVs on display. Dependent on EV availability at the local automobile dealerships, there will be a Ride & Drive before lunch to experience the smooth and quiet ride that EVs provide. Involved local automobile dealerships include Champion Chevrolet and Johnson City Nissan.

Local and regional leaders are encouraged to attend. This includes leaders from large and small area businesses, local and state government... and any other interested community representatives.

DET is a statewide, electric vehicle initiative that is managed by the East Tennessee Clean Fuels Coalition.

Johnson City Event details

This event is part of the 2020 National Drive Electric Week.

WHEN: Thursday, Sept 24, from 7:30 am – 12:30 pm

WHERE: Carnegie Hotel, Taylor Salon, 1216 W. State of Franklin Rd, Johnson City, TN 37604

Carnegie Hotel and events are following CDC and Governor Bill Lee’s COVID-19 “Attractions, Large Venues & Large Community Events” guidelines. Governors Lee’s Executive Order 59 (reference original Executive Order 38).

COST: FREE

FOOD SERVICE: A light breakfast and lunch will be served following health and safety standards based on COVID-19 guidelines.

CAPACITY: 50 seats available (COVID-19 compliant)

PARKING:

• Carnegie Hotel parking lot, no cost
• ETSU Millennium Center covered parking garage, first two floors, no cost
• For EV drivers that will display their vehicles, please contact Virginia Salazar Buda at 423-833-8474 to determine location.

PRESENTATION THEME: “How to Develop a Local Electric Vehicle (EV) Ecosystem”

GOALS: Fostering relationships and creating a team to develop your community’s local EV Ecosystem, through the establishment of a DriveElectricTN Chapter.

AGENDA:

7:30 - 8:00 am: Registration & COVID-safe Continental Breakfast (yogurt cups, individually wrapped pastries & coffee)

8:00 - 8:05 am: Welcome and Introductions – Executive Director Jonathan Overly, East Tennessee Clean Fuels Coalition (ETCleanFuels)

8:05 - 8:20 am: Opening Remarks & Thoughts – Commissioner David Salyers, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC)

8:20 - 8:30 am: How Local Government Leadership can make a Difference – Mayor Jenny Brock, City of Johnson City

8:30 - 8:40 am: A personal choice - driving an Electric Vehicle – City Councilwoman Margaret Feierabend, City of Bristol

8:40 – 9:00 am: Components of an Effective EV Ecosystem – Jonathan Overly, ETCleanFuels -Who are the people and what are the elements of a comprehensive community EV Plan?

9:00 - 9:15 am: The Role of the Local Utility in a Thriving EV Ecosystem – Electrical Engineer Sam Ford, BrightRidge. EV charging infrastructure’s importance in community EV planning and fleet adoption.

9:15 - 9:30 am: GM and the Future of EVs and Fleets – Business Development Manager Kevin Couturier, General Motors. GM’s 30,000-foot view and how it affects you.

9:30 - 9:40 am: Building Community EV Relationships through the News – Station Manager Wayne Winkler, WETS Radio Station 89.5 - East Tennessee State University

9:40 - 9:55 am: “How my wife and I Lived the EV Example for the last Decade” – David Hrivnak. Hrivnak will discuss the vehicles he has owned as well as his zero-energy home, and his involvement and leadership in managing EV education events over the last decade plus.

9:55 - 10:05 am: Did you Know? EV 101 – Statewide Coordinator Virginia Salazar Buda, DriveElectricTN

10:10 - 11:00 am: EV Viewing and Learning with EV Pioneers and Subject Matter Experts EVs will be parked outside for your viewing and learning. Dependent on local EV availability there will be a Ride & Drive Experience. COVID-19 Safety Practices, issued by the National Drive Electric Week, will be followed to our best ability.

11:00 - 12:00 pm: Lunch in Taylor Salon (COVID-19 food preparation guidelines followed)

11:10 - 11:25 am: VW & Other Funding Opportunities Information – Jonathan Overly, ETCleanFuels

11:15 - 12:30 pm: Further EV Viewing and Learning – Dependent on local EV availability there will be a Ride & Drive opportunity after lunch.

Contact Virginia Salazar Buda at 423-833-8474 with any questions about the event.