Energy News: November/December 2012 | BEAM Update

BEAM Updates

South Carolina

Engineering Club meeting at Keenan High School in Columbia, SC.

Summary

• AABE sponsored the October Engineering Club meeting at Keenan High School in Columbia, SC.
• Dinner was provided for the students, student advisors, and parents and a panel of individuals from AABE/SCANA with various backgrounds in engineering shared their experiences and offered career advice.

Event Detail

• The students and parents had many thoughtful questions and the panel was able to provide insightful responses.
• The panel received positive feedback following the meeting and the students were enthusiastic about the valuable information they received.
• Approximately 75 students, parents, advisors, and SCAABE members were in attendance.

Participants/Highlights

• The Panel was made up of experts from Demand Side Management, Gas and Transmission, Electric Distribution, Nuclear, and New Nuclear Development.
• Their background was from Electrical, Mechanical, and Nuclear Disciplines of Engineering.

Results

• Approximately 75 students, parents, advisors, and SCAABE members were in attendance.
• The panel received positive feedback following the meeting and the students were enthusiastic about the valuable information they received

Michigan

Program Title

• A Critical Discussion for our time: The 25 x 25 Ballot Proposal 3

Summary

• Michigan’s current Proposal 3 looks to alter the Michigan Constitution and increase the renewable footprint to 25% by 2025.
• What does this really mean for Michigan residents? The AABE Michigan Chapter hosted an informative discussion with industry experts to present all views.
• Local residents and business owners gathered at the majestic Roberts Riverwalk Hotel to discuss how this change will impact their energy bills.

Event Detail

• For BEAM, our goal was to enlighten the public so they can make an informed decision.
• AABE is in alignment with renewable energy being good for Michigan, but in the right places and in the right increments to ensure sustainability.

Participants/Highlights

• Douglas Jesters – Five Lakes Energy, ballot Proposal Initiator
• David Owens – AABE
• Steve Transeth – The Clean Affordable Renewable Energy Michigan Coalition
• Donele Wilkins – Detroit Green Door Initative
• Carla Walker – Miller (Moderator) - CEO of Walker – Miller Energy Services LLC

Results

• Over 60 people attended the event. We had participation from local residents, and local business owners.

Atlanta

Submitted by Heidi Boykin, 2012-2013 BEAM Chair Committee Members:
Heidi Boykin, Eric Arnold, Anthony Outland, Rodney Russell, Randy Thedford

Program Title

• 2012 AABE Atlanta BEAM Committee Report

Supporting Members

Cherryl Harris, Valerie Searcy Event Location: Georgia Power Company (Auditorium)

Participants/Highlights

Carver High School	18 students	2 teachers
KIPP Atlanta Collegiate	15 students	1 teachers
Redan High School	21 students	2 teachers
Therrell High School	44 students	5 teachers

Total: 98 students 10 teachers

Exhibitors

• Army ROTC
• Atlanta Gas Light
• Clark Atlanta University Dual Degree Program
• General Electric
• Georgia Power
• National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
• Jr. Siemens Success Prep Volunteers

Donors

• Atlanta Gas Light
• General Electric
• Georgia Natural Gas
• Georgia Power
• RTL Networks
• SCANA Energy

Event Overview

• The program opened with a BINGO networking/icebreaker activity and technology video.
• The day included four breakout sessions:
  • A Pathway to Success in Energy – Sponsored by General Electric
  • Careers in Energy –Sponsored by Georgia Power
  • General Exhibit Expo – Included Georgia Power, Siemens, General Electric, NSBE Jr, Success Prep, Army ROTC, Clark Atlanta University Dual Program and scholarship information from UNCF Cool Exhibits –
  • Electric and Compressed Natural Gas Vehicles – Sponsored by Georgia Power and AGL Resources

Melvin Williams (Senior VP, AGL Resources) was the luncheon keynote speaker. His message titled “What You Do Today…Matters Tomorrow” focused on life lessons and offered advice to students. Door prizes, donated by Georgia Natural Gas (Six Flags tickets), were given to students for questions answered correctly pertaining to his message. Ended this session with a video on social media, and its impact today. Students and teachers were provided with gift backpacks filled with various gifts, donated trinkets and information.

Results

• We received 76 completed evaluations.
• 71% (54) students said they would consider a Career in Energy as a result of this program.
• 41% (31) students mentioned the program on Facebook or Tweeted about the program.
• Additional feedback from the volunteers, students, teachers and exhibitors was very favorable.
  • The Cool Exhibits session was the most popular session with the students.
  • Additional high schools and exhibitors would like to be invited/included in this program.
  • Consider alternate locations that would accommodate more attendees and exhibitors and/or expand to a two-day program.