Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland and Anne B. Pope, co-chairs of the 2009 Appalachian Regional Commission, today announced that James E. Rogers, chairman, president and CEO of Duke Energy, will provide the keynote address for the 2009 Appalachian Regional Commission fall conference. 

 

The conference is titled New Energy. New Jobs. New Opportunities for Appalachia and will be held in Athens, Ohio, from October 26-28.

 

“As president and CEO of Duke Energy, Jim’s leadership is laying the foundation for a new energy economy in the United States,” Strickland said. “Appalachian Ohio has fueled energy growth in America for many years.  Jim’s foresight and thoughtful approach to new energy development recognizes the significant role that Appalachia will play in the development of a sustainable and cleaner energy economy, fueling growth in the region for years to come.”

 

Duke Energy is one of the largest power companies in the United States with approximately 4 million customers in the Carolinas and the Midwest. The company also distributes natural gas in Ohio and Kentucky. Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy also operates diverse power generation assets in North America and Latin America, including a growing renewable energy portfolio.

 

ARC Federal Co-Chair Anne B. Pope welcomed Ohio as the choice to host the ARC fall conference.

 

“It is particularly appropriate to be holding this conference in the state of Ohio with Governor Strickland. Ohio is at the cutting edge in helping communities seize the economic opportunities offered by new energy resources and technologies. And Jim Rogers as keynote speaker has the right credentials to show us the most effective development strategies to maximize those resources. This will be an exciting and informative conference that I urge all those interested in exploring the economic potential of green energy to attend.” 

 

Rogers’ keynote address will begin at 9:15 a.m. ET on Tuesday, October 27, 2009, on the Ohio University Campus, Baker University Center Grand Ballroom (Fourth Floor).

 

Opening remarks will begin at 8:30 a.m. and will be provided by Debbie Phillips, Ohio State Representative (92nd District), Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, 2009 ARC States’ Co-Chair, Anne B. Pope, ARC Federal Co-Chair, and U.S. Senator George V. Voinovich.

 

The 2009 Appalachian Regional Commission conference will assemble investors, scholars, environmental experts, representatives from the public sector and others to share their expertise on resources, energy trends and how individuals, communities and businesses will participate in the new energy economy.

 

For a complete conference schedule, please visit the conference Web site.

 

To register now – click here.