Past Events

1/4/2011 CEN-Houston Happy Hour

This is a non-sponsored happy hour at Black Labrador on January 4th (Tuesday) for people who are interested in getting more involved in CEN-Houston and learn more about specific opportunities. Attendees also had a good discussion on the planning and outlook for the year. Due to the interests from many individuals, an Event Sub-committee will be created in the CEN-Houston Executive Team.

9/9/2010 CEN-Houston Hosts Clean Economy Network Policy Forum

The Houston Chapter invited ten business and policy leaders in Houston for an intimate roundtable discussion on the future of clean energy policy. Attendees include former executives from several multi-national oil & gas companies, independent power companies, smart grid companies, a venture capital principal, a city council member, the city sustainability director, a Rice Univ. Professor, and a renewable energy tax expert. The interactive dialogue was focused on the top policy priorities for Texas and the country and it was facilitated by Mr. Warren Belmar, current Chair of CENEF and former Deputy General Counsel for Energy Policy of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and Tim Greeff, CEN’s National Policy Director. By harnessing the best ideas from the best minds in Texas, the Clean Economy Network hopes to better inform and shape national and local policy priorities that promote these industries.

The event could not have been a success without the efforts of Tyra Rankin and Tara Schilling from CEN-Houston.

7/27/10 CEN-Houston Cleantech Networking Event Solar Technologies and Deployment Presented by Ignite Solar

We are very glad to see that solar energy draws such a big interest (over 100 people signed up for the event!) among Houstonians. 

The night started off with Mike Hansen as he introduced the tour guides for the evening.  The group broke off into four smaller groups that were guided through a very personalized journey into the various solar technologies and projects presented in each room.  Ignite is able to boast that they are working with two Pasadena schools sites for the East Harris County Solar Energy Pilot Program, a joint project of the Pasadena school district and Woodlands-based Houston Advanced Research Center. 

Following the discussion, most of us were able to meet up afterward for a chance to network and further discuss solar interests at Ragin Cajun.

Many thanks to Ignite Solar for hosting the event and providing the venue. Moreover, the event wouldn't have been possible without the heavy lifting in logistics by Michael Hansen, our Executive Committee at CEN-Houston, and the staff from our partner French American Chamber of Commerce.

4/5/10 Renewable Energy Careers Today: A Panel Discussion

Students & business professionals came together in the wonderful Rockwell Pavilion of MD Anderson Library at U of H. The venue couldn’t have been any more perfect as everyone was able to share their vastly different perspectives and gain insight into the industry through the eyes Michael Miller, Dr. Victor Flatt, Kevin DeNeicola, & Mark Livingston.  

Mark began the program with a high level overview on the industry, with each panelist highlighting their area of expertise and background. Through the following discussion attendees were able to get a grasp of the competitive nature and challenges that face those in the industry, yet understand the future rewards as the green market develops.  

Key take aways were: 1) oil/gas is converging w/ renewables - smaller plays in the space are increasingly looking for M&A opportunities w/ "big balance sheet" traditional companies + are nearly exclusively hiring executives with large project experience 2) although the legislative environment is relatively uncertain, the odds of "backsliding" are limited - further legislation is expected that will continue to create significant opportunities for growth and expansion across a wide spectrum of renewables/clean economy businesses 3) VC/PE activity is picking up and firms are actively recruiting talent to get deals done - we've come through a period focused on development of utility-scale solar and wind projects - new pushes into various options for biofuels are underway 4) there are likely to be significant opportunities for investment and employment centered around technologies that unlock the potential to de-couple clean power generation from things like geography and daytime hours - especially in enhanced storage and transmission technologies  

Many thanks to the University of Houston for providing the venue and Porter & Hedges LLP for sponsoring the event with their donations for food and giftcards. Finally, the event wouldn't have been possible with the help of Cathy Hutzell and the C.T. Bauer College of Business. We look forward to partnering with you again in the future.

Thanks also go to John Tunison and Tara Schilling from CEN-Houston who took the lead in implementing this event.

3/18/10 CEN/REBN-Houston Event with Paul Dickerson on Cleantech Innovation & Entrepreneurship

More than 50 people attended joined us in this great speech and discussion. As a member of the Advisory Committee for the CEN-Houston as well as a member of the Board of Directors for the World Affairs Council, Paul shared many insights on how Texas can lead in the Cleantech Innovation & Entrepreneurship based on his extensive experiences as a former governmental official and an industry guru.

Many thanks to Haynes & Boone for providing the venue, sponsoring the wine and drinks. Moreover, the event wouldn't have been possible without the heavy lifting in logistics by our friends from the event co-sponsor, the World Affairs Council of Houston, and Tara Schilling from CEN-Houston.

11/03/09 Houston's 1st Solar Panel Discussion and Networking Event

More than 65 clean energy professionals and enthusiasts in Houston joined us in our 1st event on solar energy! Many thanks go to our panelists (Shay, Burt, John and Michael) and the planning team (Michael Hensan, Tyra Rankin, John Tunison, and Tara Schilling) who brought this excellent event together.

When:   6pm, Nov. 3, 2009
Where: Private room at McCormick and Schmick's Uptown Park
              1151-1 Uptown Park Blvd., Houston, TX 77056
What: Panel discussion on solar in Houston followed by networking (panelists include Prof. Shay Curran from UH, Mr. Burt Chao from Simmons & Co., Mr. Michael Hansen from Ignite Solar, and Mr. John Gardner from SRE3.

no charge to attend
hors d’oeuvres provided
two door prizes distributed

05/05/09 REBN-South TechConnect Networking Event

In conjunction with the TechConnect Conference, REBN-South organized a networking event.

When:  6:30 - 10:30pm
           Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Where: House of Blues, 1204 Caroline St Houston, TX 77002 - (713) 652-5837
Who:    All REBN-South members, friends, and TechConnect 2009 conference attendees.


Free Admission and Appetizers.
Event sponsored by Andrews Kurth LLP
Business Card with REBN-South contact info provided by forGreen Marketing & Design
 
Close to 100 people joined us at the event. It was a great success. Houston REBNers were joined by members and friends from other parts of the country. The event would not have been as successful without our event sponsors. We would like to recognize the following people for their gracious help: Joel Goldberg for production of the event flyers; Denis Potapov for the design of the flyer, on-line marketing campaign, and contribution of door prizes; Lance Cumberland for the contribution of a door prize; Mark Livingston for his help in planning for the event.

 

02/18/09 Renewable Energy Startup Event

Join us for a discussion on how to turn your renewable energy business idea into a viable renewal energy business; and, as always, to meet like-minded professionals and discuss ideas and opportunities with each other, while enjoying some of Capone's famous food (Cocktails are also available at the bar).

When:  6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
           Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2009
Where: Capone's Bar & Grill
What:   Keynote speeches on cleantech/renewables startups, discussions and networking.

About 50 REBN members showed up and enjoyed the discussion and networking. Thomas Suffield, the Principal of Cedars Capital discussed how to put your company's business plan at the top of investors list for funding, and MaryAnne Barker from Houston Technology Center discussed the implications of the national political environment, in addition to other sources of funding and support for start-up renewable energy companies. Thanks to Jaden Crawford for his help!

 

11/14/08 Houston and Ireland: Building Sustainable Energy Partnerships (Co-sponsored with World Affairs Council)

To fuel its strong economy, Ireland is investing heavily in wind and other renewable energy sources. Ambassador Collins discussed opportunities in this growing market for sustainable energy.

When:  12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
           Friday, November 14
Where: Granger Room
           Doubletree Hotel, 400 Dallas Street, Houston
What:   Keynote speech on cleantech/renewables by Ambassader Michael Collins and networking.

The event was very well received and about 100 people attended the event. The former FERC Chairman Mr. Pat Wood made the introduction of the Ambassader and the two sponsors.

 

10/07/08 3rd Cleantech/Renewables Networking Event

The German American Chamber of Commerce South Chapter (GACC South), the French American Chamber of Commerce Houston Chapter (FACC Houston), the Energy Association of the University of Houston (EAUH), the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce of Texas (IACC-Texas), the Italy-American Chamber of Commerce of Texas (IACC-Texas), and the Renewable Energy Business Network South Chapter (REBN-South) co-organized the networking event. The keynote speaker at this event was Greg Wortham, Mayor of the City of Sweetwater and Executive Director of the West Texas Wind Energy Consortium.

When:  6 - 8 pm
           Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2008
Where: The Tasting Room
           1101 Uptown Park Blvd #18, Houston, TX 77056
What:   Cleantech/renewables networking.

Greg gave a nice speech on wind in Texas. We also had a great turnout: ~ around 50 (a good representation of VC's, entrepreneurs, professionals from renewables sector and oil/gas sector, new grads/business students, attorneys, consultants, etc.). Some pictures are shown below.

04/01/08 2nd Event: Happy Hour

When:  6 - 8 pm
           Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Where: McCormick & Schmick seafood in the Uptown Park            
           1151 Uptown Park Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77056
What:   Enjoy a drink and get to know each other.

REBN-South started to gain momentum.

01/31/08 1st event in Houston

When:   6:00 pm
            Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Where:  Sherlock's at River Oaks
            1952 W. Gray St., Houston , TX 77019
What:    Networking; Planning issues for future REBN-Houston activities

We had a great start last night! Here I want to thank all who attended. We got participation from startups, a renewable/sustainability consulting business, a communication/design business, a high-profile executive search company, a renewable energy company, and manufacturers/vendors. It is exciting to have members coming from San Antonio!