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Growing an Inclusive Clean Economy

On August 15, the Baumhart Center held “Growing an Inclusive Clean Economy,” with leaders in Chicago on the frontlines of the American business revolution. With the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022, companies have announced more than 300 major clean energy projects across the country. These projects will create more than 100,000 jobs providing economic sustainability for many.

Our esteemed panelists shared invaluable insights during the event. 

  • Bob Keefe, Executive Director, E2 
  • Mike Quigley, Illinois Congressman, 5th District 
  • Michelle Carr, CEO, Evergreen Climate Innovations 
  • Utopia Hill, CEO, Reactivate 
  • Samir Mayekar, Managing Director, Polsky Center, University of Chicago 
  • Karen Weigert, Director, Baumhart Center

“I truly believe we are at the advent of the biggest economic revolution we’ve seen in generations.”

Bob Keefe, Executive Director, E2

The event opened with a welcome video from Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, a welcome from Bob Keefe, Executive Director of E2 and Karen Weigert, Director of the Baumhart Center.  

“We have to look at the system as a whole in terms of training, education, job opportunities, at all levels.”

Mike Quigley, Illinois Congressman, 5th District

After the welcome addresses, a fireside chat between Bob Keefe and Mike Quigley, Illinois Congressman for the 5th District. Keefe and Quigley discussed the evolution of the Inflation Reduction Act, a 2022 federal law that includes investment in domestic energy production while promoting clean energy. The conversation continued with Quigley’s history in clean energy advocacy, and how Illinois can maximize this time.

“We have the opportunity to grow the eco-system more.”

Michelle Carr, CEO, Evergreen Climate Innovations

“When we build our projects, it’s not just about the direct savings, but how we look at it from a regenerative standpoint.”

Utopia Hill, CEO, Reactivate

After the fireside chat, a panel of Chicago leaders in the clean energy shared more about their work in the industry and how Chicago can grow into the next large clean energy space. One factor is involving the community in clean energy projects, allowing them to give their insight and gain community benefits from the projects.

“You have to understand the dynamics of the energy market in order to be effective in the industry.”

Samir Mayekar, Managing Director, Polsky Center, University of Chicago

The conversation ended with each leader highlighting examples of the work they are doing to work for an inclusive clean economy, ways they collaborate with other organizations, and advice to individuals who are interested in getting involved.

The event ended with a networking session and a book signing from Bob Keefe about his new book Clean Economy NOW.

Key Takeaways

On August 15, the Baumhart Center held “Growing an Inclusive Clean Economy,” with leaders in Chicago on the frontlines of the American business revolution. With the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022, companies have announced more than 300 major clean energy projects across the country. These projects will create more than 100,000 jobs providing economic sustainability for many.

Our esteemed panelists shared invaluable insights during the event. 

  • Bob Keefe, Executive Director, E2 
  • Mike Quigley, Illinois Congressman, 5th District 
  • Michelle Carr, CEO, Evergreen Climate Innovations 
  • Utopia Hill, CEO, Reactivate 
  • Samir Mayekar, Managing Director, Polsky Center, University of Chicago 
  • Karen Weigert, Director, Baumhart Center

“I truly believe we are at the advent of the biggest economic revolution we’ve seen in generations.”

Bob Keefe, Executive Director, E2

The event opened with a welcome video from Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, a welcome from Bob Keefe, Executive Director of E2 and Karen Weigert, Director of the Baumhart Center.  

“We have to look at the system as a whole in terms of training, education, job opportunities, at all levels.”

Mike Quigley, Illinois Congressman, 5th District

After the welcome addresses, a fireside chat between Bob Keefe and Mike Quigley, Illinois Congressman for the 5th District. Keefe and Quigley discussed the evolution of the Inflation Reduction Act, a 2022 federal law that includes investment in domestic energy production while promoting clean energy. The conversation continued with Quigley’s history in clean energy advocacy, and how Illinois can maximize this time.

“We have the opportunity to grow the eco-system more.”

Michelle Carr, CEO, Evergreen Climate Innovations

“When we build our projects, it’s not just about the direct savings, but how we look at it from a regenerative standpoint.”

Utopia Hill, CEO, Reactivate

After the fireside chat, a panel of Chicago leaders in the clean energy shared more about their work in the industry and how Chicago can grow into the next large clean energy space. One factor is involving the community in clean energy projects, allowing them to give their insight and gain community benefits from the projects.

“You have to understand the dynamics of the energy market in order to be effective in the industry.”

Samir Mayekar, Managing Director, Polsky Center, University of Chicago

The conversation ended with each leader highlighting examples of the work they are doing to work for an inclusive clean economy, ways they collaborate with other organizations, and advice to individuals who are interested in getting involved.

The event ended with a networking session and a book signing from Bob Keefe about his new book Clean Economy NOW.

Key Takeaways