Governor Bev Perdue and Senator Joe Sam Queen visit the region and stop by EnergyXchange for a tour.  Rumor has it that the last time a NC Governor toured the area was in the 1980s!

Today, North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue made a special visit to EnergyXchange on her tour of Western North Carolina.  Joining the tour lead by Executive Director, Dan Asher were the Governor’s husband Bob, Senator Joe Sam Queen, the Governor’s staff, Nathan Bennett (Yancey County Manager) and Jamie McMahan (Yancey County Planner) as well as local friends of the Governor.

Despite her full trip agenda, Governor Perdue spent greater than double her scheduled time at EnergyXchange, learning from the residents and Dan about the organization’s pioneering work and applications in renewable energy, art work, horticulture and aquaculture.

Among her many professional and political accomplishments, Governor Perdue is responsible for the creation of the North Carolina Green Business Fund.  Established in the 2007 Legislative Session, the North Carolina Green Business Fund awards competitive grants to North Carolina organizations with innovative projects focused on entrepreneurial growth in environmentally conscious clean technology, green building and renewable energy products and businesses. For more information visit  http://www.ncscitech.com/gbf/ .

The Governor was thrilled to see both the artists and EnergyXchange projects in action. “Thank you for what you do here”, said Governor Perdue, as they stood outside admiring the beautiful views at the end of the tour. Another surprise and treasured visitor graced the EnergyXchange as the Senator called our attention to a rare sighting of an Indigo Bunting next to the art gallery and new wood-fired kiln.  The bird is bright blue like an Eastern Bluebird, but smaller in size. The group was pleased to share in Senator Joe Sam Queen’s knowledge of nature as he reported that, “The Indigo Bunting comes from South America to NC to breed.”  To which Dan followed by remarking with a smile, “Don’t we all!”  Everyone chuckled at the unexpected joke.

Gov Bev (if we might be so informal), concluded by doing her holiday shopping for her family in the art gallery.  She tells us that she still has the clay pots she crafted as a youth.  Dan Asher presented the Governor with a gift of the multiple varieties of native NC rhododendron and azalea that EnergyXchange grows from seed.  Governor Perdue was touched by the sentiment and stated that she will install the plants at the Governor’s Western North Carolina residence and post a plaque to commemorate the EnergyXchange’s gift.  We thank the Governor and Senator for honoring us with their visit.

Featured in the photo is William Baker, a new clay resident to EnergyXchange, speaking with Governor Perdue and her husband Bob.

Click here for more photos of the event: http://www.energyxchange.org/gallery/Gov%20Bev%20Purdue/1-20-85

EnergyXchange is featured on the Governor's Blog: http://www.governor.state.nc.us/eTownhall/Blog/                                                                 The direct link to her write up: http://www.governor.state.nc.us/eTownhall/Blog/post/2010/07/29/Stories-from-the-road-in-Western-NC.aspx

The Governor's staff photos of her visit to EnergyXchange on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=206260&id=11552180685&ref=mf

EnergyXchange is a Burnsville, NC 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was founded on Earth Day, 1999.  The organization’s mission is “To apply the use of renewable resources and practices for educational opportunities and economic development in the fields of art and horticulture.”  Renewable solar, wood and methane gas resources are utilized in their greenhouses, art studios and gallery which are located adjacent to the former Yancey/Mitchell County landfill off 80N at the top of Landfill Road.  The facilities are open for public visitation and scheduled group/school tours.

For more information visit www.energyxchange.org or call 828.675.5541.