Report spotlights energy-related job segment
by October 8, 2012 9:41 am 107 views
The advanced energy sector is one of the fastest growing job segments across the Natural State. More than 11,000 Arkansans are employed in the field of advanced energy, according to a new report released by the Arkansas Advanced Energy Association.
This assessment found more than 90 advanced energy companies across 22 advanced energy industry segments that collectively employ 11,337 Arkansans as of 2010.
This number is nearly equal to current Arkansas employment in the accommodation services segment (i.e., hotels and motels) of the hospitality and leisure industry, a traditionally strong segment of the Arkansas economy. The full report and graphics can be found online.
“Arkansas enjoys advantages such as our central location, our abundant natural resources and a work force that is second to none. Advanced energy is creating strong economic value, generating tax revenue for the state and jobs for thousands of Arkansans today with promise of more in the years to come.” said Steve Patterson, executive director of the Arkansas Advanced Energy Association.
These energy jobs are divided into several sub-sectors, the largest being the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) and firms that improve performance of energy use in buildings. This sub-segment employs nearly 2,500.
Roughly 2,100 jobs were found in the energy-saving consumer products sub-segment. These companies make a wide variety of products that meet higher performance standards, such as office products, computers, glass and shades.
“The breadth of businesses comprising the advanced energy sector is impressive,” said Randy Zook, president and CEO of the Arkansas State Chamber/Associated Industries of Arkansas. “Many of our long-time members are finding new customers and new products to offer in this emerging part of Arkansas’s economy.”
According to a recent survey 88% of Arkansans think it’s important to the state economy to manufacture advanced energy products like batteries for power storage, high-efficiency motors and equipment, and wind turbine components. The survey, conducted by JZ Analytics and John Zogby, also showed that 85% said it is important for the state’s political leaders to do more to further advanced energy in Arkansas.
Arkansas Advanced Energy Association is planning two social events, in Little Rock and Fayetteville, at the end of October for members, guests and stakeholders to celebrate the strength of the state’s advanced energy sector.