RICHMOND, VIRGINIA – Moments ago, the 2020 Virginia Conference on Energy Diversity & Corporate Sustainability concluded, hosted for the first time as a virtual program. The conference featured industry leaders to discuss innovative strategies to advance corporate sustainability initiatives that promote long term economic success. Keynote speaker, Ken Sullivan, President & CEO of Smithfield Foods, reinforced Smithfield Food’s commitment to bold climate action by becoming carbon negative by 2030.  Other featured keynote speaker, Andrew Green, Director of the Environmental Sustainability Office for Capital One, highlighted Capital One’s sustainability journey and commitments to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

“The ongoing pandemic has presented many challenges for the business community, Virginia, and our country as a whole” said Virginia Chamber of Commerce President & CEO, Barry DuVal. “The need for greater access to affordable and reliable energy resources, expanded broadband infrastructure, and additional resiliency have never been more apparent than during this pandemic. These challenges highlight the importance of what we are here to speak about today, which is the role business leadership plays in Virginia’s corporate sustainability and energy diversity.”

This signature event fostered key discussions that will lay the groundwork for the Virginia Chamber’s next strategic plan, Blueprint Virginia 2030.

Highlights from Conference Include:

Keynote Remarks:

Ken Sullivan, President & CEO, Smithfield Foods

Andrew Green, Director, Environmental Sustainability Office, Capital One

Special Remarks:

Brent Archer, President & COO, Columbia Gas of Virginia

John Hewa, President & CEO, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative

Leadership in Sustainability Panel Discussion:

Moderated by Travis Wright, Vice President of Energy & Sustainability, QTS

Panelists:

Mark Delisi, Vice President of Corporate Responsibility and Energy Management, AvalonBay Communities

Pat Lindner, Chief Innovation Officer and President, Consumer Packaging, WestRock

Kimberlee Pepple, Senior Director of Corporate Responsibility, Altria

Virginia’s Energy Future Panel Discussion:

Moderated by Brooks Smith, Partner, Troutman Pepper LLP

Panelists:

Melissa Adams, AVP & Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer, Washington Gas and WGL Holdings, Inc.

Katharine Bond, Vice President – Public Policy & State Affairs, Dominion Energy

Andy Fioramonti, Energy & Infrastructure Solutions Business Unit, Commercial Director, TMEIC

Ben Saunders, Senior Manager, Solar Development, sPower

The full program for the 2020 Virginia Conference on Energy Diversity & Corporate Sustainability can be found here.