USA - AWEA CEO’s visit to DMI facility highlights wind power job creation

AWEA CEO Denise Bode this week toured the DMI Industries wind turbine tower manufacturing facility in West Fargo, N.D., and participated in a roundtable discussion with North Dakota government officials and industry executives.

In her meetings with company officials and the state’s political leaders, Bode underscored the wind industry’s contribution to U.S. manufacturing and job creation. She also emphasized the positive results brought about by the economic recovery package enacted earlier this year.

DMI’s sister company, Otter Tail Power Co., has applied for and received stimulus funding from the U.S. Treasury for the recently completed 49.5-MW Luverne wind farm project. The funding was critical in restoring momentum to the project.

While in West Fargo, Bode also emphasized the need for a comprehensive federal energy policy that includes a strong national renewable electricity standard to encourage more wind energy development and build up a strong manufacturing base.

“North Dakota has the skilled manufacturing base for wind turbine components and the vast wind resource for wind farm development that are needed to strengthen our nation’s energy security,” said Bode. ”We need to regain control of our energy future, lead the world in wind turbine manufacturing, and support the American worker by passing comprehensive legislation that includes a strong renewable electricity standard.”

While in the region, Bode met with executives of DMI and Otter Tail Corp., as well as U.S. Rep. Earl Pomeroy (D-N.D.) and staff members representing the state’s governor and U.S. Senators.