The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce has been the heart of Albany’s business community since 1904. As the strongest and most active business advocacy organization in the area, our mission is to promote business development that maximizes quality job growth that balances prosperity and quality of life. The Chamber brings business leaders together to accomplish collectively what no one business can do alone. Every May we celebrate Small Business Month to highlight the courage, commitment and contributions small businesses have in our communities.
Over half of Oregon residents work for one of the nearly 400,000 small businesses that call Oregon home. In fact, over 99 percent of all businesses in Oregon are small businesses. Additionally, nearly half of all small businesses are owned by women. We believe that supporting an environment that fosters small business development can promote the special talents, expertise and knowledge of all people from all backgrounds and experiences.
To create an environment for all businesses to thrive we have to be sensitive to the unique needs of our businesses. As the world transitions towards renewable energy sources, natural gas often gets overlooked as a viable energy option. However, natural gas has many benefits, making it an excellent choice for businesses in Albany, Oregon.
Firstly, natural gas is a cost-effective energy source. Compared to other fossil fuels, natural gas is often more affordable. The cost of natural gas is relatively stable compared to oil, which can fluctuate greatly based on geopolitical events. Natural gas is also abundant and readily available in the United States, making it an attractive energy source for businesses. Secondly, natural gas is environmentally friendly. While natural gas is a fossil fuel, it produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions than other fossil fuels such as coal and oil. Natural gas is also much cleaner than these other energy sources, emitting significantly fewer pollutants. Using natural gas can help reduce our carbon footprint and create a cleaner environment for future generations.
Natural gas is also versatile and reliable. It can be used for a variety of purposes, including heating homes and businesses, cooking, and generating electricity. Natural gas is dependable and can meet our energy needs around the clock. This means businesses can rely on natural gas for their energy needs, even during peak demand periods. Many businesses count on reliable energy sources to create a stable environment for perishable foods or raw materials used in manufacturing. Without natural gas, some Albany businesses would face significant hardship because of power outages or inclement weather if they rely on wind and solar power.
Finally, businesses fueled by natural gas significantly contribute to our local economy. The natural gas industry supports many industries through the supply chain including those in Albany. As Albany grows, we must recruit businesses that can provide living wage jobs for residents and contribute to the local economy. Eliminating fuel choice and flexibility will drastically reduce our ability to recruit businesses to Albany.
Natural gas is a valuable energy option for Albany, Oregon. It is cost-effective, environmentally friendly, versatile, reliable, and an essential contributor to our local economy. As we work towards a more sustainable future, natural gas can be a bridge to help us achieve our energy goals. The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce supports the use of natural gas as an energy source. We encourage everyone in our community to consider it as a viable option for their energy needs.
Janet Steele, President
Albany Area Chamber of Commerce
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