On Wednesday, January 18, 2012 Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) hosted 40+ business leaders to discuss the advantages  of compressed natural gas (CNG) fueled vehicles during a CCEDC Brown Bag Networking Leadership luncheon.  The event was designed to provide attendees information on the use of CNG in vehicles as well as provide an opportunity for open forum discussion on the topic. Attendees from organizations such as US Oil, Wisconsin Clean Cities, Honda MotorWërks and WIPFLI also participated in open forum conversation to talk over benefits of CNG. A Q & A about tax incentives for transitioning/upgrading vehicles, environmental benefits, cost savings and overall performance and maintenance of CNG fueled vehicles followed the main presentation.

“Natural gas is produced domestically at relatively low cost and is cleaner burning than gasoline or diesel fuel. Natural gas vehicles show an average reduction in ozone-forming emissions and is estimated to cost approximately 40 percent less than gasoline vehicles,” stated Charlie Walker, President/CEO of CCEDC.  “Learning the benefits as well as fuel cost savings is the first step to moving forward to utilization of this form of energy.”

Natural gas is a domestically produced and a clean-burning alternative fuel.  The interest in natural gas as an alternative transportation fuel is increasingly popular and stems mainly from its clean-burning qualities, its domestic resource base, and its commercial availability.  CCEDC is leading the effort to have a CNG facility built and operational in Chippewa County by the end of 2012.  Chippewa County businesses that operate niche market fleets would greatly benefit from a CNG fueling station if established in Chippewa County.  Fleets such as refuse hauling, taxi’s, package delivery, or  specialty designed vehicles that serve very specific functions are ideal candidates for the adoption of alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies.

“It was great to participate in the CCEDC Brown Bag lunch!” stated Lorrie Lisek of Wisconsin Clean Cities. “Through local events such as this Wisconsin Clean Cities is able to educate fleet managers and interested stakeholders about our technologies, financial support programs and resources.”

For more information on this topic or for upcoming CCEDC events please contact the CCEDC office at 715-723-7150 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .