VAEEC and FLIPP Inc. honor recipients of the Energy Efficiency Workforce Initiative

Dillwyn, Virginia — August 4th, 2025. Today, the Virginia Energy Efficiency Council (VAEEC) and FLIPP Inc. are celebrating the first round of awards to local contractors as part of the Energy Efficiency Trades Workforce Development Program born out of VAEEC’s Energy Efficiency Workforce Initiative (EEWI). The program leverages VAEEC’s statewide network and FLIPP Inc.’s on-the-ground community engagement to support workforce development. Together, we are bridging gaps and building capacity for a stronger, more inclusive energy efficiency workforce across Virginia.

The event is part of a press tour across the Commonwealth celebrating the first cohort of awardees. These grants support training, education, and job placement efforts for careers in energy efficiency, an industry critical to achieving climate goals and building economic resilience.

“This grant is definitely appreciated and will help me expand business opportunities in our community in South Central, Virginia,” said Terrence Johnson, Owner of Professional Drain Service.

“We are proud to partner with FLIPP Inc. on this innovative, statewide initiative,” said Chelsea Harnish, Executive Director of the VAEEC. “By supporting energy efficiency contractors and trades across Virginia, we are advancing workforce development, promoting equity, and driving a sustainable energy future.”

“The Skilled Trades Workforce Program is making a difference for individuals entering and skilling up in the trades. At the same time, the program benefits employers by supporting them to provide on-the-job training, registered apprenticeships, and business development. By investing in skilled trades employers, we’re creating career pathways for skilled tradesmen and advancing energy efficiency across the Commonwealth,” said Emily Axelbaum, FLIPP Inc. Project Coordinator.

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About VAEEC:

Founded in 2012, VAEEC is a 501(c)(3) organization headquartered in Richmond, whose goal is to facilitate discussions and share resources to advance energy efficiency throughout the Commonwealth. We engage our members to identify barriers to and opportunities for energy efficiency advancement, and to develop a strong, fact-based, and balanced industry voice before local, state, and national policymakers and regulators. Our diverse group of over 100 members includes Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, local governments, state agencies, and more, whose vision is for energy efficiency to be an integral part of Virginia’s economy and clean energy future.

About FLIPP Inc.:

FLIPP Inc. is a Black-, female-, veteran-, and justice-impacted-led, NABCEP-accredited 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to create an inclusive workforce that reduces employment barriers for justice-impacted individuals, veterans, BIPOC, women, and youth, and empowers low-income communities with renewable energy and entrepreneurship development training.