Innovation is essential if the Valley is to keep up with evolving consumer demand. Fortunately, our region is filled with leaders actively adopting new technology by partnering with Seven States Power Corporation.

At the recent Seven States Annual Meeting, the 2023 Spark Award was awarded to the General Manager of CDE Lightband, Brian Taylor, and the Innovation Award was presented to the National Corvette Museum.

CDE Lightband has proven itself to be an innovation leader of the Valley by installing four ChargePoint DC fast chargers, developing two utility-scale solar projects for a combined 6.75 MW of solar capacity, and participating in the Seven States Middle Mile Network (SSMMN).

Brian is also a Seven States Valley Innovation Ambassador ( read his VIA interview here ). While Brian could not receive the award himself, Seven States was honored to have CDE Lightband Chief Human Resources Officer Privott Stroman at the Annual Meeting to receive the award on Brain’s behalf.

The 2023 Innovation Champion Award was presented to the National Corvette Museum and accepted by its President and CEO Sharon Brawner. In addition to serving as the gracious host to the 2023 Seven States Annual Meeting, the Museum worked with Seven States to install three solar charging stations on its campus. These stations will allow tens of thousands of visitors annually to recharge cell phones or other personal devices through solar power.

Seven States also recognized the Museum’s impactful work to showcase and celebrate the iconic Corvette. The National Corvette Museum was purposefully chosen as the location of the 2023 Annual Meeting because the Corvette is a tangible example of continuous innovation. Every Corvette in its day was considered best in class: it was the most beautiful and powerful American vehicle that embraced new technology.

The mindset of continuous innovation built the Corvette of today just as it will build the grid of tomorrow.

Congratulations to Brian Taylor and CDE Lightband, as well as Sharon Brawner and the National Corvette Museum, for earning these outstanding awards!