Commissioner Bob Rolfe recognized with TAEBC’s top annual award
Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe received the 2021 “Thomas B. Ballard Advanced Energy Leadership Award” on Thursday during the annual meeting of the Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council (TAEBC).
Named for the first President of the organization, the annual award honors exemplary leadership and success in championing, connecting, and strengthening Tennessee’s advanced energy economy.
In a news release (TAEBC – Ballard Award – Rolfe) issued after the event, Rolfe said, “Today I’m humbled, I’m honored and most grateful to receive the Tom Ballard Advanced Energy Leadership Award.” TAEBC said that Rolfe was selected for the award due to the instrumental role he’s played in bringing jobs in advanced energy to the state, particularly in electric vehicle manufacturing.
As Commissioner, he has spearheaded the goal of making Tennessee the top state in the country for electric vehicle manufacturing, as well as speaking and meeting with automotive manufacturers across the country to attract them here.
Rolfe is the third recipient of the recognition. Last year’s winner was Dan Hurst, Founder of Knoxville-based Strata-G, and the initial recipient was the individual for whom the award is named.
Here are Rolfe’s pre-recorded comments since he was not able to attend the event due to scheduling.
