COMMUNITY engagement

New models are needed to meet our societal needs in an environmental and socially responsible manner

• CIBC has a unique approach to fulfill the needs of the Hampton Road region and the environment
• CIBC spent substantial time and resources developing its business plan around the needs of the Hampton Roads region
• We understand the waste materials the region produces and the threat they have become
• CIBC will eliminate 2 M Tons of CO₂ equivalent per year (equal to removing 200k cars from the roads)

  One of the critical issues for any project development is its understanding and acceptance by the local communities. Among other actions taken during the years:

• The Crestwood at Parkside neighborhood received two briefings per year for the past three years
• Crestwood neighborhood chair visited TRI's pilot plant in Durham to better understand the technology and its implications. He later testified on behalf of CIBC to the Chesapeake Planning Commission
• Deans from Tidewater Community College also traveled to Durham. The provost of this college also testified on behalf of CIBC to the City Council
• Extensive engagement has taken place with the Elizabeth River Project, Southeastern Public Services Authority, Corporate Pillars Council, Regional Planning Commission, Regional Economic Development Council, Reinvent Hampton Roads, and a number of other stakeholders
• Additionally, substantial conversations are underway with four additional communities for the placement of an IBC facility

We firmly believe that society needs to foster more science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) capabilities to solve our most pressing problems

• CIBC will create a STEM center on its plant site. Tidewater Community College will teach from this facility using real-time data from CIBC
• Created a regional committee of educators to advise CIBC on the regional functions of the STEM center. The committee includes representatives from Christopher Newport University, Old Dominion University, Norfolk State University, and Tidewater Community College
• CIBC is also trying to replicate the STEM model nationally. 
• Three national advisors are supporting this effort (see more information in the leadership tab)