WASHINGTON, July 20, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The “Energizing Conversation” half-day free public summit will focus on the 1.3 million future jobs to be created through growth in the energy industry, and how communities of color are preparing for workforce opportunities. The “Energizing Conversation” jobs tour makes stops in Denver, CO, Charlotte, NC and Detroit MI, and is hosted by American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) and Hispanics in Energy (HIE). 

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The forums will underscore the findings uncovered in the report commissioned by the American Petroleum Institute, highlighting the opportunities for the mass increase of jobs for minorities and women in the oil and gas and energy industry, where 34% of new jobs will be created.

The three-free events will take place in the following cities, from 9 am to 1 pm: Sept. 6 – Denver, CO, Exdo Event Center; Sept. 12 Charlotte, NC, Nascar Hall of Fame and Oct. 10 – Detroit, MI, Focus Hope. The summits will feature interactive panel discussions, workforce development exhibitors, refreshments and key industry business and energy leaders.

Industry business leaders, labor representatives, educators, elected officials, workforce investment groups, community organizations and faith-based leaders are invited to attend the free event in each city. The Energizing Conversation started as part of an 8 city-tour and will wrap up in October.

“These forums are the catalyst for bridging the interconnectivity between preparation and access to direct careers in the oil, gas, petrochemical and utility industry,” said Tracey Woods, Vice President Operations, AABE. “With this national initiative, our role is to significantly raise the level of diversification in the energy industry and collectively attract 1,000 attendees to participate and take advantage of the projected employment gains of over 400,000 workers by 2030.”

For information on the API survey and to register for the free event, please visit – http://aabe-hieenergize.com//. Follow the conversation on Twitter at @_AABE and live during each event using hash tag, #AskAABE or #Energizing.

Background:
The American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) (www.aabe.org) is a national association of energy professionals founded and dedicated to ensure the input of African-Americans and other minorities into the discussions and developments of energy policies regulations, R&D technologies, and environmental issues.

MEDIA CONTACT: Alice Gordon, Skye Connect, Inc.  201-785-7593 – agordon@skyeconnect.com