GLWN is mourning the loss of our friend and colleague, Britt Theismann, chief operating officer and senior vice president of The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA). Britt passed away in August at the too-young age of 48 after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

Britt was instrumental in recruiting companies and building up the supply chain rolls throughout the domestic wind industry. As membership director for AWEA, he was directly responsible for increasing the organization's membership nearly five-fold over a short four-year period. His firm belief in renewable energy even extended into his own home, where he incorporated solar and wind energy to power his house.

GLWN director Ed Weston reflected on the impact Britt had on the industry and the legions of friends and colleagues he left behind:

"I first met Britt in the fall of 2007," recalled Weston, "when GLWN was creating the first Supply Chain Workshop we were conducting in partnership with an expanding U.S. wind turbine OEM. Britt was excited with what we were doing and very supportive of our efforts.

"More than anyone I know, Britt was the first to realize the incredible opportunity for domestic manufacturing in wind---and the role that an engaged supply chain could play in making policy happen in Washington.

"Britt was a true friend of GLWN. He appreciated the on-the-ground connections that we've developed with supply chain companies, and he constantly looked for ways in which AWEA and GLWN could work together and assist each other.

"Of all the people I've met, Britt was the best ambassador for windÑand a leader in the type of collaborations that it takes to keep this industry moving at the rate it should.

"We're all going to miss him."