Silicon Ranch Invests in Memphis Talent Through The Exchange
“It is an honor to get to support the amazing work the Choose901 team is doing by helping to set up these students to succeed for the long haul.”
The 2025 Exchange, sponsored by Silicon Ranch
When businesses invest in people, communities thrive. That’s exactly what Silicon Ranch did when they sponsored The Exchange, a Choose901 Alumni event designed to connect Memphis professionals with alumni looking to grow their careers. For Blake Spurgeon, a key member of Silicon Ranch’s Economic and Community Development team, this sponsorship was a natural fit.
“Events like the Choose901 Alumni Exchange are crucial for the Memphis community as they provide a platform for networking, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas among local professionals and alumni here in Memphis,” Spurgeon said. “At Silicon Ranch, we believe in the power of collaborative partnerships, and The Exchange is the embodiment of just that. It was an honor to not only meet so many Alumni who are making an impact across our great city, but to also spread the word about careers in the Renewable Energy field.”
about silicon ranch
Silicon Ranch
Founded in Tennessee in 2011, Silicon Ranch is a fully integrated provider of customized solar energy, battery storage, and carbon solutions with the mission to help communities be stronger, healthier, and more resilient. They are one of the largest independent power producers in the country, with a portfolio that includes more than seven gigawatts of solar and battery storage systems that are contracted, under construction, or operating across the U.S. and Canada, including the first utility-scale solar project here in Tennessee, Georgia, Mississippi, Kentucky, and Arkansas.
“To date, Silicon Ranch’s presence in the Tennessee Valley has culminated in the company investing more than $2 billion, paying more than $135 million in local taxes, and creating more than 6,500 craft labor jobs here in the region,” Spurgeon said.
But their mission extends beyond clean energy—it’s about investing in communities.
WHY COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MATTERS
“As a Memphis resident, and former teacher, I have followed Choose901 for years and seen the excellent work they have done in our city. So, when we were looking for ways to invest in the Memphis community as a company, I knew exactly where to turn,” Spurgeon said. “After learning more about the Alumni Exchange, it aligned perfectly with our desire to promote workforce development in the communities where we have projects.”
Sponsors Blake Spurgeon, Silicon Ranch and Lara Zapata, Clearloop
For Spurgeon, community engagement isn’t just a corporate initiative—it’s essential to building strong relationships.
“These types of things are integral to building company culture because it gets people out from behind the desk and into the communities they serve in a real way,” he said. “I’m a firm believer that every job is really about relationships. Getting to be a part of an event like The Exchange is a tremendous way for companies to not only give their employees a chance to build relationships with members of the Alumni program, but also with so many other business leaders across the city.”
Memphis is an important city for Silicon Ranch—not only as a hub of innovation and workforce development but as a community they’re committed to supporting.
“As a Tennessee-founded and based company, we are invested in helping communities across the Volunteer State thrive. The city offers a rich talent pool, is close to many of our operating projects, and is home to partners like Nextracker and HICO,” Spurgeon said.
HOW YOUR COMPANY CAN GET MORE INVOLVED
“My advice to other companies would be to wholeheartedly embrace the opportunity to sponsor or partner with initiatives like the Choose901 Alumni Exchange,” he said. “These events provide a unique platform to connect with the community, showcase your company's commitment to social responsibility, and build lasting relationships with local talent and stakeholders.”
If your company is looking for a meaningful way to support Memphis’ next generation of professionals, reach out to Give901. We’ve got so many opportunities to get you plugged in and on your way to giving back to Memphis in the most meaningful ways possible.
