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AHOSKIE – Roanoke Cooperative officials say that its annual Clean Energy Expo was a huge success, generating excitement and enthusiasm as community members, local and state officials, and students gathered at the Ahoskie Amphitheater on Friday, Oct. 4.

With an electric atmosphere, the event showcased cutting-edge clean energy innovations, celebrated the 10th anniversary of Roanoke Cooperative’s *Upgrade to $ave* program, and highlighted the cooperative’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and community development.

A special thank you goes out to the diverse range of vendors, whose presence truly brought the Expo to life. From solar energy demonstrations to local crafts and healthcare services, the vendors offered interactive experiences that engaged attendees of all ages.

Local food trucks Frozen Fantasies, Lee Brothers Soul Food, BB’s Tropical Treats, What’s Your Scoop, and G’s Grill filled the air with delicious scents, while Ripe Revival’s mobile produce market emphasized the cooperative’s commitment to sustainability and supporting local businesses.

The Ahoskie Police Department and Ahoskie Fire Department provided safety information, while Roanoke Cooperative included an electrical hazard demonstration and an impaired driving course, adding depth and value to the event.

Roanoke Cooperative also extends heartfelt thanks to the schools that participated, particularly Bertie County and Hertford County Schools for sending their students. The students’ enthusiasm for learning about clean energy technology and sustainability helped make the event especially vibrant and dynamic. Their presence highlighted the importance of engaging future generations in the push toward a cleaner, more sustainable world.

Local officials and legislative representatives attended and offered inspiring messages, underscoring the importance of innovation, community collaboration, and forward-thinking leadership in the journey toward a sustainable future.

Roanoke Cooperative’s President & CEO, Marshall Cherry, delivered an impactful speech, thanking the cooperative’s teams for their ongoing efforts in power restoration following Hurricane Helene and discussing the cooperative’s forward momentum in broadband expansion and clean energy.

The day also marked a special milestone: the celebration of 10 years of the Upgrade to $ave program, a revolutionary initiative that has helped countless member-owners make energy-efficient upgrades to their homes without upfront costs. This milestone represents a decade of reducing energy consumption, lowering bills, and reinforcing Roanoke Cooperative’s commitment to supporting the financial well-being of its community.

Attendees enjoyed an impressive showcase of clean energy technologies, which included solar panels, solar generators, and electric vehicles such as the Tesla Cybertruck and an electric school bus. In his speech, Cherry emphasized the cooperative’s role in advancing clean energy initiatives, including the introduction of more electric school buses, the installation of over 50 fast chargers for electric vehicles in Roanoke Rapids, and the expansion of broadband access. These efforts reflect Roanoke’s strong commitment to both clean energy and the region’s economic growth.

Cherry’s closing remarks echoed the spirit of the day.

“We are building a future that is connected, clean, and economically strong,” he said. “From broadband to electric vehicles and renewable energy projects, we are leading the way for a more sustainable and resilient community. Thank you for your continued support—let’s keep building this future together, Today, Tomorrow, and Together.”

Roanoke Cooperative thanks everyone who contributed to the success of this year’s Clean Energy Expo and looks forward to continuing to work with the community to build a more connected, sustainable future.