WINDPOWER 2010 is bringing some surprising perspectives to the podium in Dallas,  including those of former President George W. Bush who delivered a keynote address at the convention.

Given that he was mostly characterized as an oilman during his time in the White House, it was interesting to listen to President Bush speak passionately about renewable energy.

As governor of Texas he created incentives for the development of wind energy, and today Texas is the top state in wind power generation. 

When I walk around the exhibit hall there are a lot of companies that share his communications challenge. Many have built their brands in the fossil fuel industry and are now making significant capital investments in wind.  

It will take a concerted communications effort to make sure they get the credit they deserve and are seen as advocates of this important industry.  

That will not only help these companies, but also help the industry get the attention of policy makers.

(Guest contributor Ron Loch is a senior vice president at Gibbs & Soell Public Relations. He leads the firm’s Greentech & Sustainability Practice, collaborating with G&S colleagues specializing in advanced manufacturing and energy, agribusiness and food, consumer lifestyle and building solutions, professional services, and technology and general science.)