Investing in Elbert County: Turning Commitment into Community Impact
Investing in Elbert County: Turning Commitment into Community Impact
At Cypress Creek Renewables, our projects are about more than generating clean energy, they’re about building lasting partnerships with the communities where we operate. This fall, we reached an important milestone in Elbert County by delivering the first round of community investments totaling $95,000, part of a $300,000, three-year commitment we made during the Sundance Solar permitting process.
How the Community Helped Lead the Way
These investments were guided by a Community Working Group made up of local residents. The group was created to ensure transparency, keep neighbors informed, and most importantly, help direct funding to where it can do the most good. With their input, this first round supports projects that touch schools, families, seniors, and essential services across the county.
Where the First Round of Funding Is Going
The $95,000 invested this year supports a wide range of local initiatives, including:
- Elbert County School District C-2 — Agriculture CTE Program ($12,000)
- Elizabeth High School — Automotive Program ($12,000)
- Big Sandy School District — Radio receivers for school buses ($12,000)
- Elbert County Coalition Outreach (ECCO) — Christmas for Kids events ($13,000)
- Kiowa Creek & Elizabeth Food Banks — $12,000 combined
Each project was selected for its ability to make a tangible, near-term difference for people who live and work in Elbert County.
“These projects mark an important first step in honoring our commitment to Elbert County,” said Stacy Gramazio, Senior Director of Corporate and Community Impact at Cypress Creek Renewables. “We deeply appreciate the partnership and dedication of the Community Working Group, and we look forward to continuing to invest in initiatives that strengthen and support this community.”
Elbert County Commissioner and Board Chairman Byron McDaniel also shared his perspective on the impact of these investments:
“These investments by Cypress Creek will have immediate, tangible, and positive impacts for our families, schools, and local organizations. Congratulations to all recipients of these life-changing funds, and thank you, Cypress Creek, for recognizing and being responsive to emergent needs in our county. This grassroots generosity is in addition to the significant tax benefits, local power, and improved energy reliability for Elbert County that led to my support for the project.”
This year marked an important step forward in our partnership with Elbert County. As we reflect on the progress made in 2025, we’re grateful for the collaboration and trust that made this first round of community investments possible, and we look forward to continuing this work together in the years ahead.
(Holiday gifts provided for ECCO’s Christmas for Kids program)
(55 bikes purchased in support of Elbert County’s Christmas with the Sheriff program)
(Holiday gifts provided by the Elbert County Partnership for local law enforcement working during Christmas)
About the Sundance Solar Project
Cypress Creek is currently building the Sundance Solar facility in Elbert County, a combined solar and battery energy storage project designed to generate enough electricity to power approximately 25,000 homes each year. Power from the project will be delivered to CORE Electric Cooperative, serving homes and businesses in Elizabeth, Kiowa, and western Elbert County.
The project’s battery energy storage system will help meet peak afternoon demand, improve grid reliability, and support more stable electricity prices delivering benefits well beyond clean power alone.
What’s Next
The Community Working Group will reconvene in 2026 to plan the second round of community investments, with $105,000 currently slated for next year. As the project moves forward, Cypress Creek remains committed to transparency, collaboration, and ensuring that our presence continues to deliver meaningful, long-term benefits for Elbert County.