Letters of Support Templates

For Unity Fleet's "The Link" EV Charging Network

Overview

Letters of support from key stakeholders can significantly strengthen Unity Fleet's OE3 grant application by demonstrating community buy-in, validating the need for the project, and confirming potential partnerships. This document provides templates for different types of stakeholders that can be customized for specific organizations and individuals.

Template 1: Local Government Official

[OFFICIAL LETTERHEAD]

[Date]

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Office of Economic Equity and Empowerment
100 W. Randolph Street, Suite 3-400
Chicago, IL 60601

RE: Letter of Support for Unity Fleet's "The Link" EV Charging Network

Dear OE3 Grant Review Committee:

As the [Position] of [Municipality/County], I am writing to express my strong support for Unity Fleet LLC's application to the Office of Economic Equity and Empowerment (OE3) Small Business Capital and Infrastructure Grant Program for their innovative project, "The Link" EV Charging Network.

Our community, like many rural areas in Illinois, faces significant challenges in accessing modern clean transportation infrastructure. The lack of EV charging stations has created a barrier to electric vehicle adoption for our residents and businesses, limiting our participation in the clean energy transition and economic opportunities it presents.

Unity Fleet's proposal to develop a charging hub in our community would address this critical infrastructure gap while creating valuable economic benefits:

- Creating new jobs and workforce development opportunities in clean energy
- Attracting visitors and increasing spending at local businesses
- Providing a community gathering space with educational resources
- Demonstrating our community's commitment to sustainability and innovation

The proposed location at [Specific Location] is strategically positioned to serve both local residents and travelers along [Highway/Route], maximizing its impact and utilization. Our [Planning/Economic Development] department has already had preliminary discussions with Unity Fleet regarding permitting and local requirements, and we are prepared to facilitate the development process.

[Municipality/County] is committed to supporting this project through [specific commitments, if applicable, such as expedited permitting, complementary infrastructure improvements, etc.]. We see "The Link" as an important component of our broader economic development and sustainability goals.

I strongly encourage you to approve Unity Fleet's grant application. This project represents exactly the type of innovative, community-focused infrastructure development that can help revitalize rural Illinois communities while creating pathways to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Please feel free to contact me at [phone] or [email] if you have any questions about our support for this important project.

Sincerely,

[Signature]

[Name]
[Title]
[Municipality/County]

Template 2: Community College or Workforce Development Partner

[INSTITUTIONAL LETTERHEAD]

[Date]

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Office of Economic Equity and Empowerment
100 W. Randolph Street, Suite 3-400
Chicago, IL 60601

RE: Partnership Support for Unity Fleet's "The Link" EV Charging Network

Dear OE3 Grant Review Committee:

On behalf of [Institution Name], I am pleased to offer our strong support for Unity Fleet LLC's application to the OE3 Small Business Capital and Infrastructure Grant Program for "The Link" EV Charging Network project.

As a leading educational institution serving [region/communities], we are committed to preparing our students for careers in emerging fields, including clean energy and advanced transportation. Unity Fleet's proposed project aligns perfectly with our institutional goals of workforce development and community economic advancement.

We have discussed a potential partnership with Unity Fleet that would include:

- Developing specialized training programs for EV charging infrastructure installation and maintenance
- Creating internship opportunities for our students at "The Link" charging hubs
- Collaborating on educational programming about clean energy and transportation
- Utilizing the charging hubs as real-world learning laboratories for our students

The clean energy sector represents a significant growth opportunity for our region, and "The Link" project would provide valuable hands-on experience for our students while creating pathways to employment in this emerging field. We anticipate that this partnership could benefit [X number] students annually through direct training and experiential learning opportunities.

Our institution is prepared to [specific commitments, such as developing curriculum, providing technical expertise, etc.] to support this project's success. We believe this collaboration will strengthen both Unity Fleet's implementation capacity and our institution's ability to provide relevant, career-focused education.

I strongly encourage the approval of Unity Fleet's grant application. This project represents an innovative approach to infrastructure development that prioritizes community benefit and workforce development alongside technological advancement.

Please feel free to contact me at [phone] or [email] if you have any questions about our partnership with Unity Fleet.

Sincerely,

[Signature]

[Name]
[Title]
[Institution]

Template 3: Local Business or Chamber of Commerce

[BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION LETTERHEAD]

[Date]

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Office of Economic Equity and Empowerment
100 W. Randolph Street, Suite 3-400
Chicago, IL 60601

RE: Business Community Support for Unity Fleet's "The Link" EV Charging Network

Dear OE3 Grant Review Committee:

As the [Position] of [Business/Chamber of Commerce], I am writing to express our enthusiastic support for Unity Fleet LLC's application to the OE3 Small Business Capital and Infrastructure Grant Program for their innovative "The Link" EV Charging Network project.

The business community in [Community/Region] recognizes the economic potential of clean transportation infrastructure and the current gap in EV charging availability in our area. Unity Fleet's proposal addresses this need while creating multiple benefits for local businesses:

- Increased visitor traffic and dwell time in our commercial districts
- New customer streams for businesses near charging hub locations
- Enhanced community image as forward-thinking and sustainable
- Workforce development opportunities in growing clean energy sectors
- Potential cost savings for businesses considering fleet electrification

Our organization has [describe any preliminary discussions or agreements with Unity Fleet], and we see significant potential for collaboration as this project develops. The proposed location at [Specific Location] is particularly advantageous for our business community due to [specific reasons].

[Business/Organization] is committed to supporting this project through [specific commitments, if applicable, such as cross-promotion, business participation, etc.]. We believe "The Link" represents an important investment in our community's economic future and competitiveness.

The OE3 program's focus on small business growth and job creation aligns perfectly with Unity Fleet's proposal. As fellow small business advocates, we recognize the transformative potential of this project for both Unity Fleet as a growing company and for the broader business ecosystem in our community.

I strongly encourage you to approve Unity Fleet's grant application. This project exemplifies the type of innovative, community-centered infrastructure development that can drive sustainable economic growth in rural Illinois.

Please feel free to contact me at [phone] or [email] if you have any questions about our support for this project.

Sincerely,

[Signature]

[Name]
[Title]
[Business/Organization]

Template 4: Community Organization or Nonprofit

[ORGANIZATION LETTERHEAD]

[Date]

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Office of Economic Equity and Empowerment
100 W. Randolph Street, Suite 3-400
Chicago, IL 60601

RE: Community Support for Unity Fleet's "The Link" EV Charging Network

Dear OE3 Grant Review Committee:

On behalf of [Organization Name], I am writing to express our strong support for Unity Fleet LLC's application to the OE3 Small Business Capital and Infrastructure Grant Program for "The Link" EV Charging Network project.

Our organization serves [describe community served and mission] in [Community/Region]. We recognize that access to clean transportation infrastructure is an important equity issue for our community members, many of whom face transportation challenges and are disproportionately impacted by transportation-related pollution.

Unity Fleet's proposal addresses several key community needs:

- Creating accessible clean transportation options in underserved areas
- Providing community gathering spaces with educational resources
- Generating quality local jobs with training opportunities
- Demonstrating innovative approaches to community infrastructure
- Reducing local air pollution and environmental impacts

We have discussed potential collaboration with Unity Fleet on [specific aspects of the project, such as community programming, equity initiatives, etc.], and we are excited about the possibilities this project presents for our community members.

[Organization] is prepared to support this project by [specific commitments, such as community outreach, programming support, etc.]. We believe "The Link" has the potential to become a valuable community asset that advances both environmental and economic justice in our region.

I strongly encourage you to approve Unity Fleet's grant application. This project represents a community-centered approach to infrastructure development that prioritizes equity, accessibility, and local benefit alongside technological innovation.

Please feel free to contact me at [phone] or [email] if you have any questions about our support for this project.

Sincerely,

[Signature]

[Name]
[Title]
[Organization]

Template 5: Electric Vehicle or Clean Energy Industry Partner

[COMPANY LETTERHEAD]

[Date]

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Office of Economic Equity and Empowerment
100 W. Randolph Street, Suite 3-400
Chicago, IL 60601

RE: Industry Support for Unity Fleet's "The Link" EV Charging Network

Dear OE3 Grant Review Committee:

As the [Position] of [Company], a leader in [specific industry sector], I am writing to express our strong support for Unity Fleet LLC's application to the OE3 Small Business Capital and Infrastructure Grant Program for their innovative "The Link" EV Charging Network project.

The lack of charging infrastructure in rural areas represents one of the most significant barriers to widespread electric vehicle adoption. Unity Fleet's proposal addresses this critical gap with a thoughtful, community-centered approach that aligns with industry best practices while introducing valuable innovations.

Based on our industry expertise, we believe Unity Fleet's project demonstrates several strengths:

- Strategic location selection along key transportation corridors
- Integration of renewable energy to enhance sustainability and resilience
- Community-focused design that improves the charging experience
- Forward-thinking technology specifications that accommodate future growth
- Innovative business model that engages community stakeholders

[Company] has [describe any preliminary discussions or agreements with Unity Fleet], and we see significant potential for collaboration as this project develops. We are prepared to support this project through [specific commitments, if applicable, such as technical assistance, equipment provision, etc.].

The clean transportation transition represents a significant economic opportunity for Illinois communities, and "The Link" project would help ensure that rural areas can participate fully in this growth. Unity Fleet's approach demonstrates the kind of innovative thinking needed to accelerate EV adoption while maximizing community benefits.

I strongly encourage you to approve Unity Fleet's grant application. This project would not only advance clean transportation goals but also create a model for equitable, community-centered infrastructure development that could be replicated across the state and beyond.

Please feel free to contact me at [phone] or [email] if you have any questions about our support for this project.

Sincerely,

[Signature]

[Name]
[Title]
[Company]

Customization Guidelines

When adapting these templates for specific stakeholders:

Personalize the relationship: Clearly describe any existing relationship or discussions with Unity Fleet
Highlight specific benefits: Focus on aspects of the project most relevant to the stakeholder's interests
Include concrete details: Reference specific locations, numbers, or other details that demonstrate familiarity with the project
Specify commitments: Clearly state any tangible commitments the stakeholder is making to support the project
Connect to broader goals: Link the project to the stakeholder's own mission, goals, or initiatives
Use authentic voice: Adjust language to match the stakeholder's typical communication style

Implementation Strategy

To secure effective letters of support:

Identify key stakeholders: Prioritize stakeholders with the most relevant connections to the project
Make personal contact: Reach out personally to explain the project and request support
Provide context: Share the grant proposal summary and specific template as a starting point
Offer assistance: Be available to answer questions or provide additional information
Allow customization: Encourage stakeholders to modify the template to reflect their authentic voice
Follow up: Send thank-you notes to those who provide letters and keep them informed of the application status

Target Stakeholders for Unity Fleet

Based on the project description, priority stakeholders for letters of support include:

Local Government Officials:
- Mayors or City Managers of Decatur, Taylorville, Pana, Mattoon, and Effingham
- County Commissioners or Administrators
- Regional Planning Commission representatives
Educational Institutions:
- Richland Community College (Decatur)
- Lake Land College (Mattoon)
- Lincoln Land Community College (regional)
- Eastern Illinois University (Charleston/Mattoon area)
Business Organizations:
- Chambers of Commerce in each target community
- Economic Development Corporations
- Small Business Development Centers
- Tourism bureaus or visitors' associations
Community Organizations:
- Environmental advocacy groups
- Community development organizations
- Transportation equity advocates
- Rural development nonprofits
Industry Partners:
- EV manufacturers or dealerships
- Renewable energy companies
- Utility companies serving the target areas
- Technology providers

Aim to secure at least 5-7 strong letters of support representing diverse stakeholder perspectives to demonstrate broad community and industry backing for the project.