**A Wind of Change: How One Funeral Director Energized Rock Port, Missouri**

Eric Chamberlain's vision transformed a struggling community into a power supplier, showcasing the potential of wind energy in rural America.

In the heart of rural Missouri, the small city of Rock Port has been a beacon of renewable energy for nearly 20 years, producing more wind energy than it consumes. Once beset by economic struggles and a declining population, the town discovered its unexpected asset—consistent gusty weather, ideal for wind turbines.

The story of Rock Port took a transformative turn when Eric Chamberlain, a local funeral director, witnessed the potential of wind energy during a chance encounter in Iowa. Driving a hearse during a funeral procession, he spotted a giant wind turbine, sparking his curiosity about renewable energy. Intrigued but unable to investigate further at the time, Chamberlain made a mental note of the wind energy phenomenon.

After the funeral, he engaged with community members at a local newspaper, seeking insights on the wind project that had caught his attention. Chamberlain, who has deep-rooted ties to Atchison County where he grew up, recognized the challenges his community faced—an exodus of young people, declining school enrollment, and shrinking local businesses were taking a toll on the vitality of Rock Port.

Despite these hardships, Chamberlain saw an opportunity. His vision for harnessing the wind would not only provide sustainable energy but also rejuvenate the local economy. By advocating for wind energy, he aimed to draw investments that could invigorate the area's economic landscape and bring locals back home.

Through determination and community engagement, Chamberlain became a pivotal figure in introducing wind energy projects to Rock Port. Now, the town stands as a testament to how innovative thinking and collaboration can harness natural resources, turning a struggling community into an environmentally sustainable model for others to follow.