David Bolt, a Knoxville entrepreneur who expanded his solar design and installation company with help from the City of Knoxville's Community Development Department, is being honored today at the White House.

Bolt, the founder of Sustainable Future LLC, is one of eight individuals named by the White House as a "Champion of Change," for demonstrating that corporate environmental leadership makes sense - for both business and communities.

"Cutting waste, reducing energy use and operating more sustainably translates to less pollution and lower utility bills for businesses across the country," Nancy Sutley, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, said in a news release. "The leaders we've selected as Champions of Change are proving that sustainable practices work for companies' bottom lines, and work for the health of American communities."

Bolt and his fellow Champions will be honored at the White House at 1:30 p.m. today.

To help build his business, Bolt received a $65,000 loan through the City's Business Expansion Loan Program. The money came from the City's federal Empowerment Zone funds. Bolt has since expanded his operation to a 6,000-square-foot facility in South Knoxville, and it has grown from three to 15 employees.

"We're very happy for David's success, and the recognition he's receiving is well deserved," said Becky Wade, the City's Director of Community Development. "This is just one example of the way we can leverage our funds to support development across Knoxville."

Wade said the honor is fitting and timely because this week is National Community Development Week.