On November 17, 2014, PEDS opened a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Hildebran, North Carolina with Governor Pat McCrory in attendance.

This initiative serves as a multidisciplinary research hub to study a broad range of environmental, social and governance issues, with focus on bringing academic rigor to an increasingly fierce debate about corporate responsibilities in areas such as climate control and diversity.

[11] In his function as a Lead Operating Director for Partners Group based in Zug Switzerland), Penner serves as the Chairman of the United States Infrastructure Corporation (USIC) and EnfraGen Power.

USIC is the largest underground telecommunications, power and water utility line locating and damage prevention company in North America.

[12] On October 8, 2014, Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard announced that Penner, who had supported him for the Liberal Party leadership,[13] would replace Pierre Karl Péladeau as Chairman of Hydro-Québec.