Green is good for business
Editor's Note: The City of Columbia's Dept. of Public Works and the G reater Columbia Chamber of Commerce contributed to this report.
The 2nd Annual Green is Good for Business Climate Protection Action Conference will be held at the Columbia Convention Center all day, Tuesday, Oct. 7. Registration is from 8:30 am to 9:30 am, when the opening session begins. The exhibit hall will be open from 11 am until 7 pm.
Admission to the conference is $50 per person or three for $100, and $35 for community and neighborhood association members. Students are also $35.
Business leaders increasingly are asked to respond to growing concerns about air pollution, climate change and energy efficiency. The key to success may depend on how the challenges are approached, according to media materials issued by Columbia's Dept. of Public Works.
The conference will provide information about:
• saving money by conserving resources
• creating and enhancing competitive advatage and reputation
• opening up new or niche markets
• positive opportunities for marketing
• improving public relations while demonstrating a commitment to corporate responsibility
• the Green Business Award
The Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce recently issued its Environmental Policy Statement:
"The Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce believes that environmentally conscious practices and business success are not mutually exclusive. The chamber is committed to operating as an environmentally friendly business but also to serving as role model for the business community. We are committed to encouraging our employees and all members of the business community to take continual steps to improve environmental responsibility through conservation, recycling, and personal choices."
The conference's morning session will be a panel on The Future of Business in a Sustainable Environment. The panel will feature Andrew Mangan, executive director and cofounder of the U.S. Business Council for Sustainable Development. The council, a non- profit association of businesses, was founded in 2002 to create and deliver value- driven sustainable projects in the U.S.
Also scheduled to be on the panel for the morning session are Dr. Hildy Teegen, dean of USC's Moore School of Business, and Myra Reece, chief of the Air Quality Bureau of the S.C. Dept. of Health and Environmental Control.
B. Keith Trent, group executive and chief of the strategy, policy and regulatory office for Duke Energy, will deliver the conference's keynote luncheon address. Duke Energy has become a leader in exploring alternative methods of power generation.
Martin Rickerd, the British Consul- General in Atlanta, will speak at the closing session. Rickerd joined the British diplomatic service in 1972. A frequent speaker on global sustainable initiatives, Rickerd believes that while governments need to create the right incentives, it is possible for the private sector to make money and save the environment at the same time.
Following Rickerd's remarks, Jim Sonefeld, better known as Soni with Hootie and the Blowfish, will deliver a Call to Action to conference attendees. Sonefeld, Hootie's drummer, is an advocate of green business practices.
Ovations is the host for Business After Hours, 5:30 pm until 7:00 pm, in conjunction with the conference. Business After Hours is an innovative way to meet people and share interests. Admission is free to all chamber members and their employees with a business card. No RSVP necessary.
The conference is presented by the City of Columbia and the Climate Protection Action Committee in partnership with the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce.
Online registration is available through the City of Columbia Web site www.columbiasc.net or the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce, www.columbiachamber.com.
