ANN ARBOR, Mich., April 02, 2009 — NSF International and the Southeast Michigan Sustainable Business Forum will be hosting the Growing with a Greening Economy Forum: Insights into How Green Policy, Practices and Technology Can Advance Your Business. This one-day forum will feature three interactive panel discussions, providing perspectives in green policy, business practices and green technologies in education and research.
A Green Innovation Exhibit will also be available to tour. The exhibit houses state-of-the-art workstations that feature green and sustainable heating, cooling and plumbing technologies for renovations and new construction that promote energy efficiency and save money.
WHEN: Tuesday, April 14, from 8:30am to 4:30pm. Green Innovation Exhibit tours will be given at 12:30pm and 3:30pm.
WHERE: The Growing with a Greening Economy Forum will be held at NSF International Headquarters located at 789 N. Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Click to view map.
WHO: Speakers include The Honorable John D. Dingell, representative of Michigan’s 15th Congressional District and Chairman Emeritus of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Congressman Dingell will provide federal perspectives on green policy and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
Keynote Speaker: Glen S. LeRoy, AIA, FAICP, Dean, College of Architecture and Design, Lawrence Technological University, will be speaking about the economic positioning of Michigan in an era of climate change.
Panel 1: Implications of Federal, State & Local Green Policy includes:
Federal, state and local representatives discuss green policy, the green jobs initiative, and what the government is doing to promote green technology. Attendees will learn how green policy and economic incentives will impact Michigan, especially Southeast Michigan.
Amy Butler, Director for the Bureau of Energy Systems, Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth
Rebekah Warren, Michigan State Representative (D) Dist. 53
Chris Kolb, President, Michigan Environmental Council
Panel 2: Commercial & Industrial Green Initiatives includes:
Representatives from companies that make, use, and invest in green technologies will elaborate on the challenges and benefits of going green. Attendees will learn how companies in various industries are integrating sustainable business strategies into policy, practice, and culture, helping Michigan become a leader in the green technology field.
Patricia Beattie, Ph.D., Director of Chemical Risk Management, Environmental Services, General Motors
Rick Plewa, Senior Vice President of Sustainability, Comerica
Gary Yezbick, Vice President of Sustainability & Innovation, MASCO
Panel 3: Academic and Environmental Partnerships in Green Innovation includes:
Panelists will discuss the transfer of new or developing technologies and the implementation process, highlighting education, research and outreach strategies that support green job creation, strengthen communities, and build collaborations with the business sector.
Richard Chylla, Director, Engineering Tech Transfer and Associate Director of Licensing for the College of Engineering, University of Michigan
Yi Lu Murphy, Chair of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Michigan – Dearborn
Roshani Dantas, Green Jobs Training Program, Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice
Donald D. Carpenter, Ph.D., LEED AP, Associate Professor of Civil Engineering, Lawrence Tech University
HOW TO REGISTER: The deadline for audience registration is April 3. Members of the media can register prior to April 8. To register, please click here. There is a $25 fee for registration and includes lunch and a tour of the Green Innovation Exhibit. The $25 registration fee is waived for members of the media and panel.
WHY: Green policy is front and center on the national economic and environmental landscapes. With $150 billion dollars being strategically invested over the next 10 years creating an estimated five million new jobs, the new green economy offers many opportunities to improve our current economic climate. Come learn how adopting sustainable business practices have already shaped successful businesses in Michigan by reducing costs, creating jobs and by providing a competitive advantage.
To view the agenda for the event, click here. For more information on the Green Innovation Exhibit, click here.
For more information contact Kelly Nichols at 734.827.6850 or knichols@nsf.org.
About the Southeast Michigan Sustainable Business Forum: The Southeast Michigan Sustainable Business Forum (SMSBF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of sustainable business practices (www.smsbf.org). Initiated in 2001, its purpose is to enable business leaders in Southeast Michigan to work in a mutually supportive learning network to understand the challenges and opportunities associated with becoming sustainable enterprises in a region and world undergoing fundamental and rapid economic, environmental, and social change. SMSBF’s vision is for its members to have a profound and positive impact on the growth and prosperity of SE Michigan through the development and sharing of sustainable business practices.
About NSF International: NSF International, an independent, not-for-profit organization, helps protect you by certifying products and writing standards for food, water and consumer goods (www.nsf.org). Founded in 1944, NSF is committed to protecting public health and safety worldwide. NSF is a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Food and Water Safety and Indoor Environment. Additional services include safety audits for the food and water industries, management systems registrations delivered through NSF International Strategic Registrations, organic certification provided by Quality Assurance International and education through the NSF Center for Public Health Education.
