Over 250 business and industry professionals helped launch the Southeast Regional office of the U.S. Green Chamber on July 14 in Lake Mary. “We’re very excited to be playing a pivotal role in the economic development of local and regional markets that consider the broader, real world economy of efficiency and profit-making,” says Jennifer Barrows, Executive Director of the SE Region.
The event was held in the Regional U.S. Green Chamber office in the Gold LEED certified building of Burke, Hogue, Mills, an architectural and design firm. The program highlighted sustainability success stories from national corporations. Executives who shared their success stories represented Costco, Staples, Lockheed Martin, Skanska, AAA, Honeywell, Darden, Waste Management, and others.
“Presentations by several major companies highlighted the fact that green business practices, sustainable technologies, and sound fiscal management are not mutually exclusive,” says Michael Calkins, an executive with AAA’s national office. “The firms that spoke identified both commonplace and innovative ways they have modified their operations to benefit the environment and the bottom line. AAA supports the efforts of the U.S. Green chamber to inform and encourage other businesses to follow suit.”
This event was the first of many being planned in the Southeast Region. Upcoming events will include facility tours, networking and educational activities which will continue to provide resources and connect business and industry professionals.