2008 Oregon Environmental Council Business Forum Series to Highlight the Advantages of Sustainability to Oregon Commerce

PORTLAND, Ore.—March 19, 2008—For the last two years, the Oregon business community has identified “sustainability” as a competitive advantage for Oregon and an issue that should be integrated into the Oregon Business Plan. But does sustainability make financial sense? And how are Oregon cities and companies raising the bar and putting sustainability into practice successfully in ways that are good for business? At its 13th annual Forum for Business and the Environment series, the Oregon Environmental Council has gathered financial and economic experts, business leaders, elected officials and other professionals to answer these questions. The speakers will provide real-world examples of sustainability in practice and will explore what it means to develop viable sustainable communities.

Events are $35 each ($25 for OEC members and employees of nonprofit or governmental agencies). Online registration is available at www.oeconline.org or by calling 503-222-1963 ext. 100. Food is provided at all events. Seating is limited. Reservations should be made ten business days in advance of the event.

NOTE: Complimentary media passes for each event are available upon request. Please contact communications director Jeremy Graybill for more information.

April 11, 2008:

Transportation and Sustainable Communities: Investing in Climate-Friendly, People-Friendly Transportation Systems

- SPEAKER: Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski

- WHEN: Friday, April 11, 2008, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

- WHERE: Friday, April 11, 2008 Oregon Convention Center, Portland Ballroom, 777 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Portland, OR

May 6, 2008:

The Green Dividend for Companies and Cities: Seeing Green for Going Green

- SPEAKERS: Pierre Trevet: Managing Director, Innovest Strategic Value Advisors /Joe Cortright: Vice President, Impresa, Inc.

- WHEN: Tuesday, May 6, 2008 7:30 – 9:30 a.m.

- WHERE: St. Charles Learning Center, 2500 N.E. Neff Rd., Bend

May 8, 2008:

The Green Dividend for Companies and Cities: Seeing Green for Going Green

- SPEAKERS: Pierre Trevet: Managing Director, Innovest Strategic Value Advisors / Joe Cortright: Vice President, Impresa, Inc.

- WHEN: Thursday, May 8, 2008 7:30 – 9:30 a.m.

- WHERE: Doubletree Hotel and Executive Meeting Center, Lloyd Center, 1000 N.E. Multnomah St., Portland

June 3, 2008:

The Next Green Building Revolution: Moving Beyond Zero Impact

- SPEAKERS: Gina Franzosa: Director, Oregon Chapter, Cascadia Region Green Building Council / Scott Lewis: Founder and Principal, Brightworks

- WHEN: Tuesday, June 3, 2008, 7:30 – 9:30 a.m.

- WHERE: Doubletree Hotel and Executive Meeting Center, Lloyd Center, 1000 N.E. Multnomah St., Portland

October 17, 2008:

Business Leader Forum: How Green Practices Increase Profits and Customer Satisfaction

- SPEAKERS: Speakers whose expertise will be relevant to the local area business sectors will be announced on OEC’s web site (www.oeconline.org)

- WHEN: Friday, October 17, 2008, 11:30 – 1:30 p.m.

- WHERE: Ashland Springs Hotel, 212 East Main St., Ashland. Additional October dates for Bend and LaGrande, Oregon will be announced; please see web site www.oeconline.org/economy for updates.

About the Oregon Environmental Council

The Oregon Environmental Council safeguards what Oregonians love about Oregon – clean air and water, an unpolluted landscape and healthy food produced by local farmers. For 40 years, we’ve been a champion for solutions to protect the health of every Oregonian and the health of the place we call home. Our vision for Oregon includes solving global warming, protecting kids from toxins, cleaning up our rivers, building sustainable economies, and ensuring healthy food and local farms. Find out more at www.oeconline.org.

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