Join us for "Green Biz and Buzz"

Sept. 29, 2008 - PRLog -- (Spokane, Wash.) – City of Spokane and Greater Spokane Incorporated are teaming together to announce the first “Green Biz and Buzz” a series of events targeted at sustainability ideas for your community, business and home.

Concerns about climate change, energy issues and environmental stewardship are creating opportunities for discussion and change.  Regional and local experts are available to help you take small steps or giant leaps towards making our community a “green-friendly” place to live, work and play!

And, the best part, these events will save you green!  Most events are free and open to the public.  Check the websites to see if RSVPs or fees are required.

“Spokane is well-positioned to be on the leading edge of creating an economic cluster of ‘green-collar’ jobs and sustainable businesses,” said Mayor Mary Verner.   “At the same time, each of us also can do our part by making sustainable choices, using compact fluorescent lightbulbs, walking or riding the bus instead of commuting alone, purchasing goods made from recycled materials.  It all adds up.”

In light of these green activities, we’d like to suggest the use of green transportation choices for attending the “Green Biz and Buzz” events.  Check out the STA website at www.spokanetransit.com for bus routes serving these various locations, take advantage of the great fall weather to ride your bike or carpool with co-workers and friends.

Events Calendar
Thursday, September 25 – Hosted By Downtown Spokane Partnership
Alternative Transportation Trade Show
The Atrium at River Park Square Mall
12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Join Downtown Spokane Partnership, along with exhibitors CTR/GTEC, STA, Bicyle Advisory Board, Vespa, Smart Car “fortwo”, Go Green Electric Cars, Commuter Cars (the Tango) and Segway.
www.downtownspokane.net

Tuesday, September 30 – Hosted By The Lands Council
Creating Partnerships to Build “Greener” Business:  Growing Local Technology to Support Sustainable Development
Spokane Regional Business Center – 801 West Riverside
7:15 AM to 8:45 AM
Join us for a discussion about Greater Spokane’s initiative to promote clean, green technology in the region, and how this supports a more sustainable future for Spokane. Also, hear about The Lands Council's recent sustainability efforts.
Speaker:  Gary Mallon
RSVP at www.landscouncil.org

Saturday, October 4 – Hosted By Friends of the Falls
The Sixth Annual Spokane River Clean-up
Spokane River Gorge at High Bridge Park
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Friends of the Falls coordinates the clean-up with assistance from dozens of partner organizations.  Online registration is open now. Advance registration helps the organizers plan for sufficient supplies; walk-in registrants are welcome the day of the event.  If you are planning on attending this event, we encourage people to bus from SFCC or bike as there’s very limited parking at High Bridge.
RSVP at www.friendsofthefalls.org

Tuesday, October 7 – Hosted By Greater Spokane Incorporated
In-CENT-ives Workshop
The Davenport Hotel – Elizabethan Room
7:30 AM to 10:00 AM
Presentations on incentives, including energy-related federal and state incentives, Avista incentives and rebates, and City of Spokane Green incentives
Speakers:  Kevin R. Cox, CPA, LeMaster and Daniels, Gary Mallon, Greater Spokane Incorporated, Tom Lienhard, Avista Utilities, and Kimberly Powe, City of Spokane
RSVP at www.greaterspokane.org

Tuesday, October 7 – Hosted by the City of Spokane
Mayor’s Community Roundtable on Sustainable Business
City Hall, 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. – City Council Chambers
11:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Spokane Mayor Mary Verner and three local business representatives will explore the sustainable business topic, discussing everything from creative transportation options to energy efficiency to supporting the Spokane community through food donations.  Come to City Hall or watch it live on CityCable 5 or on the web at www.spokanecity.org.

Wednesday – October 8 – Hosted by Greater Spokane Incorporated
Smart Energies Opportunities, Think Globally, Profit Locally
The Davenport Hotel
3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Learn about best practices in energy, the future of our energy structure, renewable energy trends and technologies, energy policy, legislation and hear an opening welcome introduction from Mayor Mary Verner.
Speakers:  Jesse Berst, Founder of Global Smart Energy; Marc Cummings, Public Affairs Director for Battelle; William Holmes, Partner of Stoel Rives; Roger Woodworth, Avista Corporation; and Doug Moore, President of McKinistry.
RSVP at www.greaterspokane.org

Thursday, October 9 – Hosted by WSU Spokane
4th Annual Healthy Fare
Riverpoint Campus, Academic Center Atrium
600 N. Riverpoint Blvd.
11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Students in the Exercise Physiology and Metabolism (ExMet) program in partnership with the Riverpoint Campus Wellness Collaborative will host the 4th Annual Healthy Fare. This fun annual event is free and open to the public. It is designed to educate and involve the campus and surrounding community in exploring healthy lifestyle choices and features a broad spectrum of local vendors who represent recreational activities, healthy living, nutrition, health care organizations, fitness, and more.
If you are interested in participating as a vendor, please contact Becki Meehan at rmeehan@wsu.edu.   For more information about the event, please contact Kelly LaGrutta at lagrutta@wsu.edu.

Thursday, October 16 – Hosted by Cascadia Region Green Building Council
Winning the Building End Game:  A Road Map to Zero Energy Buildings
The Saranac Hotel – 25 West Main Avenue
5:30 PM
This transformational lecture series aims to inspire all building industry professionals to embrace their role in creating a sustainable built environment, as well as ensuring that sustainability becomes integral to all development in the future.
Speaker:  Peter Rumsey, President, Rumsey Engineers
RSVP at www.cascadiagbc.org

Friday to Sunday, October 17 to 19
Spokane Bioneers 2nd Annual Spokane Conference
Spokane Falls Community College
Bioneers is a nonprofit organization that promotes practical environmental solutions and innovative social strategies for restoring the Earth and communities.
Cost - $25 to $65
RSVP at www.sustainspokane.org

Monday, October 20 – Hosted by SRTC
SmartRoutes Community Rally
STA Plaza
11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Spokane countywide is joining with communities across the nation in the Rails to Trails Conservancy 2010 Campaign for Active Transportation, asking Congress to increase funding for nonmotorized and active transportation. Come see our countywide plan for trails and urban networks with safe and accessible connections for all and learn how you can help the effort.
Contact: Lunell Haught, 443-1319.
Information on bike and pedestrian planning in Spokane County: http://www.srtc.org/bp_related_documents.html

Thursday, October 23 - Hosted by Cascadia Region Green Building Council
An Introduction to the Integrated Design Process and Design Synergies
Spokane Convention Center – 334 West Spokane Falls Blvd.
7:30 AM to 2:00 PM
Gain the tools and techniques to actively participate in collaborative project decision-making – a necessary element for creating cost-effective and environmentally sound buildings.
Cost - $150 to $175
RSVP at www.cascadiagbc.org

ABOUT THE CITY OF SPOKANE
The City of Spokane, home to more than 200,000 people, is located in the heart of the Inland Northwest region.  Our 2,000 employees strive to deliver efficient and effective services that facilitate economic opportunity and enhance the quality of life for all our citizens.  For more information, visit www.spokanecity.org or call (509) 755-CITY.

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ABOUT GREATER SPOKANE INCORPORATED
Greater Spokane Incorporated is committed to accelerating regional economic prosperity throughout the Spokane region. Greater Spokane Incorporated is funded by more than 1500 private-sector member investors; Spokane County; and the cities of Spokane; Spokane Valley; Liberty Lake; Cheney; Airway Heights; Millwood and Medical Lake. For more information, visit www.greaterspokaneincorporated.org or contact us at 509-624-1393 or 1-800-SPOKANE.

Greater Spokane Incorporated - Integrated to Accelerate Regional Economic Prosperity
– The Spokane EDC and Chamber