At a glance
Alfred State College is hosting a Going Green Festival, sponsored by ACCORD Corp. and WNY Energy $mart Communities. This two-day green business conference is offered for aspiring entrepreneurs and existing businesses in Allegany County. It is also intended to raise awareness of energy efficiency issues and opportunities for homeowners.
Alfred State College is hosting a Going Green Festival, sponsored by ACCORD Corp. and WNY Energy $mart Communities. This two-day green business conference is offered for aspiring entrepreneurs and existing businesses in Allegany County. It is also intended to raise awareness of energy efficiency issues and opportunities for homeowners.
The event will take place Friday and Saturday, May 2-3, 2008, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., the Alfred State College School of Applied Technology Campus, 2530 S. Brooklyn Ave., Wellsville.
Green business is a growing movement that intersects across sectors and industries. Demand for green products and services is growing exponentially and companies big and small are paying attention, developing new product lines, and bringing innovation to the table. Green businesses operate in ways that solve, rather than cause, both environmental and social problems. These businesses adopt principles, policies, and practices that improve the quality of life for their customers, their employees, communities, and the environment.
A $50,000 USDA Rural Business Opportunity grant was awarded to ACCORD toward the formation of a green business action team and development of a two-day workshop focusing on alternative agriculture and providing technical assistance to entrepreneurs and business owners, promoting sustainable economic development in Rural Communities.
ACCORD, along with EcoVentures and the Green Business Action Team, developed the curriculum for day one, the Green Business Seminar (space is limited for the Green Business Seminar). Day two, the Going Green Festival will provide a community focus on opportunities in the green economy, as well as direction for homeowners toward saving energy.
"Alfred State College is excited to host this event, as we are providing our students with the tools to effectively enter the green collar workforce. We feel that the local community is being presented a tremendous opportunity to develop a sustainable and green economy that will utilize our graduates and the expertise of Alfred State," said Craig R. Clark, executive director of the Wellsville Campus, and dean, School of Applied Technology at the college.
"Understanding green business can be the launch pad for a new business idea or a new way to boost an existing business," said Gretchen Hanchett, business and community development director for ACCORD Corp.
Lori Nagel, coordinator, WNY Energy $mart Communities Program, said, "Energy efficiency and renewable energy present opportunities for both local businesses looking to expand their services, as well as homeowners looking to save energy and money."
For additional information on the two-day event, visit http://www.alleganybusinesscenter.com/ or call (585) 268-7605 ext.1717. Any businesses or entrepreneurs interested in registering for the first day's activities, e-mail Roxanne Jedraszczak at rjedraszczak@accordcorp.org or call (585) 268-7605 ext.1717.