Environmental Leaders, Experts Speaking at Power of Green Conference

More world-class speakers and panelists have been added to an already impressive list of environmental and business leaders for the Power of Green Conference on Monday, Oct. 20.

Registration for the conference is growing and it is expected to attract about 300 delegates to the Cunard Centre in Halifax.

"It's exciting to have representatives from businesses in Nova Scotia and around the world gather to share their insights on the business case for sustainability," said Premier Rodney MacDonald. "Participants will share their experiences in environmental stewardship, which is not only socially responsible, but can also lead to efficient business opportunities."

Nova Scotia native Annette Verschuren, president of Home Depot Canada and Asia, and Laury Hammel, president of the Longfellow Clubs of Boston, will deliver keynote addresses along with Lester Brown, founder and president of Earth Policy Institute, and Barbara Stymiest, chief operating officer of the RBC Financial Group.

"The key strategy to developing a strong local and regional economy is to ensure that environmental sustainability and localized economic development are both achieved," said Mr. Hammel. "This conference is a way to share and learn more about how we can create thriving locally-owned businesses, which will lead to building strong local economies and grow the emerging green economy."

Mr. Hammel founded the Longfellow Clubs in 1980. It is a group of health and sports clubs, holistic centres and children centres, as well as camps. It is the 54th largest health club organization in the United States, serving 12,000 members and 10,000 clients annually. He also co-founded the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies, a national organization of entrepreneurs committed to building strong local economies.

The conference also features panelists including:

• Claude Ouimet, senior vice president and general manager of InterfaceFLOR Canada and Latin America
• Mary Anne MacEachern, sustainable procurement coordinator with the Department of Economic Development
• Karen Miner, senior sustainability consultant with Jacques Whitford in Halifax
• John Crace, chairman of WHW Architects in Halifax
• Jim Reid, CEO of Green Solutions of North America Inc. in Bridgewater
• Mike Velemirovich, president of Hillcrest Volkswagen and Kia, and founding director of the Children's Clean Air Network

The Power of Green Conference is a key vehicle to further the province's Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act and its vital companion, Opportunities for Sustainable Prosperity. The act and strategy are part of the sustainable business case for Nova Scotia. Together, they have the ambitious goal to make Nova Scotia one of the cleanest and most sustainable environments in the world by the year 2020, while ensuring greater economic performance.

The conference is hosted by the Department of Economic Development and sponsored by government and private sector partners. The highest level green diamond sponsors are Nova Scotia Power Inc. and the departments of Environment, Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, and Natural Resources.

For profiles of the speakers and panelists and to register for the conference, visit www.thepowerofgreen.ca .