John Wells of Interface to Keynote the Conference

The second annual GreenBusiness Works EXPO 2009 – a major educational conference and EXPO for businesses and communities throughout the southeast – will focus on sustaining sustainability through best practices demonstrating that going green can save green. The EXPO takes place September 2-3 at the Cobb Galleria Centre. Because of today’s financial climate and GreenBusiness Works’ commitment to helping organizations develop sustainable business practices which benefit the environment, EXPO 2009 is dedicated to helping organizations learn no cost/low cost methods to help them go, stay and save green.

Stephanie Armistead, founder and general manager of GreenBusiness Works, announces that the keynote speaker this year will be John Wells, president and CEO of Interface Americas. Wells joined Interface in 1994; since his appointment as president and CEO of the company in 1999, he has been dedicated to helping Interface companies achieve sustainability financially, economically and globally. His leadership has played a major role in the Americas business expansion into multiple market segments. He has also been involved in developing Interface’s Mission Zero brand promise internally and world-wide, that any negative impact his company has on the environment will be eliminated by 2020. At EXPO 2009, Wells will be discussing the main theme of this year’s EXPO: sustaining sustainability during a time of financial turbulence.

“John’s leadership is a perfect example of our theme, Sustaining Sustainability. He is responsible for delivering profitability with each Interface Americas business unit in these difficult economic times on a sustainable platform,” said Armistead. “Interface has been on the forefront of sustainable business practices for more than a dozen years and John will share challenges, solutions and insights to our audience.”

GreenBusiness Works EXPO has already lined up an impressive roster of exhibitors. Last year’s EXPO had over 60 diverse exhibitors and this year’s is expected to have even more. A number of attendees last year developed significant business relationships at the EXPO and report that they are still doing business with contacts made there.

“GreenBusiness Works Expo provided a great gathering point for those interested, involved or curious about sustainable practices. It is important that each of us find our passion as it pertains to our community, business, industry and planet. GreenBusiness Works Expo has provided that opportunity for me and I have been pleased to have my company participate in sharing our sustainable practices and learning about those of other,” said Lewis B. Perkins, Director, The Mohawk Group, Sustainable Strategies.

Holly Elmore of Green Foodservice Alliance had this to say after last year’s EXPO: “The GreenBusiness Works EXPO exemplifies Atlanta’s enthusiasm for and commitment to creating an environmentally conscious business culture. With the foodservice industry the second largest employer in Georgia behind government, the Green Foodservice Alliance is honored to participate in this groundbreaking Expo. The time is now to make strides in cleaning up our business practices."

GreenBusiness Works EXPO’s breakout session tracks this year focus on no cost/low cost initiatives organizations can implement to reduce expenses. Organizations interested in the basics and how to get started can attend one of several Sustainability 101 sessions designed to support those just beginning or new to sustainability. Sessions will include updates on carbon emissions, legislation and policy and will be designed to keep business attendees informed about the latest Washington policies and issues, including new mandates and pending legislation concerning carbon emissions, trading, offsets and emissions.

Overarching session themes are as follows:

• Existing Buildings sessions will help attendees discover how renovating green can reduce the bottom line costs.
• Renewable Energy, Technology and Energy Conservation sessions will feature subject matter experts who will provide an overview of the latest data and information in renewable energy and the products that are coming to market to support renewable energy use.
• Clean Water and Water Conservation sessions will cover specific strategies focused on new technologies targeting both mitigation and adaptation from xeriscaping to rain harvesting to grey water usage.
• Waste Minimization, Management, Reuse of Materials, and Recycling sessions will feature industry experts who will focus on the current trends, issues and opportunities facing both the private and public sectors.
• Logistics – Greening Your Plant, Warehouse and Fleet topics will include how to set a realistic, logistics greening agenda for your facility, fleet, warehouse or plant while reducing expenses to save money.
• Finally, Supply Chain Management sessions will teach attendees how a green SCM policy will save money, reduce harmful environmental impacts and improve worker safety.

The 2009 EXPO will feature reduced registration fees over last year’s fees, which can be found at http://www.greenbusinessworksexpo.net/.