On April 14, 2011, the College of Southern Maryland welcomed close to 200 sponsors, exhibitors, and attendees for the first Green Symposium.  With the marked success of this recent event, Charles County is moving full-steam ahead with plans for the upcoming Green Expo taking place on June 18 at North Point High School from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  This event is free and open to the public.

To kick off the Symposium, former Governor Parris Glendening provided a keynote address highlighting smart growth and the responsibilities in development and expansion needed in the business community.  The event was capped off by a moderated discussion featuring News Anchor, Wendy Rieger, Emmy Award-winning journalist and host of NBC 4’s “Going Green” segment.  In addition, attendees had the opportunity to view the latest fuel-efficient vehicle from Chevy, the “Volt,” provided by Ken Dixon Automotive. 

Commissioner President Candice Quinn Kelly stated, “Charles County’s efforts to conserve energy and reduce our carbon footprint are not just good for the environment, but have numerous benefits for businesses and communities.”

The Green Expo will be a high point for Charles County during the month of June. This free event will be open to the community at large and will take place on June 18 at North Point High School from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Last year’s Expo was attended by more than 1,200 individuals and sponsored by 75 exhibitors and companies.  The Expo will feature products and services that will educate and inform residents and businesses on ways to save money by adopting sustainable practices.
-MORE-
 
Area students also have an opportunity to participate by creating a video that addresses the question: “Going Green What Does it Mean?”  Contest winners will be announced during the Expo and will receive cash prizes for their schools and a day at the NBC Studios in Washington, D.C.  The 2011 sponsors include: Chaney Enterprises, Saint Charles Communities, College of Southern Maryland, Meridian, SMECO, Southern Solutions, Waste Management, Coca-Cola, Elm Street Development, Chick-fil-A, Soleil Solar, Lowes of La Plata, HazTrain, GenOn, Dillon’s Bus Service, PNC Bank, Charles County Technology Council, Golder Associates, and Loiederman, Soltesz Associates.  No registration for the Expo is necessary.

To market the Expo and encourage more sustainability in the community, representatives from Charles County will be giving away reusable shopping bags to the first 100 (per location) shoppers on June 12 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the La Plata Safeway and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Waldorf Giant.  To schedule interviews, contact Crystal Hunt, Public Information Officer, at 301-645-0580 or HuntC@CharlesCounty.org.  Individuals or companies interested in sponsorship or exhibit opportunities, please contact Beth Groth at 301-645-0684 or GrothB@CharlesCounty.org.  Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.

If you are interested in learning more about Charles County’s green initiatives, visit www.CharlesCounty.org/GREEN.