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Summit Scheduled for Oct. 31; Early-Bird Registration Through Oct. 7 

In its continuous commitment to promote sustainable practices, Leon County will once again host the Sustainable Communities Summit on Wednesday, Oct. 31 at the Florida State University Turnbull Conference Center at 555 Pensacola St. This year’s theme is “Collaboration for a More Resilient Community,” which highlights the many ways individual actions serve to collectively foster a sustainable community.
                                                                       
The day-long event, built upon the County’s previous summits in 2008 and 2010 and its co-hosted 2011 Sustainable YOU conference, is geared toward those interested in a more sustainable life and in learning about resources that exist within our community. This year’s Summit offers sessions on four tracks: “Food and Gardening,” “Sustainability DIY,” “The Power of Community,” and “Living a Sustainable Life.” Topics will include food entrepreneurship, ideas for a greener home, reuse outlets in the community and a feature involving one family’s goal of a waste-free summer.

“We’re excited to have two well-known and recognized writers, Janisse Ray and Hazel Henderson, as keynote speakers,” said Maggie Theriot, Leon County Resource Stewardship Director. “The 2012 Summit will also include 16 breakout sessions that provide attendees practical techniques to life’s every day routines that build upon a comprehensive sustainable community.”

Participants will walk away with ideas for saving money and resources as well as for growing our local economy. Individuals, civic and faith leaders, business leaders, neighborhood organizers, entrepreneurs, local agriculturalists, and government officials will find opportunities to learn and network.

“All members of our community benefit from shared ideas that creates a ‘greener’ Leon County,” said Leon County Commission Chairman Akin Akinyemi. “This Summit is really for everyone – curious beginners and seasoned professionals alike, especially citizens interested in what they can personally do to strengthen their community.”

As sustainability has gained greater community awareness, Leon County has led by example the last several years by integrating sustainable practices into its daily operations. Over the past few years, in addition to formally creating the Office of Sustainability in 2008 and most recently the Division of Resource Stewardship, the County’s efforts have included the installation of a 40,000 gallon rainwater cistern, development of a community gardens program and the conversion of the 50-year-old Cooperative Extension building into a net-zero facility that generates as much power as it consumes. 

“Less than a year ago, the Board crafted a strategic plan which placed a great emphasis on the environment, economy, and quality of life which are in fact the three ‘pillars’ of a sustainable community,” said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long. “This year’s Summit is a continuation of the County’s concerted efforts toward engaging citizens in a collaborative discussion on approaches that enhance the life of our unique natural resources.” 

The 2012 Summit includes a continental breakfast and luncheon, break-out sessions on the four tracks, exhibitions from area organizations and businesses and keynote addresses from leaders in sustainability. The conference fee is $45, with a price break for early-bird registration at $30 through Sunday, Oct. 7.

To register, visit the Leon County Sustainable Communities Summit 2012 website at www.GrowingGreen.org/summit . For more information, contact Kathryn Ziewitz, Leon County Sustainability Coordinator, at (850) 606-5300 or by e-mail at Sustainability@LeonCountyFL.gov, or Jon D. Brown, Leon County Community and Media Relations Director, at cmr@LeonCountyFL.gov.

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