Business owners invited to program
The Trail Town Program, an economic development initiative of the Progress Fund, is hosting a Sustainability Summit for local business owners to learn about economically viable sustainable business practices. The event serves as a kickoff for the new Great Allegheny Passage Sustainable Business Network (GAP SBN). The summit will take place from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday in Confluence.
Modeled after similar, successful projects in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, the GAP SBN is a resource and networking organization that supports and promotes businesses in their efforts to pursue business practices that value the triple bottom line of people, planet and profit. The GAP SBN will assist businesses by hosting regular events for information sharing and networking, maintaining an online blog with practical tips, inspirational articles and stories about local businesses merging economic and environmental interests.
The GAP SBN will also offer coordinated marketing for member businesses, helping them reach out to consumers and trail users who are increasingly interested in supporting “green” businesses. A recent poll conducted by the Trail Town Outreach Corps revealed that 83 percent of trail users would be more likely to patronize a business that engaged in practices that were mindful of their impact on the environment over ones that were not.
The summit will feature presentations from successful local business owners Eric Martin of Wilderness Voyageurs in Ohiopyle, Brad Smith from the Confluence Cyclery and Mike Dreisbach from the Savage River Lodge who will discuss why they choose sustainable practices and how it helps their businesses.
The summit is designed for those who have already implemented green practices as well as those who are wondering what “going green” is all about, and how it can benefit their business. Details on how to become a member of the Great Allegheny Passage Sustainable Business Network will also be provided along with money-saving tips and giveaways for business owners.
The cost to attend is $10, which includes lunch. Participants are asked to pre-register with the Trail Town Outreach Corps by calling 724-603-3151 or by e-mail at emayes@thesca.org
. Comfortable clothing should be worn, as the group will visit two local businesses.