Valley Forward kicked off its sixth annual Livability Summit and commemorative 40th anniversary with a downtown tree planting project of the popular First Friday Art Walk neighborhood. In partnership with Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon, SRP and Enterprise Rent-A-Car more than 100 volunteers helped with the Green-ovationproject that is part of an ongoing effort supporting the Mayor’s Green Phoenix initiative.
Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon thanks VFA President Diane Brossart for
Valley Forward's partnership in planting trees.
VFA Chair of the Board, Chris Schmaltz and his daughters Katarina (L) and Kristin (R).
VFA Board Member, Lori Singleton, Manager, Environmental Initiatives
at SRP, helps plant trees with volunteers.
The sixth annual summit on April 16th will be held as a half-day conference featuring pioneers of the sustainability movement – Ralph Nader and Ed Begley Jr., both of whom embraced environmental stewardship long before it went mainstream. Hundreds of business and civic leaders will attend the summit, which this year advocates for sustainable capitalism, focusing on energy, new technologies, transportation, green building, financial incentives and more. Environmental Steward Partners for Valley Forward’s Livability Summit include: APS, The Business Journal, City of Phoenix, Honeywell, Intel Corporation, SRP, STMicroelectronics, University of Phoenix/Apollo Group and Wells Fargo. Ecologist partners, Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Foundation and Waste Management provided additional support. For additional information, Click Here.
VALLEY FORWARD ASSOCIATION PRESENTS LIVABLE COMMUNITIES AWARD
Ed Begley Jr. will headline at Valley Forward's Livability Summit, along with Ralph Nader, on April 16. Reserve your seating today!
In addition to the keynotes and panel presentations on solar and sustainable capitalism, students from Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Scottsdale will display their project, which won Valley Forward's “Livable Communities Award” through the 2009 Future City Competition – Phoenix Region.
The students earned the award for developing a community design that balances economic growth and environmental quality through such elements as natural resource conservation, sustainability, multi-modal transportation corridors and connectivity.
AWARD WINNERS – Valley Forward bestowed its “Livable Communities Award” on a Future City project titled, "Qualonia," created by Scottsdale students from Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
CELEBRATE EARTH DAY WITH ARIZONA'S NEW LEADERSHIP
Join us for an overview of Governor Brewer's environmental agenda. Learn how she will create a stronger future for Valley residents by focusing on such tangibles as renewable energy, economic stability and environmental sustainability.
Join us for an insightful dialogue featuring:
The Honorable Jan Brewer
In addition to the Governor's keynote address, Valley Forward's leadership will unveil a new program as part of the Association's 40th anniversary year. For additional information, Click Here.
PRESIDENT'S COLUMN VALUE IN SOCIAL NETWORKING
It’s ironic that I should be recognized by the leading trade organization for public relations practitioners – as the recipient of the Phoenix Award from the Public Relations Society of America, Phoenix Chapter -- for demonstrating exemplary practices as a non practitioner. I’m truly honored, and somewhat stunned.
Granted, I’ve been in and around the industry for most of my career and I used to think I was pretty good at public relations. However, that was before social media became in vogue and everyone became so enamored with their computer and web sites like Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Now I’m more confused than ever about PR! But thanks to our friends at Olson Communications, I’m reluctantly coming around to the nuances of social media and the new way of distributing information in the 21st century.
I’m also able to stay current because of the 20/30 club that hangs around the Valley Forward office – our amazing staff of young, bright and talented professionals. That and the fact that our vice president, Vicky White, is a techno wiz in her own right, helps to ensure that our Association effectively utilizes technology to promote the livability and sustainability of our region.
Texting, blogs, instant messages and social networking sites might seem to some an excuse to become lost in a computer. This type of networking has evolved from a domain where people were simply looking for friendship on the internet. Online communities now offer a multitude of opportunities for businesses to reach out to diverse audiences instantly. By signing up for a service with millions of members, one is instantly able to connect with new people who are like-minded.
Valley Forward now has a Facebook page, a LinkedIn profile and a Twitter page. Click the buttons on the sidebar to explore these new communications vehicles and join us in our goal to become a clearinghouse for all things “green.” It’s important that we continue to lead the conversation, which today just happens to come in the form of “tweets.”
SMILES ALL AROUND (L-R) Michelle Olson, president of Olson Communications, Diane Brossart, president of VFA and Kari Mather, account executive at Olson Communications enjoy the moment.
VFA MEMBERS REPRESENT DIVERSE INTEREST
The National Civic League has announced that the CITY OF PHOENIX is one of 32 finalists for the 2009 All-America City Award. Phoenix is the only Arizona finalist in the 60th annual competition. A committee of 50 people, including 30 community members, among them Valley Forward, as well as 20 city employees, worked collaboratively on the award application. The finalists will compete to earn the title “All-America City,” with presentations June 17 – 19 in Tampa, Fla. Phoenix is a four-time All-America City, having won the recognition in 1950, 1958, 1980 and 1989. It is the country’s most prestigious community recognition award, honoring communities of all sizes for collaborative projects addressing critical issues.
In order to help mitigate increasing energy costs, the Green Survival Initiative Program sponsored in part by SOUTHWEST GREEN MAGAZINE will provide low-income homeowners and renters easy-to-use, cost effective green technologies. Each participating household will receive a Green Survival Sustainability starter kit containing 21 compact fluorescent light bulbs, two low-flow showerheads, a kitchen thermometer and a simple tire gauge. If used properly, the equipment could allow for nearly $500 in savings. For more information call (602) 276-2582.
DISCOUNT CAB SM recently completed a $1 million remodeling of its corporate headquarters in Glendale, Arizona in an attempt to keep its carbon footprint as small as possible. By using environmentally-friendly building materials and upgrading all of the building's air conditioning systems, the company has doubled its square-footage without increasing utility bills. For more information on Discount Cab's green initiatives visit: http://discountcab.com/about/green_initiatives.aspx.
Part of INTEL’S ongoing environmental commitment includes a corporate strategy to improve sustainability. The company has programs in place to collect and recycle wastewater, solid waste and chemical waste, and strongly encourages employees to participate and help discover new ways to expand their involvement in the green movement. Click Here to see video for some of the creative ways employees adhere to these processes.
The GREENBUILD INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE AND EXPO 2009, Tours Committee is currently seeking environmentally sustainable “green” buildings and projects within Northern, Central and Southern Arizona. If selected, winners may be featured as part of official tours offered to Greenbuild Conference attendees on Friday, November 13th and Saturday, November 14th. In keeping with the 2009 conference theme of Greenbuild, Main Street Green: Connect to the Conversation, the committee is seeking both LEED Certified and non-LEED projects that represent a diverse cross section of innovative, environmentally sustainable design, planning and construction initiatives. For information on submitting a project, Click Here.
Valley Forward’s 2009 Chair of the Board Christopher Schmaltz, of Gust Rosenfeld, hosted a new member lunch in March to introduce newcomers to the Association and encourage networking.
JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT!
Valley Forward’s "Just for the Fun of It" mixer hosted by Westcor, provided a networking opportunity for members and guests in celebration of the 40th year anniversaries of both organizations. The unique setting of the Biltmore Fashion Park featured a complimentary reception and included a 40-year signature cocktail.
Attendees enjoyed cocktails and networking at the March Membership Mixer.
Participants listen for the winning raffle numbers.
MEMBER FEATURE:
WIH Resource Group headquartered in Phoenix provides global solutions for environmental, waste management, recycling, transportation, financial and logistical matters. By offering creative solutions to complex business issues and related matters for government municipalities, industrial companies, environmental, engineering firms, non-profits and commercial customers alike, WIH Staff establishes long term relationships with clients, assisting in developing viable and sustainable solutions. Their unique client solutions come from a combination of indepth industry experience and the related knowledge they have gained in working with various clients. For more information, visit: http://www.wihresourcegroup.com./
40 YEARS IN PHOTOS
Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the moon, Glen Campbell received the Album of the Year for By the Time I Get to Phoenix and the U.S. began withdrawing troops from Vietnam. It was 1969 and Arizona was among fastest growing states in the nation, even then. It was one year before the nation’s first Earth Day and a group of visionaries got together to form Valley Forward Association.
As Valley Forward celebrates a milestone 40th year anniversary, we’d like to take a look back at some of the people, events and projects that have made the organization what it is today.
Advocating for the revitalization of the Salt River -- Rio Salado.
Thanking our partners for supporting EarthFest, the state's official Earth Day celebration.
Managing yet another event promoting environmental education.
NEWS YOU CAN REUSE: By Olson Communications
Leverage Your Presence at Forums
Valley Forward’s sixth annual Livability Summit, “Healthy Environment – Healthy Economy,” is less than a month away. While keynote speakers Ralph Nader and Ed Begley, Jr. present incentive enough to take advantage of the half-day forum, conferences such as this provide powerful tools to professionals in today’s economy to help spread their own company’s environmental message. Although these may seem obvious, it’s not always indicative of our actions – little reminders can go a long way; especially when our minds are not always focused on the end product.
1.Hearing the keynote speakers and listening to panel discussions from some of the most well-known and knowledgeable individuals in the industry will expand your mindset on green living and enable you to collect information necessary to make you more effective in your job.
2.Networking can be your most valuable tool during tough economic times, and conferences present an opportunity to gather contacts.
3.A half-day of knowledge and network building can bring new energy and excitement to what you do everyday in your life and workplace.
4.Spreading your environmental message is not only about discussing your green brand, but living it too. Your attendance speaks volumes toward your attention to the cause. Although it is subtle, people will notice you and the more you are a part of organizations such as Valley Forward, the more you are affiliated with being an environmentalist.
MOVING THE VALLEY FORWARD
Founded in 1969, Valley Forward is a non-profit public interest organization that brings business and civic leaders together to convene thoughtful public dialogue on regional issues and to promote the livability and sustainability of Valley communities. For more information, call (602) 240-2408 or visit www.valleyforward.org.
EDITOR'S NOTE
We are seeking sponsors for the Sept/Oct and/or Nov/Dec issues of the e-newsletter Update, which is distributed to more than 1,000 business and civic leaders throughout the Valley and State. For a minimal cost of $250, you’ll receive a short story (75 words) about your organization, inclusive of a photo, logo identification and live link to your own web site. To reserve space contact: Editor, e-Update, Valley Forward Association, 3800 North Central Avenue, Suite 220, Phoenix, AZ 85012 Telephone: (602) 240-2408 Fax: (602) 240-2407 E-mail:info@valleyforward.org.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEONS Dates: Wednesday, April 22 Time: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Location: Hyatt Regency Phoenix MEMBER MIXER Date: May 20
Time: 4-7 p.m. Location: Hoskin Ryan Consultants LIVABILITY SUMMIT Date: April 16 Time: 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Location: Wyndham Phoenix ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS Date: September 12 Time: 6-9 p.m. Location: Westin Kierland EARTHFEST EDUCATOR’S NIGHT Date: October 29 Time: 4-7 p.m. Location: Phoenix Zoo VFA ANNUAL LUNCHEON Date: December 11 Time: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Location: TBD
CONNECT WITH VFA
In an effort to keep abreast of the
needs of our members and maintain
our status as a clearinghouse for all
things “green”, VFA is now socially
connected.
We will continue to reinforce Valley Forward as the top-of-mind resource for environmental issues including transportation/air, water, land use/open space and energy, for years to come.
Valley Foward Association | 3800 North Central Ave., Suite 220, Phoenix, AZ 85012
