INDIANAPOLIS -The Indiana Finance Authority (IFA)'s Sustainability Workshop has been officially listed as a United Nations "World Environment Day" event. Registration for the June 5th workshop ends May 30th. The Workshop will be held at the Hyatt Regency Indianapolis.
World Environment Day, commemorated each year on June 5th, is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action. This year's World Environment Day slogan is Kick the Habit! Towards a Low Carbon Economy. Recognizing that climate change is becoming the defining issue of our era, UNEP has asked countries, companies and communities to focus on greenhouse gas emissions and how to reduce them.
IFA's Sustainability Workshop will explore sustainable practices and green building concepts, while allowing participants to provide input into new incentives being created to enhance funding resources currently provided through IFA's Indiana Brownfields Program and State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loan Programs.
Leaders in environmentally-friendly business practices will be speaking, including:
· David Forsell, President, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. - Mr. Forsell oversees the non-profit organization, which is dedicated to unifying Indianapolis residents with the goal of beautifying the city, improving the environment and fostering pride in the community. Forsell manages a staff of 15, overseeing litter abatement, recycling, community forestry, parks, youth, neighborhood revitalization and volunteer initiatives. Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. also plans to incorporate "green" elements into the design of its brand new headquarters with LEED certification as a goal.
· Wayne Zink, CEO, Endangered Species Chocolate (ESC) - Mr. Zink leads one of the top-selling brands of chocolate among natural supermarkets. Through Mr. Zink's leadership, ESC has increased sales three-fold while participating in a 10% Give Back program. ESC is on its way to being one of the first organic chocolate bars sold on Target's shelves, paving the way for further sales in conventional markets. ESC representatives are currently visiting cacao farmers and providing medical help in the Ivory Coast and Nigeria, further demonstrating Mr. Zink's commitment to ethical trade, sustainability and support of efforts for species, habitats and humanity. Mr. Zink has held roles of leadership in organizations such as The Nature Conservancy, Indianapolis Museum of Art and GreenPrint Natural Resource Stewardship Committee among others.
Space is limited. For accommodations, the full workshop agenda and online registration, visit http://www.in.gov/ifa/srf/3260.htm.
# # #
About the Indiana Finance Authority (IFA):
Governor Mitch Daniels created the IFA in 2005 to more effectively manage State-related finances under one entity. The IFA manages various financial programs, which include the Indiana Brownfields Program and the State Revolving Loan Fund Programs.
About the Indiana Brownfields Program:
The IFA's Indiana Brownfields Program works in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other Indiana agencies to assist communities in making productive use of their brownfield properties. The program's mission is to encourage and assist investment in the redevelopment of brownfield properties by helping communities via educational, financial, technical and legal assistance to identify and mitigate environmental barriers that impede local economic growth.
About the State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loan Programs:
The IFA's State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loan Programs provide low-interest loans to Indiana communities for projects that improve wastewater and drinking water infrastructure. The Program's mission is to provide eligible entities with the lowest interest rates possible on the financing of such projects while protecting public health and the environment. SRF also funds non-point source projects that are tied to a wastewater loan.
« Back to News Release List
Link to this event: