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2010 Best In Green & Local (BIG) Expo @ Gaillard Audiorium in Downtown CharlestonAugust 6, 2010
Expo Schedule:8:45 am Workshops
A discussion about the successes and challenges facing the biomass, biofuels and bio-polymers industries around creating non-petroleum based alternatives to consumer products such as fuels, car parts, water bottles, medicines, electricity, etc.. The panel is made up of business and scientific leaders representing industry leading South Carolina based companies operating in the bio-industries sector. Speakers/Panel: Tim Tompkins (Chief Technical Officer) Company: Renewed World Energies Corp. - Georgetown, SC RWE is pioneering a new era of mass adoption of bio-fuel by launching the first commercially-viable, closed system, automated microalgae production facility in the world. Dr. Dan Roberts (co-inventor and founder; Clemson University) Company: Earth Renewable Technologies, Inc. - Charleston, SC Earth Renewable Technologies has developed the first 100% non-petroleum biopolymer resin with comparable oxygen and water barrier properties to PET and HDPE. They are a technology company licensing their IP to manufacturers. www.earthrenewable.com Brandon Spence, CEO Company: Midlands Biofuels, LLC - Winnsboro, SC Midlands Biofuels has an optimized biodiesel manufacturing plant in Columbia, SC with a large waste oils feedstock supply network. Dr. Hal May (Co-Founder, also serves as a microbiology professor at the Medical University of South Carolina) Company: Microbial Fuel Cell Technologies - Charleston, SC Microbial Fuel Cell Technologies is commercializing the use of microbial fuel cells for waste reduction and alternative energy technology products in the forms of Hydrogen and Ethanol. A focus on using bacteria to produce renewable energy from cellulose. They are a technology company licensing their IP to manufacturers. www.mfctech.net Forum Moderator William Grass is the managing partner of Green Energy Consultants, LLC. With 19 years of experience in the petroleum, chemical processing, alternative energy and bio-materials industries, William possesses a breadth of training and exposure to emerging technologies. In 2006, he founded Green Energy Consultants to provide clients development and engineering services from a team of experienced, business-minded engineers and scientists focused on the cumulative mission to cultivate projects where business and nature can thrive sustainably. www.greenenergysc.com Green Building Skills and Demand: Green building and energy efficiency has become a leading concept in the building industry as well as in our economic revitalization - nationally, regionally and here locally in Charleston. Energy services companies, communities and local governments, and utility companies are developing programs and services to meet the rising demand for energy efficiency, and in doing so spurring job growth and economic development. Rising energy rates, concerns about where our energy comes from, climate changes issues, as well as innovation and technology advances are all driving the growth of the green building and energy efficiency industry and the demand for a skilled green tech workforce. Join our panel on Green Building: Skills in Demand, to discuss our local energy efficiency and green building industry, green collar workforce development and labor demands, as well as skills, certification and training opportunities for Charleston’s green tech workforce and energy efficiency industry. Speakers/Panel: Bryan Cordell, Executive Director, The Sustainability Institute (moderator)
Trish Jerman Ms. Jerman has also served as the Executive Director of the South Carolina Wildlife Federation, as a consultant with a Fortune 500 engineering and environmental consulting firm, and as an environmental advisor to former S.C. Governor Dick Riley. She has written articles and book chapters on a variety of topics, as well as the South Carolina Nature Viewing Guide, published by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources. Derek McGarry, PE, Principal, Abundant Power
Project highlights include the recommendation and design of the then-largest solar thermal array in the U.S., at the University of South Carolina (Green Quad), the mechanical design concepts for a flex-space 700,000SF R&D facility in San Francisco, and the recommendation and creation of a Revolving Loan Fund in Union County, NC, to upgrade existing municipal buildings. Derek has served on the Boards of the Southern Piedmont Chapter of ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) as well as the Charlotte Region Chapter of the US Green Building Council. He received his BS in Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University. Derek and his wife are raising their daughter in Charlotte, NC, where they both grew up. Bob Duke, COO, Applied Energy Savings Systems (AESS)
Green Business Challenge: The City of Charleston, in partnership with The Sustainability Institute, Lowcountry Local First, Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, Charleston County and The Green Fair, is excited to announce the launch of the Charleston Green Business Challenge at this year’s B.I.G. and Local Expo. The Green Business Challenge is a free and voluntary program designed to help businesses identify strategies to pursue sustainability within their own operations and be recognized for their efforts and accomplishments. Charleston is modeling its program after a similar successful program launched by Chicago, IL. We welcome you to join us to officially launch the GBC here in Charleston, learn more about the program and how to participate, and get recognized as a green business helping Charleston become a model sustainable community. Workshop time will also focus on training participants on how to use the scorecard. For more information on the Green Business Challenge please click here. Speakers/Panel: Renee Pa Carolee Williams, City of Charleston: Carolee Williams comes by her green business practices as the child of thrifty parents, as a student of history and seeing the importance of resources through the ages, and as a city planner appreciating the benefits of walkable, bikeable and “transitable” communities. Carolee majored in history at Wake Forest University and got her Masters in Urban and Environmental Planning. She has worked for the City of Charleston for most of her career facilitating everything from Charleston’s downtown plan, the Lowcountry Senior Center, to the International African American Museum. For the last several years she has provided staff support to the Charleston Green Committee. When not working or raising her sons, she loves to kayak. Incubators as Centers of Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Local Businesses: Even in these interesting economic times entrepreneurship is on the rise. Incubators serve many needs for emerging entrepreneurs, below market start-up space, training, mentorship, administrative assistance and collaborative opportunities. According to the National Business Incubator Association (NBIA) incubated businesses have an 87% survival rate and 84% go on to do business in their local regions. Come hear from those currently managing incubators, an incubator graduate and about emerging incubators in the Charleston area. Speakers/Panel: Joe Bryan of Prior to this, Mr. Bryan served at avVenta Worldwide as Executive Vice President of Strategic Accounts. At avVenta, Mr. Bryan helped build a small software development company into a global leader in distributed digital production. Notably, he led the creation of the company’s Costa Rican development center from three employees in late 2006 to more than 500 in 2009. Today, the avVenta portfolio includes brands such as General Motors, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Yahoo, P&G, RIM/Blackberry, Toyota and Apple. Greg Garvan: Since 1992 Greg has been working professionally to help people and institutions make sense of their life goals and financial life. Greg Greg grew up in Spartanburg, SC, and has lived in Boston and the Finger lakes of NY before returning home to the Carolinas with his wife of almost 30 years, and where his two sons live. He is actively involved in community service, including service as a Guardian Ad Litem, for children, and as a lay chaplain for the Seafarers. He is a true 'water dog', and loves being so close to the ocean.
11:00 Large Panel Forum on the Main Stage The State of Local Business and Green Technology in SC: State and local leaders from government, including Democratic Nominee for Governor, Vincent Sheheen and private industry leaders share a frank discussion on the future of green and local in South Carolina. Charleston's Director of Sustainability, Brian Sheehan moderates this interactive forum on the Main Stage.
Ashlie worked for the Governor’s Office under Governor Beasley as a staff writer. She remained through Governor Hodges’ administration in charge of proclamations and shortly thereafter became Constituent Services Coordinator of both the Ombudsman office and the Children’s Case Resolution System. She is a 2002 graduate of the Governor’s EXCEL Leadership Program. In 2005, she was appointed by Governor Sanford as Director of the Office of Economic Opportunity and the State Office of Victim Assistance. Following her service to the Governor’s Office, Ashlie recently joined the Energy Office at the State Budget and Control Board. Nicholas C. Rigas: Director of Renewable Energy Programs, Clemson University Restoration Institute. Nicholas oversees the design, construction, Dennis Kni
Brian Sheehan (Moderator): In key government and nonprofit roles, Brian has won recognition for leadership and creativity in tackling renewable energy, environmental, affordable housing, urban redevelopment, regional transportation, and climate change challenges. Leading planning, urban development, and sustainability efforts for communities in Salem and Portland, Ore., San Diego and Chula Vista, Calif., and now Charleston, Brian has spearheaded award-winning sustainability programs and projects including creation of a $250 million Smart Growth Incentive Program, development of the National Energy Center for Sustainable Communities, and numerous other innovative public private partnerships. Networking Luncheon featuring the tastings from the best local restaurants in the Lowcountry.
Duvall Catering & Event Design has catered over 12,000 special events in the last 30 years with the mission of creating memorable occasions through culinary ingenuity and décor. Duvall is represented by a resourceful &creative staff that partner with clients on catering, event design, bar service and décor for private parties, weddings and corporate events. www.eventsbyduvall.com
Roti Rolls: Featuring locally sourced ingredients presented on a unique and delicious Indian flatbread.
Triangle Char & Bar is THE place to hang out in West Ashley. Whether it's for a quick bite at lunch, sipping bottomless mimosas at brunch, or rockin' out late night, this is your spot. Check out our award winning local grass fed beef burgers, sweet selection of tacos, and inventive bar food. www.trianglecharandbar.com
Keyn 2:00pm Workshops Green Business Lobby Workshop brought to you by The Coastal Conservation League: Ryan Black and Hamilton Davis will lead a discussion on the need for green businesses to establish a more influential presence at the local and state level so that they can more effectively influence policy issues related to green business development. The workshop will begin with a presentation on the NC Sustainable Energy Association, a green business lobbying group that has seen incredible success promoting policies that make sense for green businesses in North Carolina, and conclude with an interactive discussion on how to create a similar organization for South Carolina.
Hamilton Davis is a native of South Carolina with a BS from Clemson University and a JD from the USC School of Law. He has been working for the Coastal Conservation League (CCL) since 2006 and serves as their Energy & Climate Director. The CCL Energy & Climate Program promotes the implementation of progressive local, state, and federal energy policies related to renewable energy, energy efficiency, and climate change. Hamilton currently sits on the SC Legislative Offshore Wind Study Committee and the SC Offshore Wind Regulatory Task Force. When taking a break from his professional duties, he prefers to be surfing and kiteboarding along the Palmetto coast.
Local Marketing in a Global World: Moderated by Katie Wells of KEW Solutions, Inc Environmentalist Paul Hawken once said, “You are brilliant, and the earth is hiring. ..” Put your brilliance to work for you by utilizing today’s technology to send the world the right message about yourself and your business in an easy, cost effective and efficient manner. In today’s fast-paced, ever-changing job market and business environment, the ability to re-imagine and reconsider how business is done is more important than ever. We aren’t doing things the way they have always been done and neither should you. We need to re-think our marketing tactics and how we represent ourselves. Whether you are looking for a new job, a new hire or a new way to market your business, we’ve got innovative and inspiring ideas to get you started in the right direction. Join us to learn more about social media, e-newsletters, never looking at resumes again, setting yourself apart from the crowd and what some of the best companies are doing. Speaker Moderator: Katie Wells: Emerging Trends in Agriculture: As the demand for local food increases so have the opportunities for farmers and food entrepreneurs. Women are the fastest growing group of farmers and local food leaders. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs have grown in popularity in the Charleston area and we now see this model being used with meat producers, seafood and artisan meat production. Farm incubators are now training the next generation of growers and offering the opportunity for sharing best practices and collaboration amongst new and seasoned growers. Speakers/Panel: Elizab Green Business Challenge: The City of Charleston, in partnership with The Sustainability Institute, Lowcountry Local First, Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, Charleston County and The Green Fair, is excited to announce the launch of the Charleston Green Business Challenge at this year’s B.I.G. and Local Expo. The Green Business Challenge is a free and voluntary program designed to help businesses identify strategies to pursue sustainability within their own operations and be recognized for their efforts and accomplishments. Charleston is modeling its program after a similar successful program launched by Chicago, IL. We welcome you to join us to officially launch the GBC here in Charleston, learn more about the program and how to participate, and get recognized as a green business helping Charleston become a model sustainable community. Workshop time will also focus on training participants on how to use the scorecard. For more information on the Green Business Challenge please click here. Exhibitor Showcase: Featuring all the best green and local businesses in the South East. Available throughout the day. CLICK HERE to REGISTER for a Table or Booth at the Expo (Space Is Limited). See Exhibitor List At the Bottom of the Page!
Green Business Challenge Cocktail Celebration: Brought to you by the City of Charleston and hosted by Mayor Riley; celebrate the launch of the City's Green Business Challenge and recognize the "Pioneers of Green" in Charleston. Food for the Cocktail Celebration will be provided by these fine organizations:
Enjoy fresh local seafood showcasing the finest in contemporary coastal cuisine as well as an eclectic assortment of small plates perfect for sharing. Located oceanfront within Folly Beach Holiday Inn, Blu combines indoor and outdoor seating with a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean. With a casual beach bar and comfortable restaurant seating Blu is the ideal setting for a romantic meal for two or for a get-together with friends. Blu has been awarded Platinum level by the Sustainable Seafood Initiative, the highest level possible. Blu is nine short miles from historic downtown Charleston. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. www.blufollybeach.com
Duvall Catering & Event Design has catered over 12,000 special events in the last 30 years with the mission of creating memorable occasions through culinary ingenuity and décor. Duvall is represented by a resourceful &creative staff that partner with clients on catering, event design, bar service and décor for private parties, weddings and corporate events. www.eventsbyduvall.com
Social Wine Bar: Offering Charleston’s largest selection of wines by the glass, Social has become the preeminent wine bar of Charleston. Social is housed in a nineteenth century warehouse and features a stunning four-thousand bottle display cellar, where numerous exclusive wines are stored. Complementing its extensive wine selection, Social serves modern American cuisine with an authentic wood-burning oven as its focal point. www.socialwinebar.com
Sustainable Solutions for your business and our Community. The goal of the Charleston Green Business Challenge is to improve the environmental performance and sustainability of our businesses. Save Money and Resource, Support Environmental Stewardship, and Get Recognized as a Sustainable Business Leader. For more information about the Green Business Challenges please contact:
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To view the Challenge Scorecard please CLICK HERE for the City of Charleston Info Page. Everything above is included in the ticket price of $40. Tickets are on sale now! Click Below for ticket details...
Map of the Gaillard for the Expo
Schedule of Events
BIG & Local Exhibitor Showcase Participants:Headline Sponsor! Xerox (Booth #9) - “Your local Xerox team is here to help you operate a leaner, greener office. We can provide proven practical solutions to drive a greener workplace while lowering costs, including reducing your laser print waste by 90%. Xerox is committed to sustainability and continuously looking for new ways to meet our sustainability goals and benefit your business.” This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sponsor! WCBD, Channel 2 (Booth #11)
Sponsor! Subaru of Charleston (Main Stage Area) – At Subaru of Charleston you'll see familiar faces that have been serving Mt Pleasant, Charleston, Summerville, James Island, Kiawah and North Charleston for over 17 years. Our reputation for customer service is unparelled. We know that you have high expectations, and as a car retailer, we enjoy the challenge of meeting and exceeding those standards. As you look for your Subaru Tribeca, Outback or Forester, let us demonstrate our commitment to excellence! The Good Footprint (Booth #19) is a brand new weekly digital newsletter and website created to promote sustainable living throughout the Lowcountry. Its primary goal is to serve as a reliable and informative news source for all things green — from profiles of local businesses and organizations doing sustainable things within our community to national environmental stories and how they may impact our daily lives There is also organic recipes and tips on how to be more green. The Sustainability Institute (Booth # 8) - www.sustainabilityinstitutesc.org - The Sustainability Institute (SI) is an award-winning, nonprofit, 501c(3) organization with a mission of empowering South Carolina communities to transform our homes and workplaces to conserve energy and reduce our overall environmental impact. Lowcountry Local First (Booth # 4) - www.lowcountrylocalfirst.org - Lowcountry Local First advocates the benefits of a local living economy by strengthening community support for independent locally owned businesses and farmers. Coastal Conservation League (Booth # 3) - www.coastalconservationleague.org – Our mission is to protect the natural environment of the South Carolina coastal plain and to enhance the quality of our life of our communities by working with individuals, businesses and government to ensure balanced solutions KEW Solutions, Inc. (Booth # 10) - K.E.W. Solutions teaches professionals the skills needed to enhance the customer experience while increasing the owner’s revenue. www.kewsolutionsinc.com
American Automated Payroll (Table I) - Full Payroll and Tax Compliance Service, Direct Deposit Workers Comp (Pay As You Go), Time and Attendence Systems, Supplemental Health benefits and HR Advising/Reporting. www.aapayroll.net
Kangen Water (Table F) - Water ionizer/purifier. topshelfwater.net
Kinder Soles (Booth #2) - Kinder Soles is a socially responsible designer of healthy and eco-friendly flip-flops. Kinder Soles offers its customers a rebate in exchange for a simple donation of gently used shoes. Shoes that are donated to the less fortunate around the world. www.kindersoles.com
Deltacom (Booth #23) - Business communications provider Integrated Voice, Data and Internet Services. deltacom.com
Coastal BioDiesel (Booth #5) - Our mission is to take the waste from restaurants and convert it into renewable energy. Our main objective is to service the restaurant industry while collecting used cooking oil to convert to biodiesel fuel. www.coastalbiodiesel.com
Office Connections, Inc (Table E) - Local office solutions – www.officeconnections.net Solar Hot Water Works! (Booth #17) Besides being advocates for sustainable energy, we go to every reasonable length to promote sustainability in our business. www.solarhotwaterworks.com Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (Table A) Simply put, the mission of the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition is to continue to positively impact the local and statewide economies through increased tourism; to showcase the finest wildlife art available in the world; to invest in and positively influence wildlife and nature education through specialized programming and scholarship funding; and to assist in the conservation of wildlife and the environment by creating awareness and contributing financially to designated programs. R.E.D.D.Y. Recycle, LLC (Table J) is a company committed to sustainability. We recycle plastic, office paper, newspaper, magazines, aluminum, tin, and glass. Our customer base is businesses that are environmentally conscious and are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. We provide various types of recycling containers and bins. They are all aesthetically pleasing and functional for the recycling plan we develop for your company. R.E.D.D.Y. services the Charleston tri-county area. Our #1 goal is to minimize your dumpster size. www.reddyrecycle.com
SC DHEC Office of Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling (Booth #G) - DHEC's Recycling Office offers two programs, the Smart Business Recycling and the Green Hospitality Program, that provide free, confidential and non-regulatory assistance to businesses wanting to start or expand their recycling program. Technical assistance provided includes site visits, best management practices and market contacts. www.scdhec.gov/recycle Berkley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments (Booth #1) - As one of South Carolina's 10 Regional Planning Councils, the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments' primary objectives are to assist local governments develop local and regional plans within the tri-county region, as well as providing local governments with planning and technical support to improve the quality of life in the region. www.bcdcog.com Lowcountry Citrus Solutions (Booth #21) - Citrus Solution carpet cleaning process cleans better, dries faster, stays cleaner longer, and it smells great. Low moisture - no extraction required so it dries in about an hour. Guaranteed phone quotes - NO hidden fees or charges, EVER!! We are America's best choice for carpet, rug, and upholstery cleaning. www.charlestoncitrus.com
Green Roof Outfitters (Booth #20) - Our mission is to expand the availability of green roof products in an affordable fashion, and we designed our modules with easy propagation and easy installation in mind. www.greenroofoutfitters.com
Maximized Living (Booth #18) - Class Family Chiropractic, where hundreds of families have come to find true health, new found hope and ways to maximize their lives to the fullest potential. Through nutrition, lifestyle classes, detoxification and spinal correction they help families achieve maximum health from within. www.drclass.com
OBCO Chemical Corp (Table H) – Complete line of green chemicals (certified) green seal…janitorial supplies…commercial star rated energy efficient ice and dish machine literature. www.obcoservices.com
Solar Energy Solutions (Booth #13) - Solar energy-related products including Velux skylights & tubular skylights, solar attic fans & solar hot water systems. Solar Energy Solutions is a local family-owned and operated business offering solar energy-related products, service & installation. SES is the only Velux 5-Star Skylight Specialist within 100 miles. www.solarenergysc.com Carriage Hill Associates of Charleston (Booth #14) - Welcome to a beautiful new approach to healthy living in an earth-friendly community in the heart of North Charleston, SC. Homes and Townhomes are built for comfort. Efficiency. Value. And a healthy respect for the environment. Parks are everywhere. And schools, shopping, and recreation are just a bike-ride away. Carriage Hill Associates of Charleston is a residential/commercial developer with the owners having more than 25 years of experience. Carriage Hill Associates of Charleston was formed in June 2002 and immediately established itself as a premiere commercial and residential builder. www.townsatoakterrace.com Fisher Recycling (Booth #25) - For nearly two decades, Fisher Recycling has bridged the gap between environmentally sound and sustainable recycling practices and businesses. Offering recycling services for paper, plastic and glass products, as well as electronic equipment, Fisher Recycling covers a broad scope of small and large business recycling needs. With a dedication to community and industry involvement at the core of its business, Fisher Recycling promotes local entrepreneurship, local philanthropy and, most importantly, the sustainability of the environment. www.fisherrecycling.com Sustainable Energy Solutions (Booth #22) - At Sustainable Energy Solutions, our goal is to bring alternative energy technologies and expert energy consultation to homes and businesses in the area. Through our products and services, we are promoting sustainability to help preserve the lifestyle and the environmental treasures that define the Lowcountry. The driving force behind our company is the desire to spread environmental consciousness by promoting responsible energy consumption practices. At Sustainable Energy Solutions we stand behind the quality and value of all of our products and services. We firmly believe in the reasons why they are necessary and that they will help pave the way to a more energy conscious future. www.sccleanenergy.com/ US Green Building Council (Table C) - The South Carolina Chapter, with representatives from numerous educational, governmental and private industries, strives to uphold and disseminate the goals of the U.S. Green Building Council, while working on a local level to educate the citizens of South Carolina about the benefits of green building and sustainable communities. www.usgbcsc.org/ Vapor Apparel (Booth #16) - We are dedicated to manufacturing products in an environmentally sound way. Vapor Apparel believes that success should not come at the expense of the environment and the company strives to operate in a way that is mindful of long term sustainability. www.vaporapparel.com Harris Integration (Table B) - Energy Reporting Software integrating into environmental, energy, security and safety systems. www.harrisintegration.com Organic Gardening Supply (Table G) - Solid and Liquid Organic Fertilizer. Our company mass manufactures vermicomposted fertilizers from the discarded produce of local grocery stores. Holiday Inn Express (Booth #26) - Our Mt. Pleasant, SC hotel's the first LEED registered hotel in South Carolina, making us the green choice when staying near Charleston's Historic Downtown District and the Cooper River Bridge. www.hiexpress.com
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Using his expertise in nonprofit management and environmental science, Bryan has led The Sustainability Institute (SI) to become nationally recognized for its energy conservation and sustainability training, green workforce development, and for its achievements in transforming South Carolina's 'built environment'. In 2009, the Institute won the Home Depot Foundation's National Award of Excellence for Sustainable Community Development and reached the $1 million dollar milestone for energy savings associated with their trainings. Bryan has served as SI's Executive Director since 2006. In addition to directing the operations of The Sustainability Institute, Bryan volunteers his expertise and experience to help build the capacity of other environmentally focused nonprofits in South Carolina. 
Russ Darnall leads the Trident Technical College sustainability efforts, called TTC Green, and is responsible for develop a sustainable, more energy efficient college campus. He is also responsible for developing and delivering training programs to support the emerging green economy. Prior to moving to Charleston, Russ was the Vice President of Economic Development for Economic Development with the South Carolina Technical College System in Columbia and responsible for developing and delivering training to support new and expanding companies as an incentive to locate in South Carolina. Russ spent 15 years in project management with an Global Engineering and Construction Company executing project in the United States and South America. Earlier in his career, Russ dedicated 10 years as the Director of the Cherokee Children’s Home in Cherokee NC. Russ authored three books and several articles on project management, including “The World’s Greatest Project” and was the Keynote Speaker at International Project Management Conference, Warsaw, Poland, October 2008. Keynote Speaker at the Latin American Project Management Conference, Santiago, Chile, 1997. Russ was honored as Industry Week Magazine’s, Unsung Hero Award in December 1995. Russ has a Doctorate of Management Degree in Organizational Leadership and a Masters Degree in Project Management.
currently manages the Policy and Programs Team at the SC Energy Office, where she oversees alternative energy, transportation, energy conservation and efficiency, public information, and forecasting and tracking functions.
Derek has extensive experience working with engineering firms in North Carolina and California. Prior to joining Abundant Power Group as a Principal, he was the President and founder of Refresco, a Charlotte-based engineering consulting firm, which targeted energy efficiency projects in the existing buildings sector. Over the past 10 years, he has successfully managed and designed mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems for commercial, municipal, institutional and multifamily projects, including district energy plants. The first engineer in North and South Carolina to become a LEED Accredited Professional (since 2001), he has designed systems and performed energy/economic analysis for multiple LEED certified projects, including many ‘firsts’ in the Carolinas.
Vice President - Member of the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA
became a fee-only advisor in 1995, as an Investment Advisory Rep with the First Affirmative Financial Network, FAFN. In 2003, Greg obtained the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®), designation. A fiduciary can demonstrate that portfolio assets are being prudently managed and that sound investment practices are being followed to a legal standard. This includes a comprehensive overview of fiduciary standards of care, asset allocation, preparation of investment policy statements, manager search and due diligence, performance measurement, and other related subjects. Being an AIF makes him part of a very small minority of financial planners.
Jamee Haley, Moderator: Jamee is a graduate of Oklahoma State University and Johnson and Wales University Culinary Arts Program. Ms. Haley has been with Lowcountry Local First since inception in 2007, she is responsible for developing the “Directory of Local Independent Businesses,” has produced three successful Buy Local annual campaigns, worked with municipalities to adopt a local preference option, launched the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative and created awareness throughout the community about the importance of supporting our local economy.
Vincent Sheheen: Vincent’s South Carolina roots run deep. He was born and raised in Camden, where his family has lived for well over a century. Before his election to the state senate in 2004, Vincent served as a city prosecutor and a state representative. Now serving his second full term, Vincent represents Chesterfield, Kershaw, and Lancaster counties. He has earned a reputation in the state senate as an advocate for reforming and overhauling our state
Ashlie Lancaster is a native of Spartanburg, South Carolina. She is a graduate of USC-Spartanburg with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. In 1994, she moved to Columbia to enter the Masters Program at the University of South Carolina where she received her Master of Arts in political science in 1998. She has two children — Carter, age 7, and Emily, age 15.
commissioning, and certification of the U.S. DOE funded wind turbine drivetrain testing facility. Prior to his appointment, he served as Vice President at EcoEnergy LLC, and was responsible for the development of more than 3,000 megawatts of wind power projects throughout the Midwest. As the director of the S.C. Institute for Energy he served as chair of the S.C. Biomass Council, chaired the S.C. Tactical Research on Energy Independence Council, and hosted the Southeast Regional Offshore Wind Power Symposium in Charleston. He is the Governor’s representative on the Atlantic Consortium for Offshore Wind Power. Dr. Rigas has served as Operations and Technology Director for FMC Corporation, Lithium Division in Charlotte, N.C. He holds a doctor degree in chemical engineering from Washington University in St. Louis.
ght: Mr. Knight has 34 years experience providing engineering, design and construction related services within the building industry. He is active at the local, state and national levels with various agencies and professional societies to help develop sustainable, integrated building design guidelines. A few of those agencies and organizations he participates in regularly include the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the US Green Building Council SC Chapter, the SC Office of School Facility Design Guide Committee and the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI). Nationally, as a member of ASHRAE, Dennis is the Vice Chairman for Research Promotion, serves as the Chairman of the Handbook Subcommittee tasked with developing handbook chapters for "Integrated Building Design" and is a member of the BIM Steering Committee.
Sponsor!
WOK (World Oriental Kitchen): WOK will be showcasing some of their asian style cuisine using many local ingredients. WOK has received much recognition for their sustainable practices both in their day to day operations and during the build out of their restaurant.
Triangle Char & Bar: Triangle will feature samples of some of their famous bar food. 
Island Coffee: Island Coffee will be featuring their Organic Plantation Blend Coffee at our registration table. The will provide a delicious sweet iced coffe with milk at lunch. Island Coffee’s Mission is simple. Do something you’re passionate about in the way that is the best possible . . . and help as many people as you can along the way.
Vitamin Water: Vitamin Water will be offering Vitamin Water Zero for the refreshment of our guests.
HAMILTON DAVIS: Energy & Climate Director, Coastal Conservation League. Hamilton Davis, Energy & Climate Director, Coastal Conservation League.
Ryan Black: Energy and Climate Project Manager: Ryan joined CCL after completing a Master’s degree in Environmental Science and Policy at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. Prior to graduate school, he gained professional experience working in finance, real estate development and low-income housing policy. Ryan also holds a BA in Political Science and Political Economy from Princeton University, and has lived and worked in Japan. He enjoys hiking, bicycling, and playing beach volleyball.
Blu Restaurant: Blu will be offering a delicious lump crabcake with butterbean succotash and whole grain mustard tartar. 
Middleton Place Restaurant: Middleton Place will spotlight Plantation Duck Confit Salad with arugula, shallots, golden raisins, crumbled goat cheese and a champagne vinaigrette. Located at Middleton Place National Historic Landmark, the restaurant features an array of southern favorites and contemporary dishes. Nestled among centuries old live oak trees, Middleton Place Restaurant and Chef Garrison offer an unrivaled combination of historic and present day delights sure to please even the most discerning palettes. Fresh seasonal local vegetables and herbs from the plantation’s garden enhance every meal. Proceeds from Middleton Place Restaurant support the preservation work of the non-profit Middleton Place Foundation. Middleton Place is home to sixty-five acres of formal landscaped gardens, a house museum and plantation stableyards. 
