The City of Valparaiso is gearing up to host GreenTown: The Future of Community, a regional conference designed to create healthy, sustainable communities. The event will take place Sept. 27-28 on the campus of Valparaiso University and will feature renowned speakers and sessions designed to advance thinking on topics such as energy efficiency, renewable energy, waste, local food, green infrastructure, green jobs and walking/biking infrastructure. It will draw participants from throughout Indiana, Illinois, Ohio and Michigan.
Sustainability Intiatives
Valparaiso was chosen to host the second ever Indiana GreenTown event for its progressiveness and strong leadership. “Valparaiso is the perfect host because both the city and the university are working on sustainability initiatives, from energy to water to green jobs to healthy food to a walkable, bikable community,” said John Harris, organizer of the event.
Community Involvement
To engage the community, GreenTown will hold a public event on Sept. 27 at 7 pm in Central Park to share ideas for sustainability. “We’re delighted to have been chosen to host this innovative conference,” says Mayor Jon Costas. “We have long shared the commitment to be good stewards of the planet and look forward to sharing ideas with such a prestigious group.” In addition to the City of Valparaiso and Valparaiso University, conference supporters include Valparaiso Economic Development Corporation (VEDC), Porter County Economic Development Alliance (PCEDA), Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission/MPO (NIRPC) and Indiana Dunes Tourism. The event is produced by a5 and Seven Generations Ahead. To learn more, visit greentownconference.com.