People for Clean Mountains to sponsor free economic forum Thursday, June 27

Press release

From People for Clean Mountains:

People for Clean Mountains, a local economic development community organization, will sponsor the “Think B.I.G.” Economic Forum, June 27, at the Transylvania County Library, Rogow room, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. People for Clean Mountains volunteer event coordinator Ned Ryan Doyle said, “This is about sharing ideas for sound economic development and job creation in Transylvania County, drawn from citizens and businesses and county officials. There are excellent proposals for a 21st century economic model and this event will showcase many of them.”

“This free event offers proven, positive options for job creation and long term economic stability for the county.” Doyle said. “Not all jobs are created equal, some are better for the community than others. Clean energy systems, local small business, outdoor recreation, artisan crafts and local agriculture, for example, all have more to offer in the long run. The Forum name, “Think B.I.G.” means Think ‘Beyond Incinerating Garbage’. There are so many better options.”

The Economic Forum begins with an Open Social Session from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., and the public is invited to participate. The Open Social Session offers the opportunity to exchange ideas, offer input and proposals for sound economic development in Transylvania County with current businesses, potential businesses and clean industry proposals. A special ‘Recycling Roundtable’ discussion and Q&A opportunity led by Scott Mouw and Rob Taylor, Specialists with DENR, for citizens, county staff, and business owners will be held concurrently during the Open Social Session. The ‘Recycling Roundtable’ begins at 6 p.m.

The Formal Presentations and Panel Session runs from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., with scheduled speakers including Lou Zeller, Executive Director of the Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League; John Holladay, Senior Product Manager at Gaia Herbs; Will Sagar, Executive Director of the South East Recycling Development Council; Michael C. Trufant, Imagine Brevard / 3-D printing; Dr. Jim Reynolds, Professor of Geology, Brevard College; Scott Mouw and Rob Taylor with the NC Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will also be participating.

“From the emerging 3-D Printing technology to clean energy and green building to capitalizing on the clean, natural resources of Transylvania County with its quality of life, outdoor recreation and tourism revenue, there are many positive options.” Doyle noted. “Everyone agrees that new jobs, solid investments and new businesses are good for the economy, so it’s really only a matter of choosing the best for the entire community over the long run.”

People for Clean Mountains, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was established by local residents as a grassroots effort with an immediate campaign, Think “B.I.G.” (Beyond Incinerating Garbage), in opposition to the proposed Biomass facility in the Little River Valley of Penrose, NC and to better explore alternative industries that are economically, socially and environmentally responsible.

The Economic Forum and all Sessions are free to the public, light refreshments and snacks will be served. Businesses, and individuals with business proposals, can register at www.peopleforcleanmountains.org/think-b-i-g for table and display space reservations. This event is neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Transylvania County Library or Government. For more information, info@peopleforcleanmountains.org or call 828- 577-2685.