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How to Be Green in a Down Economy

Bobit Business Media's recent Green Fleet Conference featured more than 50 speakers and panelists exploring solutions and resources to help more than 350 fleet professionals continue environmental efforts in budget-challenged times.

Cindy Brauer
Cindy BrauerFormer Managing Editor
Read Cindy's Posts
December 15, 2009
2 min to read


Click here for a PDF of this article including images.

Offering solutions and resources to help fleet managers continue environmental initiatives in budget-challenged times, the 2009 Green Fleet Conference drew more than 350 fleet industry professionals.

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Held Oct. 19-20 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago in October, the conference also featured addresses by Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley and Columbus, Ohio, Mayor Michael B. Coleman.

The Green Fleet Conference is presented by Bobit Business Media, publishers of Automotive Fleet and Fleet Financials magazines.

A conference highlight was presentation of the first-ever Environmental Leadership Awards, recognizing individuals who contributed significantly to promoting environmentally responsible fleet operations. The 100 Best Green Fleets Program also presented its top Green Fleet award to Paul Condran, fleet manager for the City of Culver City, Calif.

"In a very short period, the Green Fleet Conference has developed the stature of a major industry conference as evidenced by the appearances of Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley and Michael B. Coleman, mayor of the City of Columbus, Ohio," said Mike Antich, Green Fleet Conference chairman.

Environmental initiatives "make economic sense," Mayor Daley told a crowded audience, describing Chicago's comprehensive Climate Action Plan.

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Opening keynoter David Haft, group VP of sustainability and productivity for Frito-Lay, North America, outlined the company's wide-ranging 2020 environmental initiatives.

Environment and energy attorney Kipp Coddington provided an update on current and potential environmental legislation, noting he expects no meaningful Congressional action on clean energy legislation in the near future.

The two-day Green Fleet Conference featured more than 50 individual speakers and panelists in 18 presentations, including concurrent sessions for commercial and public sector fleet tracks.

The location for the 2010 Green Fleet Conference has not been announced. Further details can be found at www.greenfleetconference.com.


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