The Clarksville-Montgomery County Economic Development Council, the umbrella organization for the Chamber of Commerce, Industrial Development Board and Convention & Visitors Bureau, is the latest organization to become Clarksville-Montgomery County Green Certified.
Prior to their recent green ribbon cutting, Chamber Chairman, Charlie Foust, accepted the Green Certification award at the annual County Green Certification banquet.
In the months leading up to being officially green certified, the team at the EDC made some changes to the normal day-to-day routine. Each employee has a recycling bin in their office for paper and plastic items, there are cardboard, plastic, newspaper, copy paper and aluminum recycling bins placed throughout the office and most of the newsletters, invitations and alerts are now sent via e-mail. These changes will not only make an environmental difference but has also saved the organization money in printing and postage.
Melinda Shepard, Executive Director with the Chamber said, “This is a great accomplishment for the EDC and I am so pleased to say that the Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce is also the first Chamber in the State of Tennessee to be Green Certified.”
After cutting the ribbon, Montgomery County Mayor Carolyn Bowers asked the team to share some of the other things they did to earn the certification.
Jessica Goldberg, Marketing and Communications Manager with the CVB, one of the key people in the EDC Green Certification process, told the Mayor that implementing recycling, both at the office and at outside events, has made a big difference.
There is also a push to use little or no disposable plastic and Styrofoam and reuse copy paper whenever possible. Many of the EDC employees also noted that they have begun a more regimented recycling program at home.
About the Green Certification Program
The CMC Green Certification Program is designed to help businesses learn and implement best practices in the area of environmental stewardship in an effort to sustain our community’s resources through a series of free workshops taught by environmental and other subject area specialists. The idea for the CMCGC Program originated from a Leadership Clarksville study group and is based on successful environmental initiatives that have originated globally.
If your business has an interest in learning more about the Clarksville-Montgomery County Green Certification Program email Michelle Newell at manewell@mcgtn.netor call 931-245-1867.