March 21 Green Business Seminar about making money for those in commercial food industry

     JOLIET -- Restaurateurs, caterers and others in the commercial food industry are invited to 2012’s first Green Business Seminar from 7:30 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, March 21, at Joliet Junior College.

     The event in Main T-1002, 1215 Houbolt Road, is hosted by the Will County Land Use Department’s Resource Recovery and Energy Division in conjunction with Joliet Junior College and the Joliet Area Chamber of Commerce.

     “This seminar is titled Make Money Going Green,” said Will County Executive Larry Walsh. “The tips and other information that will be presented on March 21 will teach people in the food industry just how to do that.”

      Those planning to speak are: Kristen Van Kley and Meena Byer on the Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program; Technical Director Ben Silwinski of the Smart Energy Design Assistance Center; and Jim Schmieder from Mahoney Environmental, which provides grease collection and recycling services.

     Also on the agenda are Chief Executive Officer Lenny Worth of Flurocycle, which offers recycling options for fluorescent lights; Steve Peterson of Electrical Solutions Network; and Joey Terrell, owner of Denny’s restaurants in Mokena and Joliet, who will talk about how his restaurants make $500 a month on electricity.

     Vintage Tech will provide on-site electronic recycling. Attendees may bring items banned from Illinois landfills for free recycling.

     Seminar cost is $15 per person if paid by March 14 or $20 at the door. Checks can be sent to Will County Land Use, Attn: Green Business Seminar, 58 E. Clinton, Suite 500, Joliet, IL 60432. For additional information, call (815) 727-8834.

     Businesses that specialize in heating, cooling, roofing, windows, lighting, landscaping, recycling, energy audition and alternative energy may operate booths at the seminar. Exhibitor cost is $35. Call (815) 774-4343 for additional information or to register.

     By mid-February, Go Green Energy Solutions, Will County Health Department, Waste Management, Resource Solutions Group, Eco Lab, Will-South Cook Soil & Water Conservation District, Berner Plumbing, Compose Supply Co., and Sysco were planning to have booths at the seminar.

     The Will County Land Use Department is under the County Executive’s office and is led by Curt Paddock. For additional information about green practices, go to www.willcountygreen.com.