Symposium Attracts Large Turnout

and teamed up for a Business Symposium on Sustainability on Wednesday, July 20, 2011, at the and more than 50 businesses were in attendance, GTBA President Steve Moliver estimated.

The goal of the symposium was to help local business people and professionals better understand the advantages of running a “green” business.

Sustainable Jersey started the day by announcing the formulative stages were underway in a process to create a Sustainable Jersey system for businesses. The current system is for municipalities only, and it recognizes them for the work they do to help the environment.

The initiative would allow businesses to be certified the same way municipalities are. In November, Go Green Galloway was recognized by Sustainable Jersey with a from Sustainable Jersey.

Presentations were then given by Barbara Fiedler of Go Green Galloway, who discussed reducing the use of water and landscaping issues; Patrick Hossay of the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, who discussed energy auditing for businesses; Atlantic County Utilities Authority Rick Dovey, who discussed how recycling can reduce costs for businesses; and John Fietkiewicz of , who discussed their company's sustainable initiatives.

"I felt like people gained a lot of information, but they also motivated to do some of the smaller things," Moliver said on Thursday. "Patrick Hossay talked about some of the simple things you can do, and I think some people saw things that they could do immediately."

Moliver also saw businesses interacting with each other. One restaurant expressed an interest in adding composting, which prompted representatives of the Ram's Head to discuss their composting initiative.

"They connected," Moliver said. "It was something they wanted to do, and they were able to connect with someone who already does it."

The symposium attracted over 60 people, Moliver said. He estimated that over 50 businesses were represented, including those in Mullica and Egg Harbor townships.

"There were doctor's offices and real estate offices there, as well as retail businesses. We had a good cross-section of businesses, and a great response."

Moliver believes Wednesday's event at the Ram's Head was the first of its kind in Southern New Jersey.

"I've seen a lof of symposiums like this for homeowners," Moliver said. " ... In Cape May, they did something like this, but it was just for hotels. I looked around, and I believe this was the first of its kind. I'm surprised no one had taken the lead."

He would like to see a symposium about twice a year. Like the GTBA's , Moliver hopes future events can provide businesses with more of a one-on-one focus during parts of the event.

"If someone's focusing on landscaping, for instance, I don't want the business owners in Smithville, where they don't have to worry about that, to have to listen to it," Moliver said. "I'd like to have breakouts within the event."

Improvements may come down the line, but the first event has taken place, and that's something Moliver is proud of.

"This is something we've talked about even before the GTBA was in existence," Moliver said on Thursday. "It's an issue I'm passionate about."