KEYNOTE: The Power of Green Economics

VIDEO OF TALK
Click here to see online video of Ringo's talk, hosted at the St. Lucie County website, video on demand page (http://stluciefl.iqm2.com/citizens/).

PRESENTATION SUMMARY
With sustainability emerging in the American business mindset, now is the time to get ahead by becoming a part of the greening economy. With an understanding of how to retain profits while instituting environmentally-friendly business practices, Jerome Ringo discussed how going green can boost the economy in every industry. An innovator himself, Ringo explained the key steps to becoming a leader in green business. He also addressed a variety of current state, national and international initiatives driving a green economy and the potential for economic development and growth from these programs.

SPEAKER BACKGROUND
Jerome Ringo is an author, nationally renowned speaker, and President of the Apollo Alliance. He is Associate Research Scholar at Yale University and serves on several national advisory boards, including Newsweek magazine’s Environment and Leadership Council.

Ringo is a dedicated champion of sustainability and vocal advocate of clean energy. As the first African American to lead the National Wildlife Federation and the current president of the Apollo Alliance, he is one of the most influential conservationists in the United States today. Having been a part of the Louisiana petrochemical industry for over 20 years, Ringo has a unique perspective on the environmental impact of doing business, and is dedicated to promoting sustainability.

The Apollo Alliance, whose member organizations represent more than 17 million people across the country, is a coalition of labor, environmental, national security, civil rights and business leaders fighting to make America independent from foreign energy in 10 years.

Jerome was a United States delegate at the 1998 Global Warming Treaty Negotiations in Kyoto, Japan, and represented the National Wildlife Federation at the United Nations conference on sustainable development in 1999. He currently serves on the boards of: National Wildlife Federation, National Parks and Conservation Association, Florida A & M University School of the Environment, Al Gore's Climate Advisory Panel, Sundance Channel "The Green", Newsweek Magazine Advisory Panel on Climate Change.