Valley Forward Association - Our Environmental Legacy, Your Sustainable Future

E-Update	January/Feburary

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Our Environmental Legacy, Your Environmental Future

Sustainability finally took root in the last decade and should become part of our every day lifestyle in 2010 and beyond. The economy is beginning to bounce back too, due largely to a shift in thinking about green practices and ideas.

In envisioning the next 10 years, let’s focus on: a robust economy with a plethora of high paying green collar jobs; affordable renewable energy options that catapult the industry and puts solar on rooftops throughout the Valley; infill development that strengthens our urban core and desert preservation promoting trails and open space; a balanced multi-modal transportation system; an abundant water supply; and sustainable, livable communities that attract people to our region.

In economic times where our daily consumption of oil, efficient use of utilities and the weaning of added luxuries are constantly in check, we’re already taking steps in the right environmental direction. Sustainability is a driving opportunity for our financial solvency.

“A Healthy Environment – A Healthy Economy” has been at the forefront of Valley Forward since its inception and serves as our organizational theme in the New Year. You can be part of this important equation by becoming active on one of our committees. There are many to choose from, encompassing both issues and events.

Valley Forward’s Issue Committees include: Energy, Water Management, Land Use and Open Space, Transportation and Air Quality. They participate in presenting forums, drafting position papers, hosting roundtable discussions and advocating for smarter growth. You can also help plan one of our Signature Events, including: Valley Forward’s Livability Summit, EarthFest Educators Night, Environmental Excellence Awards or 41^st Annual Luncheon.

If you haven’t already, please renew your membership today! Consider bundling your sponsorships with your renewal – you can write one check and facilitate your organization’s involvement for the entire year. Click Here for a list of 2010 Sponsorship Opportunities.

As we look ahead to the next decade, let’s envision bold possibilities and work together to ensure the reality of a sustainable future!

"The non-profit sector enhances our creativity, enlivens our communities, nurtures individual responsibility, stirs life at the grassroots, and reminds us that we were born free.” -- John W. Gardner, American writer (1933–1982)

WHY HAVEN'T WE GOTTEN THE JOB DONE? WHAT WILL THE NEW DECADE BRING FOR STATE TRUST LAND REFORM?
There are more than 9 million acres of trust land in Arizona given to us by the federal government for the highest and best use to benefit education and other beneficiaries. Although these lands are some of the most valuable real estate holdings in the Intermountain West, income from state land leases and sales has been minuscule. We’ve tried for years to reach consensus on how to reform the management of state trust lands to balance preservation of our most environmentally significant parcels while allowing the majority to remain available for sale.But we’ve failed repeatedly at the legislature and at the ballot box. To join us for this provocative discussion, Click Here to RSVP your attendance today!

VFA LIVABILITY SUMMIT LOOKS INTO THE FUTURE OF SUSTAINABILTY
We’ll take a forward looking approach at the notion of sustainability and how it will shape the next decade of livability in our region, throughout the nation and globally as part of Valley Forward’s Livability Summit on April 22 (Earth Day). Our seventh annual event is expected to attract hundreds of business and civic leaders to a half-day conference at the Wyndham Phoenix Hotel. Futurists and experts in sustainability will headline in morning and afternoon keynotes. Panels on local issues will facilitate an interactive dialogue on building healthy Valley communities. Exhibits on environmental initiatives will also be featured. Save the date to attend this important signature event!

UNPLUG THE GADGETS
Nearly 400 attendees at Valley Forward’s milestone 40^th Annual Luncheon learned first-hand about the benefits of connecting with nature from Richard Louv, an author and journalist who has spurred a global movement. Louv discussed how the lack of outdoor play has changed over the years and what this shift means for the health and welfare of our nation’s children. He offered practical suggestions on simple ways to heal the broken bond between children and nature while encouraging his audience to act as advocates for children. Several non-profits that focus on connecting kids with nature exhibited information, wildlife, flora and fauna. Louv delivered a special presentation to a group of Valley students in grades 7-9. Click Here to preview photos from the event.

VFA WELCOMES 2010 OFFICERS
Chair of the Board Jeanne Forbis, Intel Corporation Chair Elect Jay Hicks, EDAW/AECOM President & Secretary Diane Brossart, Valley Forward Association Treasurer Ron Epperson, Intellectual Energy Vice Chairs: Steven Barclay, Barclay Legal Laurel Kimball, Greenleaf Group Barbara Lockwood, APS Heidi Short, Quarles & Brady Mark Stapp, Pyramid Community Developers

MEMBER FEATURE: ECOAID
Cap and Trade legislation and EPA regulations are coming. Are you ready? EcoAid can help. This Phoenix-based company works with individuals and organizations to reduce greenhouse gases, implement sustainability practices and become more energy efficient. EcoAid provides three key services: Consulting: The firm works with organizations to develop strategies for compliance with new regulations. Specific areas of focus include: identifying and tracking greenhouse gas emissions, quantifying carbon labeling and implementing processes to reduce carbon footprints. Education: Their education program, the Carbon Professional School, provides a solid background in understanding new carbon issues facing businesses. Topics covered include: understanding the impact of greenhouse gases, the calculation of a carbon footprint, political impacts of new EPA regulations and sustainability practices for organizations and individuals. Training is available as an individualized, online certificate program or can be customized to meet specific needs as an in-house training program at client worksites. Offsets: EcoAid provides carbon offsets that compensate for the unavoidable part of an organization’s carbon footprint. Carbon offsets allow clients to support specifically identified clean air projects. Becoming energy smart is not “tree-hugging” any more: it is smart business that can improve your bottom line. EcoAid has offices at ASU’s SkySong, 1475 N. Scottsdale Road. Visit www.EcoAidNow.com or www.CarbonProfessionalSchool.com or call (480) 703-1263 for more information.

VFA WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS
CORPORATE: Beyond Green LLC General Dynamics Sundt The Horton Group STUDENT: Alanna Leahy

ON THE MOVE
OTAK, INC. an award winning urban design, planning and engineering firm, announced it has named BRAD BIELENBERG, CURTIS LAPIERRE, TOM LITSTER and KEVIN TIMMINS as senior associates . . . LYNN PAIGE, owner and CEO of PERFECT POWER, a woman-owned certified solar business in the Valley was recently chosen as one of the Valleys 10 fearless females by Arizona Foothills Magazine. . . MARICOPA COUNTY’S CLEAN AIR MAKE MORE CAMPAIGN is asking you to make positive changes in 2010 to help reduce air pollution by adhering to the Make the Clean Air Commitment. . . the Environmental Protection Agency recently presented the 2009 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement to the CITY OF TEMPE for the TEMPE TRANSPORTATION CENTER designed by ARCHITEKTON + OTAK and constructed by ADOLFSON & PETERSON. . .SRP has selected Iberdrola Renewables Inc. to build and operate a 20-megawatt solar photovoltaic power facility that would allow Arizona utility customers to save money when buying the green energy directly from the company.

FUND FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Valley Forward has established the Fund for a Sustainable Future endowment as a way to enhance the organization’s financial security long into the future while reinforcing the mission of the Association. Click Here to demonstrate your continued commitment to sustainability and livability in the Valley.

ADOPT - A - STATION
Valley Forward held its first rail ride to commemorate our recent adoption of the Metro Light Rail station, located at Camelback Road and Central Avenue. By adopting a light rail station, we will help promote the use of public transportation and create an inviting environment at the station. Please keep an eye on our station if you are in the area and report to us any potential concerns, such as graffiti, trash or maintenance issues. Valley Forward members Ride the Rail from the Camelback Road and Central Avenue Station to 1^st Street and Jefferson, visiting restaurants and businesses along the line.

ISSUES/EVENTS COMMITTEES KICK OFF NEW YEAR
To register your participation on an Issues Committee, Click Here and for an Events Committee, Click Here.

MOVING THE VALLEY FORWARD

Founded in 1969, Valley Forward is a non-profit public interest organization that brings business and civic leaders together to convene thoughtful public dialogue on regional issues and to promote the livability and sustainability of Valley communities. For more information, call (602) 240-2408 or visit www.valleyforward.org.

EDITOR'S NOTE

We are seeking sponsors for the 2010 E-Update, which is distributed to more than 1,000 business and civic leaders throughout the Valley and State. For a minimal cost of $250, you’ll receive a short story (250 words) about your organization, inclusive of a photo, logo identification and live link to your own web site. To reserve space contact:
Valley Forward Association, 3800 North Central Avenue, Suite 220, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Telephone: (602) 240-2408 Fax: (602) 240-2407 E-mail: info@valleyforward.org.

VISIONARY MEMBERS

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