In the fall of 2009, Partners for Livable Communities received a grant from the Energy Foundation to challenge the common misconception that economic growth and environmental sustainability are fundamentally at odds with one another and to showcase innovative programs at the nexus of these agendas.

Partners collaborated with the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) to host an event titled “Enterprise at Home for Progress at Large: The Economics of Sustainability,” which showcased chambers of commerce from around the country that have crafted green initiatives as part of local economic development efforts.  With so much attention in the media recently focused on national business interests opposing environmental policy, the Economics of Sustainability initiative targeted Congressional staff as a key influential group that should be more aware of the interests and successes of local leadership from business communities in advancing the economic benefits of green activities in their regions.

Through two sessions on Capitol Hill on October 6th, 2009, staff members from a total of 34 different Congressional offices were exposed to the great economic opportunity presented by embracing and promoting green business practices. Business leaders from chambers of commerce in eight small to mid-size cities around the U.S. made the case that green is good for business, that it is a common-sense economic strategy applicable to all industries.

To further extend the reach of this program, Partners produced a case study publication in which all presenting chambers along with additional chamber stories were highlighted. The booklet was not only available at both sessions on Capitol Hill, but was also distributed to members of Congress of the regions represented; sent through media outlets specific to Hill staffers; sent to a variety of  policy and research organizations, local business organizations, and other relevant institutions; made available to local chambers through ACCE membership newsletters; and is available for download on Partners website: Click here>

Due to the great success of this program and accompanying publication, Partners has been commissioned by the Rockefeller Brothers Fund to produce a second publication, showcasing ten new stories from chambers of commerce across the U.S. This next volume will take a look at creative green business agendas including sustainable tourism, wind farm projects, green business incubators and much more. Look for it on Partners’ website in March!