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For Immediate Release: Meda’s Spring Conference To Focus On Green Buildings For Economic Development
Contact(s):
Pamela Ruff Executive Director, MEDA 410-575-6027 www.medamd.com
(ABERDEEN, MD — April 4, 2008) The growing movement toward green buildings will be the focus of the spring meeting of the Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA), to be held Thursday, April 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Four Points by Sheraton, 1910 Dual Highway in Hagerstown.
“Over the past several years, green buildings have gone from fads to serious development tools,” said MEDA President Timothy R. Troxell, CEcD. “Our members look forward to learning from commercial developers who are setting new standards, and from economic developers who have embraced green building techniques.”
To introduce the subject, David E. Pratt, Principal of Lorax Partnerships and Chair of the Baltimore Regional Green Building Council, will discuss “Green, the Primer,” focusing on what makes a building green, LEED certification and green building tax credits.
Later, two panel discussions will examine different aspects of the green movement. Corporate experts who are meeting the huge demand for environmentally sound development will share their expertise with attendees as they discuss “Supply and Demand.” Panelists will include Francis X. Smyth, CEO of Century Engineering; Peter Z. Garver, Principal, Sustainable Development Partnerships; Marnie L. Abramson, Principal, The Tower Companies; and Sean R. Moore, LEED AP, Development Project Manager, Corporate Office Properties Trust (COPT).
A second panel will examine the challenges of creating the right incentives to encourage green development. Panelists will include David S. Iannucci, Director of the Baltimore County Department of Economic Development; Marc Heisterkamp, Manager, Market Development, Corporate/Investment Real Estate Sector for the U.S. Green Buildings Council; and Matthew J. Power, Deputy Secretary of the Maryland Department of Planning.
During the luncheon keynote address, Scott Kelly, AIA, LEED AP, Principal in Re:Vision Architecture, will discuss the elements and methods that cause buildings to endure.
Hagerstown Mayor Robert E. Bruchey and John F. Barr, President of the Washington County Commissioners, will welcome the attendees to Hagerstown and Washington County. The conference will be sponsored by COPT, the Baltimore County Department of Economic Development and High Rock Studios. Following the conference, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development will sponsor a tour of Hagerstown at no charge for registered attendees.
Cost of the conference for MEDA members is $65 and for non-members is $80. The cost includes continental breakfast and lunch. For further information, or to register, visit the organization’s web site at www.medamd.com.
MEDA enhances the knowledge and skills of its members and encourages partnerships and networking among those committed to bringing jobs and investment to Maryland. In addition to quarterly conferences, members have access to opportunities, discounts and scholarships for professional development, and can participate in awards programs that recognize the best economic development projects or programs, redevelopment projects or programs, and marketing efforts in the state of Maryland.