start-up companies. Recently, Southwest
Helping Valley
Gas Corporation joined the Chamber.
“We are delighted to have an
organization of this size and stature as
Businesses
part of our membership,” Mara com-
mented. “Southwest Gas has displayed
substantial leadership in our commu-
Go Green
nity via community involvement and
support of economic and environmen-
tal technologies that reduce energy
by eric sells emissions.”
Next month, the Arizona Green Cham- like the Green Chamber. We abso-
Joining the Arizona Green
ber of Commerce celebrates its one- lutely see ourselves as an advocate of
Chamber is far more than just writing
year anniversary, already boasting 108 burgeoning green industries, but we’re
a check. Upon becoming a member,
members, widely attended network- also a portal for information, educa-
businesses become part of a com-
ing meetings and a monthly “Green tion and connectivity for any type of
munity as powerful as it is unique.
Drinks” social event that regularly business that seeks to make its day-to-
In order to join, each member meets
attracts more than 200 green-minded day operations more environmentally
specific eco-standards, which are es-
individuals. What inspired this phe- sustainable,” she said.
sentially fundamental “green” busi-
nomenal growth? We sat down with Members in the non-profit
ness practices.
the Chamber’s founder to find out. organization are comprised of local
businesses committed to environmen-
For complete information on the
E
arth Day 2007 marked a turn-
ing point for Mara
tal stewardship through
Phoenix Green Chamber of Commerce
DeFilippis, founder
their business practices
including membership requirements,
of the Arizona Green
across various industries.
upcoming events, green resources and
Chamber of Commerce
Those represented include
sponsorship opportunities, visit
and CEO of the Phoenix
architectural firms, tradi-
ArizonaGreenChamber.org/Phoenix.
chapter.
tional and emerging energy
Working in socially
source providers, recycling
responsible investing,
and waste management
Mara was constantly
specialists, LEED Certifica-
searching for potential
tion specialists, and profes-
clients and companies
sional service providers in
who shared her passion
accounting, marketing, law
Mara DeFilippis
for advancing sustain-
and many more.
ability and protecting the environment.
Assisting and incentivizing local OCTOBER EVENTS
She routinely found herself receiv-
businesses in implementing environ-
ing inquiries from people on a broad
mentally responsible business practic-
Green Drinks
range of environmental issues, from
es is a key part of the chamber’s mis-
Oct. 6, 5:30-7:30 pm
finding green jobs to someone asking
sion. Educating people and businesses
A monthly social gathering for
those with an interest in the en-
her how to install solar tiles. She knew
about environmental sustainability is
vironment and the planet. Helps
companies and individuals needed a
essential.
green professionals network, share
way to connect with one another to
For example, monthly educa-
ideas, and support each other in
share their expertise.
tion sessions have covered a range of their businesses and organizations.
“It was clear a chamber of com-
topics, including the state of recy-
merce format was needed,” said Mara.
cling and what businesses can do
Phoenix Chapter Monthly Meeting
“But it had to be a green chamber,”
to improve their practices; legal and
Oct. 8, 7:30-9:30 am
she quickly added with a smile.
marketing advice for promoting your
A formal professional networking
A year and a half later, Mara
services as green without any poten-
opportunity for sustainable-minded
businesses in the community.
launched the first state-level green
tial backlash; how the national stimu-
chamber of commerce nationwide
lus package impacts Arizona’s green
Phoenix Chapter Monthly
to promote the success of businesses
economy, job training and renewable
Educational Forum
committed to environmental and
energy; defining “carbon neutral” Oct. 26, 5:30-7:30 pm
social responsibility.
carbon offsetting and credits; and Greening your event or meeting
“With the tremendous interest in
providing information on biofuels and
panel by discussing materials,
food, waste and creating demand/
sustainable business practices, there
other renewable energy in Arizona.
community.
is real demand for an organization
Membership is not reserved for
32 Phoenix
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48