Register Now for Sustainable Communities Workshop on Oct. 6

Sarasota County will hold its sixth annual Sustainable Communities Workshop from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 6. The workshop will be at the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida Event and Conference Center, 4740 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota. Registration is now open to the public.

This year's theme for the popular, interactive workshop is "Investing in our Future: Green Economic Pathways and Partnerships." The workshop will focus on the "green" economy, an emerging topic in the national, state and local discussions on sustainability. Speakers will cover a variety of economic development topics, including expanding green career and business pathways, the role of education and training programs in building the green workforce, and how to get connected to what is being done to sustain and grow a vibrant economy and quality of life in the community.

"With the national focus on creating jobs, there is a lot of interest locally in expanding green and clean technology businesses and associated career opportunities for our local workforce. This workshop will focus on sustainable solutions that will benefit our local economy, support local businesses and provide green career opportunities, especially for today's students who will be the leaders in the future," said Nina Powers from Sustainable Sarasota.

Workshop sessions will include green businesses in the Sarasota community, sustainability savings and wealth creation from more efficient use of local resources that result in greater purchasing power for residents and businesses, alternative transportation and investing in today's students to ensure they have the education and tools necessary to sustain and lead us into the future. Clean technology, local food, ecotourism, and water, energy and resource conservation are among other topics to be covered.

The cost of the workshop is $30 for professionals and the general public. A special rate of $20 is available to students. The cost includes a continental breakfast, lunch and an afternoon refreshment break. Preregistration is required.

The county is partnering on this workshop with other municipalities and organizations, including the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences or UF/IFAS Extension, the cities of Sarasota and North Port, the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, the Charlotte County National Estuary Program, the U.S. Green Building Council Florida Gulf Coast Chapter and the Ringling College of Art and Design.

To register or obtain more information, including sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities, visit the link below or contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000.