Now is the time for businesses to go green and foster ways to employ sustainability practices and strategies.
So said industry experts at the recent Sustainability Fair at the Corporate Express and Coastwide Laboratories Facility in Auburn.
The educational seminar helped organizations define strategies and share best practices to build an environmentally, economically and socially sustainable future.
“Education and collaboration were the key focus areas of this event,” said Wayne Berger, vice president of Washington market sales for Corporate Express. “This was about bringing people together to share information on sustainability strategies, practices and products in support of moving sustainability forward in Washington State.”
Staples, Corporate Express and Coastwide Laboratories hosted the fair, which attracted more than 25 exhibitors and 450 business leaders from throughout the state.
Exhibitors displayed a wide variety of environmentally preferable office products and facility maintenance supplies, including innovative items such as floor mats made from used plastic drink bottles, reusable file folder labels and lunchroom “to go” containers made from renewable resources.
Kathleen Drew,
executive policy advisor to Gov. Chris Gregoire, discussed Washington initiatives such as its goal to increase the state’s green collar jobs from approximately 8,400 to 25,000 by the year 2020.
Drew also highlighted the state’s participation in the Western Climate Initiative, which has been signed by five state governors, including Gregoire. The initiative aims to slash climate-changing greenhouse gas emissions, spur growth in new green technologies and help build a strong clean-energy economy.
• For the second year in a row, Edward Jones financial advisors ranked the firm highest in overall satisfaction, according to a newly released study by J.D. Power and Associates, said Greg Dobbs, a financial advisor in Auburn.
The J.D. Power and Associates study found that financial advisor satisfaction is related directly to investor satisfaction.
“We are honored to have received this ranking two years in a row, but the true significance lies in the connection to satisfying our clients,” Dobbs said.
• Auburn Top Food & Drug stores are supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October with an employee fundraiser and information for customers.
Top Food stores also will be utilizing pink plastic bags to further raise awareness about breast cancer and the need for regular self-breast exams and annual mammograms.
Local Top Food & Drug stores are located at 1702 Auburn Way N., and 1406 Lake Tapps Parkway E.
• The public can bring nonperishable food items to Guest Services in the SuperMall on Halloween, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., and receive a free trick-or-treat bag filled with goodies. All food donations will benefit the Auburn Food Bank.
Select SuperMall stores will be passing out candy and other fun items for all trick-or-treaters.
Persons over 12 may not wear full face masks inside the mall.
For more information please, 253-833-9500 or visit www.supermall.com.
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