WASHINGTON, DC - March 13, 2008 "“ On May 14th and 15th, Co-op America Green Business Network brings its seventh Green Business Conference to Chicago's historic Navy Pier. Gathering together are the most powerful minds in green business today. All under one roof, the two day event offers speakers, influencers, workshops, numerous marketing opportunities, and the unique opportunity to network with the most innovative community dedicated to green issues. The Green Business Conference is followed by the Green Festival, the nation's largest green consumer event, on May 17-18.

As the sustainable business marketplace becomes increasingly crowded, and discussion of green-washing grows at a steady pace, the Green Business Conference turns its attention this year to equipping attendees with information for success on the competitive and muddied green playing field. It also gives them the opportunities to work together to create an authentic green marketplace. Conference attendees will learn tools and techniques for building and leading an authentic green business and influential, experienced green business leaders will share their invaluable insight into the state of the green marketplace while providing strategic marketing and financial models for authentic success.

"When it comes to green business, this conference is as good as it gets"¦ the best collection of green business leaders you'll meet anywhere," says Jeffrey Hollander, CEO of Seventh Generation.

Raphael Bemporand, principal and co-founder of leading marketing firm BBMG, will share the BBMG Conscious Consumer Report, among the first ever to combine field research with a national poll to identify green consumer trends and attitudes. Craig Sieben, a member of the Obama Campaign's Energy and Environmental Committee will outline what our nation's next energy/environmental policy may look like and The Carbon Concierge and Native Energy will guide businesses through an action plan for combating climate change.

Several structured networking opportunities occur throughout the conference to provide businesses the opportunity to build connections, genuinely contribute to sustainable development, and grow together.

"At the Green Business Conference you’ll encounter the enterprising side of green, where eco-entrepreneurs, both new and experienced, exchange ideas for building a dynamic and vibrant marketplace together," says Sara Snow, Discovery Channel and Planet Green TV Host for Get Fresh with Sara Snow, who will deliver the keynote speech.

Other media personalities will include Kevin Wall, founder of Live Earth; Bianca Alexander, host of Conscious Living TV; and Bryan Welch, publisher of Ogden Publications.

Leaders green business speakers include Chris Van Dyke from NAU; Xavier Hegelsen of BetterWorld Books; Phil Baugh of Green Exchange; Erin Ford of Organic Valley Family of Farms; Jason Graham-Nye of gdiapers; Jeffrey P. Harvey of Burgerville; and Brenda M. Palms-Barber of Sweet Beginnings.

Public officials from Chicago will include Mayor Richard M. Daley (invited); City of Chicago Chief Environmental Officer Sadhu A. Johnston and Commissioner of the Environment Suzanne Malac-McKenna.

To view the full program schedule and all speakers visit www.coopamerica.biz or call 1-800-58GREEN.

What is a "Green Business?"

Green businesses operate in ways that solve, rather than cause, both environmental and social problems. These businesses adopt principles, policies and practices that improve the quality of life for their customers, their employees, communities, and the environment.

Recent attendee comments from Green Business Conferences:

"The Green Business Conference is an excellent exploration of how to get from 'now' to a just and sustainable world, and the role of business in that journey!" Kate Amon, Owner of Kate's Caring Gifts "People and Earth Friendly Gifts"

""I got so much from the conference. All your hard work and excellent planning made a huge statement and impact on me. It opened my eyes and beliefs"¦ and helped me see the importance of the movements Co-op America and its members are trying to accomplish. Your conference brought a new sense of being and drive"¦ and helped me learn more about what is truly important. Thank you." Steven D. Kimmell, Sustainability Services Consulting

Co-op America, is a nonprofit consumer education organization for green purchasing and investing, located in Washington, DC with over 4,000 business members and 75,000 consumer members throughout the country. Co-op America is the publisher of the National Green Pages "“ which has over a million copies in circulation and the producer of the Green Festivals. The Green Festivals are in Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco and Washington, DC and have over 150,000 people attend annually. The Co-op America Green Business Network is the first association of socially and environmentally responsible business in the nation, 1983. Contact Mr. Todd Larsen at toddlarsen@coopamerica.org to learn more about socially conscious and environmentally wise purchasing and investing. www.coopamerica.org www.greenfestivals.org

Green America

Green America

Green America is United States' leading green economy organization. Founded in 1982, Green America provides the economic strategies, organizing power and practical tools for businesses and individuals to solve today's social and environmental problems. Green America's green economy programs encourage corporate responsibility, tackle climate change, build fair trading systems, advance healthy, local communities, and provide green purchasing and investing information for families and businesses. To receive Green America's popular publications, including the Green American and the National Green Pages™, participate in Green Festivals, or to get its free e-newsletter, providing the latest green news, green discounts, and opportunities to take action for a green economy, visit http://www.GreenAmerica.org, email info@GreenAmericaToday.org, or call at 800-58-GREEN.

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