Events on September 5 and 6, 9 AM to 1 PM, Charlotte NC

Open to Press and Public

Business leaders are gathering with policy makers to explore how to move toward a sustainable economy at two policy forums hosted by the American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC) being held in conjunction with the Democratic National Convention. The actor and anti-cancer crusader Fran Drescher will be speaking about the importance of regulation to protect public health. She will make a keynote address at the half-day program on “Women, Business & the New Economy,” on September 6, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Another program, “Building a Sustainable Economy,” will be held on September 5, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Both events are at Hearst Tower, 47^th Floor, 214 North Tryon Street in Charlotte. They are open to the public, but online registration is required at: http://asbcouncil.org/conventions.

Fran Drescher is an award-winning actor, writer and healthcare advocate. A 12-year uterine cancer survivor, she is the Founder, President & Visionary of the Cancer Schmancer Movement, a top-rated nonprofit organization that promotes cancer prevention and early detection. Fran and her team have launched a new initiative, Trash Cancer, to educate consumers on healthy living and about carcinogens in everyday products. She was instrumental in the passage, by unanimous consent, of the bipartisan bill, “The Gynecologic Cancer Education and Awareness Act,” in 2007. She has received many awards for her accomplishments as a healthcare advocate and was named one of the most effective celebrity lobbyists on Capitol Hill by The Washingtonian. 

“Our home is the place where we spend the most time and is often our most toxic environment. Understanding the dangers and being educated is the first step to living an empowered lifestyle. We must limit carcinogens to reduce cancer rates and work with policy makers to establish regulations that help create new sustainable products,” said Drescher. “Together, we can achieve a healthy future for all of humanity.”

ASBC is working to pass the Safe Chemicals Act in Congress, which will address this issue by regulating over 82,000 toxic chemicals that now pose public health risks. Passage of this Act will also foster new greener chemicals, encourage R&D, and lead to more domestic and small business manufacturing.

ASBC’s program, “Building a Sustainable Economy,” on September 5, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, will focus on responsible business, responsible capital investing, and new business models and measurement strategies that can lead to a sustainable economy. The program will highlight the significant transition that American market-based capitalism is undergoing, where new rules, new values, and new business coalitions are being forged to ensure future prosperity. Speakers, panelists, and moderators include: Congressman James Clyburn, D-SC; Roger Smith, President, American Income Life; Kathrin Winkler, Chief Sustainability Officer, EMC Corporation; Betsy Blaisdell, Senior Manager, Environmental Stewardship, Timberland; and Jeffrey Hollender, Co-Founder, Seventh Generation.

At ASBC’s forum, “Women, Business and the New Economy,” on September 6, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, key women leaders in business and sustainability will look at the importance of corporate social responsibility, benefits and pay equity, access to capital, health, and the environment. The program also explores blended value ecosystems as they relate to women, human rights, and sustainability. In addition to Fran Drescher, participants include Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, D-IL, Kim Jordan, CEO, New Belgium Brewery; Faith Taylor, Vice President of Sustainability and Innovation, Wyndham Group Worldwide; Melissa Fitzgerald, Actor, The West Wing and Chasing the Hill; and Natalia Oberti Noguera, Founder and CEO, Pipeline Fellowship.

“The key to our economic future lies in policies that encourage and enable businesses to innovate to be sustainable, not just financially, but socially and environmentally as well,” said Richard Eidlin, Director of Policy for ASBC. “We call on candidates of all political parties to ensure a sustainable future for the nation by committing to these goals.”

ASBC had scheduled a similar event at the Republican National Convention, but postponed it due to Hurricane Isaac.

 “Building a Sustainable Economy”

Wednesday, September 5, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

 “Women, Business & the New Economy”

Thursday, September 6, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Both events are at Hearst Tower, 47^th Floor, 214 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC.

Open to media and the public.  Reservations required.

Register online at http://asbcouncil.org/conventions

The American Sustainable Business Council and its member organizations represent more than 150,000 businesses nationwide, and more than 300,000 entrepreneurs, executives, managers, and investors. The non-partisan council includes chambers of commerce, trade associations, and groups representing small business, investors, microenterprise, social enterprise, green and sustainable business, local living economy, and women and minority business leaders. ASBC informs and engages policy makers and the public about the need and opportunities for building a vibrant and sustainable economy.  www.asbcouncil.org

American Sustainable Business Council

American Sustainable Business Council

The American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC) is a national coalition of mission-driven businesses, social enterprises and sustainable business networks working to create a vibrant, just and sustainable economy. What unites us is a deep belief that we must move to a new economy that is grounded in principles of sustainability and equity.

The Council represents over 55,000 businesses and enterprises and more than 150,000 executives, owners, investors, entrepreneurs and business professionals. It is comprised of partners, which are organizations that represent businesses and social enterprises as well as entrepreneurs, executives, owners and investors committed to building a vibrant, just, and sustainable economy.

ASBC promotes policy change by educating and informing the business community, policy makers and the media about the business case for change, and by engaging the leaders of businesses and enterprises in building broad support for the policies America needs. We work on a range of policy areas, including: financial reform, health care, chemicals policy, climate change and business taxes.

We believe that the policies that will lead us to a sustainable and just economy are also good for business and good for America. Making the right commitments and investments will produce more and better jobs, build strength in key technologies, and make the U.S. more independent and secure.

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