Get the latest delivered to your inbox
Privacy Policy

Now Reading

Professional Association Launches Green/CSR Program at Largest Event for Treasury and Finance Industry

Professional Association Launches Green/CSR Program at Largest Event for Treasury and Finance Industry

Published 10-14-08

Submitted by Association for Financial Professionals, The

BETHESDA, Md., Oct. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- This year, as treasury and finance professionals from companies including GE, Goldman Sachs, Google, and Bank of America gather to discuss critical issues surrounding the crisis in the banking and credit markets, they will also be participating in a green and socially responsible conference. The Association for Financial Professionals (AFP) is launching a new initiative called AFPAware -- a comprehensive program that supports a greener, healthier and more socially conscious environment for the largest event for the treasury and finance community, the AFP Annual Conference in Los Angeles, CA, October 19-22, 2008.

According to Meeting Strategies Worldwide, a typical five day conference with 2,500 attendees will use 62,500 plates, 87,500 napkins, 75,000 cups or glasses, and 90,000 cans or bottles. Add emissions from people traveling to and from the conference, the paper used to create conference handouts, and the need to reduce waste is clear.

California's Zero Waste policy, which encompasses recycling/proper disposal, waste reduction, reuse/conservation and environmental protection, provides a perfect setting to launch the AFPAware program. AFP has incorporated the following elements into this year's Annual Conference:

  • Communications -- AFP printed its marketing materials, including flyers, brochures and signage, on recycled, chlorine-free paper, using soy-based inks. It also utilized other sources, including the AFP Annual Conference Website and CDs to provide educational session presentations and other Conference-specific materials to attendees. AFP has provided its exhibitors, vendors and sponsors with tips on how they can participate in AFPAware's recycling and reduction efforts.

  • Community Involvement -- AFP and Fidelity Charitable Services are hosting a volunteer day at The Midnight Mission, L.A.'s third largest homeless shelter. On Sunday, October 19, Conference attendees will volunteer their time to join AFP in the preparation and distribution of Sunday's lunch to the homeless; Sunday lunch is not normally provided by The Midnight Mission. According to the U.S. Conference of Mayors, A Status Report on Hunger and Homelessness in America's Cities, more than 82,000 people are homeless each night in Los Angeles County. Of those, 41 percent are families with children, and 5 percent are unaccompanied youth.

  • The Los Angeles Convention Center -- The Convention Center is a "green community" and is affiliated with the EPA's Waste Wise and Green Power Partnership programs and the U.S. Green Building Council. The facility has a comprehensive recycling program, an indoor air filtration system, and programs to reduce use of energy and harmful chemicals. It is also considered the largest solar energy-generating convention center in North America.

  • Food and Beverage -- The Convention Center will use reusable dishware, flatware and linens for Conference events. Its chefs will incorporate organic, locally grown produce in conference meals. Excess food will be donated to The Midnight Mission.

  • Transportation -- AFP has partnered with a company that uses shuttle buses with new engine, tire and logistics technology that reduces its fleet's impact on the environment

  • Housing -- The hotels AFP chose for this year's Conference have recycling, energy and harmful chemical reduction programs.
To learn more about AFPAware, please visit www.AFPonline.org/AFPAware.

About AFP(R)
The Association for Financial Professionals (AFP) serves more than 16,000 individual members throughout all stages of their careers in treasury and financial management. Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, AFP provides professional certification, continuing education, research, development of industry standards, financial tools and publications, training and career development and representation to legislators and regulators. AFP's global reach includes AFP of Canada, a membership organization and gtnews, a London-based, on-line resource for the treasury and finance community

AFP is the daily resource for its members to seek answers, solutions, best practices and collaboration with peers. For more information about AFP, visit www.AFPonline.org.

About AFP(R) Annual Conference
More than 6,500 treasury and finance professionals gather together at the most important event of the year for treasury and finance. World-class programming, renowned featured speaker lineup and myriad networking opportunities make this the most important event for treasury and finance. The conference offers more than 150 educational sessions within ten specialized treasury and finance tracks. For more information about this year's Annual Conference, visit www.AFPonline.org/AnnualLA.

Association for Financial Professionals, The

Association for Financial Professionals, The

More from Association for Financial Professionals, The

Join today and get the latest delivered to your inbox